As we were setting up, we saw blows east of us, and we started 2 minutes early as a second mother/calf appeared at the eastern edge of the Isla Vista kelp. Multiple Cow/calf pairs are a lot of fun and can be an interesting challenge to figure out the composition of the clusters, and, at times, what they are doing.

We saw several breaches, lots of rolling around, bubble blasts, flukes, and whales going every which way but what we might expect. The whale above was lunging suddenly while opening her mouth, perhaps to skim something on or just below the surface. Her stunt provided us with an opportunity to get a good look at Gray whale baleen. Nice.

In addition to lots of pairs, we saw a single whale, big ... which made us think there might be a calf on, maybe the other side of her, but, we are certain he or she was alone.

We saw a couple of small groups of Bottlenose dolphins; no Lags or Commons. We found a couple of Harbor seals, but not an otter ... Yes, there were a lot of whales which commanded our attention.

A young California sea lion, came on the beach in front of us and climbed atop a big rock. Unfortunately, a dog charged and the sea lion went back in the water.

Gray whales northbound (all) 23 | Calves 11 — 2016 Count 967 | 75

Time Counting: 8h 02m

Let’s keep this Good Thing Going ... Please help with a donation.