Laura / M/V Sea Lion / 4/15/2022 / 12:30 PM
Today was a wonderful experience out in the Salish Sea with a most exciting orca encounter! We departed Friday Harbor with a morning report of Bigg’s killer whales traveling up the west side of San Juan Island, so we immediately went northbound in hopes of seeing them in the Haro Strait. We stopped along Spieden Island to view over 50 active Steller sea lions hauled out on Green Point and swimming in Spieden Channel! There were a couple of harbor seals hauled out on the rocks as some sea lions grouped together swam right below them in a small herd, also known as a raft. Steller sea lions eat a variety of marine invertebrates and fish species, like Pacific octopus, squid, and flatfishes. Many of these sea lions were repetitively diving as they foraged, while others basked in the sunshine along the rocks. Today Spieden Island hosted two bald eagles that were standing on the hillside, side by side. This mated pair created gorgeous photos for those who enjoy capturing wildlife in their natural environment. This time of year, the island holds a lot of newly born mouflon sheep and sweeping purple clover in full bloom along the fields, a picturesque landscape.
We continued northwest and finally spotted our first orca blows just north of Battleship Island in the Haro Strait. Passengers were thrilled to realize that we were in the presence of 13 Bigg’s killer whales! It was overwhelming to try to keep track of them all, but Captain Brian did an excellent job anticipating their movements underwater and had fun calling out where he thought they would all surface next. Vessels in the area had already identified two family groups, known as the T65As and T65Bs, two popular sisters socializing with all their offspring in tow. The third family in the area was later identified to be the T49As (minus T49A1 and A2). Their names are as follows: Artemis (T65A/mom), Ooxjaa (large male), Amira, Ellifrit, Elsie, Butterbean (little one), Chunk (T65B/mom), Birdsall, Nettle (3-year-old calf), Nan (T49A/mom), Nat, Neptune, and Nebula. These whales were divided mainly into 3 groups, but at times were spread out and then grouping closer together so we could all excitedly watch all their exhalations coming up in a dramatic sequence.
Our vessel was so lucky to have such a memorable encounter. After over 45 minutes of patiently watching with our engine shut off, the T65Bs separated from the group and started heading northbound in Boundary Pass. The T65As seemed to want to follow suit, and after a few minutes shifted direction to also head up Boundary Pass. As whales headed in our direction and passengers T65A4 (Ellifrit) jumped out of the water right in front of our bow! Passengers were in perfect position right at the bow and screamed with joy as this orca family seemed to be playing around with us, porpoising/jumping out of the water and tail slapping as they cruised by our boat at an excited pace. It was an epic orca encounter! We all shared photos and videos on the way home and replayed our killer whale experience in our minds for the rest of the day! Thank you all for sharing this gratifying day and for being a part of this wildlife-filled day in the Salish Sea!