[CINC] WW IPCO, Channel Islands Harbor; Jan 24, 2011

[mike & joyce sos]

Hi Naturalists,
Today's sightings:
2 juvenile Gray Whales
5  Orcas
30+ Ca Sea Lions
No dolphins sighted!

American Oyster Catchers
Gulls
Cormorants
Ca Brown Pelicans
Loon (in harbor)

      On our route from CI Harbor,  across the channel  through the 
Anacapa Passage and to the south side of Anacapa Island is where we 
encountered two juvenile grays that were leisurely sounding with no 
spouts.  After observing several soundings we broke off and motored to 
Arch Rock, a close look revealed sea lions hauled out on the rocks among 
oyster catchers and cormorants on  Anacapa.  As we passed Arch Rock, 
perched pelicans and cormorants made forphoto ops with the setting sun.  
Making our return to CIH  a spout was investigated to reveal a small pod 
of Orcas that briefly made their way to us then turned and headed away.  
As we approached the harbor about 25 surfers were enjoying the the large 
swells off Silver Strand Beach. It was a fine day with calm seas and a 
light breeze enjoyed by  locals  and visitors from Minnesota, Canada and 
Germany. Bill Wakelee and I engaged the 30 visitors that left delighted 
with the fine cruise skippered by  Capt Jason and mates, Dee Dee and 
Luke.   - Mike Sos



-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://www.rain.org/pipermail/channel_islands_naturalist_corps/attachments/20110124/80af7878/attachment.html>