Hello whalewatchers,
We entered Mexico in Ensenada this morning at daylight and then traveled out to Islas Todos Santos for a look at some pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). Three different species were there: Northern elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions. We also saw a variety of birds, some on nests like double-crested cormorants and peregrine falcons. We watched a falcon capturing an oystercatcher too!
We encountered lots of northbound gray whales for the first time this season. It’s the time when the juveniles and perhaps some of the breeding-age adults start their trip back north. The mothers and calves will stay the longest in Baja California.
The gray whale census on March 5 reported 120 singles and 79 mother-calf pairs, for a total of 278 whales in Laguna San Ignacio!
Photo by Rob Nawojchik
We really enjoyed seeing a large herd of common dolphin before lunch and another large area of dolphins for the afternoon. The photo is of people on the bow watching common dolphin.
Later in the day, we also spent time watching fin whales!
Our naturalists this trip are Mark Webber and Paul Jones, They gave a binoculars clinic in the bow for anyone interested. Binoculars will get a real work-out this trip!
Team Searcher
