With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Whale watchers are spotting record numbers of gray whales this season; see a list of viewing spots and tours
Listen
• 4:11
Joyce Daniels looks for whales through a spotting scope on January 7, 2014. Daniels has been counting gray whales with the American Cetacean Society for 20 years.
(
Katherine Davis/KPCC
)
Whale watchers spot gray whales from the patio of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Ranch Palos Verdes on January 7, 2014.
(
Katherine Davis/KPCC
)
The Point Vicente Lighthouse is seen in Rancho Palos Verdes.
(
Katherine Davis/KPCC
)
Volunteers look for whales at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center on January 7, 2014. Volunteers work in shifts December through May to count gray whales as they migrate past.
(
Katherine Davis/KPCC
)
The American Cetacean Society displays their most recent whale census data on January 7, 2014 at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center. Since whale spotting season began in December, they have counted a record number of whales.
(
Katherine Davis/KPCC
)
Sheila Parker looks for whales through a spotting scope. Parker volunteers 10 hours per week counting whales for the American Cestacean Society.
(
Katherine Davis/KPCC
)
Whale watching tours | Map of watching locations
It's been an exciting season for whale watchers in Southern California. A record number of gray whales have been spotted along the California coast since the beginning of December. And the reason we know it's a record year is due to a dedicated group of volunteers who count the whales one-by-one.
Those volunteers are members of the Los Angeles chapter of the American Cetacean Society. They have counted gray whales during their migration season every year since 1979. The group has about 80 volunteers who work in shifts from the patio of the Point Vicente Interpretive Center in Rancho Palos Verdes. The work every day from dawn to dusk, December through May. And many of the volunteers put in even more time than their shifts require.
Sheila Parker put in 400 volunteer hours last year. This year she's back again.
Support for LAist comes from
"It is really addictive," she said. "It's like panning for gold."
Most volunteers are deeply invested in catching those precious glimpses of some of the world's largest creatures. They use special binoculars with compasses on them. Those help them keep detailed records not just of the number of whales they see, but exactly where they show up. Sometimes they'll see a puff of mist as the whale exhales. Sometimes they see a tail fin. Sometimes it's just a glossy ring on the surface of the water indicating a whale is somewhere below.
"You never know what you're going to see," said Joyce Daniels, who has volunteered with the group for 20 years, "Every day is different. Some days are sort of mundane. Other days, something special happens. And you live for the special times."
This year, almost every day has been an exciting day for the whale watchers. Since the beginning of December they've seen over 460 whales--twice the number from last December and more than they usually see in a whole year.
The reason for the heavier whale traffic this year remains unclear. With several months left to go in the whale migration season, the pattern could change. Regardless of how many whales pass by, the volunteers will be there to spot them.
Interested in going on a whale watching boat tour, or spotting them from a distance from the shore? Check our list of whale-watching opportunities below, and let us know of others in the comments!
Watch for whales around Southern California
Support for LAist comes from
POINT VICENTE INTERPRETIVE CENTER
The Interpretive Center has a small museum with information. The back patio provides views of Santa Catalina Island and the Point Vicente Lighthouse. "Whale of a Day" activity day will be held March 1, 2014 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Museum open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
31501 Palos verdes Drive West
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 377-5370
www.palosverdes.com/rpv
WHALE WATCHING BOAT TOURS
- Cabrillo Whale Watch, San Pedro
- Davey's Locker, Newport Beach
- Harbor Breeze Cruises, Long Beach
- Marina Del Rey Sportfishing, Marina Del Rey
- Spirit Cruises, San Pedro
- Voyager Excursions, Redondo Beach
View Whale Watching near Los Angeles in a larger map
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist