Image: A fast and furious vertical lunge chomp – humpback whale
2023 10-27 SB Channel
Skies were blue and winds were light and variable today. The light surface bump in the AM quickly flattened out to make wonderful conditions to spot and watch whales. Totals for the day included 20+ humpback whales and 2500 long-beaked common dolphins.
The ocean offered spectacular views but was devoid of marine life until we reached a 4-mile-long hot spot. The action zone began well east of The Buoy and took an easterly line the penetrated The Lanes at times. Captain Devn estimated between 30 and 40 humpback whales in this area, but we realistically only had time to closely watch 20. All dolphin sightings were also within the 4-mile zone.
The whales were watched as singles, pairs, trios and a few quads. Some of the trios appeared to be cow-calf-escort groups. The beasts were businesslike and spent their time actively feeding sub-surface. Only a few surface and aerial behaviors were noted, including some trumpet vocalizations and one big, dramatic vertical chomping lunge event. (See today’s photo for an example). Birds were all around the zone, too, but only a few small birdnados formed up.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store,
Bob Perry Condor Express, and
Open wide and spit out any feathers…