Take Me to Your Leader

Today's trip took us back to Point Roberts to spend time with J-Pod. We had an interested group, calm seas, and sunshine to make the day even better. We spent about an hour with J-Pod watching them forage as they headed south towards Rosario. They were all spread out and we began our encounter with J-8, Speiden, and then moved on to view J-1, Ruffles, and J-2, Granny. Granny is the matriarch of J-Pod and estimated to be nearly 100 years old!!! Granny is the one in command and what she says goes. She's a fascinating animal and it makes you wonder what she thinks when she sees us. She's been around since 1911 (estimate) and has seen many changes in the Salish Seas. I wonder if she passes down all this knowledge to little ones like J-40, Suttles, who is her great-granddaughter and one of the orcas we confirmed a sighting of today. Each day we see different behaviors and it's just as exciting to see the guests react to their breaches, spy hops, and unique stories. Each animal is an individual and has their own personalities and it's fascinating to see how these personalities and roles are played out in their societies. Until tomorrow....

Megan, Naturalist