[CINC] Condor 10/7

[garydel at aol.com]

Just the facts...
Commons..................... about 2500 in 3 pods
Risso's ........................ about 250...really!
Hump .......................... about 1

Capt's Mat and Dave took about 28 passengers out on a calm sea under a blue sky and very light wind. The first small pod of commons... maybe a 100, was spotted first. Within a few more minutes the first large pod appeared; maybe 800-1000 animals. Heading to the east, the third and largest pod appeared. All pods were widespread with many babies. Next came the Risso's, almost at the east end of SCI. This pod, largest group of Risso's I've ever seen, was also very widespread and quite active. Some tail slapping and even an incident of spy-hopping that I observed. Then came the whale, observed swimming slowly to the west with short dives of about 4 minutes and fluking nicely.

Visitors from Germany, the UK and family groups from Texas, Utah and Ohio.

A great day out there thanks to cooperative critters, nice passengers, great crew (Mat, Dave, Matt). Larry Driscoll and Bart Francis on interpretive duties and yours truly on PID.

Gary Delanoeye


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