2010 04-02 SB Coast

Northbound Gray Whales, many coastal Humpback Whales, and naturally, several bunches of Common Dolphins. A dramatic, cool Spring day on the coast.

A lone Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) spouts on a big, blue ocean attracting the attention of some Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis). Santa Cruz Island can be seen in the background.
Megaptera novaeangliae spout WIDE 2010 Channel 032
The mighty tail flukes of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) heading for its deep dive.
Megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke CLOSE 2010 Channel 029
Tall spout of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Megaptera novaeangliae spout 2010 Channel 048
Oil platform "Holly" and a spouting Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) near the coast of Santa Barbara.
Megaptera novaeangliae Platform Holly 2010 Channel 004
Close look at the spout of a Gray Whale (Eschrichtius robustus).
Eschrichtius robustus spout 2010 Channel 002
A large, female Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that has earned the nickname "Rope" because of the prominent entanglement scar around its midsection. This individual has been seen by the Condor Express every year since 2002. Dr. Michael Smith told me privately that he observed and photographed this whale entangled in polypropylene rope, and at first they called her "Poly." Over the years "Rope" seemed to phase into use and stuck.
Megaptera novaeangliae rope scar 2010 Channel 017
A Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) just off the coast of Santa Barbara.
Megaptera novaeangliae Coast 2010 Channel 011
Another look at "Rope," the female Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) with an entanglement scar. When this whale was first observed it still had the rope wrapped around its body.
Megaptera novaeangliae rope scar CLOSE CROP 2010 Channel 054
Twice as much Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Megaptera novaeangliae TWO spout 2010 Channel 049
One last look of the day at the female Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) called "Rope."
Megaptera novaeangliae rope scar 2010 Channel 054
A speedy Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) races in to get a look at the Condor Express and its whalers.
Delphinus capensis 2010 Channel 001
A big blast of smoke from a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Megaptera novaeangliae spout 2010 Channel 012
Image 1 of 3: A Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) throwing its tail.
Megaptera novaeangliae tail throw 2010 Channel 004
Image 2 of 3: A Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) throwing its tail.
Megaptera novaeangliae tail throw 2010 Channel 001
Image 3 of 3: A Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) throwing its tail...aka, kaboom!
Megaptera novaeangliae tail throw 2010 Channel 003
Two large Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) side-by-side. The closer of the two is "Rope."
Megaptera novaeangliae TWO heads 2010 Channel 057
Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Megaptera novaeangliae TWO spout 2010 Channel 021
More fun than a barrel of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus).
Zalophus californianus group water CLOSE 2010 Channel 003
Three young California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus).
Zalophus californianus group water CLOSE 2010 Channel 016
A rafting California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus). The most widely quoted hypothesis about this behavior has to do with the animal thermoregulating...maintaining its core body temperature despite fluctuating ocean and air temperatures.
Zalophus californianus rafting 2010 Channel 019

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2010 04-02 SB Coast