2004 Whale Sightings: Farallon Islands

WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER 20-21, 04

Saturday, November 20, 2004: Sightings of large numbers of threatened Steller's sea lions was a highlight of The Salty Lady's trip to the Farallon Islands. The Steller sea lion is the largest of the eared seals. The species can be distinguished from other sea lions and seals by the male's disproportionately large necks. While whales were elusive, trip leader Gail Broesder and the group did observe a variety of marine life including elephant seals, harbor porpoises and ocean sunfish. Seabird sightings included sooty shearwaters, pelicans, surf scoters, and murres.

Sunday, November 21, 2004: Aboard the New Keesa, Sunday's group enjoyed spectacular views of the Farallon Islands on this clear day. Naturalist Susan Sherman and the group observed California and Steller's sea lions, Northern elephant and harbor seals, harbor porpoises, and many sea birds including: pacific loons, western grebes, northern fulmars, pink-footed shearwaters, double-crested cormorants, black oyster-catchers and pigeon guillemots.

 

WEEKEND OF NOVEMBER 6-7, 04

Saturday November 6, 2004: On an overcast, early winter trip, naturalist Gail Broesder and a group of 37 aboard the New Keesa saw the first whales for several weeks, spotting a very early-arriving gray whale just outside the Golden Gate Bridge at 9:05 am. The group also spotted one minke whale near the islands in sanctuary waters. Twenty plus Risso's dolphins were viewed eastward of the islands as well as California sea lions, harbor seals, and a large quantity of harbor porpoises near the bridge. Other marine species observed included ocean sunfish, western grebes, northern fulmars, pink-footed and sooty shearwaters, double-crested cormorants, cassin's aukelets, pelicans, moon jellies and sea nettles.

Sunday November 7, 2004: The New Keesa took to the seas on a calm, flat Pacific ocean and naturalist Susan Sherman and 24 passengers had an up close and personal look at a group of 11 Risso's dolphins who swam with the boat for 45 minutes. The group also observed California sea lions, Steller's sea lions, northern elephant seals, harbor seals, and harbor porpoises. Seabirds that were viewed included pacific loons, western grebes, pink-footed and sooty shearwaters, pelicans, double- crested cormorants, black oyster-catchers, caspian terns and pigeon guillemots.

WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 14, 04

Friday October 14, 2004: On a calm, overcast day, the New Keesa spotted 6 humpback whales feeding, 11 miles east of the islands. The whales came within 50' of the vessel and the group was able to observe multiple blows and flukes. Later in the day, one solitary whale remained in the same location. . The expedition also sighted large quantities of feeding sea lions following their boat, harbor seals and harbor porpoises. Other marine species observed included quite a few seabirds: Western grebes, double-crested cormorants, pelicans, terns and murres, moon jellies and sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 9, 04

The Tamalpais departed the Tiburon/Angel Island ferry terminal on a seemingly glorious day only to run into 8' to 10' swells while at sea. Despite the difficult conditions, the group observed two sets of humpback whales on their trip, the first group of three exhibiting a blow, and a second group of two, who breached, and slapped their tails and flippers on the water. The group also reported our second sighting of the season of a leatherback sea turtle, spotted five miles east of Fort Cronkite. They also reported sightings of California sea lions, harbor seals and a group of 20 harbor porpoises

Seabird sightings included western grebes, pink-footed shearwaters, Brandt's cormorants, elegant terns, Cassin's auklets, and pigeon guillemots. Other marine species observed included ocean sunfish, moon jellies and sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 3, 04

Naturalist Juan-Carlos Solis and 41 whale-watchers aboard the New Keesa reported the sighting of a comparatively rare northern fur seal a half mile south of the islands. The lone male had his flippers up and out of the water as the group viewed him. Sunday's expedition also encountered 7 humpback whales and stayed with a group of 3 for over an hour, observing flukes and feeding behavior within 100 yards of the vessel. The trip also had an excellent viewing of a group of harbor porpoises just west of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as some sightings of California sea lions.

