Tuesday, August 30, 2016 – It was a great day for whelfies. Total species populations for the day included 8 humpback whales, 750 long-beaked common dolphins and 1 very large ocean sunfish (Mola mola). The details are as follows:
Not long after making a right turn on the 50, Eric and his renowned crew were greeted by two humpback whales with short (2 – 3 min) bottom times. All whales and dolphins sighted today were heading east. More action was attracted to the boat west of this location and off Holly.
A Holly hot spot included many more humpback whales scattered all around, including several whose spouts were seen further west with binoculars. One whale was very active and threw its tail around, made a big fuss for a while, then pooped. (Sorry, but being a biologist I find it all quite interesting). Very close looks were had as whales approached the boat at this location. Captain Eric recalls an incident during which a pair of humpback whales split up, one came down the left side, and the other down the right side, of the boat. Whale fans got some epic whelfies with their smartphones. Dolphins were very abundant and equally friendly at this sighting.
West of Holly the prominent western Channel wind line was very evident and wily ol’ Captain Eric came around and tool a kinder-and-gentler easterly course back home.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express