[CINC] Condor Sat Dec 6th

[Kevin Bailey]

Hi All,

2 pairs of Blues (that makes 4)

100+ Risso's

5 Coastal Bottlenose Dolphins

2 Offshore Bottlenose Dolphins

Maybe 1 sea otter (I thought I  saw it but no one else did)

Pelicans everywhere

Countless other sea birds

At least one jellyfish

 

Today on the Condor was another picture perfect day for PID. I was joined by
Toni Bailey and Dean Benjamin along with 19 fun seekers, mostly from Europe.
As soon as we left the SB Harbor we immediately saw a handful of Bottlenose
Dolphins beyond the breakwater. As we left the harbor the skies were crystal
clear and the water was like glass.  We next saw 3 sea lions hanging out
doing their thermoregulation gig and several large groups of pelicans just
sitting in the glassy waters. There were pelicans everywhere. It looked like
they were every 300 yards the whole day and while cruising along SCI they
covered all the rocks. I think every pelican on the west coast was
vacationing in Santa Barbara for the weekend. We also saw sea lions
throughout the day including one who circled the boat twice to get a good
look at every person on deck. I think he was looking for some free fish but
we had none.

Our first real sighting was a large group of Risso's. Unlike ones I have
seen before, that come and go rather quickly, this large group of 100+
animals was spread out over quite a distance. We hung out together for 15-20
minutes and got some really great close up views. Mixed in with the Risso's
were 2 Offshore Bottlenose Dolphins which were darker than the ones we
regularly see immediately off the beach.

Mat had heard there has been Orca sightings from a private boater at 9am
this morning and that about 5 had been seen in the channel the past few
days. Once again, our hopes were dashed with no orcas.

At about 11:30 am we were off of SRI and saw 2 Blues in the distance - we
headed this direction looking for southbound Grays, Humpbacks, Blues, Orcas
or any other large swimming beasts. Soon after, we saw another pair toward
SCI. Both pairs were moving at a pretty good speed but during their
breathing cycles we got some awesome views and great PID of all 4 whales. We
were even treated to one whale who showed us its tail fluke several times
(at least 4).

The water was calm all day, even out to SRI, along SCI and all the way home.
I think it was one of the calmest trips we have been on. It was nice to have
no sick passengers and everyone had a great time.

Kevin Bailey, PID

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