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

oak harbor...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Oak Harbor High School student trapped under car after being hit in marked crosswalk

An Oak Harbor High School student was rushed to the hospital after they were hit by a car and became trapped underneath the vehicle.

4 hours ago

3 - Tacoma Narrows Bridge...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Expect long PM commutes until further notice on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Drivers who use the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (SR 16) to Gig Harbor should expect longer nighttime commutes due to construction work.

4 hours ago

online portal...

James Lynch

King County launches online portal to give crime victims easier access to case updates

Many crime victims in King County will be able to check key information about their cases online through a new secure portal announced by King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion.

5 hours ago

Garth Brooks adds 4th show to Seattle stop during "Blame It All On My Roots" tour...

Regan Gallo-Fenz

Garth Brooks adds 4th show in Seattle

Country-music artist, Garth Brooks, adds a fourth show to his Seattle itinerary at Climate Pledge Arena in November.

5 hours ago

football player killed...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Driver held on $200,000 bail after car strikes, kills Federal Way football player

A Federal Way High School football player died in a crash Friday night.

6 hours ago

test drive...

Julie Berg, KIRO 7 News

82-year-old man assaulted and car stolen during Whatcom County test drive

An 82-year-old man was violently assaulted and had his vehicle stolen during a test drive Thursday, on Aldrich Road in Whatcom County.

6 hours ago

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