2010 06-21 SB Channel

Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), a Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), and some Rissos Dolphins (Grampus griseus) all made the day a fabulous one.

A spyhopping Humpback Whale shows the barnacles growing on its chin. Also visible are the ventral grooves.
Megaptera novaeangliaes spyhop 2010 Channel 005
A nearby Humpback tail fluke is enjoyed by the whalers on board the Condor Express.
Megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke passengers 2010 Channel 008
Looking across the back of a Blue Whale, towards the head, as it begins to spout.
Balaenoptera musculus spout 2010 Channel 001
Humpbacks everywhere! OMG.
Megaptera novaeangliae passengers 2010 Channel 004
Rostrum and chin of the spyhopping Humpback.
Megaptera novaeangliaes spyhop 2010 Channel 001
The bulbous head of a Risso's Dolphin breaks through a small wave.
Grampus griseus 2010 Channel 009
The spyhopping Humpback Whale slowly sinks back into the ocean.
Megaptera novaeangliaes spyhop 2010 Channel 010
Several tall fins of Risso's Dolphins.
Grampus griseus 2010 Channel 007
Close look at a spouting Risso's Dolphin.
Grampus griseus 2010 Channel 015
Interaction between species: Humpback Whale and California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus).
Megaptera novaeangliae Zalophus 2010 Channel 003
A Humpback heads directly for the camera lens.
Megaptera novaeangliae head 2010 Channel 005
A Humpback lifts its head a bit.
Megaptera novaeangliae rostrum 2010 Channel 008
Left side of head....a Humpback.
Megaptera novaeangliae side head 2010 Channel 003
A whaler shoots a nearby spouting Humback.
Megaptera novaeangliae spout passenger 2010 Channel 014
Tail fluke waterfall - Humpback deep dive.
Megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke 2010 Channel 027
Twice as much Humpback.
Megaptera novaeangliae two 2010 Channel 010
Humpback tail fluke.
Megaptera novaeangliae tail fluke 2010 Channel 001
A California Sea Lion.
Zalophus californianus water 2010 Channel 002
Captain Mat pointed out this "dust devil" or small wind tornedo that was whipping up the surface sea foam.
wind tornedo kicks sea foam 2010 Channel 172
Four Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) and one California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) to the right.
Phoca vitulina rocky ledge 2010 Sta Cruz Island 003

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2010 06-21 SB Channel