[CINC] Condor Express 7/28

[in]

1 friendly Humpback
1 Minke (moderately friendly by Minke standards...)
20 Risso's Dolphins
1500+ Commons


Yes, a bit of a drive with a few small pods of commons before Capt. Dave put the Condor on a friendly Humpback. This whale, in apparent travel mode, toyed with the boat quite a bit. Worthy of note, on his deep dives, he kicked is fluke very high, past vertical! This may be a way of identifying this whale in the future. I have not seen such a technique before. Also, it may be that this whale had a chunk out of its right fluke.

On to the Risso's... well to the east, off of Potato Harbor, SCI. Really a good look at a tight pod of about 20, they dived in unison, tail slapped and, by Risso standards, close and friendly with the boat!  One of my better looks at these guys !

And typical of recent days, common dolphins almost constant in small and tight groups and broadly spread out out as well.

An avowed birder on board noted a Royal Tern, Pink Footed Shearwaters, Oyster Catchers and (Red Legged?) Phalaropes... new species for his list.

Even the Minke was relatively friendly since we saw him more than once and his "footprints" were easy to follow.

About 100 nice folks representing the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, Texas, L.A. and exotic Goleta. Overcast all day, but very calm seas, light wind, flat swell.

Capt. Dave at the helm with crew Eric and Tasha doing their magic at the grill and with the guests. Volunteers Vivi Teston and Mary Bucholtz on duty, and yours truly on PID. 

Really nice out there today!!!

Gary Delanoeye
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