MYNORTHWEST NEWS

First humpback whale moms, calves return to local waters for feeding season

Jun 22, 2023, 10:43 AM | Updated: 11:09 am

humpback whale...

The first humpback whales spotted in northwest waters. (KIRO 7)

(KIRO 7)

SEATTLE and VICTORIA, B.C. — They’re back!

The first humpback whale mothers and calves of the 2023 whale watching season have arrived in the Salish Sea.

Whale watchers have documented seeing at least three new humpback calves.

“We’ve been eagerly awaiting news of the season’s first humpback calves,” said Pacific Whale Watch Association executive director Erin Gless. “We celebrate every whale’s return, but it’s doubly special when they have a new calf in tow.”



Local humpback whales have their calves in warmer breeding grounds in Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America and then travel to the Salish Sea with their calves.

Baby humpbacks seen in the Salish Sea are usually born between late December and February. That would make the three calves between four and six months old, according to PWWA.

The whales feed on kill and small fish like herring and usually stay in our local waters through late fall.

PWWA said that last year, a record 34 humpback calves were reported across the Salish Sea by researchers with the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration.

Alaska salmon season back on after court halts closure that sought to protect orcas



 

MyNorthwest News

ICE facility Tacoma hunger strike...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

US representatives investigate hunger strike at Tacoma ICE facility

A hunger strike is underway at the ICE facility in Tacoma, according to the activist group La Resistencia.

16 hours ago

video bloody pilot yakima...

Brittany Perry, KIRO 7 News

New video shows bloody pilot seeking help after fiery jet crash near Yakima

New video shows bloody pilot seeking help after fiery jet crash near Yakima

1 day ago

5-year-old dead large animal attack aggressive dog...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

5-year-old dead after “large animal attack” in Graham; aggressive dog shot and killed

A five-year-old girl is dead following a large animal attack in Graham. Deputies shot and killed an aggressive dog that was found near her body.

2 days ago

construction roadways weekend...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Prepare for another weekend of major construction on three roadways

Travelers in the Puget Sound region should prepare for delays and road closures this weekend as construction takes place across I-405, SR 99, and I-5.

2 days ago

Costco (2)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Costco semi-sweet treat returns to shoppers’ excitement

To the joy of bakers, home cooks, and late-night snackers, a Costco favorite is back.

2 days ago

Fife...

Julia Dallas

Construction material wholesaler closing Fife facility, laying off 54 employees

Construction material wholesaler Norwesco is closing its facility in Fife, effectively laying off more than 50 employees.

2 days ago

First humpback whale moms, calves return to local waters for feeding season