Transients!!! (whales that is)

Today we left Friday Harbor at about 1 pm and headed out south past Cattle Point in the Strait of Juan De Fuca.
We found some Transient orcas! These orca usually hang near Canada and usually in a small bunch 5 to 6 whales.
I think we counted about 12 to 16 individuals traveling all together and from what I have read and heard this is rare.

The transient orcas were amazing. I was really impressed with them. Our guests were very excited about their encounter. On the way back our Captain made a stop at Whale Rocks and we saw a bald eagle and some harbor seals. The weather was also great today and visibility was spectacular. It was another great whale watching and wildlife trip with San Juan Safaris.

Naturalist,
Jeannette Miller
Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Oh deer!

What a nice cozy trip we had today on the MV Kittiwake. With thirteen super guests, Capt. Craig at the helm and me sharing all of the knowledge that I could, there was no way we could have anything other than a great day. On a 32' boat everyone gets to be fast friends and the nice small group is almost like a private charter.

With the Orcas still busy at sea and the South end of the island fogged in we set off to find our kicks elsewhere. And what a time we had. There were Bald Eagles galore, including four nests. We saw them sitting in trees, sitting in nests and flying over the boat. At Mandarte Island in Canada we saw nesting Double-crested and Pelagic Cormorants as well as gulls and Pigeon Guillemots. Out in Haro Strait we made a valiant effort to locate a Minke Whale that I had a couple of long-distance views of, but even with the help of two other boats it slipped away from us. Minkes are the smallest baleen whale in these waters and are very secretive. After the Minke watch Capt. Craig stopped the boat near the international border so that I could talk about the Pig War and its long-lasting effects on the ownership of these islands. We even saw a cute little Mink running along the water line of Johns Island.

The sun kept us company throughout the day and everyone came back pink cheeked and happy. Our crowning glory though was when we came to the channel between the Cactus Islands only to see two buck deer swimming between the two islands. Since moving here I have heard stories of deer out in the channels, but this was a first for everyone on board. What a shock when the strange looking log in the water turned out to be the heads and velvet covered antlers of a couple of Black-tailed Deer. I thought the cameras would all start smoking from the mad picture taking that ensued. It was definitely a rare show and one to save for posterity.

Even though the marine mammals that were spotted were not what everyone expected, it added lustre to a great trip. So, from all of us at San Juan Safaris to all of you out there, thank you and we will...

See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Thar She Blows!

It was all sunshine and smiles again today on the MV Sea Lion as Capt. Nancy took Ashley, a great group of guests and me over to Whidbey Island for some more Gray Whale watching. As almost always there was a little bit of chop to the water as we motored through Cattle Pass, but it was smooth sailing after that. We got great looks at Mt. Baker and the Olympic Peninsula, but clouds to the South obscured Mt. Rainier today. The last few days have definitely lent credence to the old mariner's rule that if you can see Mt. Baker without any clouds in front of it there will be no rain for 24 hours.

The trip over to Whidbey Island gave Ashley and I a great chance to chat with our guests about where they were from and what wonderful things they have been doing here in the Pacific Northwest. As soon as the whale was spotted though everyone was down to business. The gray today seemed to be the same one that we watched yesterday, but it was a little further South of the naval air station and moving more quickly. We were only treated to one or two breaths before each dive and during the last dive while we were on scene the tricky behemoth changed direction underwater and resurfaced well North of us.

We decided that that was our cue to head back to San Juan Island, so Capt. Nancy took us back across the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a trip along Lopez Island and up San Juan Channel. As we were heading towards home off in the distance we caught sight of the beautiful schooner, or tall ship, Zodiac. It is a 136 ft. sailing vessel with several masts and even more sails. Ashley regaled us all with the history of this magnificent ship and the fact that it is the largest working vessel on the West coast of the U.S. Our perfect day was wrapped up with lots of views of Harbor Seals and seabirds, like gulls and cormorants, around Whale Rocks and Goose Island, and a majestic pair of Bald Eagles sitting side-by-side in a tree top on Long Island.

It was another fabulous day with a great boatload of guests. So, from all of us here at San Juan Safaris to all of you who make our job a delight, thank you and we will...

See You In The Islands!

