2021 10-16 SB Channel
Calm seas and sunny skies provided the perfect conditions for a whale and dolphin explosion in the Channel today. Sightings included 14+ humpback whales, 3000 long-beaked common dolphins and 300 California sea lions.
Five mile south of Shoreline Park we located and watched our first of many whales: a pair of humpbacks surrounded by several hundred dolphins. Such a nice start so soon proved to be a good omen.
Moving a bit south and ending up on the edge of The Lanes, a distant breach advertised the location of 8 more humpbacks, over 1000 dolphins and several hundred sea lions. It was a feeding hot spot with lots of great tail flukes.
South of The Lanes an additional pair of whales, with lots more dolphins, was watched closely. This sighting was followed by a nice coastal tour show casing the majestic sea cliffs, grottos and caves along the north shore of Santa Cruz Island.
Later, about 6 miles from home, a wonderfully active juvenile humpback kept us engaged for quite a while. The little beast spent a lot of time kelping, rolling in kelp, and placing heaps of the algae across its knobby head. It also made a close pass or two to greet its fans on the Condor Express.
Even closer to home we drove past another whale as we were already very late. Throughout the region, and at each of the sighting locations, additional spouts were seen in the distance.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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