[CINC] CX JULY 17, WHALES EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK!

[HAL ALTMAN]

20 Humpback Whales
7 Blue Whales
1,200 Common Dolphins



*What the Numbers Don't Tell You*:

A couple of the Blues were fluking. Unusual.

Humpback "Rope" was seen.  (I believe this is her 12th year in the Channel.)

In the first grouping of 14 Humpbacks and 4 Blues, there was lunge feeding,
pec slapping and breaching.

In the next grouping of 4 Humpbacks and 2 Blues, "Barnacle Betty" showed
up, that stout Humpback calf loaded with brownish barnacles on her snout.
She put on a virtuoso performance, with her continul tail slaps--maybe 10
feet off the Condor.  (Most likely, born in December, 2011.)

The last grouping consisted of 2 Humpbacks and 3 Blues.

The Common Dolphin total occurred over 3 sightings.

Debbie Shelley handled the Q & A while I did my PID duties.  Spotting and
excellent narration by Captains Mat and Dave.


ENJOYING LIFE,
Hal Altman
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