11-05-2014: Humpback Whale Lunge-Feeding Event Just Outside Moss Landing Harbor

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
This was a non-stop lunge-feeding event from morning until dark. Notice the anchovies jumping in the foreground. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com, 11-05-2014.

Perfect conditions today. All day long. I had a short 1 hour private tour in the morning and nothing else scheduled for the rest of the day.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
Double lunger. The pink area that looks like a tongue is actually the whale’s palate. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com, 11-05-2014.

 

After getting out there and seeing non-stop surface lunge-feeding, perfect marine conditions, I was planning on getting back out as soon as possible after the short morning charter.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
Perfect lighting as the sun got lower in the sky. Photo: Michael Sack, 11-05-2014.

After I tied off, I hurried off to the Whole Enchilada Marketplace, picked up a sandwich and shoved off for a solo photo mission. The conditions were just too perfect.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
Close in lunge-feeding humpbacks. Literally just outside the harbor. Photo: Michael Sack, 11-05-2014.

As soon as I left the harbor I could tell the frenzy was still on. Birds, sea lions and the big fatty-head of the mighty humpback whale closing in on a 4,500+ LB day of feeding.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
More lunge feeding. It didn’t stop all day long. Photo: Michael Sack, 11-05-2014.

All within a few minutes of the harbor. The Moss Landing Whale park was in full-swing.

Moss Landing Humpback Whale
More lunging. Photo: Michael Sack, 11-05-2014.
Moss Landing Humpback Whale
Non-stop all day long. Photo: Michael Sack, 11-05-2014.

Moss Landing Humpback WhaleMoss Landing Humpback WhaleMoss Landing Humpback WhaleMoss Landing Humpback Whale

 

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