Harbor Pups, Eagle Chicks and Enthusiastic Porpoise

What a beautiful day in the islands! The sun was shining and the water was mirror calm. These factors, combined with the fantastic views of Mount Baker in the distance, created a wonderful day on the water. Captain Pete, naturalist Nancy, a crew of cheerful guests and I started our trip by heading north west toward Flat Top Island. Today was a day packed full of baby animals - how adorable! The harbor seals are all having their pups, and we saw babies lying alongside their mothers all over the place! We even saw a baby nursing from its mother! There are expected to be around 1,000 harbor seal pups born this season in the islands. Harbor seal females all give birth at the same time, meaning there are harbor seal pups galore! We also saw an eagle chick sitting onto its nest, we one of its parents sitting not to far above it on an adjacent tree. The young wildlife seemed to be out basking in the sun, enjoying the beautiful weather.
We made our way to Turn Point on Stuart Island and were fortunate enough to have at least five Dall's Porpoise bow ride with our boat. The Dall's are so playful! Unlike all other porpoise, the Dall's enjoying bow riding alongside boats. In this way, the Dall's Porpoise is similar to dolphins, who love the thrill of surfing along vessels as they cut through the water. I love seeing them surface right below us, looking like they are having the time of their lives! They seemed to be spurred on by the enthusiasm of our guests, who squealed and screeched in joy as they watched the Dall's enjoying themselves. It was truly a gorgeous day and the Dall's porpoises seemed to be enjoying themselves as much as we were.

As we headed home, the sea breeze cooled us down and the sun continued to shine lovingly on our faces. Oh, the joys of summer out on the water in the San Juan Islands.


Ashley, Naturalist