Bird species observed included Clark's grebes, buller's shearwaters, black storm-petrels, Brandt's cormorants, red-necked pharalopes, parasitic jaegers, Caspian terns, and tufted puffins. The group also observed ocean sunfish, moon jellies, and sea nettles

WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 2, 04

Naturalist Gail Boesch was aboard the New Keesa with 40+ members of Bay Area environmental organization Save the Bay. The Save the Bay group sighted 6 humpback whales on Saturday, a group of 3 four miles west of the Farallones, and another group of 3 five miles east of the Farallones. Both groups of humpbacks exhibited blowing and fluke behavior and came as close as 30' to the boat. The group also encountered a blue shark and groups of harbor seals, harbor porpoises and California sea lions.

Bird species observed included western grebes, pelagic cormorants, black scoters, Forster's terns, and Cassin's auklets. Other marine species the group sighted included ocean sunfish, moon jellies and sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 24, 04

Naturalist Juan Carlos Solis and the New Keesa encountered a group of 7 humpback whales west of the Golden Gate Bridge. The group was observed feeding at less than 100' from the boat. Returning from the islands, the group briefly observed 2 more humpback whales. Other marine mammals observed included groups of harbor seals and porpoises and California sea lions.

Bird species viewings included pigeon guillemots, Caspian terns, sooty shearwaters, and double-crested, Brandt's and pelagic cormorants. The group also observed ocean sunfish, moon jellies, and sea nettles while at sea.

 

 

WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 19, 04

The highlight of this expedition aboard the New Keesa with naturalist Gail Boesch was the sighting of a leatherback sea turtle, described as the "largest I've seen" by our expert on board. Sunday's trip also reported humpback whales, 2 at approximately 4 miles west of the Farallones, and a group of three right outside the Golden Gate Bridge. The group also observed a blue shark, California sea lions and a group of nine harbor porpoises.

Bird species observed included ashy storm petrels, pink-footed shearwaters, pelagic cormorants, and Cassin's anklets. Other marine life included large and small ocean sunfish, moon jellies, and sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 18, 04

The New Keesa, with naturalist Susan Sherman and 37 whale watchers aboard, reporting locating three humpback whales 7-8 miles out from the Farallones. They stayed with the group for 45 minutes, observing flukes and deep dive feeding within 100-200 yards of the boat. They also reported extensive sightings of a group of 10 harbor porpoises and viewings of California sea lions and harbor seals.

Bird sightings included pink-footed shearwaters, double-crested cormorants, south polar skuas, pomarime jaegers, rhinoceros auklets, marbled murrelets, pigeon guillemots, Caspian terns and brown pelicans. Other marine species observed included ocean sunfish, moon jellies, and sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 11, 04

Saturday, September 11, 2004: Naturalist Susan Sherman aboard the New Keesa reported good looks at many marine pinnipeds, including California sea lions, northern elephant seals, harbor seals and harbor porpoises. Only one humpback was in the ship's vicinity, but they were able to observe the cetacean for 45 minutes and reported spouting, flukes, tail slapping and deep dive feeding.

Bird sightings included pink-footed and sooty shearwaters, double-crested, Brandt's and pelagic cormorants, red-necked pharalopes, pomarine jaegers, common murres and brown pelicans. Other marine species observed included ocean sunfish, moon jellies, and sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 6, 04

Monday, September 6, 2004: One of the best trips of the season! On Monday, September 6th, naturalist Peter Winch and 44 whale watchers aboard the Salty Lady, reported sighting a wide variety of marine species. On a sunny, windless day with 3' to 5' swells, the group reported sighting a humpback blowing 5 miles west of the Farallones. Over the next two hours, they observed 40 humpbacks in the vicinity, feeding at depth and some approached within 25' of the vessel. The group also reported 300 Pacific white-sided dolphins in the same area and observed bow riding behaviors. The group also reported sightings of 50 California sea lions, 5 northern right whale dolphins, 3 harbor porpoises and 3 harbor seals.

