[CINC] CX Sat July 30 - 8-hour Cetacean Society trip

[Mr Zalophus]

Colleagues,

Yesterday was one of those summer Cetacean Society of LA expeditions that
allow us to spend even more time than usual out on the feeding grounds.
Although the 1 hour trip across had moderate chop, wind and overcast skies,
the seas calmed down and the sun came out once we reached the whales.  Here
is what we closely observed:

20 Blue Whales
20 Humpback Whale
3,500 Common Dolphins

*Among* those listed above,  there were 3 Blue Whale mother-calf pairs and
one was the same pair we've been seeing all week.  The Blue Whales did a bit
of "racing," there was an inordinate amount of fluking up, some rolling
around behavior, and a few close approaches too.  Although no Humpback
calves were seen on this trip, there were tight associations of 3, 4, 5 and
even 7 adult Humpbacks together at one point.  *In addition* to those
listed,  there were many many more spouts in the area that we could not
closely watch, even on this 8-hour expedition.  This is definitely the peak
of the season and a wonderful time to be out on the Channel.

Most interesting to me were the young sea lions who were pestering the
whales and, one of these crazy furry mammals kept leaping within a foot or
two of the Humpbacks' heads.  Quite a show.

I'll post the photos later this afternoon:  www.CondorExpressPhotos.com


best fishes and have a WHALE of a day,

Bob Perry
Condor Express
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