Image: A birdnado helps locate feeding whales, dolphins (and seabirds).
2024 10-30 SB Channel
Captain Eddy and the crew report fantastic conditions and sightings in The Channel today. There was no wind and skies were clear. Water clarity continues to be exceptional. Sightings: 3000 common dolphins, 12+ humpback whales and 1 Ocean sunfish (Mola mola).
Our first cetaceans were found amidst a BS4 birdnado south of the Kelp Farm. (Please see today’s photograph as an example of a birdnado). Multiple surface bait balls were visible from the decks of the Condor Express enhanced by the water clarity. At least 1000 dolphins were feeding alongside the hungry birds.
We moved southeast and located our first whales: a pair plus one single. These appeared to be in transit to the east. Looking east, we saw another pod of dolphins in a long line. More birds were active here, too. A trio of whales was being social: rolling around, waving pectorals, doing head stands and making close passes by the boat.
As we moved east to investigate a large number of spouts, we slowed to watch a small Ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Nearby we watched a very social group of 4 whales that proceeded to mug us for an hour. One did a strange forward lunge (no feeding) only to settle back into the ocean without a major splash event. As the 4 whales meandered, we watched them all, simultaneously enjoying large floating kelp paddies in a group kelping session. Lots of additional spouts were seen to our south…in The Lanes and near Santa Cruz Island.
On the way home we saw 2 more whales somewhat in the distance, and more dolphins.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
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