Wind, waves and a humpback calf goes bonkers.
- Bob Perry
- Jun 21
- 2 min read
2025 06–21 SB Channel
On the positive side, the sky was clear and sunny all day with plenty of marine life. On the “other” side, there was a swell running with plenty of overnight chop on the water, and then the wind picked up to a moderate level causing white caps after 11 AM. Sighings for the trip included: 10,000+ common dolphins (they were truly uncountable) and 4 humpback whales.
Let’s talk about common dolphins. Captain Dave and the crew reported first seeing dolphins in big pods near The Farm. Dolphins were nonstop all day long until we reached The farm area again, on the way back home to The Harbor. Dave did his best to give an estimated number, it was certainly near the top of our all-time dolphin scorecard. Our first sighting of dolphins near the farm were engaged with several large birdnados.
A bit later, our sharp eyed deck hand, Cassidy, spotted a breach in the distance, and Dave started moving slowly towards that area. We had not traveled far when we encountered a closer whale repeatedly throwing its tail around on the surface. This turned out to be a mother humpback whale and her very active calf. One of our regular passengers, Susanne, was able to identify the mom as “Blingy,” (CRC-12573) first recorded in 2008 and this is her third recorded calf.
The calf was very active and aerial for the duration of our encounter. The little beast continued throwing its tail, even doing so from an upside down position (see today’s photo for an example.) It also breached repeatedly close to the Condor Express, and slapped it’s pectoral flippers quite a bit.
[This reminds me that there was a recent scientific journal article that concluded young humpbacks MUST be active like this because (among many probable reason) it promotes the formation of myoglobin, an oxygen-storing molecule found in the muscles. Juvenile activity builds powerful muscles and deep diving ability later in life, according to the study.]
Among the many big pods of dolphins that we saw on the way home, we found 1 additional humpback whale, but did not have time to stop.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry
