Whale Watching Report

The Island Explorer 3 is just off Spieden Island watching Orca Whales, reports Captain Carl. Stay tuned for updates from Naturalist (and Captain) Michael Colahan.

Sunny skies greeted us during our trips today on the Island Explorer 3. Leaving the dock, we embarked upon a tour of the islands, showing our guests first the beautiful, weather-beaten southern coast of Lopez Island. We were given a very nice view of several dozen harbor seals hauled-out on the rocks of Colville Island. Information we received revealed that members of our Southern Resident Orca whale pods were travelling north into Canadian waters! Captain Carl took us around the islands and we caught up with L2, Grace, and her sons L78, Gaia, and L88, Wave Walker. We had the unique opportunity to visit with this family on both tours today! It was very exciting to watch family members travel and interact on such a beautiful day in the San Juan Islands. Other wildlife throughout the trips included bald eagles, harbor porpoises, and many shorebirds.

Labels: Cattle Point Lighthouse and Mt. Baker; Big Boy, L78

Pigs May Not Fly, But Deer Do Swim!

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

From The Stillness (Cappuccino K21)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

AM: "We began our search for wildlife northbound up Rosario Strait where we found over 30 Harbor Seals hauled out on Peapod Rocks, a juvenile & mature Bald Eagle had a watchful eye on the Island Explorer 3 as we ventured towards Lawrence Point where we found a Black-tailed deer swimming! This is only the second time in 3 seasons that I personally have witnessed this! After having a good look northbound into the Strait of Georgia we returned south through the inner islands and into the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we found members of K pod moving quickly in our direction. Our first visit was with Georgia (K11) and shortly after we had to opportunity to visit with Cappuccino (K21). The Orcas of K pod were spread out over a few miles and were beginning to move offshore. This change in direction gave us the opportunity to visit with Spock (K20) and her youngster Comet (K38) before heading towards the beautiful pass between Lopez Island & Castle Rock. As we passed Swirl Rocks we to our surprise and delight found a Minke Whale. This little guy (one of the smallest Minkes I have ever laid my eyes on) was zigging and zagging in the small bay allowing our guests to witness the difference between toothed and baleen whales!"

Reflection of a Wave (Opus K16)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Above & Below (Above: Opus K16; Below: Sonata K35)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Homecoming (Washington State Ferry returning to Anacortes dock with Mt. Baker)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

PM: "Our evening trip lead us once again through the heart of the San Juans and delivered us into the calm waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We enjoyed a peaceful evening with three different subpods of K pod. Our visit started out on such a high note as Opus (K16) and her 7 year old son Sonata (K35) circled the boat staying very close to the surface of the water allowing our guests to see their white patches shine a brilliant green color from beneath. As Sonata surfaced we noticed that he had a clump of Bull Kelp in his mouth! This fast growing algae is one of their only natural toys! We then enjoyed some great looks at Lea's (K14) subpod (Lobo K26, Yoda K36 and the youngest member of K pod little K42). Leaving the Orcas for a moment we ventured towards some very active birds that were feeding on massive baitballs under the water along side a Minke Whale! Two double headers in one day! We ended our spectacular day in the presence of Georgia's extended family. In this last group four generations were represented as 76 year old Georgia (K11) swam near her 5 year old Great-grand calf Comet(K38). Also present was Skagit (K13), Spock (K20), Scoter (K25), Deadhead (K27) and Cali (K34)." - Naturalist Kate Janes

No So Suttle, Suttles (Suttles J40)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Bend It Like Riptide (Riptide J30)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Riptide Making Waves

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Land Sausages All in a Row (Harbor Seals on Puffin Island)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Our day may have started out with some liquid sunshine but our guests found out through experience that one just needs patience and the weather is bound to change and change it did. It wasn't long off the dock that Captain Michael found us some blue sky and even some sunshine! It was in a patch of sunshine that we found the Orcas. Our first whale of the day was my favorite boy (shouldn't have favorites I know), Blackberry J27, was cruising off on his own. On his flukes were a couple of feisty youngsters, Riptide (J30) and his little sister Suttles (J40). These two whales were having quite the time backdiving, rolling about, little Suttles spyhopped and Riptide even gave us a nice breach that produced quite the splash. We spent the remaining time with these two fun-loving whales who were definitely the most surface active out of the whales that were spread out over a couple of miles. On our way back to the dock we had the opportunity to slow down at Puffin Island where we found a huge Bald Eagle's nest with a chick in nest situated right above a Harbor Seal hang-out! We even got a glimpse of a Black Oystercatcher who was trying very hard not to be seen but wasn't so shy about being heard!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

Orca Bellies!

