This past Saturday marked one of the most exciting whale watching kayak tours at Hike Bike Kayak. We counted numerous whales, with spouting, breaching, and spy hopping in the mix!
Breaching is a common behavior but we don't really know why one gray whale breaches at a particular time. There are a few hypothesis regarding a breach...It can be used as a method for stunning prey. Also, to communicate ("Here I am!"), power demonstration, or perhaps playfulness. Due to gray whales having so much whale lice (3 different species) they can get extremely itchy, so they might breach to dislodge some of those pesky creatures on their backs. Some gray whales stop along their migration to rub on sandy substrates, like off of Zuma beach, CA...which can help rid them of their lice. Sadly, some may breach to try and free themselves from fishing net entanglements. Humpback whales have been seen breaching multiple times in a row after freeing themselves from a net, most likely to test their bodies to make sure they are free, and also for the sheer relief of it.
Here is a close-up video of a breach one year ago today, off the coast here in San Diego!
Imagine being in a kayak and recording this great footage on your go pro or other camera!!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.