2022 07-08 SB Channel
A moderate high marine layer all day was a sign that the ocean surface might be glassy and calm. It was, and that’s all it took for the Condor to venture to beautiful Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands today, after another productive series of hot spots along the coast, especially near UCSB. Total sightings included 4500 long-beaked common dolphins, 2 humpback whales, 5 Risso’s dolphins and 400 California sea lions.
There were feeding common dolphin hot spots all along the coast culminating with a very active spot just 4½ miles south of UCSB. Here we found large concentrations of common dolphin, huge flocks of hungry sea birds and several large mobs of marauding California sea lions. PLUS, the same mother humpback and little calf that we encountered yesterday in this general area was busy feeding, too.
After wonderful looks at all the wildlife along the coast, Captain Dave took the Condor Express across the entire Santa Barbara Channel to the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island. At this point, Dave searched the waters to the east and quickly located a small group of Risso’s dolphins near the mouth of the Santa Cruz Channel. This was a cooperative group and we had great looks.
Next on the busy agenda was a narrated tour of the northern face of Santa Cruz Island as we got “up close and personal” with the majestic sea cliffs, grottos and sea caves. This tour culminated with a trip inside the first chamber of the world-famous Painted Cave.
On the way home…more common dolphins!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and www.CondorExpressPhotos.com
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