A Whale of a Tale

Look closely to see the tail.

I chose this photo because if you look closely, you can see the tail on the left. It is enormous. This beautiful and incredible leviathan washed ashore on a beach between my place and my cousin’s

The general local consensus is that it starved to death. This is a grey whale, and they eat a specific type of salmon that is also failing in our waters. The inability to adapt quickly could mean the end of this species. The adaptation needs to happen in the whale’s diet in response to increased water temperatures. Maybe the prey needs to adapt. Or in reality, we humans have some adapting to do.

The collapse of the food chain is not made up. This is truly happening. The system is failing.

The discoloration is because of death.

As an introduction to real life, this was a bit harsh for the 8-year-olds walking with me. It was a little harsh for me as well. The lump in my throat was not just for the loss of this incredible creature, but also from fear of what it portends.

I will continue my conservation project with my big old trees, but I am well aware that it (I) may be too little and too late.