So many wild and very active humpbacks today.

Image: A cooperative surface lunge by 4 humpback whales today.

2024 07-19 SB Channel

Today was another super spectacular doosey. Skies were mostly gray with sun holes poking through more often late in the trip.  Seas were calm and the surface alternated between mill pond glass and a gentle breeze. Sightings for the day included: 5 Minke whales, 8+ humpback whales, 1000 common dolphins and 200 California sea lions. A single, small ocean sunfish (Mola mola) was also observed.

There were a few small dolphin pods here and there. Early in the trip, we saw a nursery pod and the tiny calves were the size of a football. Slightly larger pods were seen on the humpback whale feeding grounds where they attacked the northern anchovy schools that the humpbacks, sea lions and birds were using.

We saw at least 5 Minke whales and one made an extremely close pass down the starboard side where its fans were yelling and screaming. We assumed that the Minkes were also chasing anchovies.

We watched a NatGeo-like humpback spectacular for about 2 hours out in The Flats. The whales were in constant high speed motion, zooming towards bait balls and then retreating, we closely watched 8, but there must have been more, particularly since it was hard to keep track. There were two cow-calf pairs, one we reported yesterday and another. The “yesterday” calf was very active and vocal again today. It’s repertoire included swimming on its side, slapping its pecs, swimming upside down and doing the backstroke, and more.  At one point, the joie de vivre of the calf was on exhibit in the middle of a circular area in which 4 adults were actively lunge feeding while the calf calmly and proudly showed off its aforementioned upside-down backstroke. I have photographic proof which I’ll post online in a week or two.

The mother of the “I’m so happy” whale breached 4 times in a row.

You never know what Mother Nature has in store.

Bob Perry

Condor Express, and

CondorExpressPhotos.com