Today on the Sea Lion we went out North of Friday Harbor, on the way to find the orcas we saw Harbor Seals hauled out. We then found J-pod. We saw a calf, one female and one male. On the way back to Friday Harbor we encountered Stellar Sea Lions of Patos Island swimming. Everyone was amazed with just how large the Stellars were. We also saw Harbor porpoise. We discussed some of the differences between dolphins (orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family) and porpoises. Dolphins have beaks, conical shaped teeth and have a curved or more hooked dorsal fin. Porpoise have spaded shaped teeth, triangular shaped dorsal fins and lack a distinct beak.
Jeannette Miller
San Juan Safaris Naturalist
Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©
