2022 06-21 SB Channel
THE BLUES ARE BACK IN TOWN! HAPPY SUMMER SOLSTICE!
Hazy warm sun kept us moderately warm out in the Santa Barbara Channel, and the stronger breezes were confined area near the Santa Cruz Channel. It was an otherwise glorious and very productive day. Closely-watched species included: 6 giant blue whales, 1 humpback whale, 1000 long-beaked common dolphins and 14 Risso’s dolphins.
A few miles north of the mouth of the windy Santa Cruz Channel we encountered 1 medium-sized, sub-adult humpback whale. We had great looks for a while and it made a couple of close passes. We moved further west and could clearly follow the beautiful north coast of Santa Rosa Island.
Around the middle of Santa Rosa, we found one, then two, then…six total…giant blue whales. It was our first sighting of the giants this summer season and coincided nicely with the longest day of the year today. Among the six, a couple of them were absolutely huge…probably females. During our nice visit, one or two came very close to the Condor Express.
During the giant blue whale encounter, a small-but-friendly pod of Risso’s dolphins came through the zone and spent a little time off our bow. Again, wonderful looks were had by all.
Finally, on the way home, in The Lanes, a tight mega pod of long-beaked common dolphins passed by…always wonderful to see!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and www.CondorExpressPhotos.com
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