Drone footage is offering new insight into the acrobatics undertaken by gray whales foraging in the waters off the coast of Oregon.
Drone footage captured by researchers in Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute is offering new insight into the acrobatics undertaken by gray whales foraging in the waters off the coast of Oregon.
Younger, smaller whales are more apt to use forward swimming behaviors while foraging. Older, larger whales are more likely to headstand, a head-down position where the whale is pushing its mouth into the ocean floor. The probability of whales using these behaviors changes with age. Since 2015, Torres and her research team have been studying the health and habits of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, a roughly 200-member subgroup of whales who spend their summers feeding off the coast of Oregon, Washington, northern California and southern Canada, rather than traveling north to the Arctic as most of the 19,000 gray whales in the Eastern North Pacific population do.
The researchers also investigated why the gray whales perform"bubble blasts" -- a single big exhale while they're underwater that produces a large circle pattern at the surface. "It is just like when we dive underwater, if we release air from our lungs, then we can stay underwater more easily without fighting the buoyancy forces that push us back toward the surface," Bird said.
Marine Biology Sea Life Behavioral Science Animals Fish Birds Bird Flu Research
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oregon Duck Legends Predict Ohio State, Chip Kelly Defeat To OregonIn anticipation for their upcoming podcast release, “Ducks of a Feather Podcast” hosts and former Oregon Ducks Football running backs Kenjon Barner and Jonathan Stewart give their thoughts on the upcoming Ohio State game and their former coach, Chip...
Read more »
OFFICIAL: Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers Schedule Civil War Basketball SeriesThe battle between the Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers will continue on with a multi-year series being announced between the two programs. It's one of the most historic rivalries in college basketball and college athletics.
Read more »
Oregon Ducks ‘Firecracker’ Transfer Brandon Johnson Shines in Oregon DebutOregon top-ranked transfer class had its Oregon Duck Debut last night against the Idaho Vandals. One Duck poised for success this season is Duke transfer Brandon Johnson.
Read more »
Oregon Ducks vs. Oregon State Beavers Betting Odds: Upset Alert?The Oregon Ducks are preparing to face the Oregon State Beavers this Saturday at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Both the Ducks and Beavers are 2-0 on the season, making the stakes even higher for both teams.
Read more »
WATCH: Oregon State Football Coach Trent Bray Talks Rivalry Game Against Oregon DucksThe Ducks and the Beavers meet again Saturday in Corvallis
Read more »
Oregon Ducks' Dan Lanning Preparing for 'Super Athletic' Oregon State QB Gevani McCoyOregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning evaluates the Oregon State Beavers and 'super athletic' quarterback Gevani McCoy ahead of the most iconic rivalry in the state of Oregon’s football history.
Read more »