SAN JUAN ISLAND, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The first humpback whale calf of the season has been spotted in the Salish Sea.

The Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) says the baby was seen traveling next to its mother in the Haro Strait north of San Juan Island on Wednesday.

The calf is believed to be four to five months old.

It’s mother, known as “Big Mama,” has now given birth to eight calves over the last three decades.

The PWWA says Big Mama is beloved for playing a key role in the recovery of local humpback whales.

Humpbacks usually stay in the Salish Sea through the fall before migrating south for the winter.