[CINC] Condor, Sunday, 28 Dec 08

[Kenneth A. Tatro]

Hi folks,

6 Orcas
1700 Common Dolphin

Very interesting day on the Condor.

First venturing out toward Anacapa we encountered a large pod of the  
commons, about 1000, moving slowly almost as if they were feeding.   
This was to the great delight of a young lady of 10, who has dolphin  
images not only on her bed spread, but all over the walls of her  
Boston bedroom.  This was her first sighting of dophins in the wild.

Then we turned and ventured way east to pick up on a pod of four Orcas  
and another pair somewhat off from them that the Islander, of IPCO,  
had spotted and was finishing up their run.

This group was at the West end of what we all regard as the Malibu  
coast, and slowly moving east. It being such a clear day, we could see  
Catalina in the distance form our location with the Orcas.  A bit of  
an extra reach for the Condor out of SB.  But for Orcas, ... we go the  
distance.

The four had one large male with a dorsal that I would say was at  
least three feet high, and three females of standard size for females.

Din Dal Bon was on PID and Bob Perry was on board shooting away as  
usual.  Of course the folks were loaded with a nice cross section of  
cameras, so many a good shot was had be all.

As we were finishing up with the Orcas, a large pod of common dolphin  
was coming straight at us from the south.  We estimated it to be about  
500 strong.  Then as we turned to move toward them, they made an  
abrupt about face and headed south at warp speed. Just about all of  
them getting big air every time they surfaced. Captain Mat, and we  
agreed, thought they sensed the Orcas were here and decided it better  
to cut some real distance from them.  Quite  sight to see, to be sure.

Time to head for SB, a long run home was ahead.  About half way we  
encountered another pod of the commons, this time a group of about 200  
strong. Our hard core Red Sox fan of 10 with the Dolphin Room was in  
dolphin heaven to be sure. Not just one dolphin, but three LARGE  
GROUPS of dolphin, doing what they do normally do in the wild.

My second Orca sighting. Dino's first, as it was for the 34 guests on  
board.

Another great day on the channel.

Ken Tatro