2022 07-26 SB Channel – West
A high marine layer and a calm surface characterized our ocean conditions. Again, like yesterday, there was an abundance of marine life located in the far western Channel, and we closely watched: 8+ humpback whales, and 500 long-beaked common dolphins.
Small pods of dolphins were seen all along the coast, we stopped on one or two of them to get great looks. Our first whales, 2 adults, were located south of El Capitan. Soon we found another pair which had shorter dive times and were easier to set up on.
Moving further south, we found a very active single whale. It made several very close approaches, threw its tail around a bit, did a couple of “head stands,” some trumpet vocalizations and, finally a nice chin-lift. Quite a nice repertoire!
Further south we had a quick look at a semi-shy humpback, and saw 2 more in the distance that we did not pursue. On the way home, we stopped and had some quick-but-nice looks at another pair with more dolphins here, too.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com