Isn't it amazing how family-oriented killer whales are? They wouldn't be very successful out there in the big wide ocean without their moms and sisters and brothers! Once a female orca gives birth to a calf, that calf is going to stick by her side for life. Family pods are the core unit of orca society, and they are headed by the female matriarch. She's generally a wealth of information since she's been around the longest, and she can show her family the ropes as far as where to travel to find salmon, best times of year for certain areas, foraging strategies, how to use echolocation...the list goes on, but momma's the boss!
Today, we saw one of the most important matriarchs in J-pod, the beloved Granny (J2)! She is estimated to be over 100 years old, but at a minimum in her mid-80's, which is incredible considering the typical life span of a female killer whale maxes out at about 80 years. Granny is seen swimming with her granddaughter Samish and her great-grandchildren. L87, Onyx, is also seen traveling with Granny's subgroup, and he was definitely out here today in all of his glory! What a treat to see his beautiful black dorsal fin cutting through the pastel waters.
We encountered these orcas just south of Henry Island, heading north, although we were able to mill with them right outside Open Bay - whales have to eat too, and it appeared they found a great spot to snack on some salmon! Later in the evening, they were reported to have continued north towards Turn Point, a typical route that is followed by the Southern Residents when they are cruising through the inland waters of the Salish Sea.
It was a beautiful day out on the water, and we didn't just see orcas. We saw plenty of seals, harbor porpoises, bald eagles, and other various seabirds. San Juan Island, you continue to dazzle us!