Bird sightings included 150 common murres, 50 Cassin's auklets, 50 western gulls, 20 Heerman's gulls, 7 red-necked phalaropes, 30 Brandt's cormorants, 20 pelagic cormorants, and 200 sooty shearwaters. Other marine species observed included a blue shark, 3 ocean sunfish, 50 moon jellies and 60 sea nettles.

WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER, 4-5, 04

Monday, September 5, 2004: (San Francisco trip aboard Salty Lady). One of the best trips of the season! 40 humpback whales were sighted, 300 Pacific-white sided dolphins and 5 sleek Northern right whale dolphins. Pacific white-sided and Northern right whale schools often are found swimming together in large herds. Northern right whale dolphins, like their name sake the right whale, have no dorsal fins and are therefore easy to identify at sea. To the delight of whale watchers and photographers, the humpbacks and dolphins stayed in the vicinity for over two hours. Often the dolphins returned to the boat to bowride, sometimes leaping clear out of the water.

Nine species of birds were recorded including 200 Sooty shearwater and 150 Common murres. Other sightings included ocean sunfish, blue shark, harbor seals and 50 California sea lions.

Saturday, September 4, 2004 (San Francisco trip aboard New Keesa). Nine miles from the continental shelf, whale watchers were able to observe 3 humpback whales plus a cow/calf pair that stayed around the boat for about 30 minutes. The most dramatic behavior was a powerful tail slap by one of the 3 adults. Tail slaps can be interpreted a number of ways including feeding behavior, communication or even a warning. Another highlight included a sighting of 15 Pacific white-sided dolphins and 20 harbor porpoise. 29 species of seabirds were recorded, the most to date, including hundreds of Sooty shearwater, Common murre, and Cassin's auklet.

WEEKEND OF AUGUST 28-29, 04

Saturday, August 28, 2004 (San Francisco trip aboard New Keesa). Naturalist Juan Carlos Solis reported an encounter with a humpback cow and calf on Saturday's trip. As the New Keesa sat at idle, the calf breached twice only 70 yards from the boat, much to the delight of whale watchers. Traveling southeast of the islands, Juan Carlos spotted a group of 4 humpback whales. Staying at the appropriate distance, we were able to observe the whales for 2 1/2 hours including lunge feeding behavior.

Krill, the whales favorite food, was seen in large abundance. A blue shark and ocean sunfish was documented, as well as 19 species of including Northern fulmar, Buller's shearwater, Sooty shearwater, Short- tailed shearwater, brown pelican, Double-crested, Brandt's and Pegalic cormorants, Heerman's, Herring gull, and Western gulls, Caspian tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet, Rhinoceros auklet and Tufted puffin.

Saturday, August 28, 2004 (Tiburon trip aboard Tamalpais). The highlight of the Tamalpais trip was observing 6-7 humpback whales plus 100 sea lions all feeding in the same area. The sea seemed to be foaming with activity as sea lions and humpback were actively pursuing their prey. Naturalist Susan Sherman reported another ca. 20 humpbacks in the distance. Great views of 300-400 lb. mola mola, the world's largest bony fish, was another highlight. Up to 45 harbor porpoise were spotted and California sea lions, Northern elephant seals and harbor seals rounded out the marine mammal sightings. Seabird sightings included Pink-footed shearwater, Sooty shearwater, brown pelican, Double-crested, Brandt's and Pegalic cormorants, Black oyster catcher, Red-necked phalarope, Heerman's, Ring-billed gull, and Western gulls, Elegant tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet, and Tufted puffin.

Sunday, August 29, 2004 (San Francisco trip aboard New Keesa). Sundays trip offered calm seas and good sightings. Naturalist Izzy Szczpaniak spotted 6 humpback whales, some showing friendly behavior. Additional highlights included sightings of both Harbor and Dall's porpoise. Particpants were also treated to a sighting of a Black-footed albatross and large number of birds including 400 Sooty shearwaters and 200 Common murres.

