April: Babies Build Blubber; Hungry Adults Head North

April: Babies Build Blubber; Hungry Adults Head North
By April, most of the adults and older juveniles are heading north. The first northbound whales may already have reached Alaska. The arctic sea ice has melted in the warm spring sun. Open seas mean huge food supplies are again available, and the whales are hungry! But moms and babies stay longer in the Mexican lagoons. The babies need time to build up strength, as well as blubber for energy and warmth when they reach colder waters. Babies play together. They swim close to the tourist boats and thrill the people!

Playful babies swim near tourist boats.

Photo: Caroline Armon, Baja EcoTours


Overview: The Annual Cycle of the Gray Whale
January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December
April: Babies Build Blubber; Hungry Adults Head North By April, most of the adults and older juveniles are heading north. The first northbound whales may already have reached Alaska. The arctic sea ice has melted in the warm spring sun. Open seas mean huge food supplies are again available, and the whales are hungry! But moms and babies stay longer in the Mexican lagoons. The babies need time to build up strength, as well as blubber for energy and warmth when they reach colder waters. Babies play together. They swim close to the tourist boats and thrill the people! Photo: Caroline Armon, Baja EcoTours