Posts Tagged ‘San Juan Channel’
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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Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
For today’s trip we headed south through the San Juan Channel in between Lopez and San Juan Island. Across from Cattle Point we reached our first hot spot for wildlife viewing. Here we found Harbor Seals one side of a small rocky island and Steller Sea Lions on the other. The Steller’s were fairly large and very photogenic today! We then moved on just around the south side of San Juan Island into more open water.
We didn’t have to go very far, about 500 yards, and we saw two Minke Whales! The water couldn’t have been better for viewing today! The Minkes broke through what appeared to be glass. They were so smooth in their actions and so flawless. Fortunately, we were able to cut the motor and stay with the Minkes for a while, it appeared they were enjoying their situation and had no intentions on leaving. Once everyone got a good view we headed back motoring around small islands between San Juan and Lopez. On our way home we saw a few Bald Eagles, more Harbor Seals, a Canada Goose, and even a pack of about ten Harbor Porpoises.
It sure was another amazing day out on the water.
Naturalist, Tara, San Juan Safaris
Tags: Bald Eagles, Cattle Point, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, Lopez Island, minke whale, San Juan Channel, san juan island, Steller Sea Lions
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Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
Today’s trip we began by heading west through the San Juan and Shaw Channels. As we passed between Lopez Island and San Juan Island we stopped at a rock that was covered on one half with Steller Sea Lions and the other half with Harbor Seals. There was also a lone Bald Eagle present, overlooking the rock. The passengers were thrilled!
We then looped around San Juan to the west side and were able to catch up with four individuals from J-Pod. There was one large male, a female, and two calves. As we traveled with the group along the shoreline, just past East Point, they milled around, and the calves began breaching a few times here and there!
After about 15 minutes they changed direction and immediately gained speed heading north. We were forunate enought to travel with them for a few more miles and in that time, the large male even breached! It was a very moving experience and one could tellthat our guests really began to feel beside themselves.
We then continued on our way north and around to the other side of the island. Once we got to Spieden Island, we saw the two groups of ungulates that inhabit the island; Sika Deer and Mouflon Sheep.
Today we caught all the wildlife possible and the guests left the boat with some of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen!
Naturalist, Tara
Tags: Bald Eagle, Breaching, Harbor Seals, j pod, Lopez Island, Mouflon Sheep, San Juan Channel, san juan island, Shaw Channel, Sika Deer, Spieden Island, Steller Sea Lions
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Monday, May 7th, 2012
point roberts
Today we definitely went the extra mile. Out of the harbor we were immediately faced with a tough decision… head south to a confirmed Humpback Whale sighting that we could easily reach, or take the chance of catching up with some Orcas that were spotted in Canada and heading north.
Captain Mike went with his gut and we headed north. We made our way through the San Juan Channel and Presidents Channel seeing several Harbor Porpoises, Harbor Seals, and even a few Steller Sea Lions in the open water, but we remained on the hunt. We continued north past East point and through the Strait of Georgia. Passengers were growing weary as we made our way deeper into Canada, but the crew knew what was coming and couldn’t be more anxious. As we reached Vancouver the boats began to emerge on the sea’s horizon and we knew we were getting close. Binoculars were out and glued to everyone’s eyes and we spotted the first dorsal fin at Robert’s Bank, immediately followed by another. Turns out the Resident Orcas heard how determined we were to see them and decided to turn around and come say hi – at least that is my take on it.
We followed the first two whales for about 15 minutes and had to start heading back, but just as the boat gained speed we spotted another two. Then we started seeing several more orcas, both off in the distance, and as close as 200 yards away. The passengers and crew grew very excited and it seemed as though the Residents fed off our excitement. A young calf started Breaching, followed by an older member of the pod Lobtailing, and another Spy Hopping. It was an amazing site to see! We then continued to travel with the Residents for a significant amount of time as we made our way back home. The passengers were very tired from the excitement, but were livened up once again when we got a second look at East Point. The small rock was covered with Steller’s, Harbor seals, and even a couple of Bald Eagles separating the two. This trip couldn’t have gotten any better! Looking forward to the next day on the water!
Naturalist, Tara
Tags: Bald Eagles, Breaching, canada, East Point, Harbor Porpoise, Harbor Seals, Humpback Whale, Lobtailling, Orcas, President's Channel, Robert's Bank, San Juan Channel, Southern Resident Killer Whales, Spy Hopping, Steller Sea Lions, Vancouver
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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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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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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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Thursday, September 15th, 2011
Today started off gray and rainy. We got everyone suited up in rain jackets and blankets as we started down San Juan Channel. We definitely took some spray over the side and the rain was getting everyone sitting up on the bow. But we had a hardy group of people on board that were ready for the adventure.
We stopped just outside of Friday Harbor to check out quite a few Harbor Seals hauled out on the rocks and got an added bonus of a Bald Eagle perched in the middle of everything. As we continued south we came across Steller Sea Lions lazing in the rain on whale rocks. Definitely the most I have seen this fall all together in once place. Very impressive.
As we headed up island towards the area where the resident Orca had been seen one of our passengers spotted a blow a little off shore. Sure enough he had found some members of L pod. We were the only boat in the area and our passengers enjoyed viewing the whales all by ourselves for a while. We had ‘Mega’ and some of his family with us at first. We then realized there was something else in the water with the Orca. A group of Dall’s porpoise had come on to the scene and some of the members of L pod seemed to be traveling with them. Something I have never seen before!
On our way home we had a last encounter with ‘Racer’, one of the L pod females. She has a very distinctive saddle patch and numerous passengers got great photos. By the time we made it home the skies had cleared a bit and the sun was shining on us in the harbor.
Mike
Naturalist San Juan Safaris
Tags: Bald Eagle, Dall\'s Porpoise, Harbor Seal, L pod, Orcas, San Juan Channel
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