Archive for April, 2012
Monday, April 30th, 2012
Almost left a naturalist at the dock today! With the winds prevailing, the naturalist wasn’t quite fast enough to get on board once she let the lines loose. Luckily the captain came back to pick her up at the “Spring Street Landing” dock. With all on board we headed out through the San Juan Channel. A light drizzle and sun-teasing skies had the crowd curious. We arrived at the first stop on the north side of Spieden Island and found one lonely Steller Sea Lion. Traveling our way through the channel between Stuart and Jones Island, wildlife was scarce and the crowd grew anxious. Mother Nature could tell we needed a little excitement so she whipped up a large gust of wind and off flew a fender, right from the top of the boat. With the water as choppy as it was, it seemed we had lost her for good. High winds and choppy seas are very unusual around the San Juan Islands April through October. We headed out towards Morsbey Island where we saw a few Harbor Porpoises and the excitement grew.
Next stop, Mandarte Island. The bird sanctuary was highly active with Cormorants and gulls. As we made our way further into Canada and past Sidney there were no Orcas in sight, even though we had a solid report of transients around 10:00 AM.
We headed back to the southern side of Spieden for a little more wildlife viewing. Sitka Deer and Mouflon Sheep were interspersed along the hillside. Little fawns were spotted, causing a few of the passengers to grow soft. As we approached the very end of the island we caught one last glimpse of excitement. 8 or so Bald Eagles were feeding on what appeared to be a baby Sika Deer carcass. Just in time for dinner!
All-in-all, it was another great day aboard the Sea Lion!
Naturalists Tara and Colleen and Captain Mike
Tags: Bald Eagle, Harbor Porpoise, Jones Island, Mouflon Sheep, Orcas, San Juan Channel, Sika Deer, Spieden Island, Steller\'s Sea Lion, Stuart Island, Transient Orcas
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Sunday, April 29th, 2012
We saw everything and it felt like we went everywhere today.
After being on the water for over an hour a whale report came to Capt. Bill that the whales were in Haro Straight near Canada paralell with the Lime Kiln light house. Leaving Speiden Island we headed back to Haro Strait and caught up with a group of approximately 6 Transient Orcas whales near Kelp Reef. This made the tour run much longer than our regular 3 hours – but all the guests thought it was well worth it.
Naturalist Shelly
San Juan Safaris Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours
Tags: Bald Eagle, Harbor Seal, Haro Strait, Orca whale, Spieden Island, Steller\'s Sea Lion
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Saturday, April 28th, 2012
Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and ORCAS, OH MY!
As we left the harbor we traveled north through the San Juan Channel to Spieden Island where two large Stellar Sea Lions were hauled out on the rocks. Six other sea lions swam along the shore surfacing, rolling, and diving in succession as if performing synchronized swimming acrobatics. As we continued down the coast we had great views of the Mouflon sheep and Sika deer including some wee babes. Roughly 40 harbor seals were seen resting on a small rocky outcrop just off Spieden Island.
THEN Captain Craig received a call on his cell phone with information on the location of Orca whales. We made an immediate U-turn, traveled back down through San Juan Channel and to the Southern end of the San Juan Island to reach the whales.
We found transient Orca Whales at the southern end of Lopez Island today (48°24’9″N, 122°53’31″W). Seven transient whales, including T049C, were observed resting at the surface and traveling slowly within close proximity to each other. This provided us with a wonderful viewing opportunity of these stealthy whales. We were with them for nearly an hour and they stayed in that general area the entire time.
The trip wasn’t over yet. Captain Craig found us bald eagles near a nest and another Steller sea lion haul-out with about twenty animals sharing, and a few grumbling over, the close quarters.
Naturalists Colleen and Amy
San Juan Safaris Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours
Tags: Bald Eagles, Harbor Seal, Lopez Island, Mouflon Sheep, Orca whale, Spieden Island, Steller\'s Sea Lion, Transient Orcas
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Friday, April 27th, 2012
Calm seas, sunshine, and ORCAS!
Upon leaving the harbor we traveled along the eastside of San Juan Island and found members of the J-Pod at the southern end of the island. For much of our encounter, the whales were spread out over a large distance but would then regroup and spend time within close proximity of each other.
Whales were traveling, milling, and exhibited foraging behavior, although no fish were seen. We heard amazing vocalizations using our underwater hydrophone; squeaks, squeals and percussive sounds.
Today we identified a group of Brants (geese) near the whales, along with 3 Surf Scoters near Goose Island, and some of our regulars, Cormorants and Pigeon Guillemots
After viewing the whales, we cruised over to the southern end of Lopez Island where harbor seals, Steller sea lions, and a two California sea lions were hauled out along the shoreline.
Not only did we see bald eagles but Captain Craig found us two different eagles nests, one with an adult eagle and at least one eaglet resting in the nest.
A very memorable day out here in the beautiful San Juan Islands.
