2019 07-31 SB Channel
Skies were clear and sunny all day. Although the morning started out a bit windy and rough, things kept getting better throughout the trip. The second half was actually very nice. Totals for the day included: 11+ humpback whales and 3000+ long-beaked common dolphins.
A true mother lode of whales and dolphins was located today, with most of the activity centered about 6 or 7 miles south of UCSB. Although a few whales and many dolphins were located along our route, things were off the charts within this mother lode hot spot. Captain Colton estimated there could be as many as two dozen whales spread across the zone. We had time to closely watch 11 of them. The dolphins just kept coming. Food was abundant and both the large and small cetaceans were active.
There were some instances of breaching and tail-throwing in the distance, and one throw within ¼ mile of us. Friendly and close approaches to the Condor Express were many. The crew also reports finding the whale named Dos Equis again today. It’s curious “swoop and loop” surface feeding style was on display again. Most of this took place at the surface and ended with feeding sub-surface, but during one of the last episodes we watched it swoop, loop and then remain stationary with its mouth wide open, upper jaw out of the water. It remains a very unique whale to watch.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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