Posts Tagged ‘Harbor Seal’
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Upon departing the boat harbor we traveled north through the San Juan Channel to the west side of Waldren Island and into Boundary Pass. As we motored through Boundary Pass towards Patos Island, Captain Mike saw some splashing in the distance. Upon further investigation it was a Steller Sea Lion feeding on a fish. The Stellar Sea Lion surfaced with the fish in its mouth then forcefully tossed its head from side to side, flinging the fish and tearing bits off the carcass. We were all mesmerized by the carnage.
We then continued motoring north towards Patos Island and found roughly 20 harbor porpoise near Alden Point. Due to the harbor porpoises’ erratic behavior, swimming fast and changing direction frequently, along with the strong tidal currents churning up the water in this area, we suspected the harbor porpoise were foraging. What an amazing view of these normally shy and elusive animals.
As we motored back down through Boundary Pass we stopped at East Point on Saturna Island to view two different groups of pinnipeds hauled out on the rocks: Harbor Seals and Steller Sea Lions. We counted over 28 Steller Sea Lions at one end of the rocky outcrop and at least 108 Harbor Seals at the other end! So COOL! What a rare treat to be able to compare the morphological and behavioral differences between these two species.
Let’s not forget the number of bald eagles we saw throughout the trip. There were mature bald eagles, immature bald eagles, flying eagles, and eagles resting on tree branches. We always love seeing these majestic birds.
Amy, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris Whale Watching and Wildlife Tours
Tags: Bald Eagles, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seal, San Juan Channel, Saturna Island, Steller Sea Lions
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Monday, May 14th, 2012
Minke whales are one of the most underrated cetacean species. No one ever says “let’s go whale watching for minke’s.” But if you’ve had the opportunity to actually see a minke whale, you’d think they were not only beautiful animals, but pretty darn cool as well.
Well today we had that opportunity! We left Friday Harbor headed south towards Hine Bank. It was absolutely beautiful! Warm, sunny, and the ocean surface was as smooth as glass. Along the way we were able to see a large group of harbor seals hauled out on a rocky island and a few harbor porpoises. As we reached Hine Bank, coordinates 48 degrees 20.80 minutes N, 123 degrees 04.089 minutes W, we slowed to almost a stop. Minke whales are difficult to spot because they have a low blow, a small dorsal fin, and if there are waves they tend to block our view. But, we definitely had no trouble today as a minke surfaced right ahead of our boat! And because the water was so flat we saw more of the body than I’d ever seen before.
We spent some time watching that lone minke surface and dive methodically around our boat before heading back towards Salmon Bank. Again, it didn’t take very long before we spotted two more minke whales! (Coordinates 48 degrees 24.53 minutes N, 122 degrees 59.06 minutes W). Their blows were audible and their smooth, rounded backs sliced through the glassy water again and again, keeping us mesmerized.
Heading back to San Juan Island gave us more wildlife viewing opportunities. Before docking we saw a lone Steller sea lion hauled out on whale rocks, and finally a beautiful bald eagle perched on top of Long Island that took flight just as we were pulling away. It was a truly amazing day!
Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris
Tags: Bald Eagle, friday harbor, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seal, Hine Bank, Long Island, minke whale, Salmon Bank, san juan island, Steller Sea Lions, whale watching tour
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Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
A day of adventure here in the San Juan Islands. We departed on flat, calm water cruising north through the San Juan Channel when we heard reports of killer whales on the west side of the island near Kellet Bluff. We found the whales 1.5 miles offshore from Lime Kiln Point (48°32.49’N, 123°10.71’W).
The whales were members of J-Pod. They were spread out, and cruising along the coast headed south. A member of the L-Pod, L87 “Onyx”, was also seen among the J’s. Unfortunately the seas were deteriorating and the whales were headed into rougher waters, unusual for San Juan Islands, so we turned around and headed back to more sheltered waters. Even with the rougher seas we still had a great view of the whales. Thanks Captain Mike!
Back in calm waters we headed into the San Juan Channel and motored along the coast of Spieden Island. Over 60 Harbor Seals were hauled out on a rock just off the island while an immature Bald Eagle perched on a rock above. What a great photo opportunity! We then had wonderful views of the Sika deer and Mouflon sheep foraging on the hillside while a few mature bald eagles soared in the skies overhead. At the west end of the island a Stellar Sea Lion swam in the waters surfacing to capture glimpses of us while a California sea lion was hauled out on the rocky shore, seeming oblivious to our presence.
All smiles here in the San Juan Islands.
Naturalist, Amy
Tags: Bald Eagle, Harbor Seal, j pod, L pod, Mouflon Sheep, orca whales, Southern Resident Killer Whales, Steller\'s Sea Lion
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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
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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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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