Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches

Video: On and Off Run of Humpbacks Has North Oregon Coast in Awe

Published 09/23/2017 at 3:47 PM PDT - Updated 09/23/2017 at 4:47 PM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

Video: On and Off Run of Humpbacks Has North Oregon Coast in Awe

(Seaside, Oregon) - Another round of Humpback sightings was – well - making a splash last week on the north Oregon coast, though this time they made their way to Seaside. (Photos and video courtesy Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium).

Humpbacks have been spotted in heavy numbers on and off for the last month or two around the north coast, primarily in the Astoria area, around the mouth of the Columbia River. The Facebook page Clatsop & Pacific County Whale Sightings has been featuring plenty of photos and reports of them over the summer, noting some spectacular encounters. They've even been spotted on the central coast lately.

These appearances are on and off, it seems. There will be a rush of sightings for a few days and then nothing. Another week or two and there are more popping up.

Last week, Tiffany Boothe of Seaside Aquarium caught video and stills of a lot of Humpback activity – but in the cove at Seaside. They don't often congregate that far south as often, so this was a big deal.

As with just about all massive whale sightings, it was all about the food.

“They were staying pretty close to shore while feeding on small bait fish,” Boothe said on September 16. “There was a lot of activity today; with harbor seals, California sea lions, shearwaters, pelicans, and terns. A huge variety of marine life came in to feed on the small bait fish. If the fish stay close to shore the whales may be around for a few days.”

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter

Humpack whales' official scientific name is megaptera novaeangliae. They have been the third most frequently spotted whale on the Oregon coast, except that in recent years their sightings are up well over those of Orcas, which occupied a distant second in frequency from gray whales.

They usually just during summer and some peak migration periods in the spring. Still, Humpbacks keep about five to 15 miles offshore, which makes them almost impossible to recognize unless you've got a knowledgeable person like a Whale Watch Spoken Here volunteer nearby.

Your chances of seeing them are much better on whale tours – but still rare. They are seen a few times a year from the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay. Even then, Humpbacks are usually only spotted during migration times during summer. If you do see one, it's almost always at about 15 miles offshore.

Most sightings, however, seem to occur on the north Oregon coast in recent years, and mostly around the mouth of the Columbia. Still, some numbers of Humpbacks have been sighted around the central coast this past month.

In 2015, there were unprecedented numbers of Humpbacks marauding around the Astoria and Hammond areas. They were even seen darting between boats with regularity. Oregon Coast Hotels for this - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

Humpbacks get up to 60 feet long and eat mostly krill and small fish. You can tell it's a Humpback by the obvious hump and knobby head. Tails have black and white markings, and they are known for stunning watery acrobatics at times. Video and more pics below:

 




Below: Humpback sightings from 2015 around Astoria (courtesy Seaside Aquarium)


More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

 

Oregon Coast event or adventure you can't miss

 



Coastal Spotlight


LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles

Oregon Coast Whale Watch Week May Bring More Whales for Variety of Reasons
Spring Whale Watch Week to the region March 23 - 31. Newport events, Lincoln City events, Pacific City events, Rockaway Beach events, events, Seaside events, Astoria events, south coast events, Florence events
The 'Orphan' of Neskowin on N. Oregon Coast
Underneath that looming presence of Cascade Head an ancient geology tale
Razor Clamming Reopens on Central Oregon Coast: Lincoln City to Seal Rock
Open from Lincoln City down to Seal Rock. Lincoln City events, Newport events. Marine sciences
Wondrous Odd Science of Oregon Coast: Glowing, Singing, Flashing
Wondrous Odd Science of Oregon Coast: Glowing, Singing, Flashing. Weather
Coos Bay Summer Fests: UTV's, Tacos, Margaritas and Classical on S. Oregon Coast
Summer in Coos Bay means crazy, cool and cultured. Coos Bay events
Coffee 'n Treats for Trash: N. Oregon Coast Town Makes Picking Up Litter Yummy
Seaside gives you coffee and / or treats to fill bags with beach litter. Seaside events
Spring Cleanup in April Needs People - Including Oregon Coast
Between April 13 and April 22. Newport events, Lincoln City events, Pacific City events, Rockaway Beach events, events, Seaside events, Astoria events, south coast events
Washington / Oregon Coast Headed for Sunny, Warm Stretch - Portland Mid 70s
Some parts of the coast may reach 70. Weather

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted

 

Oregon Coast Lodging
Rentals
Specials

Dining

Events Calendar

Oregon Coast Weather

Travel News

Search for Oregon Coast Subjects, Articles

Virtual Tours, Maps
Deep Details