Photo pro on scene for front-row humpback performance

Published 4:35 am Friday, June 24, 2016

CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT — Ridgefield photographer Karl Girardi and his wife were among a handful of visitors treated to a front-row performance by hunting humpback whales last week just off North Jetty in Cape Disappointment State Park.

The sighting is among many reported in Pacific County in recent weeks, with orcas also present. Chinook Observer contributing photographer Jane Webb documented the whales earlier in June. All the whales are taking advantage of rich food sources within the Columbia River’s plume, which attracts small species of bait fish, along with salmon that feed on the littler fish. Typical bait fish species include herring, anchovy, sardines and smelt.

The Girardis were about three-quarters of the way out on the jetty on Sunday, June 19, at about 3 p.m. with about four or five other people when the whales made their presence known.

“The whales were making a large circle of what I can only assume were bait fish, as I refer to them,” Girardi said. “Some were no more than 40 yards off the jetty on the calm side of the inlet. I would say approximately eight whales were there. The incoming tide must have brought in fish or they were enjoying the tidal change.”

Girardi said it was an awesome experience. “It was amazing to watch them feed and breaching,” he said.

In 2015 humpbacks eventually followed their prey well inside the Columbia, gathering near the Astoria-Megler Bridge during Buoy 10 fishing season in August. There have been scattered reports of humpback sightings inside the Columbia estuary this spring, as well.

Girardi’s photos can be viewed at takeapeakphotography.smugmug.com and www.facebook.com/TakeAPeakPhotography.

It is important to note that North Jetty is not intended for pedestrian access, though walking on it and fishing from it are not specifically forbidden. Injuries and loss of life have resulted from falls on the jetty’s large rocks and from unpredictably wild waves.