~Tristen, Naturalist

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A Three Hour Tour...or More

Wow, what a day. Our sun was back in full force today and the rough waters that we have been braving in the Strait of Juan de Fuca have given way to a lovely calm. The Orcas are still off on a whirlwind tour of the open ocean, but that did not stop us from seeing whales.

Capt. Nancy, Jeanette and myself motored South with a happy, lively group of visitors aboard the MV Sea Lion. We were off to investigate reports of a lone Gray Whale feeding off of the beach on Whidbey Island just South of the naval air station. Cattle Pass was a dream as we headed past the lighthouse and the effect was intensified when we spotted Mt. Rainier in the distance. Everywhere that we looked there were majestic mountains; Mt. Baker, the Cascades, Mt. Rainier and the Olympic range all surrounded us. As we headed towards Admiralty Inlet and Whidbey Island we got ever changing views of the topography and waters of the Puget Sound watershed region.

We met up with our fellow wildlife watching companies and the whale in just 40 feet of water. It was a lone gray that was slowly surfacing and diving only +100 yards from shore. It would take a series of breaths and then dive down to scoop up the thick mud from the bottom that is so rich with shrimp and plankton. We were timing the dives at about 3.5 minutes in length with 3 to 4 breaths at the surface before each dive. We got some great looks at the barnacle and crustacean load that the whale was carrying and we even saw a little bit of the fluke as it dove under.

After our sojourn with the whale we headed for Lopez Island and a cruise along the coastline. We came across several groups of foraging Harbor Porpoises and we were lucky enough to have them continue their behavior rather than swimming away. There was a beautiful Bald Eagle on Long Island and lots of Harbor Seals on Whale Rocks. After that it was a trip up the channel between San Juan and Lopez Islands and back into the harbor.

All-in-all we covered 40 miles and saw what a wonder the Pacific Northwest is. So, from all of us at San Juan Safaris to all of you, thank you and we will...

See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A Birders Dream

Today was a great trip for all those bird lovers. We saw bald eagles in the trees, on the rocks, flying, and in their nests.

On Spieden Island, just north of San Juan Island, we saw the Mouflon sheep and non indiginous deer. On the backside or north side of Spied in the Cactus Islands we saw bald eagles, harbor seals and bull kelp.
We were also lucky enough to see a California Seal Lion right outside of Friday Harbor. Not only did we see great wildlife but we had great warm and sunny weather and smooth seas.
Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Rocking & Rolling off the West Side of San Juan Island

Savoring the last day of Memorial Day weekend, Capt. Craig, Tristen, and I departed Friday Harbor aboard the MV Sea Lion with a boat full of guests, excited to see orcas. Yesterday was a new moon and today we had tide fluctuation of 12 feet (a -3.22 low) so we pushed on through choppy Cattle Pass, determined to catch up with J Pod. We reached J1, Ruffles, while parallel with the northen most portion of American Camp on the southern end of San Juan Island.

J Pod was busy foraging along the westside of San Juan Island. The guests caught some great glimpses at J Pod's oldest male (J1), as well as some fantastic views of J17 and her new calf J44. It was rough out in the Haro Strait today, but that didn't hinder the excitement of viewing J Pod fishing off of the south and west side of the island.

On our way back we saw some of the other wildlife that are around the islands, including bald eagles, harbor seals, and a California sea lion.

What a great day.
Ashley, Naturalist



Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Memorial Day Parade Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Here is the outstanding Elliott Bay Pipe Band performing in Friday Harbor on Memorial Day 2009. They were the prelude to another great parade and holiday on San Juan Island. From all of us here at San Juan Safaris we will...

See You In The Islands!

~Tristen, Naturalist

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Orcas off the west side of San Juan

J-pod off the West side of San Juan Island near Lime Kiln State Park. J-pod was fairly spread out but great to watch. We took a trip past the North side of Spieden Island and the Cactus Islands. The North side of Spieden is very different from the south side. There is more shade, less evaporation and has evergreen trees. We encountered some Mouflon sheep, a non-indigenous animal to the island that are believed to be the ancestor of all modern day sheep breeds. We saw them near the trees and a few rams closer to the shoreline. We also saw three bald eagles, a Great blue heron and even harlequin ducks near the cactus islands. On the way back to Friday Harbor we saw a minke whale, the smallest of baleen whales in the San Juan Channel. Its always a great adventure with San Juan Safaris, you just never know how many amazing animals you will have the opportunity to encounter.


