2019 06-02 SB Channel
Once again the prevailing marine stratus layer signaled near zero winds and very glassy seas all day in our region of the Channel. Sightings were amazing with 11+ humpback whales, and 1000 long-beaked common dolphins being closely watched.
Our initial track was to the southeast where we were located by a large pod of at least 800 dolphins that were moving west. We spent some quality time with these little cetaceans and had wonderful looks. As we moved along with them to the west we soon encountered a pair of whales, then two singles. We were about 5 miles offshore at the time. The keen eyes of our deckhands Colton and Devin spotted an active feeding hot spot further west of our location.
The hot spot was packed with diving seabirds, sea lions and boils of northern anchovies fleeing for their collective lives. At least 5 more whales were in this, too. Surface lunge-feeding by the whales was seen by all and is always spectacular. As quickly as we got started with this hot spot, it shut down like somebody flipped a switch. We continued but headed further offshore.
Rather quickly we found our final pair of whales and they turned out to be exceedingly friendly and had at least three close encounters with the Condor Express. Each time they would seemingly leave, only to return and “mug” us again. Wow!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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