[CINC] Condor 2/10

[in]

3 Humpbacks
1 Blue Whale
15 Dall's Porpoises
3 People pods, total about 40

Have you noticed anything odd about this report so far?    (answer: no Grays)

One of the people-pods was from the Gray Whales Count organization; they start counting north-bound Grays tomorrow from Coal Oil Point. But today... nothing to count! GWC volunteers enjoyed instead more of a Spring-like lineup of Humps and a Blue.  The second people-pod included friends from the Channel Island Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) and their two rehabilitated sea lion pups destined for Release Harbor at SCI. Mission accomplished!  The third people-pod was everyone else. Several folks happy to be in SB rather than under the latest storm in the Northeast. Probable Austrians and Norwegians too, and local folks from elsewhere in California.

About the whales... 2 Humps were spotted about mid-channel. They were good whales... cooperating with me, the PID guy today. Then came a speedy pod of about 4-5 Dall's. They too were good sports, riding the bow a bit in the clear water. After this another Dall's pod of 10-11 speeded by. Another smallish Humpy came into view. This whale had breached at a distance and then provided a good tail-slap for us. Moving back towards Santa Barbara, Capt. Mat decided to check out the site of the Blue citing on 2/7. Bingo! Good call by Capt. Mat! A tall spout and a good encounter with this Blue over a couple of 9-minute deep dives.

Up to 15 miles visibility, Beaufort 2 to 3, and swells 2-4 feet overall.  Kudos to Capt. Mat and crew... Matt and Tasha who provided their whale spotting acumen (and my excellent lunch) and to fellow CINC Naturalists, Ms Cline and Ms Fedaleo.

Gary Delanoeye



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