As Monterey swells with wildlife, it also swells with swells themselves. Yesterday, three trips were sent out into rolling and rocking seas. Blue whales, pacific white sided dolphin, northern right whale dolphin, risso’s dolphin, AND humpback whales made various appearances throughout the day. Barring from a few upset stomachs, all were incredible trips. Not only cetaceans: “Nubs,” the Short Tailed Albatross(!) made an appearance! One of only four thousand left in the wild, the species – once over 5 Million strong – is among the rarest of creatures to visit North America. Reported to be a female, she is easily identified by her missing-left-foot. That was Friday. TODAY was very similar (minus the PWSD and NRWD and Blue Whales). Rocky seas turned up the volume a notch or two, but so too did the whales. With the occasional breach, consistent Rissos sightings, and NUBS AGAIN (first two trips) today was an incredible sampling of the Safari that Monterey affords. As winds continued to rise, the third trip reached 30 knots, and we threw in the towel and headed home, only to be intercepted by an encore of Risso’s Dolphin and Sea Lions alongside Cannery Row. With the wind, seas, and sun at our backs, all were left fulfilled.
-Naturalist Isaiah
