[CINC] Condor Express July 21

[Laura Shelton]

Hello Naturalists:

Sightings:
10 bottlenose dolphins (near harbor entrance)
8 Humpback whales
5 Blue whales
Numerous spouts in the distance

Crew: Captain Dave, Matt, Brooke
Naturalists:  Cubby Winkel, Larry Driscoll, and Laura Shelton

Foggy, but calm conditions and good visibility for finding whales were the conditions of the day. We were out by Santa Rosa Island where again we found whales and more whales. 
Passengers (many from Europe and diverse US and global locations) enjoyed good views of 2 blue whales seemingly feeding together. We moved between several groups and individual whales in the same general vicinity including both humpbacks and blue whales. We returned to these 2 blue whales several times. One of the blue whales had a distinctly greenish tint that was due to a type of diatom, according to Captain Dave. We also saw "Rope" and her calf and several other humpbacks, one single humpback whale that approached the boat two times and went under the boat on a dive both times. One time the whale surfaced near the boat, and the other time disappeared seemingly. 

Jim Peckarsky, a whale researcher was again aboard and entertained passengers with his great sense of humor and outstanding video of whales of all sorts. 

Thanks, 

Laura
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