Rob-servations #10: Baja Pinnipeds

For the first nine blogs in this series, we’ve been focusing on various species of cetaceans (whales and dolphins). Another major group of marine mammals is the pinnipeds, a group that includes seals, sea lions, fur seals, and the walrus. Of the 33 species of pinnipeds in the world, four can be seen on a regular basis in Baja: harbor seal, northern elephant seal, California sea lion, and Guadalupe fur seal.

The group Pinnipedia is a taxonomic group that is embedded within the mammalian order Carnivora. The order Carnivora is the order that contains such species as lions, tigers, and bears, as well as dogs, cats, skunks, otters, raccoons, and hyenas, among others. The inclusion of the pinnipeds within the order Carnivora tells us that the closest relatives of the pinnipeds are the members of the Carnivora, rather than other marine mammals or other orders of mammals. More specifically, the pinnipeds are more closely affiliated with the “arctoid carnivores” (a group that includes weasels, otters, and bears) as opposed to the “aeluroid carnivores” (a group that includes mongooses, hyenas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, etc.).

The pinnipeds are comprised of three families: Phocidae (18 species), Otariidae (14 species), and Odobenidae. The family Odobenidae contains just one species, the walrus. The walrus is perhaps the most recognizable of all the pinnipeds, mostly due to the large tusks. Found only in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, we do not see any walruses in Baja. However, it is interesting to note that during the Middle Miocene and Late Miocene epochs (16 – 5 million years ago), a time of great radiation of pinniped lineages, there were many more species of odobenids. Some of these Miocene odobenids lived along California and Baja. Paleontologists have discovered many fossils of Miocene “walruses” in sandstone formations in Baja.

The family Phocidae includes the harbor seal and northern elephant seal. Phocids (i.e., members of the family Phocidae) have several characteristics in common. Phocids have relatively small front flippers that are of limited use on land. Their hind flippers cannot be rotated beneath the seal for body support or land locomotion; instead, the hind flippers extend back from the animal’s body. When we see harbor and elephant seals on the beaches of Baja, they hunch along like giant caterpillars.

Small front flippers on the elephant seal at Isla San Benito.

Small front flippers on the elephant seal at Isla San Benito. Photo R. Nawojchik

When swimming, phocids extend their hind flippers behind them and splay out the digits, forming a tail-like structure. The seals then undulate their bodies in a sinusoidal fashion, propelling them forward in what is known as “axial locomotion.” Phocids are sometimes called “earless seals”, a phrase I do not like. Phocids most certainly do have ears. What phocids lack is the earflap, found in most mammals, surrounding the outside ear opening. If you are close enough (which you are in Baja!) to see the side of the head of a phocid seal, you can easily see the ear opening behind the eye.

The family Otariidae includes the California sea lion and Guadalupe fur seal. In contrast to phocids, otariids have large front flippers, large enough to support some of their body weight while on land. Their hind flippers can be rotated under their body, again supporting some of the body weight. These features of the front and hind flippers allow otariids to walk on land in a quadrupedal fashion. Because of this ability, we often see sea lions and fur seals climbing rock faces in search of resting spots, areas not accessible to ungainly phocids.

Guadalupe fur seals on the rocks at Isla San Benito.

Guadalupe fur seals on the rocks at Isla San Benito. Notice rotation of front flippers. Photo A. Cornick

In water, otariids use their large front flippers in an almost-flapping sort of motion to thrust themselves through the water. We get an up-close view of this “appendicular locomotion” when we snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes, a rocky outcrop hosting a sea lion colony in the southern Gulf of California. Like most other mammals, but in contrast to phocids, otariids have an earflap around their ear opening.

California sea lion. Note external ear flap.

California sea lion. Note external ear flap. Photo A. Marsh

This feature is one of the more easily discernible characteristics allowing us to separate otariids from phocids.

Unlike cetaceans, which spend their entire lives in water, pinnipeds “haul out” onto land for resting and reproduction. To avoid predators and human disturbance, pinnipeds tend to haul out on islands and isolated beaches. During our Searcher Natural History Tours to Baja, we visit at least three pinniped haul-out sites. On our first full day in Baja, we sail past the Todos Santos Islands, where, from the Searcher, we often can observe some hauled out elephant seals, harbor seals, and sea lions. The next day, we spend much of the day hiking around West San Benito Island.

Rob Nawojchik guides Searcher passengers around the elephant seal haul-out areas on Isla San Benito.

Rob Nawojchik guides Searcher passengers around the elephant seal haul-out areas on Isla San Benito.

The main attraction at San Benito is the elephant seal colony, but we have also seen the other three species of Baja pinnipeds here.

