The annual maritime spectacle has returned to the Sonoma Coast, as over 150 humpback whales were recently observed by volunteer naturalists off Bodega Head, KRON4 reports. These majestic mammals, known for their acrobatic displays, including breaches and fin slaps, have begun their summer migration, drawing whale watchers and marine enthusiasts to the shoreline to witness these oceanic behemoths up close.
The Sonoma Land Trust, which excitedly shared the news on its Instagram page, indicated this phenomenon is spurred by the area’s coastal geography, which promotes the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters. This upwelling fuels the plankton blooms to feed the humpbacks’ preferred diet of anchovies and krill. Whales aside, this food chain flurry also attracts a variety of seabirds and marine mammals looking to partake in the seasonal feast. The trust enthusiastically urges the public to see them quickly, as they won’t be around long.
Notable for their curious and playful behavior, humpbacks can be seen engaging in actions such as spy-hopping, where they peek above the water’s surface, and tail lobbing, where they vigorously smack their flukes against the water. These activities are not just for show, as they serve purposes ranging from communication to courtship, and even pragmatic uses like dislodging parasites, as outlined in the Instagram post by @sonomalandtrust…