Whale Watching Report

Family (Oreo, Doublestuff & Cookie)

Take Off (Rhinoceros Auklet)

A Celebrity (Ruffles)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"Coming around Cap Sante Point the Island Explorer 3 was first greeted by a snow capped Mt. Baker! With clear skies and the brilliance of the mountain just over our shoulder we headed towards the south end of Lopez Island and towards the orcas of J pod! The waters were teeming with wildlife as we navigated Rosario Strait. Guests could catch glimpses of Harbor Porpoise racing through the water, while Rhinoceros Auklets dove deep into the water for bait fish. As we entered into the waters surrounding Castle Rock Pigeon Guillemots swam around the boat, a Black Oystercatcher was searching for its next meal, Harbor Seals were hauled out on rock outcropping, and Eagles were flying high above us while in the company of soaring Turkey Vultures. It seemed that we weren't the only ones enjoying the sunshine!! It wasn't long and we were with the whales! Enjoying some great passes with some youngsters of J Pod we saw in the distance Ruffles! The oldest male of the Southern Residents, Ruffles, gave our guests some great looks at his 6 foot dorsal fin as he moved with ease through the waters a couple of miles just off of Eagle Point. Then an amazing thing happened! A Minke Whale appeared near Ruffles!! Two whale species in one day; that is what we like to call a doubleheader!! The Minke appeared just 3 times and then vanished! We departed and soon was with Oreo's subpod! The appearance of this family made the day of the Brownie Troop that had joined us today! They had appropriately adopted Oreo's daughter Cookie and this was the first time meeting her!! We had an amazing day in the company of J pod as the milled about the Strait of Juan de Fuca, breached, pec slapped & taillobed. We also saw a record number of Rhinoceros Auklets feeding, Pacific Loons having trouble taking off on a full stomach, Glaucous-winged Gulls, California Sea Lions, and Common Murres! It was the picture perfect day." - Naturalist Kate Janes