Lisa Wopschall

The Southern Oregon Coast is a great location if you are excited about watching for whales. The spring Whale Watching Week for 2008 is March 22^nd - March 29^th. The migrations are spread out for a few weeks on either side of "watch week." This is not the only time you can see the whales. Many so called "resident" gray whales also spend months near the Oregon Coast, especially in summer and fall! About 18,000 whales will pass by our coast during March, April, May and June on their way to Alaska's Bering Sea.

HARRIS BEACH STATE PARK

There are several Whale Watching Sites where you can watch for migrating gray whales and their babies. Some of the Brookings areas that have proved to be wonderful sites for whale watching are Harris Beach State Park, Cape Ferrelo, and Cape Sebastian. During Whale Watching Weeks you will find many, many people poised with binoculars patiently scanning the waters of the ocean for a glimpse of the whales. The Juveniles pass first followed by adults and last come the mother's with their babies. Many of them come close to shore to feed on the great food supply that the Oregon coastline affords. In April and May you might even get the opportunity to see mothers and calves resting in protected coves close to shore.

During the summer months there are about 200-400 whales that do not go as far north as Alaska to feed. There are generally feeding whales on the central coast from July through October and these whales may stay very close to shore while feeding and it is often easy to spot them.

For year round whale watchers, here are a few whale watching tips: Gray whales may possibly be seen year round on the Oregon, Washington and California coastlines. Warm, weather - appropriate clothing and binoculars really help! Morning light (with the sun at your back) is often helpful to spot blows first with your naked eye, then focus more closely with binoculars. Calmer days are better whale watching days, by land, sea, or air! Any spot with an ocean view may yield whale sightings.

You can find more information on whale watching at Whale Spoken Here. You will also find maps of the coastal whale watching sites.

So if you like whales, then Brookings is the place to be during Whale Watching Weeks. What an adventure for the entire family!

RESIDENTIAL MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

Residential Review: Curry County Oregon January 2008 Reporting Period

January Residential Highlights & Appreciation

When comparing January 2008 to January 2007, the closed sales in Curry County grew 25%, while new listings decreased 35%. Accepted offers dropped 22.2%.

Comparing the last twelve months to those immediately prior, average sale price grew ($314,200 v. $307,800) and median saw no growth ($275,000).

**Information taken from the RMLS January Market Report**