2015 08-19 SB Channel
Captain Dave started the trip today by running a bit further to the southwest where a great collection of biomass had collected over a few-mile area. Many hundreds of long-beaked common dolphins, black-vented shearwaters and California sea lions were in this area feeding on anchovies. The humpbacks here were feeding, mostly out of sight beneath the calm and glassy surface. A few actual surface lunges and some rolling around and playing were the high points of the behaviors noted on this day with a thin overcast marine layer. But it was definitely the calm seas and widespread cetacean activity that sticks in your mind’s eye.
A trip to the west end of Santa Cruz Island and world-famous Painted Cave included great looks at the dramatic sea cliffs, coves and sea caves along the northern face of this majestic island. A few more humpbacks and long-beaked common dolphins were sighted on the way back home. At the end of the trip, Captain Dave had recorded close looks at 12 humpback #whales (many more spouts in the distance) and 1,500 #dolphins.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express