2019 11-17 SB Channel
Although the Santa Ana winds kicked up again near Pt. Mugu and Malibu far to the east of us, we encountered calm winds with clear and sunny skies. It was perfect for locating and watching cetaceans. Captain Colton and the crew reported over 1000 long-beaked common dolphins and 4 humpback whales.
A few feeding groups of dolphins located the Condor Express not too far offshore. We witnessed a lot of typical upside-down chasing and feeding as the presence of bait near the surface attracted these small cetaceans and us too.
Later, south of The Lanes and adjacent to Chinese Harbor (Santa Cruz Island) there were more dolphin pods and 2 relatively shy juvenile whales. The pair split up quickly and the remaining whale pulled-off one fast breach which was witnessed by the lucky fans that just happened to be looking in the appropriate direction.
Captain Colton moved a bit to the northeast and into a region we affectionately call The Flats. More dolphins were here too, but the stars of today’s adventure, in the form of two adult whales, quickly stole our attention and our hearts. One of the whales was our old pal “Scarlet,” who happens to have a prop scar that formed bowling ball–sized benign tumors that are easily recognized. As if to say “hi,” she made a very close and prolonged approach which most of us call “being mugged.” The pair rolled around within inches of their fans (and the hulls of the Condor). Countless whale selfies (aka, whalfies) were had by all. You can see a glimpse of this in today’s photograph graciously provided by photographer Danielle de Vito. Thanks, Danielle!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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