06-13-2015: More Young Humpback Hijinx, Mating Sea Otters and More

Moss Landing Tail-lobbing Humpback Whale
This tail-lobber also gave us a few good solid breaches. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com 06-13-2015

The last couple of days  we’ve had overcast, fog-like conditions in the morning giving way to clearer conditions as the day goes on. After the first hour or two, it’s been clearing up nicely.

Moss Landing Sea Otter
Here are a couple of mating sea otters. The males typically bite on the female’s nose. That’s how we generally identify females. By their either bloddy or scarred nose. Photo: Michael Sack, 06-13-2015. www.sanctuarycruises.com 06-13-2015

That’s when we start seeing blows all around. The occasional breaching in the distance. Often when we head out to a breaching whale the animal just keeps on doing it. Sometimes they just stop and you don’t see them again. The marine life out here is very unpredictable. I guess that’s what makes life interesting out here.

Moss Landing Sea Lion
We’ve never seen a sea lion eating a Mola Mola. We have seen them appear to harass molas and tear their fins off. But this seemed to be eating this thing. Mola molas, AKA “giant ocean sunfish”, are known to have a foul membrane covering their skin that makes them unappealing for most animals. Photo: Michael Sack, 06-13-2015. www.sanctuarycruises.com

For me, it’s almost an addiction. To see the rare encounters. To get the perfect photograph or video of that rare encounter. And if we’re lucky enough to stumble across the rare encounter or behavior we can only hope that all the elements come together for good media production.

Moss Landing Mating Sea Otters
It sure seems ruff on the females. But this seems to be how they do it. Photo: Michael Sack, www.sanctuarycruises.com.

That’s what drives me. I love marine life photography and video. Conditions are everything. When everything comes together it’s quite the rush. Light wind, small swell and good light at the right angle and I’m as happy as can be.

 

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