[CINC] sightings May 9 on the Vanguard

[ThusOne at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/10/2008 7:14:18 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
nkvanslyke at verizon.net writes:


> 
>     Yesterday I was on a trip to Anacapa.  On the way out we saw three 
> humpbacks -- nice views but no tail flukes or anything 
> spectacular.  However, on the way back I saw the most outstanding 
> sighting that I have seen in seven years as a naturalist -- a 
> humpback whale repeatedly breaching - not once -- not twice -- not 
> ten times but a total of 49 times according to a Los Angeles Times 
> reporter that was sitting next to me on the Vanguard.  While not all 
> of those breeches were close to the boat many were.  She started her 
> counting as soon as the whale was spotted and continued until the 
> whale could no longer be seen.  Who knows how many more breaches 
> there were.  An that didn't include all the rolling, pec slaps and 
> other spectacular behaviors.  I think it is going to be hard to see 
> anything that will surpass that.  Hope that whale stays out there 
> that active for others to see.   I imagine the travel article that 
> she is writing will have a lot about that.
> 
> Kathy Van Slyke
> 

Wow, that is unusual.   49 times?  My first reaction would be of concern for 
this whale's welfare.   Just goes to show how little we do know about them.   
Was she trying to get rid of a parasite? (not likely)  Trying to straighten a 
twisted gut or something?  Or dislodge something she ate by mistake?   

Thanks for sharing this.

Shirley Johnson



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