2012 10-6 SB Channel

A balmy day on the Channel with spectacular high cloud formations and deep blue water. Common dolphins abound. Two large, adult Humpbacks joined the fun. We visited some of the offsore oil platforms close up. Click on "Map This" to see where we went.

Mother and calf long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) riding a wave.
Delphinus capensis cow calf 2012 Channel 008
Condor Express people get a close up visit by some long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 012
A mighty tail fluke waterfall from a deep diving Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Megaptera novaeangliae 2012 Channel 006
A curious long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) comes over to see the Condor Express people.
Delphinus capensis passengers 2012 Channel 107
Two long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) pose for the photographer.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 021
Oily glass ocean surface, blue water and bright sun make it a perfect day for enjoying the long-beaked common dolphins(Delphinus capensis).
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 006
Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) beneath the blue waves.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 015
Again we see Condor Express people getting a friendly visit from long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 013
Zalophus pack in water 2012 10-06 SB Channel-089
Zalophus pack water 2012 Channel 089
This group of long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) were enjoying the people.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 011
Platform Houchin 2012 10-06 SB Channel-a-005
Platform Houchin 2012 Channel 005
Two graceful long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) glide beneath the glassy surface.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 003
Surfing long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 002
Three long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) leap over the waves.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 004
Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) socializing in a group.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 001
Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 010
Group socializing - long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis).
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 004
A long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) bubbles up to the surface to take a breath of fresh air.
Delphinus capensis 2012 Channel 020
Megaptera novaeangliae 2012 10-06 SB Channel-002
Megaptera novaeangliae 2012 Channel 002
A Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) heads directly for the camera as it spouts.
Megaptera novaeangliae 2012 Channel 005
Signage on Platform Houchin.
Platform Houchin 2012 Channel 041
Platform B with natural gas burn-off flame. Our offshore platforms send crude oil and natural gas via pipeline to shore based processing centers. When the supply of natural gas exceeds the capacity of the pipeline, it is released and burned.
Platform flame 2012 Channel 034
A black vented shearwater (Puffinus opisthomelas) sits on the water.
Puffinus opisthomelas water 2012 Channel 001
California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and Brandt's cormorants (Phalocrocorax penicillatus) are seen feeding together on a ocean hot spot.
Zalophus Phalocrocorax 2012 Channel 061
clouds 2012 10-06 SB Channel-040
clouds 2012 Channel 040
clouds 2012 10-06 SB Channel-a-081
clouds 2012 Channel 081
clouds 2012 10-06 SB Channel-004
clouds 2012 Channel 004
clouds 2012 10-06 SB Channel-a-088
clouds 2012 Channel 088

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2012 10-6 SB Channel