2022 08-29-SB Channel
There were blue skies and a nice breeze in our neck of the Channel today. Captain Devin ran across to The Lanes and the NOAA East Channel Buoy. Sightings included 1 humpback whale and 1500 long-beaked common dolphins.
There were small scattered groups of dolphins from just outside the harbor all the way across. Devin plotted a course towards The Buoy. Not too far from it, our deckhand, galley person, marine researcher, Samantha, spotted our one and only whale. It was a humpback whale loaded with spots and circular scars all over its back and tail. We previously saw this whale last week when it went berserk on a tail-throwing escapade. ( see: https://www.condorexpressphotos.com/2022/2022-08-17-SB-Channel )
The whale has been identified as CRC-18984, and has been reported 6 times from Newport Beach to Santa Barbara. It was first recorded in 2021. Today it swam along calmly and showed its spotted tail flukes several times.
On the way back to the harbor: more groups of dolphins.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com