October 4, 2008 Oceanic Society Naturalist Susan Sherman aboard Salty Lady--highlights include sighting 8 humpback whales
As is common, we spotted harbor porpoise shortly after passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Our first sighting of humpback whales was just west of Bolinas, and whale watchers were able to observe the animals closely for about 20 minutes. Enroute to the Farallones, we spotted another humpback in traveling mode, and then 2 more humpbacks five miles from the island. A cow-calf humpback pair was sighted as well as two more humpbacks, offering grat looks at whales all day long. A hightlight included observing various whale behaviors including plipper slapping and peduncle slapping. As this is shark season, participants also saw two slicks of blook which was the end result of an earlier shark attack. Whale watchers also enjoyed seeing California sea lions, elephant seals and harbor seals.
Bird sightings included: Clark's and Western grebe, Pink-footed, Buller's and Sooty shearwater, Brown pelicans, Brandt's, Pelagic and Double Crested cormorant, Black oystercatcher, Surfscoter, Heerman's gull, Pomarine jaeger, Western, and Heerman's gull, Elegant tern, Common mure, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's and Rhinoceros auklet.
October 5: Oceanic Society Naturalist Roger Harris aboard Salty Lady- highlights include sightings of humpback and blue whales plus a leatherback turtle
Whale watchers on Sunday's trip delighted at good looks at two humpback whales and were amazed at the opportunity to see the largest animal that has ever lived on earth the majestic blue whale. Dive sequences were observed and photographers appreciated a dramatic lift of the blue whale's 12-foot fluke in preparation of a long dive. The crew, naturalist and whale watchers were thrilled to spot a leatherback turtle NE of the islands. The group had fantastic view of the sea turtle for 20 minutes A herd of over 1000 Pacific white-sided dolphins intermixed with approximately 200 Risso's dolphins surrounded the vessel and everyone was able to get good looks with many dolphins taking turns riding the bow of the vessel. Whale watchers also enjoyed seeing Harbor porpoises, California sea lions, elephant seals, and harbor seals.
Bird sightings included: Northern fulmar, Buller's, Pink-footed and Sooty shearwaters, Pomarine and Parasitic jaegers, Western grebe, Clark's grebe, Brown pelican, Double-crested, Brandt's and Pelagic cormorants, Surf scoter, Heerman's, Glaucous-winged and Western gulls, Elegent tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemots, Cassin's and Rhinoceros auklets.
Naturalist led trips to the Farallon Islands and, weather permitting, the Continental Shelf depart from San Franciscoo on weekends May through November. Trips are filling up. Make your reservations today! Call (415) 474-3385. Or simply download our registration form and fax it to our office, (415) 474-3395. Or register via Acteva as offered at the bottom of the Farallon Islands schedule.
In cooperation with Cascadia Research, the Oceanic Society sponsors long-term humpack whale research in the Gulf of the Farallones. Many of the whale watching trips include dedicated whale field researchers.