2022 07-16 SB Channel – West
Sunny skies prevailed all day in the far western Channel. Seas were calm and conditions were good for finding and watching wildlife. Sightings today included: 2 humpback whales, 2500 long-beaked common dolphins and a couple dozen California sea lions.
As we moved offshore a short distance and prepared to turn to port and parallel the coast on a westerly heading, small groups of dolphins began showing themselves. These were not large pods, but the groups were numerous. All had feeding on their minds and were joined, per usual, by sea birds and sea lions.
Captain Dave continued to the far western Channel and made a turn around Platform Harmony. (See attached chart and our track). Dave talked about the oil platforms in the Channel and Harmony in particular. All enjoyed the dozens of sea lions hauled out on the large mooring cans nearby.
Just 10 minutes after making the u-turn around Harmony, a keen-eyed passenger thought spouts were visible. We investigated and (thanks to our passenger) located 2 large adult humpback whales. These were in “travel mode,” headed west, and, thus, did not kick up their flukes. Good looks were had by all.
On the way home, and offshore from UCSB, we stopped to watch a larger pod of dolphins.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com