June 1, 2018 – There were several groups of orcas in the area today. While we were en route to see the T65A’s near Lopez, another group, the T49A’s, were found closer over by Long Island. The whales were engaged in hunting as we arrived but soon we moved on to circumnavigate Lopez Island. It was incredible watching this orca family weave in and out of the islands on the rugged southern Lopez coastline. The orcas stopped to hunt at least two more times while we sailed with them, and at one point we heard some vocals over our hydrophone. Some play time after dinner and then it was time to move on. They departed out through Thatcher Pass while we continued around to Upright Head where Mr Eagle stood guard near its nest – which by the way looked to have something interesting on top. We can’t quite tell what it is, but it kind of looks like fur or maybe grass lying on top. Always something new.
Harbor seals
Schooners North – S/V Spike Africa
Whale watching from shore at Iceberg Point
T49A1 and Colville Island in the distance
A line of Canada Geese passing Coalville Island
Canada Geese
Bald eagle
Low Tide
Swirl Rock
T49A’s
Bald eagle nest
Black oyster catchers and harbor seals
T49A and youngest offspring T49A5
Such a tiny dorsal fin next to mom’s
Hunting very close to the beach
T49A1, male born 2001
T49A1
Flukes up
Orcas hunting or maybe celebrating after their meal
Orca Headstand
T49A1
T49A1 and kayaker
Watching the person on shore?
T49A1 is dragging intestines from his last seal meal – we’ve seen orcas do this several times before
Stunning backdrop
Many harbor porpoise in Rosario Strait today
Steller sea lion at Bird Rocks – we saw three others swimming nearby
Cormorants on Bird Rocks
Spy peep
Kids socializing after dinner
Orca headstand
Bald eagle – check out those talons
What is that in the nest? Dog? Fox? Grass? anyone?