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

She Was Out There (Sequim K12- for a passenger)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

The Photo That Figured Them Out! (L to R: Yoda K36, Lea K14 & little K42)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. (Lea K14 surfaces)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Leaving the dock not a soul on board had any idea what was in store for us later in the day. As we made our way towards Discovery Island we found 5 Minke Whales just south of Salmon Bank. This was a great start to the day as the Minkes kept appearing all around the boat. We eventually continued onward towards the Orcas. Arriving on scene the whales were very spread out traveling in subpods. Captain Carl found the most active group and they did NOT disappoint. It seemed as if each whale was assigned a behavior to show off for the watchful eyes above the water. One whale was the queen of breaching, another had mastered the caudal peduncle throw, while a wee one seemed to love waving (taillobing)! In that first group we saw Rainshadow (K37) and upon further inspection of the photos from the day Sequim (K12), mother of Rainshadow, was also enjoying the calm conditions. Eventually we did move south of False Bay towards another group who gave us quite the gift. Lea (K14), her daughter Yoda (K36) and the newest member of K pod, K42 (who was born last summer) circled the boat multiple times forcing us to shut down the engines and soak it all in. At one point little K42 swam just along side the boat just barely under the water and slowly turned to one side. You could actually see this youngster peering up at us through the water. This sent chills down my back. What an incredible moment. We didn't end the day there on the way back to the dock we found 2 more Minke Whales, a mature Bald Eagle, and more Harbor Porpoise!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

Eagle & Seal Club

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

K13 Subpod (L to R: Comet K38, Spock K20, Skagit K13, Scoter K25, & Cali K34)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Water Lessons (Black-tailed Doe & twin fawns)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Go Big or Go Home!

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

AM: "This morning lead us out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we found members of all 3 Southern Resident Pods (J, K & L pods) milling about False Bay region. We were treated to an array of activity- from breaching to spyhops with a few taillobs, pec slaps, caudal peduncle throws and a few back dives sprinkled in for good measure! We had great looks at a group of males that decided to do a little showing off near the boat which included Blackberry (J27), Mega (L41) and young Doublestuff (J34). There was even a youngster traveling with its mom that was really breach happy near the shoreline. The weather really made a fantastic turn opening up to brilliant blue sky right when we arrived on scene with the whales and as we returned to the dock found 3 Minke Whales feeding on Salmon Bank! Quite the trip."

"Zzzzzzzz"

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

In the Still of the Night

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Gray Whales sighted from Island Explorer 3 on today's tour and a report of J-Pod Orca Whales out west heading inbound to our area - that's a great report for Fridays tour! Stay tuned for updates from Naturalist Kate Janes.

Joe's Friend (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

A Day Full of Surprises (reposition of submarine)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

1st Sighting of the Year (Heermann's Gull)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Swim Little Puffin Swim (Tufted Puffin)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Today's journey lead us south of Fidalgo Island and into the waters surrounding Deception Pass. Our guests saw up close the beauty of the historic bridge and even saw a pair of Bald Eagles perched high atop some conifers keeping a watchful eye on the water. It was along West Beach that we found "Joe" the Gray Whale and his new friend feeding in the shallow waters. They swam close to one another and more often than not surfacing together! We then ventured towards Smith & Minor Islands where we not only saw another mated pair of Bald Eagles, hundreds of Harbor Seals hauled out, Pigeon Guillemots, but also a Submarine off in the distance being escorted by two Coast Guard Cutters! Circumnavigating Smith Island we found Tufted Puffins and our first Heerman's Gull of the season!! Each year the owners of the company give a $100 cash prize to whoever spots the first Heermann's Gull. These brilliant little gulls migrate each summer into our region from Baja, California." - Naturalist Kate Janes

