[CINC] IPCO Island Adventurer, 20Aug,'12

[Kenneth A. Tatro]

Hi Folks,

2 Minkes
5 Blues
10 Humpbacks
1300 Common Dolphin

Sooty Shearwater
Pink Footed Shearwater
Red-necked Phalarope
Ashy Storm-Petrel
Black Storm-Petrel
Red Phalarope
Western Gull
Brants Cormorants
Double Crested Cormorants
Pelagic Cormorants
Brown Pelican
Pigeon Gillemots
Bald Eagle

Lest one may think I am some kind of "birder," I am learning, but I confess to having very good assistance from the 17 staff, volunteers and birders of the City of Torrance, Madrona Marsh Preserve, who were out with us this day. They were very excited and vocal about the whole trip. A fun group, indeed. We had some good exchanges.

A bit of a breezy day, Captain Lee took us near shore, west to UCSB, then across to ride the wind shadow of the mainland before turning to the SCI-SRI gap and Whale Country. This proved fortunate for all, as it was a good bit breezy "in country," with a corresponding bit of seas, cranking up. Most folks held up pretty well.

Crossing, we came on a few very small groups of Commons, then later, out came the mega-pod of about a 1000. The folks were in "delight city" to be sure, at such a sight. Many babies were sighted as well, along with the usual high fliers in this most animated large pod. 

The whales were there, as anticipated, and in good numbers, coming on a couple of Humpbacks then a couple more then a Blue, and you begin to get the picture, what has been a rather "usual" happening all summer long, many cetacea nearby and several at a distance. 

Very shortly on our arrival and first sightings, in came the Condor Express, sharing the early sightings. After a time they headed off to the islands and we continued to enjoy more encounters with the great cetacea. Mostly, they were busy feeding and showed little interest in the Island Adventurer, keeping their distance. However, just as we were preparing to head off to the Islands,  up popped a juvenile Blue right in front of the boat. Four to five breathing cycles and keeping very close to us, up popped a very large Blue, quite likely, the Mom, and told the youngster to get back down below, as she did only two blows and was down, shortly after chasing the "little one," down to the deep. They did not show again. 

CINC Naturalist, Anna Hilliard rode with me and did her usual fine job of chatting it up with the folks and keeping the sightings log up to date, ensuring the counts and species were all correct.

Folks from all over, including Germany(this couple was visiting their 11th U.S. National Park in three weeks), and many Californians enjoyed this fine day.

Captain Lee, always on top of it and ensuring a good ride and info for the folks, with his Crew of Captain Steve and Joel, kept everyone well informed, and comfortable.

Another fine day on the water.

Ken Tatro

	Gentle winds, mellow seas, and always,
	     	… a fresh breath of salty air, ... to ya.






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