Whale Watching Report

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