2022 07-03 SB Coast
The NOAA Marine Weather forecast for the area cautioned about possible winds and seas. So, it was decided early to stick to the rich hot spots near the coast rather than head into the “belly of the beast” and try to reach the islands. The breeze was moderate, the seas a bit rough, but careful navigation, planning and operation skills by Captain Devin resulted in some very nice mammal sightings in what might be called their “natural environment.” Sightings included: 1 humpback whale, 7000 long-beaked common dolphins and 500 California sea lions.
Regular readers of this report will know that for the past several days the nearshore environment has been flush with northern anchovy hot spots that have attracted some record numbers of dolphins. The same held true today with the added benefit of seeing these agile little cetaceans “in action” among the swells and wind waves. It was magnificent. Once again, we were with dolphins from just a few miles out from the harbor until we returned. Hundreds of California sea lions were also attracted to the dolphin activity and joined the feeding frenzy.
About 5 miles south of UCSB, and near our outermost point from shore today, a single humpback whale was encountered and we watched as it joined in the dining opportunities. Identified this whale named “Twitch” because it has a very uniquely deformed tail fluke with one side smaller than the other. It’s been around points to the south of us since 2019.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and www.CondorExpressPhotos.com
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