Today was about the whales.

We have never before Counted this many whales in a single day. It was a full day with haze and low contrast and, for most of the day, a 3 Beaufort sea condition that was certainly less than optimal. Nonetheless, the whales had their way. In eight hours we Counted 53 northbound Gray whales migrating through the nearshore of the Santa Barbara Channel and past Counter Point.

We saw a Harbor seal; and Bottlenose, Common, and Pacific White-sided dolphins. We recorded 21 sightings of northbound Gray whales; no southbound; and all whales were identified.

Great work Counters: Research Assistants- Samara Trevella and Ashley Steinkraus with student intern Jimmy Ambach managed the data, while Observers Brittany Burrows, Susie Dell, Annette Winter, Paul Genis, Von Jasma, and Bonnie Murdock found many, many whales and helped keep sightings on track.

a wonderful day ...

Gray whales northbound (all) 53 | Calves 0 — 2015 Count 335 | 000

Hours 8:00