Whale Watching Report

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Saturday, September 6, 2008

Humpback, Orca and Minke Whales Sighted by Island Explorer 3!

A triple header!! Stay tuned to the Whale Report to hear all about the whales (including one very large Humpback, says Captain Carl!) and other wildlife seen on today's adventure from Naturalist Kate Janes!



Fluke Span (Humpback Whale)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Sounding Humpback
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes
Orca in Blue (Transient Orca)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Our adventure started in Guemes Channel with great looks at a Rhinoceros Auklet swimming atop the water, Pelagic & Double-crested Cormorants that flew by the boat! As we entered into Rosario Strait we were greeted by the large 180 foot mast of the BMW Oracle catamaran that was built right in Anacortes! We turned south towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca watching at our stern as the large vessel began to lift its sails! Our journey continued as we entered through a small fog bank that lifted at the south end of Lopez Island! It was here that 2 Minke Whales appeared as they zigged and zagged in a feeding pattern! Our guests watched as they got great looks at the whales profile ease back into the water and their exhalations dissipating rather quickly! After watching the two whales feed we departed in search for our wildlife in the area! As we ventured further into the Strait of Juan de Fuca we watched Harbor Porpoise quickly swam through the water, hundreds of Common Murres traveled in search of food, Heereman's Gulls sat atop rafts of floating Bull Kelp, and Harbor Seals swam at the surface before disappearing into the watery depths! Near Constance Bank a light layer of fog set in which after a short time lifted revealing a HUGE Humpback Whale!! The first adult Humpback of the year measured over 50 feet in length!! Our guests watched as the massive whale made multiple surfacing and sounded on 3 different occasions, raising its over 15 foot wide fluke high into the air!! After some great looks at the giant we ventured just a mile to the east where we found Transient Orcas quickly making their way further into the San Juan Islands!! A large male, a female and a youngster where spread out moving through the glass calm water under blue skies making the perfect end to a uniquely special day with a triple header!! Its not everyday that in one trip we see 3 different species of whales!! What an amazing day!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:50 PM   0 Comments

Friday, September 5, 2008

Transient Orca in Our Midst!!

Pender's Surprise (T14)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

The Wary Harbor Seal

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"It was yet another beautiful day out in the Salish Sea as we departed this afternoon in search for whales! A slight fog layer set in just as we neared Burrow's Island Lighthouse creating a magical setting as we continued southward towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca! Scanning the horizon we found Harbor Porpoise quickly making their way through the water! Close to Salmon Bank we found a frenzy of gull activity surrounding 3 Harbor Seals! Taking a closer look we saw the silver scales of a Salmon hanging out of one of the seals mouth!! We slowed to watch the feeding frenzy and then continued our search for whales! It wasn't long before the tall dorsal fin of Pender (T14) came into view at the south end of Haro Strait! This large Transient male Orca was traveling solo today as he confidently swam towards Canadian water! We watched as he consistently surfaced 8-9 times before descending to his deeper longer dive! During one of his deep dives we waited and watched the port side awaiting his next surfacing when all of a sudden the sound of his exhalation was heard coming from the starboard side!! To our surprise Pender changed directions abruptly swimming right under the boat without our knowledge and surfaced off our starboard side!! We enjoyed this final look at the graceful giant before heading back towards the dock! Our guests not only enjoyed this huge male Orca Whale but also hundreds of Common Murres, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Rhinoceros Auklets, Lion's Mane Jellies, Bull Kelp, and 6 Great Blue Herons!!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 8:32 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, September 4, 2008

T93 Returns to the Salish Sea!!

