Today was sunny, warm, and absolutely beautiful as we left Friday Harbor in search of the wildlife that calls the Salish Sea home. On our way out we spotted several harbor porpoises in all different directions from the boat. We also stopped to watch some harbor seals that were not only hauled out on rocks, but were swimming around and poking their heads out watching us watch them. Not too long after we found the big guys; killer whales were off in the distance! We watched some younger juveniles lob-tailing and a group of four swim eloquently by. Then, in another direction a single large male dorsal fin sliced through the water attracting everyone’s attention. A few moments later, out of nowhere he was joined by another male, and they made their way across the sea.
After watching the killer whales for a while we went in search of minke whales that were reported nearby. We could see flocks of sea birds on and over the water up a head and as we neared closer the small dorsal of a minke whale came out of the water. It was an amazing site. On the way back in, we caught up with the two male killer whales again and stalled to watch them for a while longer. Then we headed back into the harbor enjoying the view of Mt. Baker in the distance. What a great day!
~Kristen, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris