(above: two humpback whales in the Channel)
2022 11-19 SB Channel
There were clear skies, a light breeze, and an irregular bump from the Santa Ana winds to the east of us. Sightings were quite good: 8 humpback whales, 200 long-beaked common dolphins, 200 California sea lions and 1 Minke whale.
Three miles southwest of the harbor we found a small pod of dolphins that was spread out. As we enjoyed watching these little cetaceans, a very cooperative Minke whale passed through the area. We observed 4 or 5 breathing cycles.
Our first whale was about 4 miles out. It, like 2 or 3 others today, had a long dive time and was not particularly showy.
Out in The Lanes we spent time with a mother humpback, her large calf, and another adult. There were some chin lifts and some rolling about. Dive times were short, and we had a nice encounter. One of the adults had a large bite taken out of one of its flukes.
Captain Dave and the crew moved north towards the shore and the Platform Holly area where we found 2 more adult whales, one with an all-white tail.
Also of note: lots of elegant terns around today and the crew removed 1 balloon from the ocean surface.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com