[CINC] 9.20.09 Condor Express

[Carol C.]

1 Blue
8 + Minkes
9 Blue Sharks
500 or so Commons
Acres of seabirds

Fellow naturalists: Kevin Bailey and Barbara LaCorte (PID)
Crew: Captain Matt, Dennis, and Amanda

The day started out pretty overcast with calm seas. Capt. Matt had our course set for Anacapa Island. Along the way we encountered a few pods of Commons and a couple of Minkes.

Not to long after we arrived to the front of Anacapa we came across a lone Blue whale that Capt. Matt estimated at 65'. We stayed with it for awhile as it fed.

Capt. Matt then announced that we were going to go search for the sperm whale that was reported in the area the day before. We were distracted within a few minutes when we came across acres of seabirds, including Sootys and pelicans. And in the middle of them were a few Minkes feeding. The Minkes were coming close to the boat as we were in the middle of their dinner table, and we were able to get some nice views of them. The Minkes began to lunge feed in front of us! It was quite a sight to see! We saw their baleen and throat pleats, and were even treated to seeing their heads fully come out of the water (not sure I'd classify it as a spy hop.) And if the sight we were witnessing was not amazing enough, then around 9 blue sharks made an appearance and made the feeding even more exciting to watch! 

Alas, we had to make our journey back to Santa Barbara and leave the spectacular lunch time feeding behind. On the way back we came across more Commons, and passed at least 5 more Minkes.

Good times!


      
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