Gray whale names announced

Nine gray whales that frequent Puget Sound officially have new names.

By Kira Erickson • April 7, 2023 1:30 am

Nine gray whales that frequent Puget Sound officially have new names, just in time for Langley’s Welcome the Whales parade and festival.

Last week, the public had the chance to vote on names for the Sounders during a contest created by Orca Network and Cascadia Research Collective. Though each Sounder has its own unique ID number, only some have been given names. A total of 1,200 votes were submitted.

The winning names, which were chosen from a selection that was provided to voters, are Cascade, Carson, Stalwart, Thidwick and Tahoma. In addition, Orca Network and Cascadia Research Collective chose names for four more gray whales reflecting their unique characteristics or honoring researchers and contributors in the area. Those names are Stardust, Gisborne, Gretchen and Hattie.

Between March and June, the Sounders break off from the migration of the eastern North Pacific gray whale population and return to the Puget Sound to feed. Last year, 20 Sounders were counted. During recent years a couple of the Sounders have been known to either extend their stay in the area or show up months early.

Kids can learn more about gray whales and make costumes for the upcoming Welcome the Whales parade at a Langley Whale Center event at 3-5 p.m. on April 12. Virtual participation is available and registration must be completed in advance on the Orca Network website.

Costume-making for the parade will take place again at 11 a.m. on April 15, the day of the parade, at Langley United Methodist Church. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 2 p.m. with a waterside ceremony at Whale Bell Park. John Calambokidis of Cascadia Research Collective will lead an educational presentation at 3:30 p.m., which will also be available virtually.

The next day, April 16, a Langley beach clean-up is planned, beginning at Whale Bell Park at 10 a.m.

The same day, a cruise with the Orca Network to meet the Sounders is at 2-4 p.m. and departs from the Langley marina. The registration fee is $100 and must be paid in advance. For more information, visit orcanetwork.org/events/welcome-the-whales.