Image: A close approach AND tail-throwing humpback whale
2023 10-15 SB Channel
It was sunny all day and a light sea breeze kept our temperatures pleasant. Captain Devin and the crew ran south and found a widely dispersed hot spot in The Lanes. Sightings included: 15+ humpback whales and 5000 long-beaked common dolphins. Our friend, Mark, provided technical assistance for this report.
There were pods of dolphins, large and small, all day in the hot spot. Practically impossible to count whales were all over the zone as singles, pairs and trios…moving freely between the groups. One adult threw its tail in the distance and another threw one down close to the boat (see today’s image for an example). Others did a bit of frolicking in a floating, detached kelp paddy…always a wonderful behavior to watch. There were a few close approaches by other whales, and socializing (rolling around and using trumpet vocalizations) was also witnessed.
Luckily, no human balloon debris was found on the surface today.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store,
Bob Perry Condor Express, and