2016 07-10 SB Channel
It was a bright and sunny day without any sign of stratus. A moderate breeze and swell from the west kept it that way. The activity was all on the north side of the Santa Barbara Channel today along the near shore 50-fathom curve. Total sightings included: 12 humpback whales (more in the distance), and at least 1,200 long-beaked common dolphins.
Captain Eric summarized the situation by saying the humpback whales were singles and pairs surrounded by dolphins and there was non-stop life visible for the entire duration of the excursion. There were several instances of feeding just beneath the surface so that no baleen was seen but giant distended gular pouches were visible. A few random and single-episode breaches took place as well.
A day without fog or gloomy overcast was a real treasure and we hope this ocean weather pattern will continue for a while. There is nothing like seeing the spouts from humpback whales blowing in the wind and watching the dolphins ride the waves.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
Comments