2022 01-21 SB Channel
Skies were sunny and bright and seas were light but became more “moderate” as we worked along Santa Cruz Island and into the Santa Cruz Channel (between Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Island). Sightings were great nonetheless: 1500 long-beaked common dolphins, 20 Risso’s dolphins, 2 (possibly 3) Pacific gray whales, and 1 (possible) humpback whale.
A large pod of common dolphins found the Condor Express about 6 miles outside the harbor as we headed for the western end of Santa Cruz Island. We spent quality time with these wonderful little cetaceans and had great looks!
As we approached the Santa Cruz Channel, but before we turned south into it, a spout and back of a whale was seen at a distance. Try as we may, we did not relocate this animal which the crew initially identified as a humpback whale.
While searching for the mystery humpback, a nice pod of Risso’s dolphins came through the zone and we had wonderful observations of this second species of cetacean. After this, Dave did move south into the Channel and we searched an area from Fraser Point to Christie Ranch. We soon spotted 2 separate spouts which turned out to be adult gray whales. Was one of them our mystery whale? We’ll never know.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com
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