2021 05-22 SB Channel
An eventful day in the Channel with one of the largest common dolphin herds we’ve ever recorded, and more. The sun was shining and the wind was light. Captain Dave and his crew reported watching 10,000 long-beaked common dolphins, 200 offshore bottlenose dolphins and 3 humpback whales.
12 miles south of the harbor our first encounter was with a large group of offshore bottlenose dolphins. There were loads of calves in the group and dolphins of all ages and sizes surfed our wake.
A few miles south of the bottlenose Colton and Dave saw something strange in the distance. Was it a strong wind line? Or? On the scene it turned out to be a massive mega pod of common dolphins at least 6 miles long. Dave ran alongside for quite a while and everyone had an epic dolphin encounter.
A single, large humpback was in the same area and we were able to get good observations. Soon thereafter a mother humpback with her calf appeared on the scene. The little calf had numerous killer whale rake marks all over its long pectoral fins and tail flukes. The tail had several large bites taken out of it. Other than its appearance, the little whale seemed normal and healthy in all other ways.
Dave took a tour along the northern face of Santa Cruz Island to see the majestic sea cliffs and harbors near Fry’s Anchorage.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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