2021 04-21 SB Channel
An overcast sky with very little wind created wonderful conditions for sightings on the 9a excursion. The breeze freshened a bit on the noon trip. Sightings were phenomenal as we are entering the final stage of the northbound gray whale migration which consists mostly of mothers and their very young calves. Totals today included: 7 humpback whales, 15 gray whales and 400 California sea lions.
Both trips followed a similar plan as we worked the nearshore kelp beds to find gray whales, then turned south and watched humpback whales 6 miles out. Most of the gray whales, as predicted, were mothers with calves. The calves are always phenomenally active and mothers patiently stand watch. Today’s calf behaviors included spy hops, barrel rolls, backstroke (upside down swim), and (on the 12n trip) kelping.
Offshore we had lots of large surface bait balls and the sea lions, birds and humpback whales were all there for feeding purposes. There was a bit of surface lunge feeding in the afternoon. In the morning a humpback mother and calf and another adult surfaced under the boat and became quite friendly…perfect selfie moments for sure.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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