Whale Watch Week pops up again

It’s that time of year again when spouts and the occasional breach herald the presence of the roughly 13,000 gray whales traveling along the waters off the Oregon Coast. Many of the great beasts, heading from breeding and birthing lagoons in Baja California, Mexico, to feeding waters in the Arctic, are expected to pass by the Central Coast during the week that coincides with Oregon Spring Break, from March 21 through 29.

During this week, volunteers will be stationed at various sites along the coast from 10 am to 4 pm. Popular sites include Otter Crest Scenic Viewpoint, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. For more information and a full list of viewing sites, go to orwhalewatch.org.

Only have one day to gray? Head to the Whale-y Family Fun Day at Newport’s Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center this Sunday, March 22.

The event, hosted by the American Cetacean Society Oregon Chapter, offers hands-on activities focused on whales, dolphins and porpoises — collectively known as cetaceans. Visitors can follow the Whale Tail Trail through a series of interactive stations featuring whale trivia, displays explaining how whales stay warm in cold waters and information about how gillnet bycatch affects vulnerable marine species.

Guests will also be able to examine “whale lice,” touch real baleen and take photos with an orca cutout. Activities are designed for all ages.

Information about whale watching and maps of local Spring Whale Watch sites will also be available at the event.

Sunday’s event runs from 10 am to 3 pm at the Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center, located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport. Activities are included with Visitor Center admission, which is $5 for visitors aged five and older. For more information, go to acsonline.org.