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A couple photographs

A couple photographs from today:








<--A few of our guests enjoying watching the orcas.

<-- Me, gabbing about orcas.

Ashley, Naturalist

Memorial Day Weekend - The Unofficial Start to Summer

Although summer doesn't technically start until the Summer Solstice on June 21st, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning to summer. It sure does feel like summer has reached Friday Harbor! Town was bustling today, people in tank tops, t-shirts, and shorts wandered the streets and the Farmer's Market displayed tasty looking vegetables, baked goods, local-raised meat, garden starters, pesto, and other glorious goods. With the sun shining and the sky clear enough to see Mount Baker as I headed down the hill into town, I had a feeling it was going to be a fantastic day aboard the MV Sea Lion.

With guests aplenty, we boarded the boat and headed south. J Pod was reported to be travelling off of the south end of Lopez island, heading towards the coastline of American Camp on San Juan Island's south end. The tidal flucuations were large today, with a -3 foot low, meaning the water dynamics in narrow Cattle Pass (Cattle Pass also has many underwater ridges) were intense and extremely interesting. Captain Pete stopped the boat and talked about currents, upwelling zones, eddies, and other water dynamics information to a group of spell-bound guests as the boat was swept onward by the current.

After enjoying ourselves (probably a bit too much) in Cattle Pass, we reached members of J Pod around Salmon Bank, which is off the south end of San Juan Island. Members of J Pod were spread out offshore. We saw many tailslaps, a few cartwheels, and even saw what appeared to be J 19 and another orca (maybe J41, her young son Eclipse) either hunting in, or playing in, bull kelp caught in between two currents off the port of the MV Sea Lion. We had some wonderful views of J19, Shachi, during the either fishing or playful behavior in this current line. Orcas have been known to try and wrap bull kelp blades around their dorasl fins. It is thought they enjoy the sensation of the bull kelp rubbing up against their bodies.


On our cruise home we checked out a bald eagle nest on Long Island, saw some harbor seals hauled out on Whale Rocks, and as we were almost back in Friday Harbor, spotted a large male California Sea Lion (which are only in this area during their non-breeding season) hauled out on a buoy right outside of the harbor! What a phenomenal day out on the water!

Ashley, Naturalist





Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Sunny San Juan Island

What a day for whale watching. Today was one of those days that we dream about here at San Juan Safaris. The waters were calm and the sun warmed our faces as we watched individuals from J and K Pods swim along the southern and western sides of the island. Our group of guests joined Capt. Pete, Jeanette and myself on the MV Sea Lion from all over the world for a beautiful time on the water.

In Cattle Pass Capt. Pete stopped the boat so that we could all see and feel the disturbance caused by the mixing of waters from different channels. The boat slowly turned in an eddy as we talked about the nutrients that well up from the deep and watched Goose Island slide by. We also made a stop at Whale Rocks to see a bull Steller's Sea Lion resting in the sun with two Bald Eagles sitting above him on the rocks. They were a gorgeous mated pair with their matching white heads and bright yellow beaks.

Then we were off to track the whales through the southern waters. The Orcas were spread out over a large area with some travelling singly or in pairs and others in family groups. One family group that we saw were swimming tightly packed together coming up for air together and then dipping back below the water. We motored on past Limekiln Lighthouse and were headed for the North end of the island when we spotted J1 "Ruffles". He was traveling by himself well ahead of the other whales and made for a very picturesque lonely sentinel.

We wrapped our day by finishing up our cirvumnavigation of the island as we came down San Juan Channel and back into Friday Harbor. We had a great day with our guests today, so thank you from all of us to all of you and we will...

See You In The Islands!

~Tristen, Naturalist

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Orcas and Bald Eagles....

Today was a beautiful day, we had sunshine and smooth water. We took a trip around the South side of Spieden Island. Bald Eagles were out flying, some very nice lady's got some amazing pictures of two bald eagles flying together. One lady even got a great picture of a bald eagle in its nest. We then ventured through John's Pass, this is always a beautiful trip. We then got news of J-pod near Turn Point of Stuart Island. We found them and watched as they traveled through the Haro strait and began heading north through Boundary Pass. They were great today as always, we got some good views of a calf. Passengers also thought they saw J-1. On are way back we took another look at Spieden and saw some non-indigenous sheep and deer.