Later in the trip, we visit Los Islotes to view California sea lions both above and below the water.

Viewing California sea lion characteristics underwater.

Viewing California sea lion characteristics underwater. Photo L. Morgan

In upcoming blogs, we’ll focus on each pinniped species in more detail.

 

2020-07-15T16:34:41-07:00June 19th, 2016|Rob-servations|

LA Times Travel article spins a tale for “Whale People”

The story begins with “There are whale people and there is the rest of the world…” We thought our readers could identify with those “whale people” and would like to read about a very special place in Baja California–Laguna San Ignacio! Click the photo below:

latimeswwarticle

 

2020-07-15T16:34:41-07:00June 14th, 2016|News|

2016 Memories: Dolphins Dolphins Dolphins!

When asking our guests for highlights of the 2016 Searcher Natural History Tours whalewatching season, we discovered:

Everybody LOVES dolphins!

Please take a moment to indulge in another 2016 Searcher Memory…
and let the dolphins bring some Baja sunshine to your day!

2020-07-15T16:34:41-07:00May 30th, 2016|News, Trip Reports, Videos|

Searcher Natural History Tours listed in UK Magazine

We are honored to be included in a listing of “Best Places for Ethical Whale and Dolphin Watching” in Family Traveller‘s May 2016 issue as the featured outfitter for Mexico’s El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve–specifically Laguna San Ignacio, winter home for gray whales.

Best Places for Ethical Dolphin and Whale Watching

‘In my opinion the best possible way to protect ocean wildlife is to encourage people to see it for themselves in a responsible way,” says Dylan Walker, Secretariat of the World Cetacean Alliance and friend to Searcher Natural History Tours.

Whale watching in Baja California, Mexico

2016-05-25T14:04:47-07:00May 25th, 2016|News, Tours|

Rob-servations #9: Baja Dolphins

For many people who participate in our Searcher Natural History Tours to Baja California, the large whales are the big attraction. It’s certainly easy to be mesmerized by the spectacular behaviors of a humpback whale, awestruck by the immensity of a blue whale, or emotionally transformed by a close encounter with a gray whale. However, despite the top-billing status of these giant creatures, they are often upstaged by the smaller species of marine mammals. Today we’ll examine one group, the dolphins, that are certainly charismatic in their own right.
All the dolphins we see in the waters around the Baja peninsula belong to the same family, Delphinidae. The family Delphinidae is comprised of about 38 species and contains the dolphin species most familiar to whale watchers. Included in the family are some species that have the word “whale” attached to their common name, such as the killer whale and the short-finned pilot whale. Some people get confused by the use of the words “whale” and “dolphin” and will ask, “Well, is the killer whale a whale or a dolphin?” In the context of the family Delphinidae, the word “whale” attached to the common name simply indicates a larger species of delphinid.
Fourteen species of delphinids have been documented in Baja. Some species, such as the bottlenose dolphin and the long-beaked common dolphin, are observed on almost every Searcher trip. Other species, however, are much less common. For example, the first scientific record of the pygmy killer whale in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) was from October 2014 in La Paz Bay. In eleven years of trips to Baja aboard Searcher, I’ve seen eight of the fourteen species. These eight species are discussed in approximate order from most-likely-to-be-seen to least-likely-to-be-seen, focusing on identification characteristics.

Long-beaked common dolphin: This is by far the most common species of cetacean associated with Baja. We see them from the Searcher on both the ocean and gulf sides of the peninsula. Long-beaked common dolphins are known for occurring in huge herds, often numbering in the hundreds of individuals, and sometimes in the thousands. However, we also often encounter much smaller groups. These dolphins are typically 6.5 – 8 feet long (2 – 2.5 m). They have a characteristic “hourglass” color pattern on their body that becomes more pronounced in older individuals. Closely related to the short-beaked common dolphin, long-beaked common dolphins can be distinguished by their relatively longer rostrum (along with some very subtle color differences). It can be challenging at times to separate the two species in the field, especially because younger individuals of both species can look quite similar to each other both in terms of coloration and rostrum length.

Bottlenose dolphin: These dolphins are found throughout the Baja California region, both on the ocean side and in the Gulf of California. We see them on a regular basis in Laguna San Ignacio, where they are the only species of dolphin represented. Bottlenose dolphins can get large, with adult lengths ranging from just over six feet to almost 12 feet (1.9 – 3.6 m). They are mostly uniform gray in color, with some slight color variations. Their rostrum (beak) is stocky and short to moderate in length. These dolphins often engage in acrobatic behavior, making them favorites among whale watchers.

