2012 06-16 SB Channel

A bold 150-pound California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) challenges a lunge-feeding 40-ton Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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A curious California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) investigates an upside-down lunge-feeding Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) amongst a group of four whales.

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An adrenaline-crazed California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) leaps out of the way of a lunge-feeding Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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A California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) swims alongside two Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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A California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) swims alongside a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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Several California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) approach a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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A California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) swims alongside a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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A California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) swims alongside a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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A giant Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) rolls on its left side and waves its right pectoral fin as it lunge feeds. The expanded ventral groove blubber of the oral cavity can be seen.

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A giant Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) rolls on its back and waves its right pectoral fin as it lunge feeds. The expanded ventral groove blubber of the oral cavity can be seen.

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A giant Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is seen completely on its back, as it concludes a lunge feeds. The expanded ventral grooves can be seen.

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A giant Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sends up a tall spout. The bird in back of the spray is probably a Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus).

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A close look at the flat, curved rostrum and spout of a giant Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

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Flanks of a giant Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus).

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A pod of long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) make a friendly approach to the Condor Express.

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More friendly long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).

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Naturalist Laura joins the guests on board the Condor Express as they look at a pod of friendly long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).

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Two long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) seen underwater.

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A mirror glass surface intensifies the reflection of a leaping long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).

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Another leaping long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) on a mirrorlike ocean surface.

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Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) underwater.

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Leaping long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).

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Long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis) in blue pelagic water.

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Leaping long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).

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A leaping long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).

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Leaping long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis).

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A close look at a long-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus capensis).

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Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) underwater.

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Layers of long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) underwater.

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Long-beaked Common Dolphins (Delphinus capensis) underwater.

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Naturalist Shirley enjoys one of the great "fringe benefits" of her volunteer job: a close encounter with a friendly Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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Guests aboard the Condor Express enjoy a close encounter with a friendly Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and, of course, a group of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) close by the action.

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Whoa! A close encounter with a VERY VERY friendly Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) or two.

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If you can get a closer look at a friendly Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) anywhere, please let me know.

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Another friendly Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) sprays the photographers.

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Here the entire outline of a friendly Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is seen under the blue water.

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Two more friendly Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)....and a tail fluke too.

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A hungry Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) lunge feeds right off the bow of the Condor Express as a gang of California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) move in to see for themselves.

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A California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) leaps out of the way of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) right off the bow of the Condor Express.

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Two Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), one upside down with ventral grooves expanded during feeding.

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Head, knobby rostrum, twin blow holes and splashguard of a Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).

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Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) seen side by side with thier long pectorals visible through the green water.

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Megaptera novaeangliae lunge feeding 2012 06-16 SB Channel-015

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