2019 10-27 SB Channel
-
SOME HIGH-FLYING SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHINS!
It is remarkable how conditions change from one day to the next during the fall season. Unlike yesterday’s glassy, hot conditions, today was characterized by a low stratus layer and it was fairly breezy. A discombobulated surface resulted from a southeasterly wind running against a northwest swell. These factors presented no real danger for our sturdy vessel and experienced crew. Nonetheless, it was a great wildlife experience! Sightings included at least 2000 common dolphins (some short-beaked and some long-beaked).
Observers that have had a lot of “luck” and enjoyed primarily calm seas and warm sunshine often form an unrealistic picture of our coastal waters as an environment for wildlife. In my opinion, a day with wild waves, sea spray and a bit of bump, is a great chance to experience the other side of the environmental coin. It also affords a different view of the animals living in these conditions.
We followed two very large pods of dolphins about an hour apart. The second group was moving west, against oncoming swells. What a sight it was to see these marvelous mammals busting through, under and over the waves. Many chose to be “high flyers,” leaping 10 feet or more in the air, after launching themselves off the top of a roller.
I admire these agile animals for their instinctual devotion to surfing. Today we saw continual examples of a herd moving west (against the swell, as previously mentioned). But, when a large “set wave” came through, many diverted from their migratory path, turned 180° and rode the big ones, even though it was the “wrong” direction! Natural born chargers for sure.
-
Read MoreSOME HIGH-FLYING SHORT-BEAKED COMMON DOLPHINS!
It is remarkable how conditions change from one day to the next during the fall season. Unlike yesterday’s glassy, hot conditions, today was characterized by a low stratus layer and it was fairly breezy. A discombobulated surface resulted from a southeasterly wind running against a northwest swell. These factors presented no real danger for our sturdy vessel and experienced crew. Nonetheless, it was a great wildlife experience! Sightings included at least 2000 common dolphins (some short-beaked and some long-beaked).
Observers that have had a lot of “luck” and enjoyed primarily calm seas and warm sunshine often form an unrealistic picture of our coastal waters as an environment for wildlife. In my opinion, a day with wild waves, sea spray and a bit of bump, is a great chance to experience the other side of the environmental coin. It also affords a different view of the animals living in these conditions.
We followed two very large pods of dolphins about an hour apart. The second group was moving west, against oncoming swells. What a sight it was to see these marvelous mammals busting through, under and over the waves. Many chose to be “high flyers,” leaping 10 feet or more in the air, after launching themselves off the top of a roller.
I admire these agile animals for their instinctual devotion to surfing. Today we saw continual examples of a herd moving west (against the swell, as previously mentioned). But, when a large “set wave” came through, many diverted from their migratory path, turned 180° and rode the big ones, even though it was the “wrong” direction! Natural born chargers for sure.
-
