2020 02-16 SB Channel
There were lots of hungry animals in the Channel today, and conditions were spectacular. Captain Colton and the crew located 4 humpback whales and 700 long-beaked common dolphins.
After a nice tour of the oil rigs off the coast of Carpinteria, we headed southwest to visit the western end of beautiful Santa Cruz Island. As we approached the island a large pod of energized dolphins located the Condor Express. In addition to the usual surfing on our wake waves, there was quite a bit of aerial action today.
Continuing west along the coast of the island, then eventually bending north (towards the mainland), two very big humpback whales were spotted. Both beasts were actively surface lunge-feeding on massive northern anchovy schools. Several of these lunge episodes took place close to the boat for all to witness. It was very “NatGeo!”
After long and prosperous sessions with dolphins and whales, we were practically home when two additional whales were spotted. We slowly passed these animals and had decent looks. One of these also did a bit of surface-gobbling of innocent anchovies.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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