As we waited for our boat, we admired the shorebirds, who were hoping for a bite or two of waffles from the diners at Polly's on the Pier.
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| Brown Pelican |
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| Juvenile Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron |
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| Voyager Excusions |
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| Sea Lions |
Our first whale was this juvenile humpback whale about a mile from shore.
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| Too close for comfort. |
As we headed out to sea, we passed hundreds of common dolphins.
Some joined us for part of the journey.
Although the gray whales are migrating from Alaska to Baja California, we didn't spot any. We did, however, see a pod of fin whales, the second largest whales after the blue whale. Fin whales can grow to over 80 feet, and are often called the greyhounds of the sea for their speed and sleek shape. On our return trip, two of the whales emerge about 100 yards in front of our boat.
We had such a great time, we may try our luck again in the summer, when the blue whales migrate north.
Hello:
ReplyDeleteAs a grey, sludgey day comes to a close in Budapest, this spot of whale watching is just the tonic needed to lift the spirits [before lifting the spirits in a glass that is]!!
What a marvellous experience and in such idyllic surroundings.Glorious moments captured beautifully in these wonderful images!
Thank you so much for the kind comment. It is wonderful when the weather cooperates!
DeleteI love to go whale watching. They are so magnificent to see, I never fail to be awed by their beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a wonderful trip! Terrific photos, my camera always seems to be left at home sadly.
Jennifer
This is actually the first time I've seen whales while on a whale watching trip. I've seen their spouts from the shore, but never the whale itself. Usually, by the time I hear someone shout, "Whale!" it's too late and I've missed it.
DeleteDear MW,
ReplyDeleteLike the Hattatts, I too inhabit a grey sludgy world at present, which only seems to grow colder and grayer as the days pass!
How nice to see blue skies, dolphins and pelicans: your photographs are great!
As for the whales I confess that I am somewhat nervous of them. They are so very large!
Near-continuous sunshine is one of the perks of living in Southern California. :)
DeleteTo be honest, the whales made me a bit nervous too. Our boat tried to stay a respectful distance from them, but that pair popped up right in front of us! Very intimidating.
I love whale watching! Those fin whales come to the Bay of Fundy in the summer and they are magnificent! We don't often get Humpbacks, but am hoping you will send some my way for this summer! Great photos and what a wonderful way to spend a day!
ReplyDeleteI'll tell him to start swimming. :)
DeleteThanks, WMM!
Oh I wanted to go whale watching so bad. Had it all planned for when we were in Hawaii years ago. Unfortunately, by the time they found the whales I was too busy trying to hang on to my cookies. It was awful. Your pictures, however, are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHow disappointing! Luckily, the water was pretty calm for us. I don't have sea legs either.
DeleteYour photos are great - I have just been writing about a whale watching trip we did pre digital cameras so unfortunately my photos are poor. It certainly is an exciting thing to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Rosemary! Digital cameras are so much easier, aren't they? I don't think I ever got good shots with my old film cameras.
DeleteAmazing photographes of the whales and dolphins.Looks so much fun to go whale and dolphins watching. The weather must be gorgeous there in Southern California. I am following now on GFC. Pamela
ReplyDeletehttp://thestyleandtrave-journals.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Pamela! I just checked out your blog - you have some amazing photos of your travels. I look forward to reading through it all!
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