Written by Bethany
on Sep 03, 2024

Young Humpbacks Whales

Young Humpbacks Whales

August 5, 2024 – Today’s trip was an exciting one! We headed out into the Salish Sea towards the south of the San Juan Islands. We spotted several Steller Sea Lions hanging out on a reef known as Whale Rocks and a beautiful Bald Eagle on a dead snag along the south end of Lopez Island. We continued and spotted two humpback whales traveling together! The two whales were both younger humpbacks. One was identified as a 2023 calf nicknamed “Thunderbolt” after the marking that looked like a lightning strike on its left fluke and the other a 2022 calf nicknamed “Smirk” because they’re the offspring of a whale named “Smiley”. We were treated to some great looks at the two whales as they were both fluking consistently every dive and surfacing every few minutes! At one point, the two whales surfaced incredibly close to a small island, startling the harbor seals that rested on the rocks! It is incredible to see how many of our young humpbacks are returning year after year.

Photographer and Naturalist: Bethany Shimasaki – Instagram @Adventures.with.Bethany – Website: www.bethshim.com

Western Prince Wildlife Adventures – Instagram: @Westernprincewildlife – Facebook: Western Prince Whale Watching

Written by Bethany
on Sep 03, 2024

Young Humpbacks Whales

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