Image: a humpback whale proudly displays some kelp during a pec slap.
2024 10-12 Channel
Captain Dave and the crew encountered partly sunny skies with patches of high stratus. Although there was no wind, the seas were slightly bumpy from overnight winds to the west. Water clarity was especially good with that famous Santa Barbara cobalt color. Sightings were record-breaking for the month: 18+ humpback whales and 2nd Captain Danny says 5000 common dolphins.
A mere mile south of the harbor we watched a pair of eastbound whales as they led us over to the Summerland rigs. Apparently whales so close to shore was a good omen, as the rest of the day was utterly festooned with near countless whales and dolphins. Many hundreds of dolphins were watched near the rigs, just prior to Captain Dave giving a short sea tour of Platform Beta, and talking about the Channel as a habitat for petroleum.
As we moved south from the rigs the dolphin pod sizes increased and we saw quite a few birdnados with large anchovy bait balls visible due to the water clarity. Soon we were watching 4 very active whales in this area. Lob-tailing, rolling, sideways swims with pectoral flipper up, a few breaches and some chin-slaps were seen.
A short distance brough us to a trio of whales. One of them became friendly with the Condor Express, and, at one point, was right next to the boat with a pectoral fin draped in giant kelp. (See today’s photo for an example). Six more whales did chin-slaps and tail-throws. Whale spouts were seen in all directions.
As we slowly left the area to head back home, we had looks at another three whales.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express
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