Whale Watch Naturalists Colleen and Amy
Tags: Bald Eagle, Harbor Seal, j pod, Lopez Island, Orcas, san juan island, Steller\'s Sea Lion
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Thursday, April 26th, 2012
Another beautiful sunny day in the San Juan Islands.
We saw several members of the J-pod including J2 “Granny” the 100 year old matriarch. After viewing the whales we motored through Mosquito Pass into Roche Harbor where a number of seabird species were observed including surf scoters, rhinoceros auklets, pelagic cormorants and pigeon guillemot
We ended our day traveling along Spieden Island where harbor seals and Steller sea lions were hauled out basking in the sunshine while 11 bald eagles soared in the skies above.
Naturalists, Amy and Colleen
April 26, 2012 Whale Watch Tour Route
Tags: Bald Eagle, friday harbor, Harbor Seal, Haro Strait, j pod, Mouflon Sheep, Orca whale, San Juan Channel, Sika Deer, Southern Resident Killer Whales, Stuart Island
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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Leaving Friday Harbor under solid grey skies, a damp drizzle, no wind, very calm seas, and a last minute report that Transient Orcas were on the west side of San Juan Island, we headed north and quickly made our way to the west side via Spieden Channel in anticipation of running into the northern-bound whales.
It wasn’t until Pile Point though, before we caught up with 3 of the T-100’s, including T101 and T102 (48°28’N, 123°05’W), traveling south from Pile Point off the west side of San Juan Island. Another group of Transients were reported behind us (6 or 7). We stayed with the T-100’s till the Salmon Banks buoy before heading towards Cattle Pass and home. A stop at Whale Rocks gave us great viewing of hauled out Stellar Sea lions covering one end, while several more milled about in the water. And, just like yesterday, we found several groups of Harbor Porpoises foraging in San Juan Channel, between Lopez Island and Turn Island. It was also a great day for viewing Bald Eagles. We found them perched in tree tops, posed on the top of rocks, and even one sitting on a rocky beach on the north end of San Juan Island.
Another perfect day in the Northwest!
Naturalist Shelly and Captain Mike
Tags: Bald Eagle, Bald Eagles, Cattle Pass, friday harbor, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, Haro Strait, Orca whale, orca whales, Orcas, Rhinocerus Auklets, San Juan Channel, san juan islands, San Juan Safaris, Steller\'s Sea Lion, Transient Orcas, whale watching near seattle, whale watching tour
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Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
Whale Watching Report for Monday, April 23, 2012
We pulled out of Friday Harbor under bright skies. There was a whale report of animals near Anacortes headed south. So we headed south down the east side of San Juan Island. We made a stop near the south end of San Juan Island to view about 14 big, fat Stellar Sea Lions. Most were hauled out. The few near water’s edge seemed to be having a vocal and physical ‘tiff’.
I’ll spare you the ½ hour that we and several other boats searched miles of water. When we joined the orcas they were In Haro Straight, SE of Victoria, Canada. And they were headed west into open waters. It was a part of J pod that we were viewing – about 8 animals. They were in traveling mode. We watched the rhythmic up-for- air/down/travel/up-for-air. A youngster gave several tail slaps. And there were a few ‘spy hops’. No vocalizations. We were all a bit mesmerized.
On the way home we had a great view of a mature Bald Eagle at ‘The Cape’. (Capt. Kramer’s spot). Then as we were traveling in, oh we were south of Turn Island between San Juan Island and Lopez Island . . . not 1 or 2 or 3, but more likely 18 – 20 Harbor Porpoise (a guest yelled out at the first sighting). There were also Common Murres about. Then just like yesterday, right in the harbor near the ferry landing a group of Pigeon Guillemots, about 5 of them were fishing.
Tags: Bald Eagle, Cattle Pass, Common Murre, friday harbor, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seal, Haro Straight, j pod, Orca whale, orca whales, Orcas, Pigeon Guillemont, salish sea, san juan island, seattle whale watching, Southern Resident Killer Whales, stellar sea lions
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Sunday, April 22nd, 2012
California Sea Lion
A Warm Spring Day of Whale & Wildlife Watching from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Today we took off with reports of our resident orcas coming north on the west side of San Juan Island.
We headed out of Friday Harbor going north making a stop at NWR Yellow Island, and rock outcroppings with 43+ snoozing Harbor Seals. We made our way along the coast of Speiden Island. Often times this is a great place to spot Bald Eagles – no Eagle this time. But we did see about 10 Sea Lions. All but one was a Stellar. The other was a California Sea Lion -deep dark brown in color with the telltale knot on his forehead as if he had been clobbered.
We made our way slowly into Haro Straight between Henry Island and Stuart Island. Up came dorsals. Out came whale breath. Over all there may have been 15 – 20 animals. They were traveling in small groups of 6 – 8 and it appeared to me that they were in a resting-style mode.
Residents can be very vocal. No vocalizations today – we dropped the hydrophone three separate times.
Residents can be very playful and energetic. None of that today. Lots of slow “up” and sinking back “down”. The water was glass-like. No wind. No noise. It felt very peaceful bobbing in the water with the engine off.
