09-02-2014: Breaching Humpbacks and A Tail Slapping, Kelp Playing Young Humpback

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
This humpback breached a handful of times. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.

The humpback whales continue feeding event just outside of Moss Landing Harbor. They’ve been coming and going within about a five mile area. We’re seeing spouts within a mile of leaving the harbor and all the way out to about 4-5 miles.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
This whale we came upon was doing these odd “chin slaps” as it moved through the water. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.

Most of the anchovies seem to be deep. So we’re also seeing some long dive cycles. But when they come up, it’s awesome. Especially if the sea lions getting in on the action.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
The breacher. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.

We’ve been seeing these marauding bands of 150-200 sea lions feeding alongside the humpbacks.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
More chin-slapping. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.

 

It’s neat to hear all the splashing and commotion of 200 some-odd sea lions surfacing all at once followed by the loud blast of whale spouts surfacing next to the boat. It’s quite the multi-sensory experience.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
The sea lions were great to see feeding along side the humpbacks. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.
Moss Landing Humpback Whale
This young humpback was rolling around in kelp paddy. It was quite amusing. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.
Moss Landing Humpback Whale
More kelp play. Photo: Michael Sack, 09-02-2014.

 

 

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