Image: a cool video of the Mako shark that we watched today courtesy of Captain Dave
2024 10–25 SB Channel
Captain Eddie and the crew found mirror glass conditions with a warm/hazy sun in the Channel all day. That pristine, Santa Barbara cobalt, water clarity was with us again. Sightings for the day included: One mako shark, 1 California sea lion, 5+ humpback whales, and 4000 common dolphins.
Less than 1 mile off Ledbetter Beach we were called to the scene of a very large Mako shark, in the 10 to 12 foot range, that had attacked a female/juvenile California sea lion. It was a very gruesome thing to watch, but of course part of the natural food chain. The sea lion had been bitten earlier, and the shark continued to circle around. On a couple occasions when the shark got too close to the sea lion, the sea lion nipped the shark in the head and on its fins to defend itself, causing the shark to move away. It also came to the Condor Express and tried to hide. (See today's excellent video of this Mako shark above by our guest videographer Captain Dave on a private boat).
We moved southeast and, as we approached the Summerland oil rigs, we spotted several birdnados in the area. One of them was particularly large, perhaps a category BS3. There were bait balls on the surface everywhere and somewhere quite large. The water clarity enhanced our ability to see these things considerably. Soon a single, juvenile humpback whale began to lunge-feed in the area of the big birdnado. We stayed for 45 minutes while the beast lunged and gorged itself.
We continued southeast, as we approached Platform Habitat we found some megapods of dolphins, more bait balls, and finally 4 more whales. It was two pairs of two, and they were exhibiting amorous behavior/socializing. There was some body rubbing, vocalization, rolling around, swimming on a side, touching with the long pec fins and a some chin slaps. All this was very close to the boat for some wonderful looks.
On our way home we passed by two more whales in the distance but did not have time to stop and get set up on them.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
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