Today we were watching a variety of wildlife on the south side of San Juan Island. We observed between 10-15 members of L pod that were spread out south of False Bay and heading to the southeast (48°25.25N, 123°05.87W). Five to six orcas were surfacing in a tight-knit group. Three other individuals were at least 500 yards away to the south and east, but traveling in the same direction. One orca breached twice; what an incredible splash! We believe we spotted the L85 “Mystery” in the group, and two-year-old L116 with mother L82 “Kasatka”. After spending some time observing these large mammals we passed by Whale Rock to see 17 Steller’s sea lions relaxing under partly sunny skies. Two bald eagles were looking out over the water for their next meal; one was near its nest on Long Island, the other on Turn Island. We caught glimpses of harbor porpoise and harbor seals too! Great day to be on the water.
SJS Naturalist Jenny