This day was full of blue skies, calm seas, and orcas! Aboard the Odyssey of San Juan Excursions we headed South and wasn't too long before we were on scene with members from J and L pod near Lime Kiln State Park on the West side of San Juan Island as they headed North. Close into shore I could see the J22 matriline, but there were orcas up in front and farther offshore of us. The orcas ahead of us turned out to be some L4 matriline members, including Ophelia L27 (born around 1965), as well as J11 matriline members known as Tsuchi J31 and Blackberry J27. As Ophelia pulled ahead and Tsuchi with a few others started turning back South, we spent much of our time with Blackberry.
Blackberry J27, born in 1991, surfaces close to a sail boat.
Blackberry's unique dorsal fin and saddle patch shape. Taken with my long lens and cropped.
The J11 matriline is quite small. At the moment, it is just three siblings; Blackberry, Tsuchi (born in 1995), and Mako (born in 2003). Their mother, Blossom J11, passed away in 2008 at about thirty six years old, which is pretty young. Shachi J19 is probably their aunt, meaning Eclipse J41 is their probable cousin, but the three don't seem to travel with them very often.
One thing I noticed on this day is that there were many people in their own personal sail, speed, and fishing boats watching the whales. I am glad that these people were interested in the orcas, but I must add a few friendly reminders. Please remember to stay at least 200 yards away from the orcas while paralleling them, and at least 400 yards out of their path. If the orcas are close to or approaching your boat, try to slowly move out of their way or if need be, turn off your motor and let them pass. If they are close to shore, do not travel inshore of them. Lastly, please do not park in their path or speed near/over/through them. I saw many instances of bad behavior from the private boaters on this day and hope that next time these people are on the water, they view the orcas from the correct distances. To learn more about how to watch the orcas respectfully, click here.
Later on in the evening, after the sun had set and I was back at the house, I began hearing orcas breathing outside my open windows. It was 10:08 PM, but there was still just barely enough light for me to see some J and L pod members head South past the house. I saw a belly flop and a tail slap from a young one and I could hear more slaps and splashes to the North of me. I wonder where they will be tomorrow?
Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
One thing I noticed on this day is that there were many people in their own personal sail, speed, and fishing boats watching the whales. I am glad that these people were interested in the orcas, but I must add a few friendly reminders. Please remember to stay at least 200 yards away from the orcas while paralleling them, and at least 400 yards out of their path. If the orcas are close to or approaching your boat, try to slowly move out of their way or if need be, turn off your motor and let them pass. If they are close to shore, do not travel inshore of them. Lastly, please do not park in their path or speed near/over/through them. I saw many instances of bad behavior from the private boaters on this day and hope that next time these people are on the water, they view the orcas from the correct distances. To learn more about how to watch the orcas respectfully, click here.
Later on in the evening, after the sun had set and I was back at the house, I began hearing orcas breathing outside my open windows. It was 10:08 PM, but there was still just barely enough light for me to see some J and L pod members head South past the house. I saw a belly flop and a tail slap from a young one and I could hear more slaps and splashes to the North of me. I wonder where they will be tomorrow?
Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