San Juan Safaris Naturalist
Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A bit of sun, a bit of rain, and a whole bunch of orca viewing!

The MV Sea Lion departed Friday Harbor washed with sunlight, ready to chug on up to Canada to try to catch up with J Pod. Our first report was that J Pod was up by Point Roberts headed south. The boat caught up with J Pod members north of East Point on Saturna Island. It was off of East Point that the first whale to be placed successfully into capitivity was captured. In 1964, Samuel Burich, a sculptor, was hired to kill a killer whale to use as a model for a life size killer whale sculpture for the Vancouver Aquarium. Burich harpooned his target, which didn't die, even after it was shot. A decision was made to tow the live whale back to Vancouver, were he survived in captivity for 87 days. This whale was named Moby Doll (he was actually a male), and sparked the whale captures for marine parks during the rest of the sixties and into the early 70's.

We travelled with various members of J Pod, who were spread out for miles between East Point and Patos Island. J1, Ruffles, and likely J2, Granny, made a nice appearance, passing in front of our bow after we had shut down the engine to allow them to pass. We saw breaches and spy hops from the distance and closer whales travelled on by. As we viewed the whales we passed in an out of sunshine and rain, hitting just a few rain clouds here and there.

The boat pulled into Friday Harbor to a cleared sky and are pleased guests gazed kindly at Friday Harbor after a great day of whale watch viewing.

Over and out.
Ashley, Naturalist




Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A Mellow Day with J Pod

Having heard an early morning report that J Pod was milling around the False Bay area, I left the office this morning giddy to get aboard the MV Sealion. The clouds in the sky may have dampened San Juan Island, but they sure weren't dampening our spirits! After coming through Cattle Pass, passing by False Bay and reaching Lime Kiln State Park, we started to see dorsal fins. We travelled slowly on scene because the orcas were spread out all over the place.

As we sat in placed and watched orcas on all side, guests captured beautiful photographs of passing orcas. We had some excellent views of orcas travelling behind our stern and off our bow. Blackberry (J27) made an appearance, alongside what may have been his brother and sister. We hung out with the whales for some time, travelling along one group and then another, until we decided it was best we start heading home. As we were about to head back, one of the young calves, its mother, and another female passed about 150 yards off our starboard side. We had some great glimpses at one of the young new members of J Pod (probably the best view I've had of one of the calves yet this season!).

Heading back, we decided to circumnavigate San Juan Island. It's always fun heading through Mosquito Pass, slowly travelling through provides a great opportunity to view the beautiful houses that line the Roche Harbor area.

A quick pass by Speiden Island allowed for some great views of all of Speiden's exotic creatures, as well as a bald eagle sitting in its nest.

The sprinkles didn't hinder the wildlife-viewing one bit. Another wonderful and mellow day out on San Juan Islands waters.

Until Tomorrow,
Ashley, Naturalist


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Some Days Are For Cruising

It is good to live in the islands these days. Capt. Pete, Nan and I welcomed a diverse and friendly group onto the MV Sea Lion today and we were able to show them the islands in all of their glory. The sun was shining, the birds were singing and the water was calming. The Orcas seemed to have moved off to parts unknown overnight, but that did not stop our guests from spotting some great wildlife.

There were more Harbor Seals than you could shake a stick at and we saw almost every color pattern imaginable. No signs of pups yet, but it is still a bit early in the season. Our local population of Bald Eagles appears to be doing very well, since every rock and island seemed to have an eagle on it. There were several immature eagles sighted yet again today as well as a few nests and mated pairs. One of our guests even spied an adult Surf Scoter with a juvenile floating in the rough water around Boiling Reef. Those are the first ones that I have seen here!

After heading up to East Pt. on Saturna Island in Canada, and getting a quick glimpse of a Steller's Sea Lion before it dove off into the water, we then cruised down the coastline of Saturna Island. The sandstone formations were beautiful and you could see the different layers of rock on the bluff faces that marked the great geological changes that have occurred over the eons in this area. A quick turn around Green Pt. on Spieden Island to look for sheep and deer and to see the effects of the Vashon Glacier there marked the end of our trip. It was then a straight shot back to port for a great group of guests and crew.

