Blue whales, the largest and among the most majestic creatures ever to inhabit the planet, continue to migrate into Southern California waters and may be settling into specific areas for the spring-summer feeding season.
By far the most impressive sighting of the young season was made Monday by passengers aboard the Condor Express out of Santa Barbara: 18 blue whales and 18 humpback whales, along with hundreds of dolphins, seals and sea lions.
"The above list is not a typo or an exaggeration," proclaimed vessel spokesman Bob Perry in an itemized report issued. "Today the blues showed up to join their lumpy-headed brothers and sisters."
The timing of this mass influx of truly massive creatures -- blue whales can measure 100 feet and weigh up to 150 tons -- could not be better for the American Cetacean Society's annual all-day "Humpback Adventure" on Saturday aboard the Condor Express (spots are still available at a cost of $103 for non-members, $98 for ACS members).
Humpback whales, by far the most gregarious and curious of the two species, have teemed in the Santa Barbara Channel for about three weeks.
Blue whale sightings also have been fairly steady off the Los Angeles-Long Beach area for the past week or so. Slightly more sporadic sightings are being made off Orange County. Dana Wharf Whale Watching, for example, reported six sightings on Saturday but none since.
Where the blue whales ultimately settle in will depend on the availability of shrimp-like krill, their main food source. A single blue whale can consume up to four tons of krill per day, so the great leviathans will hone in on areas that produce the most of these tiny crustaceans.
-- Blue whale image is courtesy of ©Pete Thomas
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