Short-beaked common dolphin: In general, the distribution of the short-beaked common dolphin in Baja overlaps that of the long-beaked common dolphin. However, the short-beaked species tends to be found in deeper water, and is not as abundant or widely distributed in the Gulf of California as the long-beaked species. There are some subtle color differences between the two species, but I think in most cases the relative length of the rostrum is the more dependable characteristic. Even then, distinguishing between the two rostrum lengths (especially with younger dolphins) takes some practice and experience.

Risso’s dolphin: We’ve seen Risso’s dolphins both in the Gulf of California and on the Pacific side of the peninsula, although they are more likely to be found on the Pacific side. Risso’s dolphins can get up to 12 feet (3.6 m) long. They are characterized by such morphological features as a tall slender dorsal fin, a lack of a rostrum, and a crease in the melon. Probably the most distinctive feature is the amount of scarring on the body. Whereas young animals have a uniform gray color, older animals are typified by increasing numbers of scars and a resultant lightening of the overall body color. These scars are most likely the result of encounters with their squid prey and/or rake marks from other Risso’s dolphins.

Short-finned pilot whale: This is one of the larger members of the family Delphinidae, with females reaching 18 feet (5.5 m) and males 23 feet (7 m). Identification characteristics include a black to dark-gray body color, no rostrum, a prominent bulbous melon, and a dorsal fin with a very broad base. Pilot whales are highly social and live in tight-knit family groups.

Pacific white-sided dolphin: Although there are records of Pacific white-sided dolphins occurring along the entire Pacific coast of the Baja peninsula, and into the gulf as well, in my experience we usually encounter them only along the northern half of the Pacific side. By the time we get south of Laguna San Ignacio, we rarely see this species. Pacific white-sided dolphins get up to 8 feet (2.4 m) in length. They are characterized by a very small rostrum, a complex white-gray-black body coloration pattern, and a prominent recurved dorsal fin (mostly light colored with a dark leading edge).

Killer whale: The killer whale is the largest member of the family Delphinidae, with males reaching 32 feet in length (9.7 m); females are about a meter shorter than males. In addition to their large size, their dramatic black and white color pattern makes them instantly recognizable. The underside of the whale is white, with a lobe of white extending onto the flank. There is also a white oval patch near the eye and a gray “saddle” behind the dorsal fin. The pectoral flippers are large and paddle-shaped. The dorsal fin is quite tall and straight in males. As with all apex predators, the numbers of killer whales are always much fewer than animals lower in the food web, which helps explain why we rarely see them on our Baja trips.

False killer whale: The false killer whale is another large species of delphinid, with males reaching lengths of almost 20 feet (6 m) and females 16 feet (5 m). They have a slender body, no beak, a melon that overhangs the mouth, and pectoral flippers with a distinctive S-shape. They are black to dark gray in color, with some areas of lighter gray.

Others: The following delphinid species are rarely seen in Baja, but there are some records of their occurrence: rough-toothed dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, spinner dolphin, striped dolphin, melon-headed whale, and pygmy killer whale. In 2016 the Searcher encountered a few dolphins that may have been rough-toothed dolphins.

2020-07-15T16:34:41-07:00May 14th, 2016|Rob-servations|

Protecting Baja’s Resources

We are pleased each year to make post-season donations to organizations working to understand and conserve the remote areas and wildlife in Baja California. These are places we are honored to share with our passengers.

bwtrip5sanfran

Pristine beach at Isla San Francisco. Cortez garden eels are found in the underwater sand flats just off the beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laguna San Ignacio Ecosystem Science Program and Whale Shark Mexico in La Paz are our 2016 choices. Learn more about these hard-working researchers and consider donating to their projects (including gray whales and whale sharks), as we have done!

Click on the logos below to visit their web sites.

LSIprogramlogowhalesharkmexicologo

 

2020-07-15T16:34:41-07:00May 8th, 2016|News|

Counts of northbound gray whale cow/calf pairs are high!

There’s exciting news about northbound gray whale cow/calf numbers, as counted by the researchers stationed  on California’s central coast. It’s interesting to note that some of the numbers have been recorded by drones this year.

“This could be the fifth springtime in a row that scientists will estimate that more than 1,000 pairs of gray whales will have swum past Point Piedras Blancas on their way to Alaska, according to marine biologist Wayne Perryman.”

BWrob.graymom
Gray whale mother and calf in Laguna San Ignacio. Photo by Rob Nawojchik
Read about gray whales here, in an edition of Rob-servations, written by Rob Nawojchik, Searcher naturalist.
2020-07-15T16:34:41-07:00May 5th, 2016|News|

Searcher Crew Feature: Chef Charley Erichsen

Chef Charley Erichsen is the newest member of our Searcher family! This spring, he’s been the focus of many accolades, having already prepared over a hundred gourmet meals for our Searcher Natural History Tours passengers!  He is already hard at work building menus for next season and prepping his “kitchen with a view” aboard Searcher.