T93's Return!
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

Transient Togetherness

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"We left the dock under blue skies on this beautiful September day! Entering into Rosario Strait we were welcomed by a large group of Double-crested Cormorants that took flight over the glassy calm water! As we rounded Lopez Island venturing into the Strait of Juan de Fuca fog cloaked the area as we continued towards Vancouver Island. The fog lifted as we approached Salmon Bank revealing blue skies and diverse wildlife in its waters! It appeared to be a sea of Common Murres as the juveniles swam along side their parents, diving to depths up to 590 ft!! Looking into the water giant red Lion's Mane Jellies floated by as Glaucous-winged Gulls, Heerman's Gulls, Harbor Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, and Harbor Porpoise fed on bait fish!! We were within view of Victoria, B.C. when the tall dorsal fin of a large Transient Orca came into view! It turned out that the male was T93, who hadn't been seen in the area for 3 years!! Our passengers were excited to be part of welcoming this large male back into the San Juan Islands!! T93 displayed his agility and athleticism with his consistent speed and direction changed that occurred after a couple of his deep dives! It wasn't long that he set course just as a couple of females and a youngster quickly made their way towards T93 as he slowed to meet them! We watched as the foursome slowed, grouping up in a more relaxed pace as we departed. Our return to the dock was under blue skies and on calm waters!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 6:44 PM   0 Comments

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Minke Whales Today!


One of 4 minke whale sightings today!

A single file line of common murres


For today's trip we headed south through Rosario Straits and around the south end of Lopez Island. In the straits we saw a big Steller sea lion splashing around with a flock of gulls following him. We came over for a look and the sea lion came up several more times slapping a salmon on the surface of the water as the gulls flew around waiting for a scap or two. As we hit Iceberg Point we found two minke whales offshore. The first Minke whale we saw was heading right for us and he surfaced several times right next to our boat giving everybody great looks at him! We watched this minke whale and another one swimming around in erratic directions for about an hour. Next we decided to cruise west to look for more whales. Along the way we spotted many harbor porpoises. There were thousands of birds out at Hein Bank, including common murres, glaucous-winged gulls, Heermann's gulls, and even red-necked phalaropes. One huge flock of gulls was working a bait ball. We were watching it closely for possible minke whales and sure enough one surfaced right in the middle of them! We saw that minke whale surface one more time, but we lost him after that. Next we worked our way east and found two Dall's porpoises. On our way back to Lopez Island we found yet another minke whale (possibly one of the whales we saw the first time). We slowed down near Castle Island and saw many pairs of marbled murrelets, several harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, a bald eagle, and a great blue heron. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 5:09 PM   0 Comments

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Breach-happy Superpod!!


We had lots of playful activity with our superpod today!

We started out our trip cruising south to look for whales. At the south end of Lopez Island we spotted a couple of bald eagles, great blue herons, and some harbor porpoises. Soon Captain Carl got a call that orcas had been spotted north up near Point Roberts so we changed our direction and started heading north. As we entered Cattle Pass we spotted a big Steller Sea Lion cruising along in the current, giving us all a great view. We reached an orca superpod a few miles north of Patos Island. It was J, K and L pods cruising south, and they were breaching as we approached from a distance. Ruffles, J1, and several L-pod females were in the first group that swam close to us. As they got close one orca came flying out of the water doing a full cartwheel!! Orcas seemed to be everywhere in small groups spread out over a mile or two. Mike, J26, came in for a close up look. Every group seemed to be playful at one time or another doing breaches, spyhops, cartwheels, and tailslaps!! It was awesome. In one group three different orcas seemed to be having breaching contests one after another, after another! In another group a female orca did a really tall spyhop right in front of us at close range!! Words can't describe how much action we saw today because it seemed to be nonstop. Even when we were pulling away we had a double breach with two orcas breaching at exactly the same time!! What a great way to end a perfect day. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 6:02 PM   0 Comments

Monday, September 1, 2008

Island Explorer 3 On-Scene With 3 Orca Whale Pods!