Thank you from all of us to all of you for choosing San Juan Safaris and we will...

See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A Porpoiseful Day

Boy, did we have a great day out on the water today! A boatload of guests, Captain Pete, naturalist Tristen, and I departed Friday Harbor with the sun glistening on our faces. The weather today was warmer than the past few days, it is really starting to feel like summer is coming to the islands. Captain Pete had heard that J Pod was up by Point Roberts in Canada - so northward we went!

As we cruised up toward Canada we pasted many, many harbor porpoises porpoising (because the porpoise of porpoises is porpoising, of course). The area must have been rich with small schooling fish today! We also saw a few bald eagles as we cruised along. The MV Sealion reached Canada and we checked out a large group of Steller Sealions (males, females, and young) hauled out on a rock off of East Point (on Saturna Island). As we marvelled at the massive size of the Stellars, suddenly a male and two female orcas came porpoising behind the boat. They were travelling quickly and the other members of J Pod were quick to follow. Captain Pete shut down the engine and we let J Pod start to pass. After most of the group had travelled by, Pete joined alongside Blackberry (J27) and what appeared to be his siblings, Tsuchi (J31), and Mako (J39). Spread out all over the place, we watched orcas breach, tailslap, porpoise, and just travel along. We saw a wide variety of orca behavior and had some wonderful views at many members of J Pod.

As the boat cruised home we spotted more harbor porpoises abound, quite a few more bald eagles, harbor seals, and even a river otter off of Green Point on Speiden Island.

What a fabulous day!
Ashley, Naturalist

Relaxing with J Pod in the Haro Strait

With the sun shining and the water sparkling, Captain Nancy, the other naturalist Tristen, a group of (as always) enthusiastic and eager guests, and I took off from Friday Harbor with the hopes of meeting up with J pod. To the excitement of guests, naturalists, and captains alike, J pod (the most resident pod [pod = family unit] from the Southern Resident Community) has been in the area almost every day for the past couple weeks. Captain Nancy heard word that the group was moving slowly up Henry Island.

We arrived on scene between Henry and Stuart Island to find what appeared to be all of J pod moving in one tight knit group and travelling in a resting pattern. The group moved slowly along. They had no particular destination in mind, switching directions at will. Distinct members of the pod, like - J26 (Mike), J27 (Blackberry), J1 (Ruffles), the two babies (!), and J30 (Riptide), swam amongst the pod. All members made their appearance for the crowd of pleased guests. It was a wonderful afternoon for whale viewing due to the mild weather and calm waters. J pod also made the viewing pleasant because of their slow travel and tight knit group.

On the way back toward Friday Harbor we travelled alongside Speiden, stopping first at Sentinel Rock to glispe at an adult bald eagle and hauled out harbor seals. Grazing and meandering on Speiden's southside we saw a few fallow deer and quite a few herds of both male and female muflon sheep. In a tree overhanging the water in the middle of Speiden's southside shoreline we spotted a bald eagle watching over its nest, which has a chick in this season!

We had a full array of wildlife to view today and all returned happy and worn out from a wildlife-packed afternoon!

Ashley, Naturalist

Another Day Well Spent with J Pod

After a few days off the water, I was antsy to get my share of the J Pod viewing action. Luckily, J Pod decided to appease my desires and we left Friday Harbor with a group of excited guests to catch up with the whales (well, dolphins - technically) on the west side of the San Juan Island.

After viewing some harbor seals hauled out (as usual) on some rocks, we arrived on scene, with the whales spread out heading in the direction of Port Angeles. Captain Nancy followed next to a group of around 5-6 individuals (one adult male, a young orca, and four females - it appeared). This was a nice group to see because the rest of J Pod was spread out quite a distance in front of us. Due to an ebbing tide in our favor we reached the whales quickly and had a nice long time to view them. A few guests even spotted a Minke whale or two (one of the smallest baleen whales, around 30 feet long). As we turned to head back to Friday Harbor we caught a nice glimpse or two of a group of around 4 orcas dilly-dallying back and forth.

Although it was a bit chilly (it's not quite summer yet!), the sun was shining and the water was calm. Everyone returned mellow and satisfied after a wonderful afternoon with our friends from J Pod.

Until next time,
Ashley, Naturalist

Backdiving...

