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Journey North News will be posted on Wednesdays: Feb. 6, 20, Mar. 6, 20, Apr. 3, 17, May 1, 15 Journey North News Gray Whale Migration Update: Feb. 6, 2002 Since December, gray whales have been arriving in the birthing lagoons of Mexico's Baja California coast. In January, a Journey North writer was there in person to see whales and to "introduce" students in schools from both ends of the migration trail in an exciting cultural exchange. Their photos and letters share what these students can teach us. Lots of babies, but overall gray whale sightings are about 32% below average for the season to date. A fascinating new season of reports and lessons starts today! Gray Whale Migration Update: Feb. 20, 2002 Slowing southbound counts may mean the turnaround date, when northbound whales exceed southbound, is near. The calf count so far is good news, but what's the outlook for those calves born during the migration south? Experts share their thoughts. Take a photo tour, read more letters, and share the fun of our classroom exchange from both ends of the migration route! Gray Whale Migration Update: March 6, 2002 The migration is "right on time," with whales already spotted at Tofino, British Columbia! This season's turnaround date has passed, and southbound traffic is sparse. Go whales! Meanwhile, spring training is underway for calves in the lagoons. Gifts from Mexican students arrived at Nelson Lagoon School; see photo tours and share the fun of our classroom exchange from both ends of the migration route. Gray Whale Migration Update: March 20, 2002 Adult and juvenile gray whales are plowing north from California to Canada, and northbound cows with calves have been reported in Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary! What does it mean if a whale-watcher calls 'BLOW, 300 degrees at 45 mil'? Decode with our fun lesson on whale watcher's lingo! We introduce biologist Wayne Perryman, the government's leading specialist on whale cows and calves, and invite you to share his research beginning in today's report. Now's your chance send us your questions for Wayne, this year's Ask the Expert (opens March 22). Gray Whale Migration Update: April 3, 2002 The whales are back in Alaska! The first phase of the migration is winding down and the second phase, cows with calves, is about to pick up. Census counts from two lagoons show many more calves and adults than in the past three seasons. In the field with Wayne Perryman, we ponder the question: Are fluctuations in gray whale calf production connected to how long the feeding grounds were free of ice the previous year? Peek at an exciting discovery on a Bering Sea beach with Nelson Lagoon students. And learn to ID gray whale enemy number one. Send your questions to Ask the Expert! Gray Whale Migration Update: April 17, 2002 The first whales have been spotted in Kodiak, and cows and calves are now passing the California coast--looking robust and healthy! Don't miss a great video interview with marine ecologist Lisa Munger, sent by students from Alaska's Cold Bay and Nelson Lagoon Schools. See Journey North's Q. and A. with Lisa, too. Discover how some B.C. folks help gray whales entangled in crabbing lines. Can you name a polar mammal that, unlike the gray whale, feeds more successfully when sea ice is present? Gray Whale Migration Update: May 1, 2002 Peak numbers of cows and calves have passed census sites in California since our last report. Last week Wayne Perryman's study counted as many calves (87) as counted in all of 2001. At the other end of the whale trail, whales parade past Seward, Alaska while making their way along the coast, while sightings from Kodiak have included plenty of orcas as well as gray whales. And here's an adventure for you: don't miss your chance to be the scientist and spot matches in whale photos with Dr. William Megill to guide you! FINAL Gray Whale Migration Update: May 15, 2002 The migration has slowed, but isn't over. There's great news, with Wayne Perryman's calf count at 278 calves so far, up from 87 last year! The official census by the ACS/Los Angeles ends on May 15 with lower numbers than average, but more total calves than last year's low. Where are the whales that don't go all the way back to the Arctic? We consider some dangers to those and all whales. And we hear from two teachers. One may talk you into your own field trip to the lagoons for the gray whales' 2003 journey north! Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form