Young humpback whale leaps out of Seattle bay, dazzling onlookers

A humpback whale visiting the waters off Seattle gave people on shore a show Thursday morning. Co-coordinator for a Seattle boater education program Jeff Hogan says the young whale breached about 30 times in the span of 40 minutes. His group shadowed the whale for most of its time in the bay to ensure its safety. Local whale watching groups have identified the young humpback as the calf of an adult female they know as “Smiley.” Hogan says the whale looks healthy. It’s not unusual for humpback whales to visit the waters off Seattle as they migrate along the West Coast.

​A humpback whale visiting the waters off Seattle gave people on shore a show Thursday morning. Co-coordinator for a Seattle boater education program Jeff Hogan says the young whale breached about 30 times in the span of 40 minutes. His group shadowed the whale for most of its time in the bay to ensure its safety. Local whale watching groups have identified the young humpback as the calf of an adult female they know as “Smiley.” Hogan says the whale looks healthy. It’s not unusual for humpback whales to visit the waters off Seattle as they migrate along the West Coast. AP Technology and Science