 

WEEKEND OF AUGUST 20-22, 04

On Friday, August 20 we saw many humpback whales, harbor porpoise, California sea lions, harbor seals, blue shark and ocean sunfish. We had great looks at the humpback whales with some whales displaying feeding behavior within 40-50 feet of our vessel and another whale breaching approximately 70-100 feet from our vessel. We also saw a cow-calf pair traveling with an adult. We had 18 species of sea birds including Northern fulmar, Pink-footed shearwater, Buller's shearwater, Sooty sheawater, Storm petrel, Brown pelican, Double- crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, Pelagic cormorant, Red phalarope, Heermann's gull, Western gull, Caspian tern, Forster's tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet and Tufted puffins.

On Satuday, August 21 we saw 4 humpback whales. The whales were swimming-all single sightings and in different locations with them showing us their backs, blows and flukes. We also saw approximately 50 harbor porpoise, blue shark, ocean sunfish, moon jelly & sea nettle and 16 species of sea birds including Pink-footed shearwater, Sooty shearwater, Brown pelican, Double-crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, Pelagic cormorant, Black oystercatcher, Red- necked phalarope, Heermann's gull, Western gull, Elegant tern, Caspian tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet and Tufted puffins.

On Sunday, August 22 we saw a total of 17 humpback whales, 20 Pacific white- sided dolphins, approximately 80 harbor porpoise, California sea lion, Harbor seal, ocean sunfish, moon jelly and sea nettle. We went offshore and was rewarded with some large splashes in the distance. As we moved towards the whales, we continued to see lots of splashes. It turns out that this was a group of 5 humpback whales feeding. These whales were very active and working a school of prey. They were moving quickly as the prey moved.

We saw a wide variety of feeding behaviors. When we first encountered the whales there were 3 whales bunched closely together. They appeared to be swimming in unison, sometimes in a circular pattern and together all 3 would rise up out of the water in a feeding lunge. We could see their throat groves extended and water gushing out of the sides of their mouths before they slowly sank back into the water. Meanwhile the other two humpbacks, independently, were swimming outside of the group of three whales feeding on their own. They would make quick lateral lunges culminating with their heads coming partially out of the water.

After a while all five animals came together and moved off, apparently still following the prey as the feeding lunges would continue. On several occasions the 5 whales were lined up side- by-side making feeding runs. Throughout this entire time a large flock of western gulls were hovering over the whales diving into the water for "leftovers."

A group of 20-30 California sea lions were hanging with this group as well. We stayed with this group of whales for 40 minutes. During this time we saw another 8 whales scattered in the distance. We had a report of some dolphins (Lags) a little further offshore. We left the feeding group and headed to the area where the dolphin sighting was. On our way we encountered two humpbacks. It was a cow/calf pair. The calf breached a number of times so we delayed our search for the dolphins and we stayed with the whales.

While we were with the whales a group of 20 Pacific white-sided dolphins swam towards the boat. They circled the boat and then swam up to the bow, stayed at the bow for about 10 seconds and then swam off to the whales. The dolphins swam with the whales, bow-riding the adult's wave for a while. We stayed with the whales for about 30 minutes and the dolphins were with them for 25 of the 30 minutes. The adult engaged in a series of flipper slapping. The first time was before the Lags joined them. After the dolphins moved in with the whales the adult engaged in a series of flipper slapping twice.

At 13:00 we left the whales and headed towards the Southeast Farallon Islands. We stayed there for 35 minutes before heading back to San Francisco. On our way back we encounter two humpback whales. They were not very active and were slowly swimming towards the islands. We stayed with the two whales for about 15 minutes. We had a total of 16 species of sea birds including Pink-footed shearwater, Sooty sheawater, Brown pelican, Double- crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, Pelagic cormorant, Red-necked phalarope, Heermann's gull, Western gull, Caspian tern, Forster's tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet and Tufted puffins.

