About Observation Post #2
Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California, Mexico
(26.80N, -113.25W)

A Gray Whale Nursery: Whales arrive in January. Older, single whales are here to court, mate, and have fun. Mother whales have more urgent business: they are here to give birth to their young. The number of whales increases each day, and peaks in February. Mating continues, spouts and splashes are always visible, and mothers with newborn calves enter the more peaceful observation areas inside the lagoon. Tourists travel to the nurseries from near and far to see the whales. Naturalists from BajaEcotours report to Journey North with stories and photos of gentle, curious whales swimming up to the tourist boats. Whales are counted, but only inside the defined area of the lagoon. Older whales, nonpregnant females and juvenile whales leave in February or sooner for the migration north. The outbound parade goes into March and April. Last to leave are the mothers and calves. By May, all the whales are gone.

Photo:BajaEcotours