Morning clouds turned to afternoon sunshine and made for a beautiful day on the Salish Sea, with the Orca Whales! Stay tuned to the Whale Report for details on today's tour from Naturalist Kate Janes! "Our morning started at Pointer Island where we found hauled out Harbor Seals, a smorgasbord of gulls, Black Turnstones, a Black Oystercatcher and one huge Bald Eagle's nest on Blakely Island! We then navigated a scenic pass between Blakley & Armistage Island before heading into Thatcher Pass and the inner islands! Our journey took us through the heart of the San Juans where we found Pelagic & Double-crested Cormorants, more lounging Harbor Seals and Harbor Porpoise swimming in the tide rips!! As we entered into Haro Strait there was a buzz over the radio of whales heading north along San Juan Island, however is was hard to discern if it was a rumor or a Transient Pod of Orcas that broke away from a group that was traveling north. So with time on our side we decided to explore this southern option and did it pay off!! We found all 3 Southern Resident Pods of Orcas making their way northward and heading the groups was Ruffles (J1) as he confidently made his way north! How 80+ whales remained undetected for most of the morning is baffling, but it does happen since they are wild animals that can travel over 100 miles in a 24 hour period! Whales could be seen as far as the eye could see! Blackberry (J27) and a companion traveled right along the shoreline showcasing for our guests that even near the islands the water can be very deep (at that location over 700 ft deep!)! We also enjoyed time spent with Moonlight, her new firstborn L110, Tsuchi, Mega, Riptide, Lea, her youngest K42, Lobo & Yoda! We watched as the whales porpoised, taillobes, breached, cartwheeled, raced through the water in order to catch a salmon, and even pec slapped displaying an array of behaviors! We ended a picture perfect day that was filled with wonderful surprises at the south end of Lopez Island where Turkey Vultures soared overhead as we peered upon Harbor Seals, rafts of Bull Kelp, and a couple of feeding Great Blue Herons!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 4:35 PM   0 Comments

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Minke and Orca Whales on Today's Tour!

A little morning rain has cleared to sunshine and the Island Explorer 3 is on-scene with Orca Whales! In our search for the Orca Whales, our guests also got to see a Minke Whale! Stay tuned for an update from Naturalist Jami Nagel.

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:44 PM   0 Comments

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Orca Whales North of Saturna Island!

A breach during our afternoon trip!

Our adventure led us into Canadian waters today to show our guests Orca Whales! Stay tuned to the Whale Report for an update from Naturalist Bart Rulon! We started our morning trip heading north along the east side of Guemes Island. Soon we spotted several harbor seals hauled out on the shoreline of Jack Island. As we worked our way north we saw several harbor porpoises at a few different locations. Eventually we found about 6 transient orcas north of Saturna Island and west of Active Pass. When we first got on scene the orcas were lined up with one of the BC ferry boats behind them for a great photo opportunity! They all started out grouped closely together then the big male surprised us by going down for a long dive and coming up right next to us!! He gave us some great close up views. Soon the females angled over and came by for a closer look too. The water conditions were perfect for a boat trip this morning.

3:30 pm
The transient orcas from our morning trip swam too far out of our range to see them during our afternoon trip so we decided to look for our resident orca pods. We saw some pelagic cormorants on the channel markers in Guemes Channel. Crossing Rosario Straits we saw lots of Harbor Porpoise. We decided to cruise through the inner Islands in order to come out towards the north end of the San Juans. We saw lots more harbor porpoise along the way, and some were even porpoising in our wake behind the boat. As we slowed down through Pole Pass we saw a few pigeon guillemots, and two red-necked phalaropes! We had to cross into Canada again this afternoon to find orcas. We eventually found K and L pods on the west side of North Pender Island. They were all swimming north toward Active Pass. They were spread out from the middle to the shoreline, and at times it seemed like you could see orcas in all directions. Mega, L41, was the first big male we saw. Some of the orcas were breaching and spyhopping in different locations. It was hard to know where to look because they were everywhere it seemed. One orca breached right in front of us twice in a row!! Next Faith, L57 made a change of direction and swam back toward us for a while. Brother and sister, Cappuccino, K21, and Raggedy, K40 swam by us and we parallel viewed them for about 15 minutes as they gave us great looks. Then out of nowhere Spock, K20 surfaced right next to us!! We had the engines shut down as she passed us by, then little Comet, K38, came by us following after mom. What a fantastic evening with the orcas. We had a long run out to get them but it was well worth it. The water was like a calm lake out there too. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 12:50 PM   0 Comments

Friday, August 29, 2008

Orca Whales Sighted Near Salmon Bank

This great photo of a breaching Minke Whale was taken from the Island Explorer 3 by Passenger Dennis Fung.

