Southbound traffic on the Gray whale migratory route off the Oregon Coast is already heavy and expected to reach its usual peak between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

According to Morris Grover of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department’s whale watching center at Depoe Bay, counts of whale sightings have been running at record levels off the central Oregon coast. Weather permitting, he expects those counts to rise beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26, when volunteers trained to watch take their posts at 26 Oregon Whale Watching Spoken Here sites during winter whale watch week. Help from the volunteers will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day until Jan. 2.

The volunteers will have information and give tips on how to spot some of the 30 whales that pass by every hour on their way from the Alaskan seas to the warm waters off Mexico’s Baja peninsula. Sightings can range from last winter’s 378 to more than 2,000, a number eclipsed two years ago.

“Weather always plays a part in determining how many whales are seen, and the forecasts look promising,” said Grover. “But, even when the weather isn’t perfect, you always have a chance to see one by following the tips offered by our volunteers.”

Grover offered these basic tips:

? Have your binoculars ready, but watch with your eyes. “When you locate a blow, then bring up your binoculars for a closer look,” said Grover.

? Learn the diving and traveling habits of the whales. “Ask a volunteer at one of our sites, or go to our whale watching Web site at www.whalespoken.org so you will know how often and where they may surface.”

? If possible, use the morning light, which helps a watcher spot blows. “Afternoon light reflects off the water, shining in your eyes and making viewing difficult,” Grover explained.

? Select higher locations as whale watching viewpoints. “You can see whales from any spot with an ocean view, but higher points are better than beaches,” Grover said.

Local Whale Watching Spoken Here sites include:

? Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (Ilwaco, Wash.)

? Ecola State Park (Cannon Beach)

? Neahkahnie Mountain, historic marker turnout (Manzanita)

? Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint (Tillamook)

? Cape Lookout State Park (at the end of a 2.5-mile hike to the tip of the cape near Tillamook)