Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

The Right Whale Calving Season Has Begun

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Every year, pregnant females migrate southward more than 1,000 miles from feeding areas off Canada and New England to the warm, calm, coastal waters off South Carolina, Georgia and northeastern Florida to give birth and nurse their young. These waters are the only known calving area for the species.

Northern Right Whale – Eubalaena glacialis
Collisions with ships and entanglement in fixed fishing gear are the two greatest threats to the recovery of North Atlantic right whales. To help protect the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale population, NOAA Fisheries Service is reminding mariners and fishers that the start of calving (birthing) season begins Nov. 15, and continues through April 15.

To report right whale sightings, please call the following numbers depending on location:

South Carolina: 1-843-762-8592
Georgia: 1-800-2-SAVE-ME or 1-800-272-8363
Florida: 1-888-97-WHALE or 1-888-979-4253

Courtesy: NOAA Fisheries

The Wonders of the Salt Marsh at Fort Matanzas – St Augustine, Florida

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The “4th Saturday of the Month” Nature Series continues at Fort Matanzas National Monument with a ranger-led walk to explore “The Wonders of the Salt Marsh” on Saturday, November 24, 9:30 – 11:30 am.  Meet on the benches in front of the visitor center. This is a free program.
Fort Matanzas National Monument 904-471-0116

Bird Walk at Fort Matanzas – St Augustine, Florida

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Fort Matanzas National Monument will present a Bird Walk from 9:30 to 11:30 am led by park volunteer Joe Shannon.  Join us for a stroll along the river shore to watch for water birds and migrating song birds.  Bring binoculars, and dress for the weather.  There is no charge for this two-hour program.    Meet behind the Visitor Center.   For additional information, call 904-471-0116.

Talbot Critters at Talbot Islands State Park – Jacksonville, Florida

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Fuzzy, furry or full of feathers, Florida’s natural environments are home to an assortment of wildlife! Bring the kids and join a park ranger to learn about the many common, threatened, and endangered species that inhabit the natural community of the undeveloped barrier islands of Northeast Florida!
Talbot Islands State Park; 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville
Phone: (904) 251-2323