2013 04-04 SB Coast

A very friendly gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) swims alongside the Condor and sends up a magnificent spout.

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Tail flukes of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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Rostrum and left side of a gray whale's head (Eschrichtius robustus). Barnacles and scars from barnacles can be seen, and the edge of the mouth is visible. This was an exceptionally friendly approach to the boat by this whale.

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Tail flukes of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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Tail flukes of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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(1 of 3) Semi-abstract underwater view of a migrating gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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(2 of 3) Semi-abstract underwater view of a migrating gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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(3 of 3) Semi-abstract underwater view of a migrating gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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Tail flukes of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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The back of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) with a distinctive rake-like scar that may have come from a killer whale (Orcinus orca) attack.

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The spout and its splashguard are seen atop the head of this gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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A gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) begins a deeper dive as its furry brown friend, a California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), keeps it company. The sea lion followed this whale for nearly an hour and a half.

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A special "rain" is captured falling around this gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) as the drops of water from its spout hit the blue ocean.

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Tail flukes of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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Tail flukes of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) along the kelp beds of Santa Barbara. SCUBA divers from the green boat may be in for an unexpected underwater sight.

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Right side of the head of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus).

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A gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) sends up a tall spout.

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Some observers call the spout of a gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) "heart shaped."

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(1 of 2) An osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes called a sea hawk or sea eagle, is photographed feeding on a large fish atop the masthead of a sailboat in Santa Barbara Harbor.

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(2 of 2) An osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes called a sea hawk or sea eagle, is photographed feeding on a large fish atop the masthead of a sailboat in Santa Barbara Harbor.

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Three rafting California sea lions (Zalophus californianus).

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A California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) smiles for the camera.

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Workers aboard the dredge barge "La Encina."

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