Big problem today: too many whales to count! …and more.

2021 04-18 SB Channel

It was sunny all day and seas were glassy until a light breeze wafted through the Channel on the third trip. Captain Colton and his crew departed the SEA Landing dock at 9a, 12n and 3p. Sightings for the day require the following special statement: THE NUMBER OF HUMPBACK WHALES IN OUR NECK OF THE CHANNEL WAS ENORMOUS AND UNCOUNTABLE. When the crew reported seeing 30+ total humpbacks, it could easily have been 40 or even 50 whales. 100 offshore bottlenose dolphins and 300 California sea lions were also watched. What a day!

Humpback whales were observed as singletons, pairs, and large groups. On the 9a trip a group of 5 synchronized their diving and surfacing. Tails were everywhere to be seen. At noon we watched 16+ whales and one group of 10 or more mixed together with many dozens of sea lions. On the 3p trip groups of whales mingled and interacted with a large pod of dolphins.

Today marks a high point for the year for total cetaceans watched. I’m personally wishing our crew well as they go home and rest their eyeballs.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com