Friday, March 21, 2014

Guide Report: March 17-21, 2014

Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon

Guide Report
March 17-21
By: Hayley Carmody


Over the past 3 months at San Ignacio Lagoon a lot has changed. Flowers are blooming and new babies are being born. The weather has returned to sunny with ever present wind, which help provide the energy needed for the camp. Meanwhile the osprey nest next to the boat launch has just welcomed their new chicks. The mother has been diligently sitting on her eggs and had even gotten use to people walking by 4 times a day. Now as we walk by we hear the chirping chicks. This lagoon is the home to many animals year round, not just the gray whales.
It is always amazing to see the whales and each trip out is different. Sometimes the whales almost seem as if they were waiting in the observation area for a friendly boat to come around, while other times they are having their own experience and we are able to appreciate the beauty. No matter what happens people are always moved by being in the lagoon. They understand the beauty and purity of these whales and recognize how important conservation is in this lagoon.
One trip out we met a mother who has come up to the boat before. She has a white face, with no barnacles and a patch of whale lice behind the blow hole. This whale is known for being a very friendly whale. She pushed her baby up to the boat and they stayed with us for over 30 minutes. The baby opened his mouth over and over again and let everyone get a good pet inside of its mouth. It is always special to get to know a whale and have her feel comfortable enough to come to the boats. 




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