This encounter made me really think about why orcas may breach, or do other behaviors like cartwheels, spy hops, and pectoral fin/tail/dorsal slaps. These behaviors could indicate the orca is showing an emotion of some sort, which could be both a positive or negative one. These actions could also be used as a signal or communication for telling direction, location or distance to other pod members. Maybe it's an attempt at removing dead skin or parasites, or maybe these behaviors could just simply be done because they are really fun for the orcas. It's definitely something to ponder.
The "Odyssey", the San Juan Excursions whale watching boat I work on, was able to see the L22's once more as they headed from Salmon Bank to False Bay on the West side of San Juan Island. They were in travel mode until Spirit L22 breached. Her two sons Skana L79 and Solstice L89 followed her lead soon after.
The "Odyssey", the San Juan Excursions whale watching boat I work on, was able to see the L22's once more as they headed from Salmon Bank to False Bay on the West side of San Juan Island. They were in travel mode until Spirit L22 breached. Her two sons Skana L79 and Solstice L89 followed her lead soon after.
Spirit L22 breaches. It looks like this private boater is closer than 200 yards but distance on water is deceiving. They were actually the appropriate distance away.
 |  Skana L79 breaches. |  |
Family portrait: Spirit L22 between her two sons Solstice L89 and Skana L79.
Solstice L89 breaches. He waved his pectoral fins up and down during this breach.
Spirit L22 breaches again.
Solstice L89 lands another breach.
Super super cropped shot of Spirit L22 cartwheeling, which I barely got into frame.
No matter why they do all these behaviors, they are differently magical to see. During the night of 7/16/13 though, the L22's exited the area after being alone with no other Southern Resident orcas in around since 7/12/13. I hope where ever they go, they will get more Chinook salmon they were managing to catch here.
By the morning of 7/17/13, there were already Transient orcas at Hein Bank near San Juan Island. They were the T034's and T037's and it is thought that they attacked and killed a minke whale there around nine in the morning and by seven in the evening, they were still feasting. The last known minke whale killed by transients in the area was on October 17th, 2002, at Saltspring Island. The matrilines identified during that event were the T018's, and the T007's among others. What will tomorrow bring? Will the T034's, and T037's still be around? We'll see!
Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
By the morning of 7/17/13, there were already Transient orcas at Hein Bank near San Juan Island. They were the T034's and T037's and it is thought that they attacked and killed a minke whale there around nine in the morning and by seven in the evening, they were still feasting. The last known minke whale killed by transients in the area was on October 17th, 2002, at Saltspring Island. The matrilines identified during that event were the T018's, and the T007's among others. What will tomorrow bring? Will the T034's, and T037's still be around? We'll see!
Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
