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Our beautiful planet: Spring whale migration
Spring has sprung in the northern hemisphere. That means large numbers of gray whales are beginning their migration from Mexican to Alaskan waters, much to the delight of whale watchers.
Date 22.03.2018
It's officially springtime in the northern hemisphere — although, the weather in Germany, at least, hasn't gotten the memo yet. But usually the start of the new season heralds a reawakening in nature: daffodils start to bloom, birds begin nesting and butterflies emerge.
Spring is also the time of year that a great migration takes place along the West Coast of the US.
In March, gray whales start the journey back from their Mexican breeding grounds to their summer quarters off Alaska. Hugging the coast as they swim, these gentle giants occasionally surface for air and whale watchers turn out in droves to catch a glimpse.
Their yearly migrations are an odyssey — and one of the longest of any mammal. The round trip is around 11,000 miles (17,700 kilometers) but these formidable filter feeders, which grow up to 50 feet (15.24 meters) in length, have to avoid dangers, such as ships and orcas, on the way.
More:
http://www.dw.com/en/our-beautiful-planet-spring-whale-migration/a-43082835
Environment and energy:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/1127116134
