Written by Elah
on Apr 27, 2018

Springtime Killer Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands!

Springtime Killer Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands!

It’s finally starting to feel like spring in the San Juans!   The weather was sunny with a slight breeze as we headed off the dock in search of some wildlife.  We got early reports of transient orcas up north off of Patos Island right on the cusp of Canadian waters.  We headed in that direction with passengers able to enjoy the sun and wind off the bow, occasionally observing Bald Eagles soaring between the islands.

As we got closer to the beautiful Patos Lighthouse you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop. Mount Baker was visible in the distance as we began to see the black dorsal fins cruising through the currents. These two transient families had teamed up since our boat left one of them the previous day.  The T35A’s had joined the T123A family and were circling the area for quite some time. They treated all of us to some cool surface behaviors. They spy hopped, potentially checking out our boat, and exhibited some tails slaps, as well.

As we headed back toward Friday Harbor, we stopped to observe some steller sea lions growling at each other as they vied for the top spot on the rock on their Spieden Island haul outs.  We also got a glimpse of some harbor seals, attempting to blend in with the rocks. Overall we couldn’t ask for a better trip and the season is just getting started!

 

Written by Elah
on Apr 27, 2018

Springtime Killer Whale Sightings in the San Juan Islands!

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