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.

More Washington Coast

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

SEE OREGON COAST WHALES

Oregon Coast Hotels - South Coast Hotels - Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours

SEE LATEST

Scientists Find First Mama Gray Whale and Calf of Migration Season Off Washington Coast - Video, First sign of good news: baby whale is plump, well fed

Orcas from This Week ID'd as Some Show Up on South Oregon Coast - Killer whales sppear around Winchester Bay, Coos Bay

Rare Fin Whale Washes Up on Washington Coast: What Necropsy Revealed - Evidence of starvation and a killer whale attack

 

Two Vacation Home Openings This Time of Year on Oregon Coast? Yes, Even in Pa...
Rare openings this week, later in August and some booking tips. Pacific City hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Some Thanksgiving and Holiday Weekend Vacation Rentals Still Open on Oregon C...
A handful of vacation rentals and one restaurant's feast: Newport hotel reviews, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Pacific City hotel reviews, Neskowin hotel reviews, Washington coast, specials

Rockaway Beach Hotels - Oregon Coast Beachfront
Rockaway Beach Hotels, Rockaway Beach hotel reviews, vacation rentals

A1 Beach Rentals - Reviews of Lincoln City
Not far from Neskowin or Depoe Bay: amazing oceanfront option or near the ocean. Often the least expensive rental agency in the region

Gray whale - photo Hatfield Marine Science Center / OSU

 

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

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

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Prolific Clamming Area on N. Oregon Coast Closes Soon for Annual Conservation
9 Jul 2026 at 5:34pm
Starts in Seaside / Warrenton July 15 and continues through October 1. Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Gearhart, Astoria

Stargazing Hotspot on Oregon Coast? Manzanita's Overlooks Have Science Behind the Reputation
11 Aug 2026 at 7:22pm
More things above Neahkahnie than you have dreamt of. Astronomy, odd news, science, weather

Today a Landmark Day for Oregon Coast's Yaquina Head Lighthouse - Newport History
26 Jul 2026 at 8:28am
On this day in 1873 a telegram changed history

Orange Skies and Heat Advisories for Oregon, Washington, Portland - Air Alerts Central Oregon
21 Jul 2026 at 10:03pm
Heat advisories in the north, air quality alerts central Oregon. Thunderstorms possible. Weather, Astoria, Brookings, Eugene, Bend, Deschutes County

Oregon Coast's 70-Foot Blue Whale Skeleton Gets a Dedication Day, Special Newport Events
13 Jul 2026 at 9:20pm
July 16 brings the special days, with speakers and a whale sounds event. Marine sciences

Whales Galore Along the Shore - Oregon Coast Definitely Has the Most...Right Now
30 Jul 2026 at 9:37pm
Fin whales, humpbacks and even blue whales. Marine sciences, travel tips, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Yachats, Cannon Beach, Florence

Oregon Coast Music Festival Back for 48th Season with Outdoor Shows Around Coos Bay
13 Jul 2026 at 9:20pm
Now through July 25 it's a rager but a cultured one. Coos Bay events. Charleston events, North Bend events, Bandon events

N. Oregon Coast Preview: Cannon Beach Events for 2026 Through Winter 2027
7 Aug 2026 at 9:31pm
Summer music, birds; fall is for art and food; next year's events. Cannon Beach Historic Homes Tour, Puffin Walks, Concerts in the Park, Haystack Holidays

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted