🌅 The View: News & Info (11 marzo)
What's happening in La Ventana!
What's Happening in La Ventana? Let us know if you have something to share or questions for the community. Reminder - Look for “Events & Business” in Thursday’s newsletter.
Data Splash: Every Whale has a Story to Tell - a new series on cetacean data collection in La Ventana—how to gather useful data, what information is relevant for each species, and insights into the findings. Let me know what you think!
Just like human fingerprints, no two whale tails are alike. Their unique markings—pigment patterns, scars, and fluke shapes—allow scientists to track them over time. For decades, researchers have used photo-identification techniques to study humpback whales, following their incredible migrations and monitoring population health.
But what once took hours of manual cataloging can now be done in seconds, thanks to citizen science databases like HappyWhale.com. Last year, I photographed the fluke of a humpback whale singing beneath our boat. I discovered he was first recorded in 1994 and has been seen 21 times since, around California and the Gulf of California—and just three days ago, he was spotted again in Cabo! But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t traveled elsewhere—we just need more people to capture his fluke again!
Citizen Science: A Collective Power for Conservation. You, too, can help! Contributing to whale research is easy and impactful. When you’re at sea, simply:
✔ Check your camera settings – Make sure the date and time are correct—this info is crucial for tracking sightings.
✔ Record the GPS location and time – A Google Maps screenshot works, even without signal!
✔ Photograph the underside of a humpback whale’s fluke – Photos are more useful than videos for identification.
✔ Submit your images to HappyWhale – Their AI system will match your whale against thousands of known individuals, revealing its history. Who knows? You might even identify a brand-new whale!
Mothers with calves rarely show their flukes, as they stay near the surface. Instead, we identify them by their dorsal fins (right and left sides). This data is crucial for studying breeding patterns. A local study is pending with scientists from MMAPE (Megafauna Marina and Pesquerías)—contact us if you have data to share!
How to Capture the Best Whale ID Shots:
Note your whale's breathing cycle – How long does it dive? How many breaths does it take at the surface? This helps you anticipate its movements and be ready to collect data.
Time it right – Snap your photo when the whale begins its deep dive, lifting its tail above the waterline.
Get the right angle – We need the belly side of the fluke, so position yourself behind the whale at a safe distance.
Take multiple shots – The more images, the better the chances of clear identification.
To date, the record for the longest time between first and last sighting of a humpback whale is 48.7 years—first seen in 1975! What will be the story of your whale? Valentine Chassagnon – Reach out to @aguaceaexplora / info@aguacea.com / +52 612 149 1840.
All Things Reptile - It is almost reptile breeding season. Keep an eye out for snakes on the roads! Thank you to everyone who helped make the signs, we will be putting them up soon! chancestevens123@icloud.com
Jazz in the Desert Ambulance Fundraiser - was once again a magical evening of music under the stars, and helping to keep our ambulance running through the start of the lean season.
We have many people to thank for making this happen. Thanks to the marvelous musicians: Terry Townson, trumpet and vocals · Willie Ornelas, drums · Mitch Forman, keyboard · Nacho Chavez, lead guitar · Roger Sherman, rhythm guitar and vocals · Paul Freeman, bass guitar · Angie and Darrell, the hardworking sound team · Brother Gil, song-writer and one-man-band extraordinaire. Thank you to: Pólvora Restaurant for the stunning setting and great food · Scotty’s Gallery for ticket sales · Alicia and Shawn Brooks for managing the gate · Sheila Shearer and Melissa Baum for accommodation · Tim Hatler of Palapas Ventana and Janine for help with the poster · Mariel Lucero Osuna of El Sargento for the chairs · Chris and Edie of The Ventana View for special service · Amy Rausch, Michael Smith, Wilton Hart, Bobbie Shirley and Jennifer for social media promotion · Chris Bradley, for planning, organizing and running the whole show.
And thanks to all of you who attended and added to the pleasure of the evening - Especially those who came in their finery and sparkles! Get Your Ambulance Project Membership at ambulanceproject.org
Lupita urgently needs surgery! - For those of you who don't know Lupita, she selflessly founded and managed our local ambulance service - for 12+ years on a volunteer basis, and for the past three years as a paid paramedic.
The amount we need to raise for her coronary angioplasty surgery is estimated to be $240,000 pesos (around $12,000 US Dollars). The sooner we raise the necessary funds, the sooner Lupita can have the potentially lifesaving procedure. We have setup a GoFundMe page here. Please note that the amount you will be donating is in pesos, So if you want to donate approximately $100 dollars, you would donate 2000 pesos.
Every contribution will help get Lupita healthy again. Your contribution will get her back doing what she loves most - being a great mother to her 14-year old daughter, and serving our community as the lead paramedic. So please dig deep and contribute what you can today! Thanks for your community support! Brian Geasa
No Más Basura - The next NMB Garage Sale will be at the end of April. More details to come sooner than later. Please start gathering your used goods for donation (We are not accepting donations yet... soon!). Everything deserves a second life.
Recycling Center: Bring your recyclables to the Recycling center this Thursday from 8-10 am sharp! We are now accepting 5 gallon water jugs! All donations are much appreciated. Thank you for being part of the change ~ Your NMB Team Gerencia@nomasbasuralv.com Nomasbasuralv.com Instagram: @nomasbasuralv Facebook: @NMB No Más Basura.
Tango Azul Pickleball - has sold out of all memberships! We would like to thank the community for your support and extend an invitation to all picklers to come and enjoy the facility. The daily rate is 200 pesos, and the courts are open at 7am to everyone except on Tuesdays and Fridays which are dedicated days for members. Next year we plan to implement a program for the local youth as well as continue to offer tournaments and clinics to all players. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm. We could not have reached these goals and built such a wonderful facility without your support. tangoazulpickleball@gmail.com
Last-minute Event Announcement - Larry & Linda: Live Music Tuesdays at La Mezcaleria continue! Larry on guitar & Linda on stand-up bass bring a mix of pop rock—songs you know and love, plus some hidden gems. Delicious plates by Bendito Burrito & an open jam by the fire after the show! We hope you'll join us!
In Case of Emergency
Bookmark the In Case of Emergency page. Numbers to call and how to call them if you need help. We depend on the entire community to help keep this often changing information up to date. Email us with feedback, suggestions, corrections.