2021 09-05 SB Channel
The usual sky pattern was with us again today: dense fog quickly becomes a gray stratus layer that burns off to clear blue skies fairly quickly. “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.” A slight bump, from winds to the west, was with us as well. Sightings were wonderful. We closely watched 10,000 long-beaked common dolphins, around 100 California sea lions and 3 humpback whales. One deflated, floating, semi-decomposed helium Mylar balloon was retrieved from the surface by the crew wielding a gaff.
A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WILL FOLLOW THIS WHALE REPORT BELOW.
This was a “mega” day for dolphins, similar to one we experienced just a few weeks ago. Masses and lines of common dolphins that stretched for miles were seen throughout the Channel, and were seen in a very dense concentration in the whale zone. Pelagic birds, gulls, pelicans and terns were abundant. Sea lions were scattered among the whales and dolphins, too.
All 3 humpback whales were found together as a trio near the NOAA East Channel Buoy. All were adults and we had a magical encounter. We were mugged for over an hour. Other behaviors included frequent spy hopping, head stands (opposite of a spy hop), and phenomenal forays nest to, around and under the Condor Express. Everyone got great photos including those hard-to-get whalfies (whale selfie).
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express www.CondorExpressPhotos.com
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Mark your calendars! After having such wonderful sights further offshore (we were several miles south of San Miguel Island at one point) on our special 8-hour whale watch last month, Captain Dave is going to do it again!
Make your reservations now: Saturday, September 25 – 8am to 4pm
https://condorexpress.whalewatchreservations.com/cexvouchers/user.php?trip_id=775189
phone: 888-77WHALE or 805-882-0088
My report from the August trip is here:
All day trip with killer whales etc etc
I look forward to seeing you on board!
Bob
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