THE WHALE YEAR
By Richard TernulloDECEMBER. The Davidson Current season has started about one month earlier with a decline in abundant food resources due to strong southerly gales. Gray whales make their appearance as they migrate southward to lagoons in Mexico to calve. Dolphins form large aggregations that may indicate localized food resources. These include Pacific White-sided Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin and Northern Right Whale Dolphin. During warm water years, Long-beaked Common Dolphin are abundant. Northern Elephant Seals come ashore to breed.
JANUARY. Southbound Gray Whale migration peaks by mid-month. Some calves are born near Monterey Bay before reaching Mexican waters. Killer Whales seem to shadow this migration, possibly feeding on early births of calves. Dolphins still form large groups. Northern Elephant Seals continue to put on a show of pupping and mating.
FEBRUARY. Gray Whales may be seen migrating in either direction. This is also the time to see dolphins. Pacific White-sided and Northern Right Whale Dolphins continue winter behavior.
MARCH. A sharp change in ocean conditions, the Upwelling Period. Strong northwesterly gales begin the phenomenon of upwelling. During this period, nutrients are transported to the ocean surface and, being exposed to longer day length, provide an opportunity for phytoplankton to proliferate. Gray Whales peak in northbound migration. Dolphins disperse into smaller groups as food becomes more readily available. Long-beaked Common Dolphin usually retreat southward.
APRIL. Humpback Whales return. The first mother/calf Gray Whales are seen. Killer Whales are present, closely associated with this movement. Resident Harbor Seals begin giving birth at secluded locations along the coast. Northern Elephant Seals return to molt.
MAY. Humpback Whales are seen often. Reports of Gray Whale/Killer Whale interactions increase as mother/calf pairs migrate north. The first Minke Whales appear. Male California Sea Lions begin to migrate south to breed.
JUNE. Blue Whales begin to be seen. Humpback Whales are common. Dolphins are sporadic. California Sea Lions are nearly absent. Harbor Seal pups are weaned.
JULY. Blue and Humpback Whales are seen often. Dolphins remain unpredictable. During this period, Harbor and Dall's Porpoise calves may be visible.
AUGUST. Northwesterly winds begin to slacken and warmer water invades the near coast, signaling the onset of the Oceanic season. Blue and Humpback Whales may disperse offshore, but are still frequently seen. Fin Whales are seen on an unpredictable basis. Dolphins are encountered regularly. Baird's and Cuvier's Beaked Whales begin to be seen. Male California Sea Lions return, while females remain to the south. On warm years, Long-beaked Common Dolphin appear. Blue Sharks and Ocean Sunfish are frequently seen.
SEPTEMBER. Humpback and Blue Whales can become irregular as forage becomes localized. Dolphins are present in large groups.
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OCTOBER. Humpback and Blue Whales begin to drift southward in migration. NOVEMBER. The first strong southerly gales begin the Davidson season and food resources are very localized. Blue and Humpback Whales depart south. Dolphins can still be numerous, forming large groups. Some Bottlenose Dolphin may appear to join resident groups. |
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Illustration by Robert J. Western