[CINC] Thursday, Jan 13 on the Condor Express

[Laura Shelton]

Sightings:4 Gray whales50 Risso's Dolphins
Hello Naturalists,
We had calm conditions on the Channel with 20 passengers and Mat, Dave and Dennis as our crew. We found 50 Risso's Dolphins in a number of small pods of up to about 10 individuals at the West end of Santa Cruz Island. Soon after, in the same area but closer to the Island, we found a probable mating pod of 4 Gray whales being followed by 10-20 sea lions. There was some fluke movement and rolling that we thought might be to encourage the sea lions, to move away, but after the sea lions were gone, it continued so Mat assumed it was possible positioning/mating behavior. We travelled East with them for about an hour to the Painted Cave. We took a good look at the Painted Cave with such calm conditions and then headed back to the Harbor. 
Excellent day out on the Channel!
CINC Naturalists:Marty GareyLaura Shelton




      
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