Counts of migrating whales depend on accurate sightings data. In this study, teams of shore‐based observers independently tracked whale pods during the southbound migration of gray whales ( Eschrichtius robustus ) while a routine (“standard watch”) census was underway. A comparison of sighting records showed that time and location accuracy was limited to 45 s, 3° (magnetic) horizontally, and 0.0057° (0.2 reticles) vertically....