Whales, Dolphins, Seals, Oh My! Marine Mammals at California’s Central Coast

Whales and other marine mammals have been sighted recently in abundance off the Central Coast of California-specifically Avila, Pismo and Seal Beaches. Photos and videos of humpback whales surfacing and surprising boaters and kayakers have gone viral, and visitors have flocked to the area to catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals. The San Luis Obispo Tribune featured an excellent article and great photos of the phenomena.

Watch a humpback whale surprising a kayaker in this YouTube video:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StIKzIm2tEE[/youtube]

Last week I visited Pismo and Avila Beaches to check out this new hotspot for marine mammals, all likely attracted by an unusual abundance of fish and krill. I didn’t see any whales, but a viewing of several California coastal bottlenose dolphins frolicing in the water certainly provided a thrill. According to my friend Bill Keener, a marine mammal scientist and member of Golden Gate Cetacean Research, only about 500 of these animals inhabit the entire coast of California!

And I have to recognize the pelicans of Pismo Beach Pier. I never thought I would describe a pelican as adorable, but I was captivated by these birds.