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Community Corner

Viewfinder: Whale Watching from Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Now is a peak time for spotting migrating whales

Gray Whales are in the process of leaving the Baja area of Mexico and migrating north to Alaska along the California coast. April and May are traditionally prime months to see these ocean mammals up close. Mothers and their calves tend to stay close to the coast line for protection and, at times, they can be seen just past the rocks as they round Pigeon Point.

As a bonus, during the month of April, Friday through Monday, park service employees at Pigeon Point provide a display of interesting whale information, bones and barnacles. Extra docents are available to answer questions about whales and other sea life.

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park is 18 miles south of Half Moon Bay.

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Patience is a useful trait when whale watching. The whales do not keep a specific schedule and might be spotted at any time. You could spend an entire day and not see a single whale, while hundreds may pass by the following day.  At least two dozen whales were seen this past Sunday. All of the pictures in this article were taken this week.

Look for spouts to the south; it helps you anticipate when and where they will surface again. You increase your chances of spotting whales when there are other people looking. The more eyes scanning the ocean the better, and weekends are popular. After they spout, you will see the whale's back and, if they decide to dive, you can spot a tail above the water. The occasional breach, when a whale leaps nearly completely out of the water is a memorable experience.

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There is plenty of other sea life to watch while you are there. Harbor seals are always in the water or sunning on the rocks at low tide. Sea otters, sea lions and dolphins make appearances. A variety of birds are always present. Many flowers are currently in bloom.

Wear warm layers of clothing, as the weather can change by the minute. Plan on staying a while to improve your chances of sighting a whale. Bring a lunch, binoculars, and your camera, and enjoy the sea, the sky and the fresh air.

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