2009 10-11 SB Channel

Another grey, cool Fall day on the Channel...with very calm seas and great visibility. A pair of Humpback Whales and a megapod of Common Dolphins were among the large mammals seen.

A Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) with her calf.
delphinus capensis cos calf 2009 channel 038
Whalers on the Condor Express get a close visit by some Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis passengers 2009 channel 129
This brightly colored Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) was leaping alongside the Condor Express.
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 067
An unusual perspective look at a Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) with its front half under the clear blue water, and its tail still up in the air preparing to slap the surface.
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 068
A speeding Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 119
A Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) takes a look at the people from underwater.
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 164
A male Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) on the bottom rolls over and attempts to mate with the female above. But she is rolling on her side rebuffing his advances.
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 297
A Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) cow and her calf visit the whalers on board the Condor Express.
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 079
Mother Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) and her calf.
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 036
A Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) at full speed.
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 169
Close up look at the beak and head of a Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 012
Very young calf and mother, Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis calf 2009 channel 003
Calf rides a wave in between two adult Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis calf adults 2009 channel 264
Delphinus capensis cow & calf 2009 10-11 SB Channel - 038
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 038
Baby Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) comes up for air while surfing a small wave with mom.
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 259
Another look at a Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) cow and her calf.
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 085
Blue, clear water and a mother Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) with her calf.
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 296
Suspended in clear water: a Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis 2009 channel 111
A great look at the little calf underwater, swimming alongside mom...Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 004
Leaping together: Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) cow and calf.
delphinus capensis cow calf 2009 channel 146
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) tail sinking into the deep.
megaptera novaeangliae tail 2009 channel 046
The hump of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
megaptera novaeangliae 2009 channel 024
Wide angle view of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with Santa Rosa Island in the background.
megaptera novaeangliae sta rosa isl 2009 channel 007
Looking directly astern at the broad and powerful tail flukes of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke 2009 channel 043
Side view of the tail flukes of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke 2009 channel 026
Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) tail fluke waterfall.
megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke waterfall 2009 channel 044
Cow and calf spouting side by side: Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
megaptera novaeangliae two 2009 channel 004
Two Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) humps.
megaptera novaeangliae two 2009 channel 014
Elegant Terns (Sterna elegans) take off from their temporary perch on some drifting Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).
sterna elegans flight 2009 channel 001
Five long necks and whiskers of these nosey California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) taking a long look at the Condor Express.
zalophus californianus raft 2009 channel 006

© Robert Perry

Mr.Zalophus@gmail.com Please click on the image above to go to my MarineBioPhotography website.

2009 10-11 SB Channel