I frequently go to the beaches and wander the coast looking for any good bird to pose for a photo. Sometimes I go to the beach to sit on a towel and read a book, too though!

I’ve learned the hard way that I need to have a camera with me, no matter my intention - because inevitably something amazing will cross my path if I do not have a camera. Hopefully, it will still cross my path when I have my camera, too! 

One day, I couldn’t believe what crossed my path. I had my binoculars and camera, but they were tucked away in my backpack. It was a bit overcast and cloudy in Newport Beach, and there just weren’t many birds out while I was there, so I left my gear in the bag and settled in to read a book. 

Then something caught my eye…

It’s a Grey Whale! 

I got my camera out as fast as I could! Barely off the coast, close enough that we could see its eye from the beach. I assume it was feeding in some kelp or a low area of the sand under the water. It rolled and tossed in the waves for nearly a half hour, just right in front of us. 

I’ve gone whale watching on boats before, and that is certainly very fun. But there was something special about this very large creature coming so close to the land I was standing on!

Grey whales have a very impressive size - they can grow up to 50 feet long and weigh up to 40 tons! They are known for their distinctive appearance - a mottled grey color, with a rough, bumpy appearance due to the barnacles and other sea creatures that attach themselves to their skin.

Grey whales are also known for their friendly and curious behavior, so it's not uncommon for them to approach boats and even interact with humans in the water. Seeing one so close was truly such an amazing thing to experience. 

Have you seen a majestic grey whale?