February 29th 2024 Leap Day

12 North Bound 0 South Bound 9 hrs

Calm seas light cross winds with clear views South (East) across Santa Monica Bay and to the North(East) clear view of the Channel Islands. One dozen (12) Gray Whales were observed including two thin Gray Whales and one severely emaciated Gray Whale at sunset. One solo low profile whale glided past just under the surface of the water, its fluke and pectoral fin glowed as it went through with white patches on the dorsal edges. Two different solo whales displayed feeding behaviors, coming up to exhale and breath with sand spewing out of their mouths. One whales fluke had rake marks, most likely left from interactions with Orcas. One solo Gray Whale had an interesting large pale gray area on the lateral right side. Audible blows were heard in the last three sightings of the day which included a trio, a pair and an emaciated solo that stayed until well past dark.

Giant Coreopsis bloom is now underway with ~10 % of plants showing flowers and ~90% have buds. No sand in Pirates Cove and increased erosion under the Rock Climbing wall exposing rocks typically buried deep under the sand.

Severely Emaciated solo Gray Whale observed at sunset with two dips in the post cranial neck areas with protruding scapula bones, bulging rib cage and sunken dorsal spine where a thick layer of blubber would be. This whale stayed well past dark slowly traveling through the transect.

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