2019 05-26 SB Channel
If you read yesterday’s report which was entitled “Humpback Mother Lode,” you will recognize many similarities with today’s story. Captain Dave took command and headed to an area a few miles east of yesterday’s hot zone. His total sightings for the day included 12+ humpback whales, 200 long-beaked common dolphins, and 40 California sea lions. Seas were good. Skies were rainy at first, then cleared to partial sun, then ended up with light rain following us back to the harbor.
There were several dozen humpback whales along a submarine ridge that parallels the islands of Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. There is no doubt a ton of food beneath the surface which has caused these giant cetaceans to congregate. We closely watched 12 of these humpbacks today. As was the case yesterday, we saw solo whales, pairs and a trio. One trio in particular was made up of a mother and her calf plus a second adult female?). The little calf was very active and rolled around, swam upside-down, gently slapped its pectoral fins and breached. Its breach was almost immediately echoed by with a breach by mom.
A nice pod of dolphins came through the humpback area and we had great looks. Several aggregations of sea lions, perhaps 20 individuals strong, were also feeding in the area. It was a spectacular day with sun shining on the still green islands and loads of marine life to watch.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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