[CINC] Condor 12/8

[in]

1 humpback
2 minkes
500 long beak commons
1000 short beak commons
1000 surf scoters

About 25 guests were on board for this fairly calm and productive day. Capt. Mat took the Condor to the east where humpbacks had been seen on previous trips. Good call! A lone humpback was spotted and in the same area, a feeding frenzy of birds with the long beak commons in on the fun too. The humpback, sporting an all-white fluke, has apparently been dubbed "Jack Frost"... I think this whale has been seen on recent trips and has become familiar to the Condor Crew.

The frenzy surrounded the Condor; terrified anchovies were leaping out of the water everywhere to escape the long beaks. The whale joined the frenzy as did the 2 Minkes who put in a fleeting appearance.

Leaving this, the Condor headed towards the Anacapa-Santa Cruz gap before turning to the west. Good views of Santa Cruz and the flock of surf scoters. Turning towards home, the 1000 short beaked commons were intercepted. They were in as tight a formation as I have seen !  

Thanks to Capt. Mat at the helm and Dave and Tasha for a great trip! Anna Hilliard and Brian Resnik interpreting and yours truly on PID duty.

Gary Delanoeye
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