We are Counting again and on our first day of our eleventh annual survey of the northbound Gray whale migration through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel, we are on the board: two pairs of young, northbound Gray whales made their way west past us and also crossing paths with at least four southbound Gray whales going east through the Channel.

In the early morning, we saw a Sea lion pup resting on a rock, just catching some rays and a respite. We had two sightings of at least one Harbor seal.

There were no Bottlenose dolphins on our first day, but we were very excited to see three groups of Pacific White-sided dolphins and three groups of Common dolphins. It was strange that all the Common groups were quite small. One consisted of only three, but they seemed happy finding fish.

It was very fun greeting old friends and introducing them to our new Research Assistants Ashley and Samara who managed a great first day. Thanks to all.

Gray whales northbound (all) 4 | Calves 0 — 2015 Count 004 | 000

Hours 7:55