Captain Carl reported that our guests are watching lots of Orca Whales, and a Minke Whale too, with a little fog! Stay tuned for an update on a great whale show, and the crazy August weather, from Naturalist Kate Janes! "Our day started under blue skies as we navigated into Guemes Channel! The fog began to set in as we entered into Rosario Strait heading southward towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca! The fog made for a dramatic setting as Rhinoceros Auklets fished, Heerman's Gulls flew by and were found perched atop floating logs and Harbor Seals swam in the frigid 48 degree water! Then at Salmon Bank a Minke Whale appeared out of what appeared to be nowhere! We watched as it surfaced 3 times before continuing on to find the Orcas of the Southern Residents! We found the SUPER POD (all 3 pods) at the south end of Haro Strait milling about the international border between Canadian & American waters! We watched as a large group played about taillobing, backdiving, cartwheeling and spyhopping during our visit! There was even a young one that was really enjoying itself doing backdive after backdive seemingly showing off its moves! Eventually we had to leave returning to the south end of Lopez Island where our guests enjoyed the lifted fog exposing the surrounding islands! The afternoon started with a brief period of showers that lasted until we entered into the inner islands via Thatcher Pass, then it was all blue skies! We navigated the inner islands visiting with a pair of soaring Turkey Vultures, swimming Harbor Seals, and a close encounter with a mature Bald Eagle that passed overhead! We found the Super Pod of Southern Resident Orcas heading north along side Stuart Island! Calypso was the first whale our guests saw as she made her way up the shoreline as the Turn Point Lighthouse came into view! We pulled into the middle of Haro Strait and found Samish, Riptide, Princess Angeline, Suttles, and Matia rolling about close to the surface! Their milling/rolling behavior carried on for quite sometime as they ventured closer to the starboard side of the boat!! Our guests got great looks as the whales lingered just under the water making their white portions appear almost green!! We stayed with the whales until they started towards Swanson Channel entering into the Canadian Gulf Islands! We watched as their exhalations caught the sun causing them to appear golden in the waning light!" - Naturalist Kate Janes

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:39 PM   0 Comments

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Playful Transient Orcas Today!





We started our trip out today cruising north through Rosario Straits. We Slowed down at Pointer Island and saw several harbor seals hauled out on the island. Within a few minutes we also saw a bald eagle perched on a marker nearby. The crew searched hard for our three resident orca pods all the way up to Point Roberts, but we couldn't find them. We weren't alone because none of the other boats could find the residents this morning either. So we headed south toward Patos Island to look at some transient orcas just north of the east point of Saturna and Tumbo Islands. As soon as we got on scene with the orcas we saw several of them breaching!! As we got closer they all went down for a long dive, and then suddenly one of the big males broke the silence with a huge breach right in front of us! Two males were swimming together, and another group of 6-8 females and calves were swimming close together nearby. We decided to follow the two males closely as they swam side by side with the other group nearby in the background. One of the males cartwheeled twice, and both of them did several taillobs. At one point one of the males was taillobbing upside down at the same time that the other was tailslapping right side up. Soon the larger group of females started porpoising at high speeds, then they slowed down and we saw two breaches and a cartwheel! Next our two males surfaced several times close by and one of them was arching his belly up into the air and raising his tail flukes at the end of the maneuver. He did this three times! Just before we said goodbye to the orcas one of the males raised his tail flukes high into the air as if to wave goodbye to us. On the way back to the dock we saw harbor porpoises on two different occasions. We had a long trip today, but patience paid off as everybody was happy to get such a great show of transient orcas out of it. Naturalist Bart Rulon

posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 11:34 PM   0 Comments