6 (±) Northbound Gray Whales
hundreds of Common Dolphins
100 Pacific White-Sided Dolphins
The wind was strong when we started but it calmed down as the temperature
dropped. Several passengers huddled inside between sightings to keep warm. The
sea was relatively flat. Visibility was excellent. There were signs of rain in
the sky all around, but fortunately we stayed dry.
Two or three of the grays were solitary travelers. Others were traveling in
pairs. All pretty steady on their migration route.
The common dolphins were interesting. We first encountered a group of only 30
or 40 who stayed underwater and out of sight more than typical, not much
jumping and playing. Maybe a scouting group of sorts… Shortly thereafter we
found ourselves surrounded in a more playful crowd of hundreds, with a few sea
lions in the mix.
At the end of the afternoon, on our way back to harbor, we had the lucky
sighting of Pacific white-sided dolphins with their beautifully arcing dorsal
fins. It’s always a joy to be out on the water, and to meet new animals!
Passengers from Utah, New Jersey, North and South Carolina, Arizona, Texas, and
Michigan joined a few locals, plus a soccer team from Dublin, Ireland. Mike
Delaney and I were the naturalists aboard. Big thanks to the IPCO team: Captain
Jason, Matt, and Joe!
Leslie
