The unusual looking linear parts of this Blue Whale are the baleen bulging out as it lunge feeds in the krill-laden water.
I took the 5 day Searcher pelagic birding trip out of San Diego in Sept 2016 and the experience was outstanding. In addition to terrific pelagic birding, the sea mammals were the stars of the show. At one point we came to an area where the krill were so numerous that the entire ocean looked red, and there were over 70 whales and to many to count dolphins all around us.
These are just a few of the whales all around us.
This Northern Fur Seal is in its classic "jug handle" position with its flippers together at the sea surface.
These Red-necked Phalaropes were common sights zipping past the boat, or sometimes resting on the water.
This trip was a great opportunity to experience pelagic birding and marine mammals at a leisurely pace in comfort.
Good birding. Steem on!