Female gray whales are more frequently giving birth along the southern migration route in Southern California rather than in the warm, protected lagoons of Baja, Mexico due to long term climate changes. Increasing air and water temperatures have resulted in reductions of sea ice coverage affecting the food resources of many arctic animals including the Pacific gray whale. As a result, gray whales have expanded their foraging range and delayed their southward migration - a nearly 5,000 mile journey to their breeding lagoons in Baja, Mexico. There are many dangers that calves face when born early along the migration route including colder water temperatures (calves lack much of the insulating blubber of adult whales), predators, and ship strikes. This cow/calf pair was dangerously close to the shipping lanes that lead to the port of Los Angeles, an open sea highway for freight shipping vessels. Nonetheless, this species has repeatedly shown its resilience; most notably their recovery from commercial whaling that devastated their population.
I understand drone photos of wildlife can be controversial. When flown at higher elevations, baleen whales have not shown signs of disturbance or changes in behavior in response to small drones. I am a FAA Part 107 pilot with over 5 years of experience working with whales professionally and observing their behavior.
it's heart warming to see such a majestic being especially with their young. wonderful picture Kristin.