Friendly Harbor Porpoise Surround the Boat

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Skana (L79) Moves Offshore

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Quick Change in Direction (Matia L77)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"It was a day filled with wildlife around every corner. For starters we found a very friendly group of Harbor Porpoise near Boulder Island that actually played in our stern wake! Very unusual for this species. In the waters surrounding Castle Rock we watched and listened as Pigeon Guillemots splashed and called to one another, while Harbor Seals swam about and a dozen were hauled out on Swirl Rocks. We found the Orcas of L Pod just north of Salmon Bank somewhat spread out and milling about. We enjoyed visiting with Spirit (L22), her two boys Skana (L79) & Solstice (L89), Ocean Sun (L25), Matia (L77) and the big boy of the Southern Residents Mega (L41) could be seen from quite a distance away. As we ventured closer our guests really were able to see the enormity of his large dorsal fin (the largest of any male in the Southern Residents standing over 6 feet tall)! We watched as they fished changing direction quickly and then decided to make their way off shore and head back southward. We also had the opportunity to visit with a few Bald Eagles and even made a "nest call" at the south end of Lopez Island and then stopped over at Burrows Island to visit with a pair of Peregrine Falcons and their young chicks. We also saw Rhinoceros Auklets, Marbled Murreletts, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Bull Kelp, Turkey Vultures, Dall's Acorn Barnacles, and Pacific Madrone Trees." - Naturalist Kate Janes

Close Pass By (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Moving Water (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Gray Whale Rising

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Calm waters welcomed the Island Explorer 3 into the Strait of Juan de Fuca where we found the first whales of the day! Cutting a grid pattern 3 Minke Whales, two of which were considerably larger than the third, on the prominent Hein Bank. At one point we were completely surrounded by the whales, two swam off on the port side while the third was on the starboard heading towards a large group of birds involved in a feeding frenzy. Then out of nowhere one of the three Minkes decided to check us out right next to the boat allowing everyone on board the opportunity to hear the sound of its exhalation! Our journey continued on towards Smith Island when we found yet two more Minke Whales which we visited with before making our way towards the west side of Whidbey Island. There we found another species of whale to share with our guests. Two Gray Whales slowly feeding in the shallow waters. In the still of the day their exhalations formed perfect heart shaped blows that lingered. It was yet another beautiful day out in the San Juan Islands, as we visited with Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Harbor Porpoise, Glaucous-winged Gulls, and Common Murres." - Naturalist Kate Janes

This Whale Report is dedicated to Tom McMillian.

On The Go (Minke Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Another gorgeous day beckoned the Island Explorer 3 and her guests out into the surrounding waters while a breeze kept all aboard comfortable in the heat of the day. We found "Joe" the California Gray Whale feeding in roughly 8-11 ft of water cutting a pretty thorough grid pattern searching for ghost shrimp. We watched as the giant gracefully moved through the water slowing rising and sinking in the blue water. After visiting with "Joe" we ventured towards Hein Bank searching for more wildlife and found another species of whale, a Minke Whale, on Salmon Bank. We hit the wildlife jackpot with tons of birds involved feeding frenzies, Harbor Seals popping up every which way and just bobbing at the surface, Harbor Porpoise slowing swimming so close to the boat and a large Minke Whale swimming around us!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

Clowns of the Sea (Tufted Puffins)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

The "It" Haul Out Location (Harbor Seals)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

In the Heat of the Day (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"From the dock the wildlife was coming out of the woodwork as we watched a Bald Eagle get harassed by some crows before settling atop a perch overlooking the marina. Once outside the marina we ventured into the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the south end of San Juan Island before making our way back to Smith & Minor Island where we found half a dozen Tufted Puffins enjoying the calm conditions, over 60 Harbor Seals were hauled out on the sandy spit while others swam nearby, two pairs of Bald Eagles were perched near their respective nests and numerous other sea birds fished in the waters surrounding the islands. We made our way east towards Whidbey Island where we found a lone Gray Whale, who I've started referring to as "Joe" after Joesph Whidbey which Whidbey Island is named after. He seems to have found a great feeding spot in the shallow waters on the north west side of the island as he was busy feeding while moving southbound. The sound of his exhalations carried nicely with the calm conditions. We also had the opportunity to visit with numerous Harbor Porpoise, Pacific Loons, California Sea Lions, Marbled Murreletts, Cormorants, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Turkey Vultures, and Glaucous-winged Gulls." - Naturalist Kate Janes

The Inhale of a Giant (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Textbook Blow (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Barnacle Covered Gray Whale

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"In the calm of a beautiful summer day we found one of four reported "newbie" Gray Whales that ventured into the area this year. Still unknown who this Gray Whale is (all Gray Whales have numeric names assigned to them) Cascadia Research is working hard searching through over 20,000 images of the Northern East Pacific Stock of Gray Whales to find out exactly who is extending its visit into our protected waters. We watched as the giant swam in 11 feet of water stirring up the mud as it fed on ghost shrimp. Our guests also saw Rhinoceros Auklets, Harbor Seals, Pigeon Guillemots, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Harbor Porpoise, a California Sea Lions, lots of Bald Eagles and even an Osprey making a dive at a perched Bald Eagle nearly knocking it off its perch!" - Naturalist Kate Janes