Upon leaving our Friday Harbor location we heard a report of Minke Whales just south of San Juan Island. After watching Harbor Seals and Bald Eagles along San Juan Channel we ventured out Cattle Pass into the Strait of Juan De Fuca where it didn't take long before we spotted our first Minke Whale.
This is the time of year when we start to see more and more Minke Whales in our area. Minke Whales in our area feed on schools of Herring and Sandlance that can be found in the waters near San Juan Island in large numbers.
Minke whales are capable of consuming 5% of their body weight so at up to 6 1/2 tons that's about 650 pounds of fish a day. That's a lot of Herring!
Captain Mike, naturalist Caitlin, myself and our guests had quite a treat watching this small baleen whale circling around in its quest for food.
Kevin, naturalist, San Juan Safaris