Today we caught up with a group of 4 Transient Orcas off the southwestern end of Victoria; coordinates 48°22.0’N, 123°25.0’W. This group was not as stealthy as we typically see with Transients. They were surfacing multiple times, almost in a predictable manner, and were lobtailling often with a couple spyhops here and there. This group was also quite young; two younger calves and two adults who appeared to be in their 20s. We got to travel with them for about 20 minutes or so until we headed back for San Juan Island.
On our way back we were able to see numerous Harbor Seals hauled out on the rocks and islets along the island along with a few Harbor Porpoises milling around in the San Juan Channel. We also got to take a look at multiple bird species throughout the day including the Western Gull, Rhinoceros Auklets, the Canada Goose, the Bald Eagle, Common Murres, and Pelagic Cormorants. It was a day filled with great wildlife viewing!
Naturalist Tara, San Juan Safaris