Rolling in

The first big swell of the season rolled through on 20 and 21 October 2017.  Wave heights reached almost 18 feet last night.  I took a few pictures this morning when the waves were closer to 12 feet.  [Click on the images for larger versions.]

 

 

 

 

 

Blues off Bodega

We encountered a few Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) during the pelagic trip on 15 October 2017.  These photos were taken ~20 miles off Bodega Head.

 

It's hard to get a sense of scale, but Blue Whale spouts can reach 10-12 meters (32-40 feet) in height! 

 

Two different individuals (above and below), showing differently shaped dorsal fins and different patterns of mottling:

 

The broad flukes rising out of the water as the whale dives:

 

On their way to Australia

 

Short-tailed Shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris) photographed offshore of Bodega Head on 15 October 2017.

This species is an uncommon fall/winter visitor to our area.  They spend their winter (our summer) in the North Pacific (with concentrations off Alaska), then migrate south to breeding sites around Australia. 

Stealth approach

 

Northern Right Whale Dolphin (Lissodelphis borealis) approaching the bow of the New Sea Angler during a pelagic trip to Cordell Bank on 15 October 2017.

Here's another view, with only the backs showing above the surface (note the lack of dorsal fins):

 

For more information about and additional photos of Northern Right Whale Dolphins, review the posts called "Smooth" on 5 September 2012 and "Bow riding" on 26 October 2012.

Breaking the surface

A few more dolphin photos to help you get through your week:

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific White-sided Dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) near Cordell Bank (~27 miles offshore) on 15 October 2017.

Many thanks to Rick and Owen of the New Sea Angler for hosting the Redwood Regional Ornithological Society boat trip.

Dolphin leap

 

Pacific White-sided Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) photographed near Cordell Bank on 15 October 2017.

 

Moonrise

Up at 1 a.m. for a fire update and a check on evacuation status, and noticed the moon rising on the eastern horizon: