We didn’t even have to enter the ocean to find wildlife today! We found a pod of ~50 common dolphins before we even left the jetties. It was a feeding frenzie! We got to observe a unique hunting behavior – the dolphins were swimming upside down to trap fish between their bellies and the surface to before snatching them up with their beaks!
We had an amazing day full of wildlife! On our afternoon trip, we set out to the north, hugged the coast and enjoyed feeding frenzies with terns diving on big schools of fish, likely mackerel! We spotted a Mola mola hanging out at the surface! We were at the La Jolla Canyon beyond the drop-off and spotted a huge pod of ~300 Short-beaked Common dolphin! They were surrounded our boat! There were such tiny calves seen all around us. We were so happy to see big breaches, leaps, and tail-slapping! We turned in and hung out with a big feeding frenzy with ~150 Long-beaked Common dolphin and birds! They coordinated their efforts as they swam upside down chasing fish!
We had a beautiful but sad sunset trip. We encountered a juvenile Humpback whale traveling north only a few miles outside of Mission Beach. It was entangled in a huge fishing net with 30 buoys all around it. We notified the proper authorities at NOAA and sent them photos and any information regarding the dive time, travel speed, and location. Since the Humpback was sighted so late in the day, they weren’t able to deploy a team. We will be on high alert tomorrow. If it continues north, it’s possible it will be beyond San Diego, but we will definitely be keeping an eye out. If you or someone you know sees it, please notify Sea World Rescue: 800-541-SEAL. Thank you! We did get views of Long-beaked Common dolphins everywhere we went and the sunset was stunning!
Naturalists,
Alison & Vanessa