Our adventure startedby heading North out of Friday Harbor. We found the orca whales about 5 miles North of Patos Island heading and they were headed north.

Members of J and K pods were there. We identified J-1 "Ruffles". We were also lucky enough to see one individual back dive about 4 times in a row. One of our guests got a great picture. Hope she emails it to us (Fun@SanJuanSafaris.com)

On our ride back we made a quick stop around Yellow Island to see some Harbor Seals hauled out on the rocks.

Everyday is a great adventure we never know what great things we are going to get to witness.

Naturalist,
Jeanette Miller

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Never Give Up. . .

With no reports of whales our safari started by heading South out of Friday Harbor. We passed Whale Rocks and encountered Steller's Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. I am always impressed with the size of Steller's Sea Lions around 1500 pounds! Pupping season for harbor seals is mid June and I can't wait to see all the baby seals.

We also took a good long look at Goose Island on the southern tip of San Juan Island and saw the Cormorant rookery. Fishermen from China historically had used cormorants for fishing. (We will tell you the whole story on the boat, just ask)

As we came around the southern corner of San Juan Island into the Strait of Juan De Fuca, we ran into some rough waters. So - we decided to turn north and go up the west side of San Juan Island. This ended up to be a fantastic decision... We found J-pod near Lime Kiln State Park heading North. We were able to identify J-1 "Ruffles", the eldest male of all Southern Resident Killer Whales. His dorsal fin is about 5 feet tall.

We ended the tour by taking a quick peek at Spieden Island. The Mouflon Sheep were out grazing and a Bald eagle was sitting in its nest.

Our trip may have started with doubt and rough seas, but we never gave up.
We ended up seeing orca whales and some great wildlife.


Naturalist,
Jeannette Miller


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Orca Whales at Lime Kiln May 12, 2009

Here is a photo from todays tour of guests watching orca whales near Lime Kiln on the west side of San Juan Island.
The weather was quite changeable today, rain, shine, a bit of clouds then bright sunshine.

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Stellar Sea Lions and Orcas...

Today on the Sea Lion we went out North of Friday Harbor, on the way to find the orcas we saw Harbor Seals hauled out. We then found J-pod. We saw a calf, one female and one male. On the way back to Friday Harbor we encountered Stellar Sea Lions of Patos Island swimming. Everyone was amazed with just how large the Stellars were. We also saw Harbor porpoise. We discussed some of the differences between dolphins (orcas are the largest member of the dolphin family) and porpoises. Dolphins have beaks, conical shaped teeth and have a curved or more hooked dorsal fin. Porpoise have spaded shaped teeth, triangular shaped dorsal fins and lack a distinct beak.


Jeannette Miller
San Juan Safaris Naturalist

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

J-pod!!!!

Orcas, J-pod found just south of Sinclair Island. We counted about 20 individuals and we were lucky enough to see a calf. We were able to see the orange-ish pigmentation. We were also able to identify J-1, Ruffles. They seemed to be in a sleep pattern. Orcas are voluntary breathers so they exhibit unihemispheric sleep. This sleep pattern allows 1/2 the brain sleep while the other 1/2 is awake.

Sincerely,
San Juan Safaris Naturalist
Jeannette
Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

A Whale of a Good Time

It was a lovely golden day on our inland waters and our boat load of guests were a real treat. Captain Pete, Ashley and I welcomed a full boat of passengers onto the MV Sea Lion, including a wee mariner just new to this beautiful world. Our destination was soon discovered to be the open waters just North of Patos Island State Marine Park. Another boat operator called out "I've made contact" over the radio waves and we knew that Orcas were soon to be seen. They even happened to be near the area where we had seen them the day before. Captain Pete turned our bow North and we cruised up between Orcas and Waldron Islands looking anxiously towards the horizon.

As we came up to where the other boat companies were starting to gather we saw a group from J pod heading West in a tight formation. The whales were all huddled together coming up for air and giving off a shower of blows. J1 "Ruffles" was again with the group, this time staying towards the rear. There were several juveniles and other males within the pod which numbered approximately 15 individuals. The females were there too and our whole boat got to see the new calf. It was robustly coming up for air next to its mother, showing off its bright orange chin and throat.

