Abby | Kestrel | 6/17/2021
We zoomed north through San Juan Channel with whale reports looming on the west side of the island. Once we arrived just north of Lime Kiln State Park, there they were. 21 Bigg’s killer whales! Neither myself nor our captain Gabe have ever seen this many Bigg’s killer whales traveling as a group.
There was a lot of tail slapping activity on the surface of the water as they traveled. We were all very happy to see that they had stayed on the American side of the border this afternoon! It was quite a sight to behold, and the entire boat just radiated warmth and love for these creatures we were all witnessing.
The group stayed at a steady 2 knots as their blows echoed along the shoreline. Loose reports told us we were at least witnessing the T034’s, T036’s, and T037A’s.
After leaving this party of killer whales, we headed out to Salmon Bank where we found a bait ball with hundreds of seagulls and rhinoceros auklets fluttering about as they picked up bait fish.
Finally, we stopped by Whale Rocks where we saw multiple harbor seals and Steller’s sea lions soaking in the evening sun on the rocks. Two bald eagles stood side-by-side, overlooking our presence.
Overall, one of the best days I’ve had so far this season, and no doubt a memory that will remain with me for life.