The 2003 field season on the Sea of Cortez was a fantastic one.  Huge swarms of krill filled the waters wherever the currents took them- and the many large whales that were present took full advantage of the situation.  Countless instances of surface feeding were observed, with Blue, Finback and Humpback whales all taking part.
  

The seldom seen species that were observed this year included Short Finned
Pilot Whales on 2 occasions, False Killer Whales, and Orcas.  Common and
Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in their usual prolific numbers as were California
Sea Lions.  The bird life was pretty normal except for the fact that both brown
and blue footed boobies were observed regularly in large numbers right around
the marina in Loreto, and at times even flew slightly over land above the
Malecon.  

This season was the first one in which I was able to visit the "Sanctuary of Cactus" on a deserted island, and I cannot imagine a more awesome view of cactus in all their glory anyplace else upon the earth. Huge healthy specimens are the normal thing out there, and in great numbers, so that they are very close neighbors and in places form barriers that are difficult, if not impossible, to walk through. This season also produced about 12 different cow/calf Blue whale pairs around Loreto, which is far above average, and at least gives one hope that the species is holding its own. Perhaps close to 100 blue whales, 50 finbacks, and 20 different humpbacks were observed this year!  As this past year fades into the memory banks, the mystery of what next year will bring has already become a tantalizing mystery that is sure to bring me back eagerly to the Sea of Cortez in 2004.

Yours sincerely and with great appreciation to those who joined me this year!
  
   Michael Fishbach