(April 13, 2017) The M/V Sea Lion was briefly admitted into the T101 brotherhood today. Just north of Patos Island our guests found themselves keeping pace with a pod of three full-grown bulls. From our vantage point on the aft deck, we could clearly see the details that allow scientists to identify and name individual animals. While many were busy hooting with enthusiasm for the close encounter, I studied the pattern of black scrapes on the animals’ left saddle patch, and at the subtle variations in the shape of the dorsal fins, including the location of any nicks along the trailing edge of the fin. Comparing the observations with our photo identification guide, we learned that we were looking at a family of three brothers. We did not see their matriarch, however, the namesake of their clan, T101. At age 43, she is probably past her reproductive life, but similar to humans, orcas are known to survive several decades beyond this point. The oldest orca in Salish waters was estimated to be over 100!
While the whales were impressive, nearby Boiling Reef beckoned for exploration. As the captain picked his way around the hull-destroying rocks submerged just below the surface, hundreds of the diminutive Bonaparte’s Gulls swirled about. These well-dressed birds with coal black hoods are on their way to the promised land: the breeding grounds of Canada’s boreal forests. Also present, was the ornate Long-tailed Duck. These show-offs are in route to a different heaven: the summer pools on the arctic tundra. I can’t get enough of this vast expanse of turbulent water with its exotic denizens and sweeping vistas, but time and plans compelled our swift return to Friday Harbor. Another day well-spent exploring the Salish Sea.
Andrew Munson
Naturalist, M/V Sea Lion
San Juan Safaris
