Image: common dolphin megapod
2023 05-12 SB Channel
Calm seas and blue skies prevailed as Captain Dave and the crew closely watched at least 11 humpback whales (many more in the area) and 2000 long-beaked common dolphins.
Our first 2 whales were about 3 miles south of UCSB. They were large adults. Soon a megapod of dolphins was spotted about 1 mile further out. We did some great dolphin watching. Another whale was mixed in with these dolphins.
Moving offshore near the NOAA East Channel Buoy, we first found a pair of humpbacks, then another single. Nearby were 2 more pairs of whales. West of us a second megapod of dolphins was engaged in a high-speed run that led us directly to another adult whale.
This adult whale breached, spent time on its side, and slapped its enormous pectoral flippers. Dave commented that there were at least 6 more whale spouts in the area, but we ran out of time.
You never know what mother nature has in store.
Bob Perry
Condor Express, and
CondorExpressPhotos.com