[CINC] Condor Ex 81913

[in]

Just the facts...

Humpbacks .....3
Minkes ............ 5
Commons ....... 500
Humans .......... 80
Shearwaters ... thousands

Captain Dave took the Condor Express to the east as in previous and successful trips. After a good look at an oil platform, and a very few common dolphins, the Minkes appeared as on previous days. Once again, these Minkes provided several good views, quite close to the Condor. Throughout the rest of the day Minkes were here and there, even while the focus was on the 3 Humpbacks. The first pair of these was a mother-calf pair, apparently seen on previous trips and a friendly duo. At one point, they made a close approach, rolled upside down and went under the boat! Very Cool!  The 3rd Humpback has become familiar (I photographed him on 8/17) and has earned the appellation "Chopper". No, this whale has no biker tattoos, but has earned the name from a rather unique behavior; this whale skims the surface with its mouth open providing guests with excellent views of its baleen. Then, this whale snaps its jaws shut! It's not "lunge feeding", but maybe a baleen cleaning maneuver or... who knows! The common dolphins were very spread out today but the shearwaters were again out in force. Pelican and Elegant Terns were noted too. 

On to the 80 humans... The following countries were represented on board... England, France, Germany, Columbia. Also, Puerto Rico, New York. And, the rarest of guests.... "Locals" including 6 of my friends!

THANK YOU to Capt. Dave, Eric and Tasha for a great day on dead-calm seas. Carolyn McCleskey on PID, Deborah Shelley, Hal Altman and yours truly on interpretive duty.

Gary Delanoeye
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