We have had a great start to our 2017 season over the past two weekends, highlighted by a wintertime visit by some of the Southern Resident killer whales on Saturday the 18th.
In the winter we usually expect our Resident whales to be foraging for salmon off the coasts of Washington and Oregon, but, on occasion, they journey inland in search of fish. These winter trips here to the Salish Sea are often fleeting, usually lasting only a few days, as the whales travel north through the islands and then back out through the Strait of Juan de Fuca towards open water. On Thursday, Naturalist Erick, Kayak Guide Clai, and I were lucky enough to see the orcas from land at Lime Kiln State Park as they spread out foraging across Haro Strait meandering north. I crossed my fingers, toes, and eyes hoping that the “Ressies” would stick around for our trip on Saturday.
Lime Kiln State Park Sarah McCullaghWorking with our spotting network on Saturday morning, Captain Mike and I got the message we were hoping for. “Whales, lots of them, moving south around the north end of the island.” I could barely contain my excitement! Guests boarded the M/V Sea Lion and we headed towards the city of Victoria, BC across the Canadian border. KWOOF! A jet black dorsal fin cut through the water, and then another, and then another! We found ourselves in the midst of J Pod. It was so good to see all the familiar fins: J27 Blackberry travelling with L87 Onyx, J19 Shachi followed by her grandson J51 Nova, and J16 Slick flanked by her whole family. Everywhere we looked there was a fin breaking the surface.
J36 Alki and her son J52 Sonic Sarah McCullaghIn addition to killer whales this early season has been full of incredible wildlife encounters and sightings. From bellowing Steller’s sea lions, to playful Dall’s porpoise surfing the bow, to flashy harlequin ducks, the sheer diversity of wildlife that can be seen here in the Salish Sea this time of year never ceases to amaze me!