On September 29, 2002, the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association sponsored a wildlife watching adventure to Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Rich Stallcup, a local seabird expert was the naturalist on board. As soon as we left Bodega Harbor, the viewing action started. Here are the highlights! Click here to view species list from pelagic trip to Cordell Bank National Marine
Sanctuary.

Just as we departed Bodega Harbor, we encountered several ocean sunfish (Mola mola). These oddly shaped fish are commonly seen on the surface, awaiting gulls to dine on the parasites that hang on to their body. (Photo: Participant, Greg Hofmann)

Just 5 miles off the tip of Bodega Head, 20 ft. high “smokestacks,” were spotted, which meant blue whales! Five or six blue whales were feeding on krill. Many of us were in awe as we watched them lunge along the surface on the huge swarms of krill. (Photo: Participant, Greg Hofmann)

The first pod of humpback whales we encountered put on a show. Breaching several times, clear out of the water and down with a huge splash. Click the images to view the the large version. (Photo: Participant, Greg Hofmann)

Later as we were on the water above Cordell Bank, we pulled up to Velero IV, a vessel contracted by the research team at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The participants aboard our boat had the unique opportunity to watch the launching of the Delta submersible before it descended onto Cordell Bank. The research team has been characterizing habitats and conducting resource surveys on the Bank. (Photo: Participants Dan Zevin, Greg Hofmann)

Cordell Bank is also a major destination for pelagic seabirds such as the Black-footed Albatross. We encountered several species of seabirds, such as Sabine’s Gulls, Arctic Tern, Ashy Storm-Petrel, Cassin’s Auklets, Jaegers, Skua and more. Rich Stallcup sighted a rare Streaked Shearwater. Seabird enthusiasts are treated to an array of open ocean species rarely seen this close when visiting Cordell Bank. (Photo: Participant, Greg Hofmann)

Just as we were ready to turn around and head back for the day, two “friendly” humpbacks approached the boat and circled very closely to the vessel. The engines were shut down and everyone raced around the boat anticipating when they would surface again. Click the images to view the the large version.(Photo: Participant, Greg Hofmann)

Getting to Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is tricky due to unpredictable sea conditions. The fall is the best time to plan a trip as the sea conditions are consistently better and migratory species such as blue and humpback whales are feeding on the abundant krill present in the water column. Click the images to view the the large version. (Photo: Participants, Dan Zevin, Greg Hofmann)

This fish-eating anemone is a common species seen on parts of the Bank. This photo was taken from the Delta submersible during this expedition. (Photo: Michael Carver/CBNMS )