The Red Monkey

Monterey Bay is the scene of an extraordinary wildlife spectacle this month.

Locals say there are more whales and dolphins in the bay than at any time in perhaps a decade. Blue whales, Earth’s largest creatures, are the star attractions, and they are being seen by the dozen.

Abundant food is he reason the immense mammals are there in force.

A resurgence of deep mixing of Pacific Ocean currents is the cause, in turn spawning huge blooms of krill, the tiny shrimp on which the whales feed.

No one knows how long the whales will linger. But for now, they are prompting nature lovers to swarm the bay in equally impressive numbers from around the world.

See a full account in a story by Matt Weiser and photos by Manny Crisostomo in The Bee and at Sacbee.com on Saturday.

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Call The Bee’s Matt Weiser, (916) 321-1264.