A recap of our spring in Sitka — from the herring spawn painting the Sound to cetaceans galore — it’s been a beautiful season for whale research. Bubble netting humpback whales started our season, gray whales came in for herring eggs and showed us just how awesome they are, killer whales made surprise appearances, and Mt. Edgecumbe looked beautiful through it all! We were all so grateful to work in Tlingit Haida waters and experience such stunning beauty. 🏔️🐋🌲🌊 Drone videos captured by @mcfearsome, @mvanaswegen_ and @fiona__elaine. AWF operates under NMFS Permit 26663; all media and data are collected under this permit. AWF research initiatives are funded by National Geographic Society, the LEX-NG Fund, and a broad community of supporters. Thank you for your on-going support, and to learn more about AWF visit the link in our bio. @natgeo @lindbladexp @insidenatgeo #alaskawhalefoundation #awf #sitka #graywhale #alaska #natgeo (fb)

To identify gray whales, we take photos of their sides when they come up to breathe. All gray whales are distinct, but depending on how they surface, telling them apart can be tricky! Give it a try and see how you do… Animation by @bluetide_project AWF operates under NMFS Permit 26663; all media and data are collected under this permit. AWF research initiatives are funded by National Geographic Society, the LEX-NG Fund, and a broad community of supporters. Thank you for your on-going support, and to learn more about AWF visit the link in our bio. @natgeo @lindbladexp @insidenatgeo #alaskawhalefoundation #awf #sitka #graywhale #alaska #natgeo (fb)