2009 06-14 SB Channel - Lots of Blues & Humpbacks

Tail flukes of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaengliae) rimmed with barnacles.

megapteranovaengliaetailfluke2009channel

Six California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) soak up the bright sunlight on a rocky outcrop at Santa Cruz Island.

zalophussixrockypointstacruz2009channel016

The mighty tail flukes and thick tail stock of a diving Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

balaenopteramusculustailfluke2009channel

Junior takes a leap! Very very young Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) takes a leap alongside mom.

delphinuscowcalf2009channel

California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) climb a rock cliff on the steep north side of Santa Cruz Island.

zalophusgrouphauledcliffsstacruzisl2009channel005

Portrait of a cow-calf pair of Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) in clear blue water.

delphinuscowcalfleap2009channel

Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) put on a show for the passengers on the Condor Express.

delphinuspassengers2009channel

Four Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) - three up, one just below.

balenopteramuculusfour2009channel

Common Dolphin cow-calf pair (Delphinus capensis) coming up for a breath together.

delphinuscowcalfswim2009channel

Close look at the head and spout of a Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

balaenopteramusculusspout2009channel

Looking over the side at a Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).

delphinusgirl2009channel

Passengers enjoy watching Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) surf the wake of the Condor Express.

delphinuspassengers2009channel

Four Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) - two on the surface and two more glowing neon blue just beneath the surface - have a very friendly approach to the Condor Express. Passengers on the bow enjoy this rare treat.

balenopteramuculusfourpassengers2009channel

A close approach by a Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) thrills the passengers on the Condor Express.

balenopteramuculuspassengers2009channel

The head of a blue whale skims along just beneath the surface on its way up for a breath of air (Balaenoptera musculus).

balaenopteramusculushead2009channel

Mid-section, indluding dorsal fin, of a Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus). The patterns of light and dark are used by scientists to identify and track individual whales in a database of photographs taken by volunteers.

balaenopteramusculussidedorsalfin2009channel

The tall and strong blow of a Blue Whale on a windy ocean (Balaenoptera musculus).

balaenopteramusculuswide2009channel

A Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) swims beneath the ocean surface and glows neon blue...from whence the common name of the beast is derived. The head is on the right side.

balenopteramuculusglow2009channel

A side view of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaengliae) shows a thick dorsal fin and long white pectoral fin underwater.

megapteranovaengliaesidedorsal2009channel

A spouting Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaengliae) in clear blue water.

megapteranovaengliaespout2009channel