We went on a wildlife adventure today, which included a circumnavigation of Lopez Island! Several harbor seals were hauled out near Turn Island, off the east side of San Juan Island. As we headed south we encountered at least seven Stellar’s sea lions on Whale Rock. The waters on the Strait of Juan de Fuca were calm which made the observation of surface activity noticeable! We spotted a harbor porpoise making quick dives just off the bow of the boat. So many different species of sea birds too. Rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, common murre, and Western gulls were out feeding. Then the appearance of the mysterious MINKE whale! Feeding in the surface waters, it was silently cruising for schooling fish and plankton (48°24.88N, 122°51.61W). We enjoyed the natural air conditioning as we travelled through the San Juan archipelago. It was great to view the wildlife aboard M/V Sea Lion!
SJS Naturalist Jenny