August 17, 2019 – We had a whale trifecta – Southern Resident orcas from J Pod, two humpback whales which we identified as BCY0770 Gibbous and Valiant (two year old calf of BCX1068 ‘Split Fluke’), and a minke whale.
It was fun to watch the interaction between the orcas and the humpbacks who appeared to be all mixed up close to shore near False Bay. Occasional humpback trumpeting and humungous pectoral fin slaps added to the excitement. We loved hearing the vocalizations of the orcas on our hydrophone as they communicated and foraged on the westside of San Juan.
As we drifted on Salmon Bank enjoying our dinner we were treated to a minke whale also having dinner amongst a huge bait ball with loads of diving birds and gulls making a ruckus. An incredible day…
Route Map 8-17-19
Harbor seals
Great Blue Heron
Steller sea lions
Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks
Members of J pod including J31 with calf J56
Orca breach
Members of J pod traveling near a pair of humpback whales
J31 with calf J56
Orca calf spy hop
Humpback whale off San Juan Island shoreline
Orca sea snake
J14s, J19s, J35’s
J14s, J19s, J35’s
J31 with calf J56
Humpback whale amongst the J pod whales
BCY0770 Gibbous
BCY0770 Gibbous
Members of J pod including J31 with calf J56 messing about with a pair of humpback whales
Humpback whale amongst the J pod whales
Members of J pod traveling near a pair of humpback whales
Orca breach near humpback whale
Humpback whale pec slapping with J pod orca
Humpback whale passing False Bay Farm
Orca breach
J27
Red necked phalaropes
BCY0770 Gibbous and Valiant
Humpback whale ‘Valiant’
Humpback whale ‘Valiant’ – notice all the orca teeth marks on this two year old tail flukes
Minke whale feeding on Salmon Bank
Minke whale feeding on Salmon Bank
Minke whale
Minke whale
Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks at sunset
~48 Black oystercatchers on Whale Rocks
Black oystercatchers on Whale Rocks
Sunset on our sail home
Sunset on our sail home
Orca calf breach – we think its J51