February 19, 2018 - National Geographic Sea Bird
In the salty waters of Magdalena Bay, we spent both the morning and afternoon hours searching the lagoon for opportunities to get close to friendly and curious gray whales. The gray whale, Eschrichtius robustus, utilizes the protected and warm waters of Magdalena Bay as a breeding and calving ground. Their primary predator, the killer whale, does not enter the lagoon and calves are able to gain weight and muscle mass in preparation for the long journey north to feeding grounds in the Bering and Chuckchi seas.
Calves grow quickly on a diet of their mother’s milk. This milk is 53 percent fat and a single gray whale calf will drink about 50 gallons per day. When calves are not nursing, resting, or exercising in the current, they are left to their own devices for entertainment. Fortunately for us, this sometimes involves a gentle examination of our zodiacs, an invitation for scratches, and unforgettable moments spent staring at one another. Experiences such as these imprint directly onto a person's heart and soul.
Text and photos by Emily Newton, Undersea Specialist
Link to full article on Lindblad-National Geographic website:
https://www.expeditions.com/daily-expedition-reports/185463/
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