The group was not taking the leisurely swim it did yesterday. They were moving much faster this time and after a series of breaths they would then dive as a group for several minutes. There were a few tail slaps from one female and it was not until we were ready to leave that one of the Orcas came up into a spyhop that brought half of its body out of the water. Several of our guests got stunning photos of it. As we motored away we watched more spyhops and tail slaps as the Orcas faded into the distance.

It was a picture perfect day that included not only the Orcas, but Harbor Seals, Harbor Porpoises and a soaring finish by a Bald Eagle that skimmed across San Juan Channel in front of our boat, plucked a fish from the water and then carried it back off into the trees on San Juan Island. Thank you from all of us for choosing San Juan Safaris and we will...

See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Pretty Point Roberts

Sunshine and whales, is there anything else in this world like it? Captain Nancy and I had a small group with us on the MV Sea Lion today and they got the view that some of them had traveled far afield to see. Hailing from places like Philadelphia, Michigan and Malaysia, as well as good old Seattle, our passengers were treated to a lovely boat ride on calm seas to the waters just South of Point Roberts. There the whales were in their brightest white and shiniest black as they slowly cruised East.

With the sun out and the water like glass it made it very easy to track the whale's blows and see Ruffles' tall dorsal fin. The Orcas were spread over a large area between us and the distant shore, so we stayed with J1 "Ruffles" and a female who was most likely J2 "Granny". Their lazy stroll was intoxicating and had us all sighing with the warm sea breeze. A few tail lobs and pec slaps were seen, but mostly it was restful viewing of some magnificent animals.

On the way back to Friday Harbor we had fun viewing busy Harbor Porpoises at Boiling Reef, named for the way that the water surges and froths. The rough water is a mixing point and is abundant with food. The porpoises along with Rhinoceros Auklets and gulls were there to try to catch their fill of fish. At Jones Island State Park National Wildlife Refuge we found a pair of Bald Eagles sitting in the tops of two trees. They provided a good look at all of their colorations from feet to beaks.

Once again it was a beautiful day in the San Juan Islands and our group was enthusiastic and asked lots of good questions. It was a great trip as always. So, from all of us, thank you for choosing San Juan Safaris and we will...

See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist


Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

ORCAS and Stellar Sea Lion:)

Today was a great day for wildlife viewing. We headed south out of Friday Harbor and then just southeast of Lopez we spotted Southern Resident Killer Whales, the J-pod and they put on a great show. Captain Nancy identified Ruffles! They were breaching and tail slapping- some great pictures were taken. On the way back we spotted some bald eagles on Long Island and Stellar Sea Lions on Whale Rocks. I am always impressed with the size of the Stellar Sea Lions. The waters did get a little rough but whats a little rough water when you get to see such amazing animals in their natural habitat.

Jeannette (naturalist)

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Liquid sunshine in the islands!

Hello all,

A group of intrepid seventh graders and their chaperones were our guests on the MV Kittiwake today. The kids and adults alike were inquisitive and well rewarded for their interest. We had a good look at some Harbor Porpoises in San Juan Channel that were milling around in the swirling water, most likely feeding. There were Pigeon Guillemots galore, along with their vibrant red feet, especially on the backside of Flattop Island which is a wildlife preserve.

Bald Eagles were seen by all as were Harbor Seals with all of their spots. While motoring through John's Pass between John's and Stuart Islands we were treated to a rare sight of a pair of eagles sitting side-by-side in the top of a tree. They were probably a mated pair and with the large size difference between males and females we could tell that the female was sitting on the left and was almost a head taller than the male. There were also juveniles in the area still sporting their mottled brown plumage and dark beak, all of which will give way to their adult colors by their 5th year.

Our finale for the day was a good showing by a bull Steller's Sea Lion in San Juan Channel in the maelstrom. He bobbed up and down several times as well as doing some bellyrolls and dives. Nearby was a Harbor Seal with a fresh fish catch which he was vigorously devouring to our delight. An opportunistic gull was floating next to the seal's head doing his best to snatch up tidbits of leftovers.

Despite our gloomy skies and rain the kids were good spotters of wildlife and asked questions up until the minute that we docked. Thanks to all of you for choosing San Juan Safaris and we will...

See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist





Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Orcas Again!!!

