Humpback Whale Mother and Calf

Mother-and-calf humpback whale pairs are not uncommon in the Channel Islands. Humpbacks like to be group members; in fact, cooperation is important in some of their feeding strategies.  Humpbacks seem to enjoy the plentiful schools of baitfish in the channel: sardines, anchovies, topsmelt, and jacksmelt. This pair was between Anacapa and Santa Cruz.  A young whale has a lot to learn.