WEEKEND OF AUGUST 14-15, 04

On Saturday, August 14, we had two vessels at the Farallones, the New Keesa departing out of San Francisco and the Tamalpais departing from Tiburon. The weather was great with calm seas all day.

Participants aboard the New Keesa were delighted to view a number of humpback whale behaviors on Saturday. Lunge feeding was just one of the highlights. Whale watchers were able to observe the humpbacks rolling on their sides while lunging and gulping huge quantities of water and prey into their mouth with their throat plates extended. The whale then tightens its throat muscles to expel the water through the baleen leaving the food in their mouth. A whale can take in more than 500 gallons of prey and water in a single lunge and leave up to 100 pounds of food in their mouth! An average humpback whale may consume 3000 to 4000 pounds of food a day!

Another behavior seen was breaching-where the whale propels itself out of the wAAAA and comes down with a huge splash! In total, 6 humpback whales were seen on this trip, along with Harbor porpoise, California sea lions, Ocean sunfish (mola mola), and two varieties of invertebrates-moon jelly and sea nettle. We also saw 14 species of birds including Sooty shearwaters, Brown pelicans, Double-crested cormorants, Brandt's cormorants, Pelagic cormorants, Phalaropes, Heermann's gull, California gull, Western gull, Caspian tern, Common murres, Pigeon guillemots, Cassin's auklet and Tufted puffins.

Participants aboard the Tamalpais were also very happy with the whale behaviors seen on their trip. They saw the breaching displays of 4 different humpback whales. Another unique behavior seen was pec-slapping in which the whale lifts one long pectoral fin out of the water as it lies on its side then slaps it down on the surface of the water, creating a loud cracking sound. Scientists think that this appears to be a form of body language or signaling that is invitational rather than aggressive.

The captain decided to go offshore to the edge of the Continental Shelf and see if we could find dolphins and more whales and we were rewarded with a brief sighting of 8 pacific white-sided dolphins. Suddenly we saw two humpback whales who turned toward the vessel and started coming to the boat. The captain put the engines in neutral and the boat sat still as we watched the whales come closer and closer to us. These whales approached the boat and engaged in a behavior known to researchers as "friendly behavior". They stayed with the vessel for 45 minutes and we found ourselves captivated by these curious whales. The captain was able to turn the engines off so we could experience the sounds of the whales breathing through their blow holes. One whale actually exhaled right next to the boat, causing folks to get wet faces with the mist from the whale's breath. The whales repeatedly circled the boat, rubbed and softly bumped up against the boat, spy-hopped within several feet of us, rolled on their side and extended their pectoral flippers toward the boat sometimes tilting their head with an eye open, and appeared to look up at the boat and people on board.

Spy-hopping is another behavior in which a whale slowly rises vertically out of the water to the point where its eyes are above the surface of the water. Sometimes the whale would turn on its axis and appeared to look around. At the end of this graceful maneuver, the whale would slip back into the water, leaving behind only the tiniest of ripples. These whales appeared to check out every inch of the boat but inAAAAh a way that we thought they were practicing water ballet. With one whale on each side of the boat, they would slowly move down the side of the boat then cross underneath our boat and end up on the other side. We could see the white of their pectoral fins under the surface of the water and the tubercles (or bumps) on their rostrum (nose) as they surfaced. Suddenly, the whales turned around and started swimming away but not before gracing us with a few waves of their flukes (tails). This "friendly" behavior is a phenomenon that has been increasing each year, possibly because this new generation of whales have never known whaling and are becoming curious about boats. This contact was totally initiated by the whales and as one participant said:"this sighting has changed my life. If I live to be 100, I will never forget this incredible encounter!"

