While we were at Heceta Head Lighthouse, we had the opportunity to observe a gray whale down below in the Pacific Ocean. The interpretive volunteers at the lighthouse said the whale had been there for at least 2-3 hours.
The whale would stay up for about 3-5 minutes, occasionally spouting through the blowholes. Yes, that’s right, blowholes. I didn’t realize that the gray whale actually has 2 blowholes in a V shape. As whales reach the water surface to breathe, they forcefully expel air through the blowholes.
Here are a few more of the whale expelling air:
Even with my 100-400 zoom lens, I could not capture the full length of this whale – I’m assuming a good portion of the whale was underwater and not visible.
After a few minutes, the gray whale would dive under, leaving a nice circular wave in the water.
All this was taking place while the high tide was coming in and crashing against the waves.
I was thrilled I got to see the gray whale on our visit. I can’t remember the last time I saw a gray whale, but it was likely in Depoe Bay a few years ago.
