A cool day, in more ways than one, with feeding whales and their entourage.
- Bob Perry
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
2025 11–02 SB Channel
It was a cool (temperature wise) and overcast day with a light breeze. Captain Dave and the crew ran directly S and found that the humpback whales were still there, near the edge of the lanes, where they have been for 2 weeks, as they prepare to leave for their subtropical breeding and caving grounds. Totals for the day: 1500 common dolphins, 13 humpback whales (we watched 8 closely) and 150 California sea lions.
Regular readers will recall that the last several weeks have featured large numbers of humpback whales and associated mammal species (dolphins and sea lions). The whales have been feeding, and, at the same time, spending time cavorting, to build up their energy and social relationships that will soon prove useful. They do not feed during their breeding time in the subtropics, where their social skills will come in handy. Today was slightly different in that there was no socializing and no competition groups were evident. It was all about feeding. Quite a bit if it was sub-surface, but there were a couple of instances of vertical lunge feeding…always a spectacular, NatGeo kind of thing to witness.
Our initial sighting was of 2 individual humpback whales, both were juveniles, and both were relatively shy. After moving a small distance SE, we came into an area that had at least 11 additional whales, which included spouts in the distance that we did not get a chance to see up close. Some of the distant whales breached, and everybody saw that! This area was also festooned with more than 100 California sea lions and at least 1500 common dolphins. (See today’s photo for an example). A few pop-up, or flash birdnados took place.
We drove past an additional 2 whales on our way back to the harbor, but, due to time constraints, did not slow down and spend time.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
