On the return trip though, from March through May and even June, they will take their time and linger in Bays and over shallow sandy bottoms. It started getting curious about what was above water and began sticking his or her head above the surface a number of times. Then it leapt in the air three times in a row. This was the best shot. Young gray whales are darker than the adults.
Gray whales scoop up big mouthfuls of sand and sift it through their baleen teeth.
Amphipods and barnacles latch on and get a ride for life. That's why adult gray whales have such a crusty covering all over their bodies. They are also known as having the largest parasite load of any whale. On Boat California sea lions like to haul out on rocks to rest and clown around. If there are no rocks handy, they will pick out buoys or even boats.