2014 08-21 SB Channel
It was all about long beaked common dolphins everywhere we roamed around the northeast Santa Barbara Channel. Captain Dave estimated well over 3,000, and there were scads of little calves in the mix. One was so small Dave commented that it was about the same size as the black vented shearwaters that were buzzing around the herds. At least a dozen Minke whales were also seen in this region.
So after watching these mammals mixed with a lot of California sea lions, on a sunny clear day without a hint of stratus, it was 2nd Captain Eric's sharp eyes (and binoculars) that eventually put us on the humpback whales. We watched 3 humpbacks today and had great looks at the two Eric spotted. In fact one of the two surfaced within a few yards of the Condor Express on two separate occasions and, after the initial shock, gave extremely close looks to all the whale fans on board.
One very curious behavior can be seen in the humpback whale photographs below. When the friendly whale (Top Notch) surfaced near the boat on two occasions, it had a stream of muddy water that appeared to be ejected from the sides of its mouth. It was similar to what we see when gray whales rise up after bottom feeding. (Jason on the Stardust sportfishing boat insists that all the anchovies are near the bottom right now). I don't know if anyone has recorded this behavior in the past.
Is this a great time for Fall weather and local mammals wonderful or what !
- - - -
Here it comes ! A humpback whale spouts as it heads directly at the camera.
Megaptera novaeangliae 2014 08-21 SB Channel-b-041
An extremely friendly humpback whale greets its fan club.
Megaptera novaeangliae & passengers 2014 08-21 SB Channel-a-141
Image 1 of 3: A very close approach by a friendly humpback whale reveals something new. A mud stream can be seen being ejected from the mouth.
Megaptera novaeangliae ejecting mud & passengers 2014 08-21 SB Channel-z-003
Humpback whale (with a common dolphin in the background)
Megaptera novaeangliae 2014 08-21 SB Channel-b-020
Minke whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata 2014 08-21 SB Channel-020
"Saw Tooth," the big Minke whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata 2014 08-21 SB Channel-068
A very close look at the head of a friendly humpback whale
Megaptera novaeangliae 2014 08-21 SB Channel-b-026
A California sea lion leans over on its side to take a breath on the surface
Zalophus californianus 2014 08-21 SB Channel-003
Minke whale
Balaenoptera acutorostrata 2014 08-21 SB Channel-022
California sea lion
Zalophus californianus 2014 08-21 SB Channel-004
