2021 09-13 SB Channel
Sea conditions improved and were mostly calm and glassy today due to the persistent stratus layer that, in patches, reduced lateral visibility considerably. Luckily Captain Colton and his crew have special fog-cutting eyeballs and, despite the visibility, put together some great sightings. Closely watched species included 3 humpback whales, 2000 long-beaked common dolphins, 100 California sea lions and, the “star of the show,” an ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Please read on!
Dolphins were scattered around in small groups until we were in the vicinity of the NOAA East Channel Buoy. Larger dolphin pods were seen here associated with lots of marine bird activity. Feeding appeared to be subsurface today. Sea lions were often associated with the dolphin feeding spots.
Moving into the southbound commercial shipping lane, we located and had a great sighting session with an inordinately big ocean sunfish (Mola mola). It was a friendly fish that did not sound. It swam around the boat and often had its mouth open, although no gelatinous animals were visible. What fun!
Colton traveled around in search of whales, and, en route, we watched more and more dolphins. Finally, in the northbound shipping lane, as we headed towards the harbor, a single humpback whale (with one-and-done spout cycles), followed by a more cooperative pair were watched.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
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! We’ll have plenty to time to explore every nook and cranny known to cetaceans and look for pelagic birds along the way.
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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