2018 02-20 SB Coast
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It was our first coastal gray whale watch of the season and great late afternoon trip. One gray whale and over 1000 long-beaked common dolphins were closely watched. It was a bit breezy, but clear as a bell. You could see all four islands, Point Conception and Bony Ridge too.
We left the harbor at 3 o’clock in by 3:15 Dave had located a juvenile gray whale heading north. The whale was close to the beach and it was a small one, probably a yearling. We follow this whale all along Hendry’s Beach, and past the lighthouse, for about a half an hour. During this time it traveled alongside the Condor Express most of the time. At one point the little whale paused and spy-hopped (as if it was taking a look at us).
Dave then ran west looking for whales all the way to Campus Point. Here we turned offshore and ran several miles searching for other species. Soon a mega pod of at least 1,000 dolphins located the Condor Express. The dolphins were moving up hill against the swells and fighting the winds. It was a spectacular view. The trip home to the Harbor was much calmer with the wind and seas at our stern.
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Read MoreIt was our first coastal gray whale watch of the season and great late afternoon trip. One gray whale and over 1000 long-beaked common dolphins were closely watched. It was a bit breezy, but clear as a bell. You could see all four islands, Point Conception and Bony Ridge too.
We left the harbor at 3 o’clock in by 3:15 Dave had located a juvenile gray whale heading north. The whale was close to the beach and it was a small one, probably a yearling. We follow this whale all along Hendry’s Beach, and past the lighthouse, for about a half an hour. During this time it traveled alongside the Condor Express most of the time. At one point the little whale paused and spy-hopped (as if it was taking a look at us).
Dave then ran west looking for whales all the way to Campus Point. Here we turned offshore and ran several miles searching for other species. Soon a mega pod of at least 1,000 dolphins located the Condor Express. The dolphins were moving up hill against the swells and fighting the winds. It was a spectacular view. The trip home to the Harbor was much calmer with the wind and seas at our stern.
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Gray whale portrait, left side of head.
Eschrichtius robustus 2018 02-20 SB Coast-b-116
Gray whale begins its descent
Eschrichtius robustus 2018 02-20 SB Coast-b-018
Partially obscured by waves, a gray whale spouts.
Eschrichtius robustus 2018 02-20 SB Coast-b-016
Above and below the waterline...a gray whale.
Eschrichtius robustus 2018 02-20 SB Coast-b-062
