Rosario Strait south/Hein Bank

September 23, 2008
We went to Hein Bank for the Ts who were reported to be hanging out there and moving in our direction. Once on scene, we were quick to realize we had T20 and T21 (T20’s dorsal fin is difficult to mistake). T21 was a perfect example of a triangular transient fin, which was in contrast to our ID photos of the residents’ curved and rounded fins. The animals were swimming apart (about four hundred yards), which is not far for orcas who can communicate to one another over much farther distances. They were diving for about 6-7 minutes between 4-6 respirations. There were Dall’s Porpoises in the area and the Ts didn’t seem to be in a hungry mood given their lack of interest. On our way back to Friday Harbor, after circumnavigating San Juan Island, we saw a group of 14 Steller Sea Lions hauled out of the rocks with at least three in the water! They were all sunning themselves majestically on the rocks. It was nice to see such a big group of males together and it seems they are coming back from their summer hiatus to the Aleutian Islands.
Megan Young, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris Whale Watch Wildlife Tours


September 13, 2008
At 12:43 p.m. Dave Ellifrit, Astrid van Ginneken, Stefan Jacobs and Mackenzie Consoer of the Center for Whale Research encountered some members of L pod traveling southeast a few miles off Cattle Point (48 40.161 N; 123 14.941 W). The whales were spread out in loose groups mostly milling and traveling toward the south or Rosario Strait. The groups encountered were the L2’s, L4’s and L47’s. The Center vessel, Orca, continued to coordinate with a helicopter to conduct aerial photogrammetry surveys. The encounter ended at 2:31 p.m. with the whales traveling north up Rosario Strait (48 45.477 N; 123 18.480 W).
The Center for Whale Research


September 3, 2008
Ts off to the south, somewhere off of Hein Bank. We met up with a group of 11-16 Transient Orcas. A “superpod” if you will, made up of the T18s, T46s, and T30s. From what I heard via other captains and what I saw – the 2 males were T19B (a 13 year old with a large dorsal that leans to the left) and T30A (22 year old male). These 2 males were cruising around separated from the rest of the group. Maybe a little male bonding time? The others included the T46 pod – and T46 is a grandmother again with new baby T46B2! And this little one is very active! Lots of spyhops and breaches. The group as a whole was very active, milling about and changing direction, no real place to be, a little logging as well. We were also fortunate enough today to listen to the Transients vocalizing! I’ve never heard Transients “live”. They sound incredibly different than the Residents. The calls were loud “MeeeOWWS.” The encounter got better, which is hard to believe, as we witnessed an Orca hunting-training session. A Common Murre (a diving bird) was sitting at the surface, the T46s and T18s pass beneath the bird. All of a sudden we see the Common Murre try to take off, as if it was being chased, much like a jumping baitfish would! It was hopping on the surface, as if tip-toeing on hot coals – but couldn’t quite take off to fly. Then one Orca did a breach/cartwheel as it chased and landed right where the Murre had been. The bird was fine and swam off, lucky that it was not a pre-dinner snack. Probably a little training session for the younger calves and baby. Interestingly enough, the hydrophone was in and the Orcas had become somewhat silent compared to earlier – a little sneak attack on the bird?
Jaclyn Van Bourgondien, naturalist, San Juan Safaris


I heard that there were transients around in the afternoon.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist/Soundwatch Volunteer


July 17, 2008
Offshore of Lopez Island, we found orcas! We watched members of J Pod and L Pod travel around us on all sides. We saw breaches in the distance, tail slaps galore, closer looks of some dorsal fins passing to both our starboard and port sides, and even got to watch L57 travel past our bow after we had shut down our engines to let him pass. We headed back eastward, and watched more orcas swimming in the distance from us. Right before we left the scene to head home, J42 (the youngest member of J Pod, who will be a year old this summer!) breach three times!
Ashley Chapman, Naturalist, San Juan Safaris


Saw many orcas pass the beach area at Washington Park (Anacortes) on between 1:30-2:25 p.m. There appeared to be between 5-10 individuals.
Amanda