Charley was born in Wickenburg, Arizona, and he credits his mom’s amazing cooking skills to his early love and appreciation for good food.  “I have the best memories of just being in the kitchen, the great smells and flavors, and enjoying being in the one place in the house where everyone would come to hang out. One of my favorite family traditions is when my mom, her sisters and my grandma would get together at Christmastime and make handmade tamales and then distribute them among the whole family.”

After a knee injury derailed his college baseball scholarship, Charley pursued his “second love” and entered culinary school, graduating with a degree in French cuisine. He spent years cooking for restaurants on 5-star properties in Scottsdale and Aspen, honing his skills by working with Culinary Hall of Fame Executive Chef Scott Tompkins. Charley and his fiancé Dyana Hanouneh began to look west in search of the SoCal lifestyle they were craving. “I’m an outdoors person and I have open ocean experience, so when I saw Searcher was looking for a chef, I jumped. This job has everything I was looking for and more, not to mention the unique opportunity to run a scratch kitchen on a boat! Plus every seat in my restaurant has an ocean view!”

So what is Chef Charley “cooking up” as he preps for next season?  “I’m working on menus that highlight Baja French fusion, SoCal cuisine, and seasonal fresh produce.  Every dish has a background and it tells a story.”  When asked about his favorite fish to cook, he immediately replied, “Dorado. It’s like a blank canvas, and it accepts all flavors. It takes well to my fresh herb marinades.  It’s juicy and can be perfectly seared on the Searcher grill when treated right.”

Searcher adventurers, when you join us next season, you will enjoy Chef Charley’s signature BBQ sauce. It’s a recipe 10 years in the making! He describes it as Carolina-style: less sweet and more vinegar/tomato based.  “It complements pork unbelievably well. I serve it with corn, potato salad, red beans and rice. And dessert is banana bread with pecans and coconut Kahlua blondies.”

Fast Facts about Chef Charley:

  • Baseball Position: Second Baseman
  • Favorite Color: Green
  • Met his fiance: At the 2011 MLB All-Star Game
  • Top item on his Christmas list: Add to his collection of chef’s knives
  • His “signature dish”: Seared porcini-dusted scallops with poached Bosc pears and a vanilla riesling butter
  • Favorite Meal: Mussels in a white wine broth with grilled bread
  • Favorite Drink: 7-up
  • Favorite Spirit: Maker’s Mark
  • Favorite Baseball Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
  • Looking forward to next season: Seeing humpback whales breaching right outside my restaurant’s windows!
  • Surprising Hobby: Dutch oven camp cooking (He’s made crown roast rack of lamb and quail with Southern Comfort cream sauce.)

“Charley, you’re a star! I have never had such tasty and varied meals cooked in such a small, rocky kitchen before!” – Ieuan B.

2020-07-15T16:34:42-07:00May 3rd, 2016|News|

NEW in 2016 – Whale Shark Encounters!

2016 was full of surprises for our Baja Whalewatching adventurers, including one that most of our tour guests shared in common! (Many thanks to Lee Morgan for use of his beautiful cover photo.)

Following a day of birding, snorkeling, and beachcombing at Los Frailes, passengers received a delightful announcement: they would be experiencing a Whale Shark Encounter in Bahía La Paz the following day as part of Searcher‘s pilot program to include this new opportunity on our 12-day itinerary.

Searcher Natural History Tours contracted with local, licensed tour operators and guides to provide this unique experience to our passengers.  A comfortable, shaded panga boat would arrive the following morning to collect groups of snorkelers and observers for an expertly piloted tour of the emerald waters near the entrance of La Paz bay in search of the biggest fish on the planet!  Snorkelers would be permitted to actually swim alongside these massive, awe-inspiring creatures within the Whale Shark Reserve’s guidelines (six swimmers at a time, maintaining a distance away from the shark, and no touching).  Those who chose to remain on the boat were treated to multiple up-close opportunities to observe and photograph the whale sharks as they swam and fed in the clear, warm, and plankton-rich waters.

Having a close encounter with a whale shark was an unexpected and unique event, which was added to passengers’ many highlights of their Searcher Natural History Tours’ Baja Whalewatching adventure.  Our plan is to make this resoundingly popular experience available as an option for 2017 tours, weather permitting. We will keep you informed as details become available!  In the meantime, please enjoy the photos and imagine what it would be like to swim alongside a 25-foot long fish….

2020-07-15T16:34:42-07:00April 23rd, 2016|News, Tours|

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