Lots of whales today september 20, 2007

I just stepped of the MV Sea Lion from our 1:00 tour. Today, after five days absence, the orca whales are back. There must have been about twenty whales. When we first came on scene they were milling. After a bit they would travel in one direction the slowly turn and go in another direction. The Center for Whale Research was out on the water with us taking fecal samples from the water and also performing some ID photos. It was a really good viewing day, water calm, slight breeze and the whales stayed withing a small area - not spread out as they are sometimes. I saw a few tail slaps but no other acrobatics today.

One the way back in, we stopped at Whale Rock, on the south end of San Juan Island, where there were at least twelve great big Stellar Sea Lion males basking, vocalizing and harassing each other. The lighting was 'perfect'. Their fur was perfectly lite by the setting sun. Today we also saw a number of Harlequin Ducks, rafts of Common Murres, many Harbor Seals and then just before turning the corning to come into the harbor a Harbor Porpoise was spotted. What a day.

Tours continue throught October 6, then for the remainder of October Saturdays only. Come now. As we near October orca whales are seen less and less.

Over and out,
Colleen