2022 04-08 SB Coast
9a and 12n excursions left the harbor with bright sunny skies and glassy seas all day. Sightings included 10+ humpback whales, 10 Dall’s porpoise and 6 ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
The first wildlife encounter consisted of watching high-speed, black and white, torpedo’s streak past the Condor Express. Of course, I’m describing Dall’s porpoise. These can be among the most challenging cetaceans to photograph!
Again, on the 9a trip, about 1 mile from the Dall’s, 5 very small, dinner plate sized ocean sunfish (Mola mola) were spotted on the surface. The water clarity was superior all day, and this helped enhance the viewing of these wonderful young fish, as well as all the cetacean that came close to the boat. Further south we had a short visit with an adult humpback that took one breath and dove quickly on each surface interval. Soon thereafter, a very large adult (same one we saw a few days ago) spent about ½ hour mugging the Condor Express. Again…that clear water! It was a super-friendly and mind-expanding encounter.
The last morning wildlife encounter was with a trio made up of a mother humpback, her calf, and a 3rd adult. After several passes very close to the boat, the little calf got airborne and breached multiple times. Mom joined this activity and breached twice herself. This spectacular encounter would repeat itself as we headed back on the 12n trip.
At noon, before the above 2nd visit a behavioral repeat, we stopped quickly for a medium-sized ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com
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