Boaters spot ‘greyhounds of the sea' off CA coast. See the ‘non-stop' action
On June 30, boaters encountered 'non-stop' action when, in only 200 feet of water, they saw a minke whale, according to a Facebook post by San Diego Whale Watch.
Passengers were on the edge of their seat while the whale was 'cruising in every direction,' the group said.
Minke whales are the smallest baleen whale in North American waters and can reach lengths of up to 35 feet and weigh 20,000 pounds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The whale kept everyone's attention as it kept surfacing before passengers came across a pod of 400 long-beaked dolphins racing through anchovy bait balls, the group said.
Soon after, the group spotted one of the 'greyhounds of the sea' – a fin whale, the group said.
Fin whales, able to speed at 29 mph, made for a show before onlookers got a chance to see a baby great white shark, the group said.
Fin whales are the second-largest whale species on the planet and have a 'distinctive coloration – black or dark brownish-gray on the back and sides and white on the underside,' according to the NOAA.
The magic didn't stop there, as the group later spotted a humpback whale breaching and tail-slapping, the group said.
Humpback whales' tails can reach 18 feet wide and have different 'pigmentation patterns, in combination with varying shapes and sizes of whales' flukes and/or prominent scars' that can be used as 'fingerprints' to help identify them, according to the NOAA.
The boat's captain had a 'great hunch' and began heading toward La Jolla, the group said.
Boaters saw a 'massive splash' and after using their binoculars, spotted a 'very surface-active humpback whale' slapping its tail against the ocean's surface, the group said.
Then the ultimate show took place, leaving the group 'squealing with excitement' – the humpback breached three times, slapping its tail, before surfacing only 20 feet away from the boat, the group said.
Although the breaches were 'random and unpredictable,' which meant photos of the moment were limited, the group was able to land a 'triple baleen whale species day,' the post said.
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San Francisco Chronicle
14 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
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USA Today
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- USA Today
Washington DC fireworks 2025: Start time, map, how to watch
Independence Day is nearly here, and Americans around the country are making plans to celebrate the United States' 249th birthday. Booming fireworks, patriotic parades and outdoor barbecues have become annual traditions, and many employees enjoy the day off from work for the federal holiday. The Fourth of July marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain. In the nation's capital, Washington D.C., the celebrations on America's birthday are set to be huge. Here's what you need to know about Independence Day celebrations. What time do the Fireworks on the National Mall start? According to the National Park Service, fireworks on the National Mall are set to begin at 9 p.m. local time on July 4. National Mall fireworks: See map The park service provided a map of the National Mall that shows the various access points to watch the fireworks, as well as restrooms and food service, among others. According to the National Park Service, tight security will be present with five specific access points available for visitors. How to watch fireworks in Washington DC Apart from attending at the National Mall, various spots in and around Washington D.C. serve as good viewing places for the fireworks show. According to local news station NBC 4, Hains Point in East Potomac Park, the Washington National Cathedral and Cardozo High School serve as good spots along the Potomac River with good views of the show. On the other side of the river, in Virginia, the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Netherlands Carillon, the Mount Vernon Trail, Lady Bird Johnson Park, U.S. Air Force Memorial and Military Women's Memorial are good places to view. Outside of the capital, the Trust for the National Mall broadcasts a live view of the National Mall where people can tune in to watch the fireworks from home. Contributing: Bailey Allen, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Axios
2 days ago
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