9-4-25 Fin Whale, River Sunrise & Dolphins

Images below are posted at 1060×706 at 72dpi. Full size images available for printing / image licensing.

I’ve been getting behind on the blog updates but I’m going to compress a few days together and try to get back up to speed!

This post is going to have images of a Fin Whale from 9/4/25 as well as some shots from 9/5/25 and 9/8/25 with a sunrise morning at the San Diego river as well as some additional whale watching.

I’ll start with the Fin whale. These are always impressive to see – both from the size and scale (second biggest animal in the world) as well as they’re endangered and it’s just a pleasure to be able to witness them close to the city.

Fin whales are one of the unique animals that have asymmetrical coloring with the right lower jaw notably lighter than the left lower jaw.

I really enjoyed how the water moves off the whales rostrum as it surfaces.

Here’s a look at the left side, the darker lower jaw on the Fin whale as well as a couple shots highlighting the dorsal fin that gives them their name.

This summer was far more overcast in both the morning and evening than any I can recall.

That said I got a handful of fun shots along the river at first light before the sun came over the hill.

It’s always fun to capture the light reflected onto the water.

Dolphins are always fun – and little ones even more fun.

Note the vertical “tiger stripes”. These are fetal folds visible reminders of how the dolphin was compressed before birth. These small dolphins are a blast to watch as they practice their coordination, particularly finding out where their blowhole is located. When they’re very young they tend to “overjump” to ensure a clean breath.

Hope you enjoyed the photos and thanks for the read!

Nate@NateCollinsPhoto com