Birdnado hot spots near the coast yield humpbacks, dolphins and a Mola

Image: a humpback whale bubble stream.

2026 06–22 SB Channel

Sunny and glassy conditions heralded the arrival of summer in the Santa Barbara channel. Birdnados prevailed and the Condor Express worked the coastal zone again today, from the Harbor W to a few miles S of Hope Ranch. Sightings were phenomenal: 3000 common dolphins, 7 humpback whales and 1 ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Our deckhand, Isabel used her photographic talent and skills with happywhale.com to identify 4 of our whales by their unique tail fluke patterns; see notes at the end of this report.

Our first of many birdnados took place 3 miles S of the Harbor and provided us a special viewing opportunity. Captain Eddy gingerly let the Condor Express drift right up next to a huge northern anchovy baitball. We spent several minutes watching millions of little fish in crystal clear water…anchovy hot spots are the source of all the dolphin and whale activity we see. Approximately 100 dolphins were feeding here.

A second hotspot contained even more dolphins and 2 humpback whales that were feeding sub-surface (SS). They had short dive cycles, both up and down. One of the Whales moved 1/4 mile W where another birdnado had formed. It joined 2 additional whales that were already feeding SS.

S of Hendry’s we slowed down and spent quality time with a megapod of at least 1000 dolphins. They were boat-friendly which allowed many of their fans aboard the Condor Express to take special selfies.

Continuing W we had a quick look at a single, small, ocean sunfish (Mola mola).  Unfortunately it spooked immediately and dove out of sight.

The last birdnado area contained a mother humpback with her calf plus a female escort. The escort did a couple of tail-throws. All 3 were doing quite a bit of socializing, and the little calf rolled around a lot. At one point the calf dove and left a beautiful bubble stream behind. (See today’s photo for an example).

You never know what mother nature has in store.

Bob Perry

marinebiophotography.com

NOTE:

Here are the details about 4 of the whale identifications thanks to our multitalented Isabel. The ID number for each is given along with their nicknames. You can look them up yourself in happywhale.com and find more information about whales here in the future.

CRC-20643 Stanley

This whale has been recorded 24 times, 18 were in the Santa Barbara channel. It was first record was April 2022, and the last sighting, before today, was October 2025. It has traveled as far as the Santa Barbara Channel in the N, and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, to the S.

CRC-22550 Rings (California)

This whale has been recorded 8 times starting in May 2024, and the last record before today was May 2025. It has arranged from the Santa Barbara channel in the N, to Torrey Pines near San Diego, in the S.

CRC-11384 Trident (California) 

This female has been recorded 17 times starting in August 2000. The last observation before today was in August 2024. It is ranged from Monterey Bay, California to San Pedrillo, Costa Rica.

CRC-15398 Kulea (San Diego)

First observed in June 2011, it has been recorded 33 times, 19 of which were in the Santa Barbara channel. The last record before today was in February of this year. It has not been recorded N of Santa Barbara, and has traveled as far S as San Diego, California. One cannot help but wonder why it has not been recorded further S on the breeding and caving grounds.

Thanks again for your help Isabel.