Today we saw the largest member of the dolphin family, orcas! These animals are super intelligent and beautiful. We located J-pod, 1 mile south of Cattle point heading west. We did see a calf! The whales were tail slapping and spy hopping, it was fantastic. We also placed the hydrophone in the water and could hear J-pod communicating. This is something everyone should see and hear!!! On the way back to Friday Harbor we located a bald eagle in its nest on the south side of Spiden island. The mofloun sheep were out grazing as well on Spiden. Overall it was a great day for whales and wildlife viewing...

Jeannette Miller
Naturalist
Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

Orca Whales off the Sea Lion: photos just in

Here are our guests all exited about the orca whales they are seeing! Eveyone has their camera clicking! Yeah orcas!




Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©

J POD IS BACK!!!

When I arrived to work today, I heard word that J Pod was rumored to be in the Haro Strait. As the morning continued, Captain Craig confirmed the word that the most frequent visiting Southern Resident community pod was indeed back in the islands! Captain Craig, a group of excited guests and I departed Friday Harbor with high hopes of seeing orcas! We headed up toward Boundary Pass. As we rounded the northern side of Turn Point and headed into Canadian waters we began to see dorsal fins! I spotted trusty old J1 (the eldest male orca in J Pod), wavy dorsal fin and all, far off leading the way. The group was spread out, heading northward. We caught some great looks of J26, Mike and of J27, Blackberry. These are two adult males, whose dorsal fins have reached heights of up to 6 feet.

The most exciting view of the day (by far) was some nice glipses at one of the new calves to J Pod! The young orca was surfacing head first, right alongside mom. When they are young, the white pattern of the orcas is a more orange-tinged white, making them extra easy to spot (that, and there small size - well, at birth calves are 6-8 feet long. So, it was small only in relation to its relatives).

Along the way home we saw large herds of Muflon sheep along Speiden Island. There was even a group of lambs being herded around by one adult female Muflon. Seeing so many babies has really given me the feeling of spring is in the air (despite the clouds in the sky).

WHAT AN EXCITING DAY! VERY EXCITED TO HAVE J POD BACK IN THE AREA!

Over and out.

Ashley, Naturalist

Junevnile Eagles Galore

After hearing word of Transient Orcas up north, we left Friday Harbor in a hurry to try to view some of the marine mammal eating Orcas that sometimes frequent the San Juan Islands. We headed quickly their way, only to hear they started heading further north (out of our range). Then, we sped north again, having heard they were headed back our direction. Luck wasn't on our side and once more they turned and were out of our range. Luckily, the islands have wildlife abound!

The guests viewed large groups of Dall's Porpoise off of Turn Point off Stuart Island. We then headed back towards Speiden, where we saw an adult Bald Eagle cruise directly past our starboard side. Then checked out the exotic wildlife on Speiden and saw hauled out harbor seals resting on Sentinel Rock. As we cruised down Speiden's south side, we two juvenile eagles, one eating the carcus of what appeared to be a Muflon Sheep, the other perched along the shore with what appeared part of the sheep either being toted along with it, or stuck to its talons. In the air was saw at least 4 juvenile eagles in flight, and one more sitting near Green Point.

A few sprinkles didn't hinder the wildlife viewing and it was yet another enjoyable day aboard the Sea Lion.

Ashley, Naturalist

Spring Has Sprung

Yet again, Spring is in the air in the San Juan Islands! Captain Nancy and our other Naturalist, Jeannette, and I headed out with an excited group of guests to view the wonders the islands have to offer. We cruised past Speiden Island, viewing the islands exotic wildlife along the way, up on towards Turn Point, off of Stuart Island. Along the way we gazed at the hauled out Harbor Seals as they gazed back at us. We saw a few harbor porpoises off of Turn Point and headed around Stuart Island, through John's Pass. On the north side of Stuart we spotted an eagle nest, in it was one eagle and perched a few trees above the nest was the first eagle's mate. We saw many eagles today, both sub-adults (Bald Eagles don't get there white heads until they reach adulthood, which is at about 4-5 years of age. Once they reach adulthood they will form breeding pairs) and adults.

The weather in the islands are getting nicer and nicer as the days pass! I can't wait to get out on the water again to enjoy some more wildlife and some more of this gorgeous Spring weather!

Until next time,
Ashley, Naturalist

Orca Whales and Wildlife Are Our Only Business. ©