Notes about your surroundings.

Return of the Whales--Migrating gray whales are finally making an appearance along the Orange County coast. The first whales are usually seen about Christmas but arrived three weeks late this season.

Whales are being spotted almost every day now, according to Harry Helling of the Orange County Marine Institute. Ridgely Keeley of the American Cetacean Society reports that a mother and calf were spotted in the surf line near Newport Beach on Thursday, and many of the whales are breaching.

Each year, thousands of gray whales migrate from the Arctic Circle, swimming 10,000 to 15,000 miles to Baja California, where the pregnant females give birth in the warm lagoons. The spectacular migration lasts through mid-April.

Speculation on the reasons for the late start include natural variability or seasonal variations in the climate up north. Or, Helling said, the first whales may have chosen the offshore route.

“When they get to the Channel Islands, they have a choice,” Helling said. They can take the channel route or go around on the open-ocean side. More whales may be taking the offshore route, Helling said, although there is no evidence that human activity could be causing such a switch.

In any event, the Marine Institute will offer its annual Whale Festival Feb. 24 to March 11. The festival, which is being expanded this year, includes lectures, exhibits and whale-watching tours. Information: (714) 831-3850.

Groups and business that offer whale-watching tours out of Newport Beach include:

* Davey’s Locker, (714) 673-1434.

* Catalina Flyer, (714) 673-5245.

(Both of the above include trip leaders from the American Cetacean Society, and donate part of the ticket price to the group).

* Newport Landing Sportfishing, (714) 675-0550.

At Dana Point:

* Dana Wharf Sportfishing, (714) 496-5794.

Reservations are recommended. Trips last about 2 1/2 hours.

More Ocean Notes--The whales aren’t the only sea creatures on the move along the local coast; the squid are running too. The seasonal phenomenon draws plenty of other sea life looking for meals, including dolphins.

Squid inhabit a zone stretching from the breakers to about three miles offshore. Because they are primarily nocturnal, they are rarely seen by people--except for the fishermen who attract the animals with huge spotlights and haul them out in nets.