LA Detour for Migrating Gray Whale

Marina del Rey - A 20-foot whale on his way up the coast for the annual migration has decided to pass some time in Los Angeles' Marina del Rey.

The California gray has been exploring, resting, and eating in the channel for almost a week.

Marine officials are warning boaters to watch out for the whale.

Marine Animal Rescue spokesman Peter Wallerstein said Monday the "straggler" is healthy and probably just taking its time to get to Alaska.

Gray whales like shallow water, where they can feed on small crustaceans found in the sand on the bottom and rub barnacles off their bodies.

Wallerstein says volunteers will monitor the whale's health until it decides to hit the road again and head north.