2022 07-09 SB Channel
Conditions were good in the Channel today with a high marine layer, glassy seas, and a small, long-period swell. Sightings included: 2 humpback whales, 3000 long-beaked common dolphins and 200 California sea lions.
Scattered dolphin pods became larger and more concentrated about 5 miles off Campus Point. Thousands of dolphins here were joined by hundreds of sea lions and sea birds, all participating in a feeding hot spot focused on northern anchovies. Captain Dave spotted a breach several miles south of this location.
After a quick run, we located a single, medium-sized, adult humpback. It was diving to feed without showing its tail flukes…at first. A second adult was located nearby and was a much more regular fluker as it moved quickly to the east with a large entourage of dolphins. At one point several dolphins were seen riding the “bow” of this whale. Later in the sighting, this 2nd whale also threw its tail quite close to our bow and did some rolling around thereafter.
We moved over to explore the western end of Santa Cruz Island where we had a nice visit to the world-famous Painted Cave.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and www.CondorExpressPhotos.com
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