Learn to assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration from Bodega Head on weekends, January to May.
Whale Watch began in 1986 as a response to the public’s growing concern about the dwindling population of whales. But it is also acelebration of one of nature’s grand events – the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale. Volunteers in the Whale Watch program share knowledge of the cetacean migration with State Park visitors to Bodega Head on weekends from January through Mother’s Day weekend.
The whales begintheir journey at their summer feeding grounds off the Arctic waters of the Bering,Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. They travel down the Pacific Coast to theirwinter calving lagoons off Baja California, Mexico. The whales return afterbreeding or with their young via the same route, usually closer to shore, withthe mothers on the outside and the calves closer inland for protection.
This training session provides training manuals and theinformation you will need to participate in Whale Watch. Experienced docents will accompanyyou until you feel confident to proceed on your own. Docents are required to attend a General Orientation Session,as well as this Whale Watch Docent Training. On-line registration is required at http://www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/seminar_registrationpage.htm
