Watching an Active L-Pod

July 25, 2010

This morning, we headed over to Haro Strait to start our search near False Bay. As we neared San Juan Island, Captain Brad spotted orcas near the bay! As we arrived on scene, we noticed several more blows to the south. There was definitely more than L-pod here! It would prove to be an incredible trip as we witnessed several breaches off in the distance and were thrilled by the antics of a young spyhopping orca calf! The waters appeared to be bubbling with salmon as we saw several salmon breaching! Do salmon breach? Anyways, the salmon were definitely a good sign. The vocalizations this morning were absolutely astounding, with calls, whistles, squeaks, and echolocation clicks heard clearly over the hydrophone. The whales were definitely in a social mood. After our orca encounter, we stopped near the golf club to view a bait ball and watch the resident gray whale forage along the shoreline. All in all, it was an excellent trip!

On the afternoon trip, we encountered members of L-pod grouped up in a resting line near Kellet Bluffs. We travelled with them as they made their way north in Haro Strait. We saw a couple of gorgeous spyhops and a fantastic cartwheel from Crewser (L92), and enjoyed the scenic coastline of Henry Island and the tip of Mount Baker as a backdrop. It was another fantastic day of whale watching on the Salish Sea.