Video: Gray whales making waves in Puget Sound

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EVERETT, Wash. – A small band of whales is making waves in Puget Sound, something they do about this time every year.

California Gray Whales are feeding near the shallow waters of the Snohomish River Delta. They are young males who show up every year and have no problem showing off for whale watchers.

"This is their first place they duck in for a snack on their way to Alaska so, a lot of time they'll get some good surface time," said Capt. Michael Colahan, Island Adventure Cruises.

On good days, the whales spend plenty of time on the surface.

Biologists with Cascadia Research know who these whales are, but that's about it. The whales are mysterious regulars who show up here every year, but are nowhere to be seen after they leave.

"They've never been identified anywhere else, other than here. Nowhere along the migratory corridor between Mexico or Alaska. Just right here in our North Sound waters," said Lisa Schlender, Cascadia Research biologist.

Biologists hope to find out how these early visitors will interact with the other males, females and calves that will arrive later this spring. But for now, they and amateur whale watchers will enjoy a rare opportunity to view the big mammals just a few miles off Everett.

The annual gray whale journey is considered the longest migration of any mammal. Thousands will pass Washington state on the 10,000 mile round trip.