Whale Watching Report

Clowns of the Sea (Tufted Puffins)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

The "It" Haul Out Location (Harbor Seals)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

In the Heat of the Day (Gray Whale)

Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes

"From the dock the wildlife was coming out of the woodwork as we watched a Bald Eagle get harassed by some crows before settling atop a perch overlooking the marina. Once outside the marina we ventured into the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the south end of San Juan Island before making our way back to Smith & Minor Island where we found half a dozen Tufted Puffins enjoying the calm conditions, over 60 Harbor Seals were hauled out on the sandy spit while others swam nearby, two pairs of Bald Eagles were perched near their respective nests and numerous other sea birds fished in the waters surrounding the islands. We made our way east towards Whidbey Island where we found a lone Gray Whale, who I've started referring to as "Joe" after Joesph Whidbey which Whidbey Island is named after. He seems to have found a great feeding spot in the shallow waters on the north west side of the island as he was busy feeding while moving southbound. The sound of his exhalations carried nicely with the calm conditions. We also had the opportunity to visit with numerous Harbor Porpoise, Pacific Loons, California Sea Lions, Marbled Murreletts, Cormorants, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Turkey Vultures, and Glaucous-winged Gulls." - Naturalist Kate Janes