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 animals. The San Luis Obispo Tribune has an excellent article and great photos of the phenomena.
Last week I visited Pismo and Avila Beach 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 certainly provided a thrill. According to my friend Bill Keener, a marine mammal scientist, there are only about 500 of these animals in the entire state!
And the adorable pelicans on the Pismo Beach Pier are not to be missed! I was captivated by these birds.