Growing up, there were two yearly rituals that made me happy to live in Los Angeles. One was the annual trip to Disneyland with my youth group, and the other was going whale watching. The species seen most often in southern California is the gray whale.
Gray whales have an unmistakable, distinctive appearance. Instead of a dorsal fin, they have a dorsal hump about two-thirds of the way back on their body, and a series of 6 to 12 bumps called knuckles between that hump and the tail flukes. Their skin is gray overall but with variation in pigmentation. The patches ranging from nearly white through various shades of gray give them a mottled appearance. They look even blotchier due to scars from parasites and old scratches, and because of clusters of barnacles and lice on their skin. The pattern of barnacles on each whale is unique, allowing scientists to identify individuals.
Karen B. London, Ph.D. is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and an author of seven books about animals, including Treat Everyone Like a Dog: How a Dog Trainer’s World View Can Improve Your Life.
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Jun 15 â€� 3430 N. Fourth St., 3430 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. 928-526-9578. 10-11 a.m., If you're looking for a small church with a supportive community, you've found it at… Read moreFlagstaff Religion News for June 14, 2025
Having crowned its Majors and AAA city champions as both tournaments concluded on Monday, June 2, the Flagstaff Little League announced its four all-star teams for the upcoming District 1 and … Read moreFlagstaff Little League announces 2025 all-star teams
