[CINC] Condor 1-15-12

[garydel at aol.com]

12 Dalls porpoises
5   Gray whales
Hundreds of Rissos
Hundreds of commons


Thirty eight people, many from colder climates such as Colorado and Connecticut, had a good day at sea under high clouds, light wind, and a fairly calm sea. Capt. Mat pointed the Condor towards the SCI-SRI notch where recent trips had produced good sightings. Ditto today!  The Dalls were spotted first, about 2/3 of the way out. Then the 5 grays, a mating pod it seemed, mixing a little travel with a little flirtation. These same Grays were seen again as the Condor left Painted Cave for home. They provided several great fluke shots for the photographers, but alas, not much of their dorsal areas for PID.

Pardon the vagueness of my count on the Rissos and Commons. The first pod of Rissos was maybe about 20. But then, in the same location as recent trips, the sea was alive with Rissos, Commons, sea lions and birds lunching on squid. This activity covered a broad area rendering a more precise count beyond my abilities to estimate. 

Thanks to Capt. Mat with crew Denis and Matt, Bob Perry behind the serious cameras. Naturalists Beverly and Bruce and I enjoyed another great day out there!

Gary Delanoeye
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