Image: A humpback whale shows its massive baleen as it surface lunge feeds.
2023 04-29 SB Coast
Skies remained gray under a high stratus layer, but seas were calm and winds were nil. Three trips left the docks today and the Condor Express re-visited the same hot spot on each trip. Total sightings (not unique individual identifications) included 10 humpback whales, 120 long-beaked common dolphins and 2 Minke whales.
All three trips visited the same cadre of whales, with outstanding and similar behaviors noted. The major difference between the three trips was the great looks we had at a pair of Minke whales. Each trip headed southeast towards Platform Charlie, which Captain Dave toured on each. The hot spot today was about 3 miles off Summerland, or just over ½ way to the oil platform line.
The same humpback mother with calf was sighted all three times. The calf was playful, especially when the common dolphins were close. Mom spent most of her time feeding, including surface lunges. On the afternoon excursion the calf swam a direct line to the Condor Express, followed closely by its mother. It was a wonderful friendly family visit.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com