Tag Archives: Gray Whale spyhopping

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Spy hopping is when a whale pokes its head out of the ocean and appears to take a good look around. Ron LeValley photographed several Gray Whales doing just that.

In the photo below you can see the Gray Whale's eye just above the water line if you look closely.

The other theory regarding spy hopping is that the whale is listening for the wave break so it can best align itself on its long migration.

I was on the bluffs at the southern end of The Sea Ranch on a wildflower hike several years ago. There were six of us, including my husband, Rick. I happened to glance out at the ocean and saw a Gray Whale spy hop. I almost couldn't believe what I saw. No one else saw it and when I looked again it was gone. A sweet memory for me.

Lucky for us all that Ron had his camera at the ready. I thank him for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Ron's photography, here is his website: http://www.levalleyphoto.com/home/

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We haven't seen any Gray Whales for the past several weeks. We hope to see the first mothers with calves soon. Rick Denniston photographed one spyhopping just off his vacation home, Serendipity, in Gualala.

Magnificent! Thanks to Rick for allowing me to share his photo with you here. Serendipity is available for vacation rental. I can attest to the wonderful view it has. Here's the link to learn more: http://www.serendipityview.com/

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Once in a while a whale will lift its head vertically out of the water, as if it is taking a good look around. Allen Vinson recently photographed a Gray Whale doing just that.

As the whale's eyes don't always come out of the water, there is another theory. The whale might actually be listening, perhaps for the wave break, thereby checking its migration route. You know, there is so much we don't know about these wonderful creatures.

Thanks to Allen for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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John Batchelder was watching a pod of Gray Whales migrating northward recently. He saw tails and backs and  a lot of spouts. He also saw several breaches. And he got a photograph of one spyhopping and has kindly allowed me to share his great photo with you here.

We've had a lot of wind lately that has made spotting whales very difficult. Hopefully conditions will get better. That would also be good news for abalone divers. There are minus tides early in the morning this Easter weekend, which is what divers look for. I'm keeping my fingers crossed - for good luck - for those of you who hunt for red treasure!