Rounding out our sightings for the Tamalpais, we had great looks at 20 Harbor porpoise, Ocean sunfish (mola mola), a Blue shark, California sea lions, Norther sea lions, Northern elephant seals, harbor seals, two varieties of invertebrates-moon jelly and sea nettle and 17 species of seabirds including Black-footed albatross, Pink-footed shearwater, Sooty shearwater, Brown pelican, Double-crested cormorants, Brandt's cormorants, Pelagic cormorants, Black oystercatcher, Heermann's gull, Western gull, Caspain terns, Elegant terns, Common murres, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet, Rhinoceros auklet and Tufted puffins.

On Sunday, August 15 the New Keesa went out and was rewarded with sightings of 1 humpback whale which we stayed with for around 35 minutes, and 1 gray whale hanging out around the Farallon Islands that we viewed for approximately 20 minutes. We also saw many sightings of harbor porpoise (~ 50 animals total for the day), ocean sunfish, California sea lions, moon jelly and 12 species of seabirds including Sooty shearwaters, Brown pelicans, Double-crested cormorants, Brandt's cormorants, Pelagic cormorants, Red phalaropes, Western gulls, Caspian terns, Common murres, Pigeon guillemots, Cassin's auklets and Tufted puffins.

WEEKEND OF AUGUST 7-8, 04

Saturday, August 7, 2004: Lunge feeding humpback whales was one of the highlights on Saturday's trip Whale watchers were able to observe the humpbacks roling on their sides while gathering huge quantities of water and prey items into their cavernous mouth. The animals then strained the water through their 2 foot long baleen plates and swallowed the remaining food. In total, four plus humpbacks were spotted by naturalist Gail Broesder including one breaching whale. Three gray whales were spotted close to the islands, often lifting their flukes clear out of the water. Harbor porpoise, California sea lions and Steller sea lions rounded out the marine mammal sightings. Participants had the opportunity to see 17 species of birds including Northern fulmar, Pink-footed shearwater, Sooty shearwater, Red-necked phalarope, red phalarope, brown pelican, double-crested, Brandt's and Pegalic cormorants, Heerman's, California, and Western gulls, Caspian tern, Common murre, Pigeon guillemot, Cassin's auklet, and Tufted puffin.

Sunday, August 8, 2004: Eight to twelve humpback whales feeding on Pacific sardines was the outstanding event on Sunday's trip to the Farallon Islands. Similar to Saturday, excellent lunge feeding behavior was witnessed. Leaving the feeding humpbacks naturalist Rich Wilson then spotted three gray whales in the same general area as Saturday's sightings. Harbor porpoise, harbor seals and some 250 California sea lions were observed. Over ten ocean sunfish were observed along with some 50 moon jelly invertebrates. Seabirds were in great abundance and over 1,000 common murre, 50 Pigeon guillemot, 500 plus Cassin's auklets were seen along with Northern fulmar, Western gull, and Tufted puffins.

 

WEEKEND OF JULY 31-AUG 1, 04

Trip Report: Saturday July 31: Cancelled due to weather

Sunday August 1: The first blue whales of the season were sighted on Sundays trip! The waters off Northern California are important feeding grounds for blue whales and sightings of these magnificent leviathans are expected to increase over the coming weeks. Whale watchers were also able to enjoy good views of 5 adult gray whales, and one juvenile near the Farallon Islands. Bow-riding Dall's porpoise, harbor porpoise, Steller sea lions, California sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals rounded out the marine mammal sightings. Participants also had great opportunities to observe and photograph Tufted Puffins. Naturalist Roger Harris, an expert birder, also logged 14 other species of seabirds including Black-footed albatross, Northern fulmar, Sooty shearwater, Cassin's auklet, Pigeon guillemot, Common murre, Elegant tern, Heermann's gull, Brown pelican, Double-crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorant, Pelagic cormorant, Western gull, and Red-necked phalarope.

