[CINC] Question

[Dean Benjamin]

I am loathe to expose my ignorance to our august group of naturalists, but
this one really has me puzzled.  I came across 4 animals yesterday, about ½
mile off the Mandalay Power Plant at about 18:30.  Two were most likely
bottlenose dolphins.  The other two were solid black, at least as much of
the body as I could see (no clear view of the head, tail, or lower portion
of the body).  Dorsal fins about 2 feet high.  Exhalation was visible
although no well defined and not huge, and I estimate the length to be 9-12
feet.  Water temperature 68 degrees F.

 

My thoughts are:

Dall’s Porpoise – I observed no white coloration. 

Orcas – these were too small and juvenile Orcas would not be alone, and the
bottlenose would not have stayed close.

Melon-headed Whale – perhaps, although they are generally in larger groups.

Pygmy Killer Whale – perhaps, although not commonly seen in California and
Baja.

False Killer Whale – these were too small and the bottlenose would not have
been nearby.

Short-finned Pilot Whale – these were again too small to have been this
species.

Bottlenose which were all black???

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

Dean

 

 

 

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