Scientists Find First Mama Gray Whale and Calf of Migration Season Off Washington Coast

Published 05/07/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon) – While the coastlines of California, Oregon and Washington are seeing an alarming number of dead gray whale strandings, some small sign of good stuff may be on the horizon. (Photo NOAA)

At least it was good news for grays that was gathered by NOAA Fisheries (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) in early May.

“The news on gray whales migrating up the West Coast may be improving,” NOAA said on social this week.

Last week, a NOAA survey team documented the first reported gray whale mother-and-calf pair traveling north along the northern Washington coast this season and captured video of the encounter. Biologists said the mother appeared to be in fair condition, while the calf looked “plump, happy, and energetic.”

“Enjoy the video of a healthy gray whale mother and calf! Long may they swim,” NOAA said.

Researchers with NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center Marine Mammal Laboratory, who have been monitoring the migration from Willapa Bay to the northern tip of Washington, reported that overall northbound movement may have slowed. Aside from the mother and calf, they did not see other actively migrating whales. They did, however, observe roughly 20 feeding gray whales, all in noticeably better condition than the thin or emaciated animals spotted offshore in recent weeks. Many of the whales that have stranded along the Washington coast and Oregon coast this spring have also been malnourished.

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How can you tell they're feeding?

NOAA said gray whales grab their grub by sifting crustaceans and invertebrates from bottom sediments, often leaving visible clouds of disturbed sand and mud in the water behind them.

You can see that in the video provided by NOAA Fisheries.

The team plans to use photo-identification to match individual whales by their markings, helping determine whether the animals are simply pausing to feed on their way to Arctic waters or belong to the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, which spends summers along the Northwest Coast.

At about one minute in, you can see one whale spout a rainbow. More on that: When Oregon Coast Whales Spout Rainbows - Yes, It's a Thing

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