On the way home we did see at least two mature bald eagles, one in a nest. The boat made another quick stop on the end of Speiden. The Stellars and California Sea Lions were still in the water where we left them. Just before pulling into Friday Harbor we spotted a California Sea Lion hogging a red buoy. I think I saw some zzzzzz’s over his head.
And there was one Common Murre fishing next to the buoy to complete our wildlife viewing for today.
Naturalist, Colleen Johansen
San Juan Safaris Whale & Wildlife Watching
Tags: Bald Eagle, Cactus Island, California Sea Lion, Common Murre, friday harbor, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, Haro Strait, henry island, j pod, K Pod, L pod, Orca whale, orca whales, Orcas, san juan island, san juan islands, Southern Resident Killer Whales, Spieden Island, Stellar sea lion, Stuart Island, yellow island
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Saturday, April 21st, 2012
Breathtaking Wildlife Day From Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
We departed Friday Harbor under clear, sunny, 60-ish degree skies.
Right off the bat, near Shaw Island, Captain Craig found 2 CALIFORNIA Sea Lions hanging out on a bright red buoy. It is not that frequent that we see the California sea lions around here. Off we went heading north.
Since there have been several transient orca whale sightings in Canadian waters as of late, we felt this was our best chance at whales. A few Harbor Porpoise showed themselves. near Stuart Island – weaving amongst the 10 inch waves.
And to Canada we did go. We went all the way to Mandarte Island – known for its bird population. There were conventions of Cormorants. They were iridescent with spring plumage. And plenty of gulls – several variety.
We then headed back in to U.S waters near Stewart Island, Turn Point - the northern most point in the lower states. In these waters we were greeted by several Dahl’s Porpoise who not only rode our boat wake but swam around and around us. One Dahl’s continued to stay with us long after all the rest had scattered.
We had six birders aboard with us today. And we did not disappoint. Not in any particular order today we saw: 2 bald eagles, one each in separate places, a Belted Kingfisher inches above the water fishing, a Rhinoceros Auket (a guest spotted it) a Western Grebe (Naturalist Kathy spotted it) Harlequin Ducks (again a guest spotted) a Red Neck Grebe (that was MY spot) a group of Pigeon Guillemonts (my spot again) and a few more that I now cannot remember.
On our way back home we swung past the south end of Speiden island where 14 – 1500 Stella Sea Lion were worshiping the sun. Then in a place we normally would not see porpoise, between San Juan Island & Shaw Island, a hawk-eyed guest spotted about three harbor porpoise (BRAVO – good spotting!)
Sorry you were not with us today . . . but we are going out again tomorrow.
Over and out for now,
Naturalist, Colleen Johansen
San Juan Safaris Whale Watch & Willdife oh and Birding Tours
I tried to trace the path of our trip on this map. I am sure I’ll hear something from Capt. Craig.
April 21, 2012 tour route, approximate
Tags: Bald Eagle, belted kingfisher, cormorants, friday harbor, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seal, harlequin duck, Haro Strait, pigeon guillemot, rhinocerous auklet, salish sea, San Juan Channel, san juan island, seattle whale watching, western grebe, yellow island
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Saturday, April 14th, 2012
Excited by an early morning report that a large number of Orcas had been sighted off Cattle Point on San Juan Island, we could not wait to get out on the water at noon. Heading north in San Juan Channel, our first stop was at Yellow Island to check out a healthy number of Harbor Seals hauled out on the rocks. Next stop, Green Point at Speiden Island, where more than a few mammoth Stellar Sea Lions dove and rolled on all sides of the boat. Several Harbor Porpoises surfaced long enough for a quick look as we passed Speiden, en route to Stuart Island. Bald Eagles were sighted, either soaring overhead, or posed in treetops. Easy cruising under clear skies and calm seas, but no whales.
After cruising around Stuart Island, we headed over to Canadian waters to check out the Cormorant rookery on Mandarte Island. Saw both Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants sitting on nests and a lone sentry Canada Goose on top of the rock. Hearing reports of Dalls Porpoises, we headed back into Haro Strait to catch a quick glimpse of one between Gooch Island and Turn Point, Stuart Island. Cruising along the west side of Spieden Island gave us a good look at the monumental number of newborn baby Mouflon Sheep scattered all over the steep, grassy sides. Another last look at the Stellar Sea Lions surfing in the currents off Green Point, then we turned for home. Although the whales eluded us today, it was a priceless day in the San Juan Archipelago — warm, sunny, spring-weather, a calm sea, and a plethora of Bald Eagles, Pinnipeds, Porpoises, and Pelagic birds.
Naturalists Shelly and Kathy
Tags: Bald Eagle, Bald Eagles, Dall\'s Porpoise, friday harbor, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seal, Harbor Seals, Haro Strait, Mouflon Sheep, Orca whale, orca whales, Orcas, San Juan Channel, san juan island, san juan islands, San Juan Safaris, seattle whale watching, Spieden Island, Steller\'s Sea Lion, whale watching near seattle, yellow island
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