WEEKEND OF JULY 24-25, 2004

Saturday July 24: Fabulous gray whale and humpback whale sightings were among the highlights of Saturday's trip to the Farallon Islands. The gray whales approached our vessel and to whale watchers delight, stayed with the boat for half an hour. Whale watchers were able to apply their newfound knowledge about gray whale surfacing behaviors to six humpback whales that were sighted near the edge of the continental shelf. The humpbacks were large enough to be considered adults and comprised of a pair, 3 single whales traveling together and a single not swimming in coordination with the others. The humpbacks stayed in the vicinity of our whale watching boat for over an hour and the long encounter gave naturalist Susan Sherman great opportunities to interpret a variety of behaviors. Other marine mammals sighted included California sea lions, Steller sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals, and harbor porpoise.

18 species of seabirds were sighted including Black-footed albatross, Northern fulmar, Pink-footed shearwater, Buller's shearwaters, Sooty shearwater, Tufted puffin, Rhinoceros auklet, Cassin's auklet, Pigeon guillemot, Common murre, Elegant tern, Brown pelican, double-crested cormorant, Brandt's cormorany, Pelagic cormorant, Western gull, Ring- billed gull, Black oystercatcher and Red-necked phalarope.

Sunday July 25, 2004: Sunday's Farallon Islands trip also enjoyed gray whale and humpback whale sightings but with a bonus of approximately 200 Pacific white-sided dolphins, 300 Northern right whale dolphins and 100 Risso's dolphins including adults and calves. The Pacific white-sided dolphins and Northern right whale dolphins were leaping clear of the the water, and rode the bow of the boat offering great photographic opportunities The Risso's were found in two groups and whale watchers were able to obtain good views of the mammals heads and fins.

Sunday's trip also saw four species of seals and seal ions as well as 17 species of seabirds including Black-footed albatross and Tufted puffin.

WEEKEND OF JULY 10-11, 2004

Breaching humpback whales was one of many highlights on Saturday's trip to the Farallon Islands. Whale watchers were able to observe two adult humpback whales for about 30 minutes with great opportunities to study the unique fluke patterns of the humpbacks. The tail, or flukes, of every humpback is different, like a fingerprint. Scientists use this natural marking to study individual humpback behavior and movements. Our approach to the islands was pleasantly interrupted when 5 gray whales were sighted, offering our naturalist a great opportunity to point out one of the key diagnostics when identifying different whale species: the margin of a humpback whale fluke has a slight S-curve and many knobby scallops, while a gray whale has broad center-notched flukes. Other marine mammal sightings included harbor porpoise, California sea lions and harbor seals. Another highlight was the sighting of a leatherback sea turtle -- our skipper logged the sightings by Global Positioning System and the turtle's location will be reported to the scientific community.

Tufted puffins, Pigeon guillemot, Rhinoceros auklets and Common murres were some of the many bird species sighted. Also observed were Red-necked phalarope, Sooty shearwater, Caspian tern, Forster's tern, Pelagic and Double-crested cormorants, and Western and Clark's grebe.

Participants on Sunday's trip also saw humpback and gray whales, harbor porpoises, 2 species of pinnipeds, plus 15 species of sea birds including a Northern fulmar sighting. Sunday's trip also had the opportunity to observe 4 ocean sunfish, the world's largest known bony fish. These giants grow to 5000 pounds on a diet primarily of jellyfish.

Miscellaneous: Naturalist Roger Harris dedicated some time to collect water samples for a water quality project through the University of California at Berkeley.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 19, 2004

Opening day for the Farallon Islands Whale Watch season was exceptional: calm seas, many whales, dolphins, seals and thousands of seabirds. A highlight of the trip was seeing 5-7 humpback whales near Southeast Farallon Island. Our naturalist noted that one humpback whale had his/her tail fluke edges missing, and the markings were such that he speculated perhaps the edges were bitten off by orcas or a large shark. Other marine mammal sightings included 35+ harbor porpoise, 20+ California sea lions and 30+ harbor seals. Notable bird sightings included 10,000+ Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Cassin's Auklet, Caspian Tern, Western Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Brown Pelican, and Western Grebe.

Note: Fishing boats are reporting consistent sightings of not only humpback whales but also blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived.