Field Notes 2011
Kodiak Island, Alaska
(57.43N, -153.34W)

We'll hear news from observers that include Ms. Phillips' 4th graders at Kodiak Elementary School. "Many students venture down the road to watch for gray whales with their families," says Ms. Phillips. "The best whale watching sites are 40 miles from town, across a very winding, frost-heaved road near Narrow Cape. It's always an adventure."

April 16: "I connected with the group leader for the April 16 Whale Walk and she confirmed seeing upwards of 30 whales in groups of two to three whales," reported Pam Foreman of Kodiak Whale Watch. "A couple of groups had four whales. One calf may have been in the bunch, but they couldn't tell for sure. She said viewing at Narrow Cape should be good for another week or more.
The whales were moving around the Cape and several whales were seen between the bunker cliff at Fossil Beach and Ugak Island. The viewers could see spouts and backs according to one report. On a clear, relatively windless day, spouts can often be seen from the road as you come around the corner at the top of the hill before descending to Surfer's Beach. Happy whale watching everyone!"

April, 2011 Whales migrating, whales feeding!
Photo: Kate Wynne

April 11: Pam Foreman at Whale Fest Kodiak reported: "We just received a call from a boat that saw four gray whales on the outside of Long Island. And so it begins!"

This is a photo of whales spotted off of Cape Chiniak on April 3rd. You need binoculars in these vast waters, but you can see the spout in the photo if you look carefully. (Click to enlarge)
Photo: Eric Bradley