2021 06-20 SB Channel
Conditions were exactly like yesterday: super glassy seas and high stratus clouds. Similarly, our dolphin companions picked us up about 6 miles off the beach, and groups were around us all day. Sightings included 3+ humpback whales and 3000 long-beaked common dolphins.
Common dolphin groups ranged in size from 20 – 50 animals most of the day except for a massive mega pod with over 1000 individuals which found the Condor Express south of the East Channel NOAA Buoy. The mega pod was voraciously feeding and so were the sea birds that followed it around.
South UCSB we located our first humpback whale. There were 3 in the vicinity, but they were spread out and moving away from each other, so we closely watched 1. Great looks were had and were enhanced by the glassy surface.
South of The Lanes 2 more (very active) whales were located and watched. It was a mother and her calf. Both seemed to be engaged in the Olympic tryouts for breaching, and, although it was close, the little calf won. The calf had a signature move that involved a double mid-air barrel roll on a single breach. We’re hoping one of the crew members captured this and will post to social media. Amazing!
On the way home…you guessed it…more common dolphins on glassy seas. Wow!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com
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