The day began and ended with orcas. Early in the morning during a charter, the Odyssey of San Juan Excursions was the first boat on scene with Group B of J pod as they slowly headed North of San Juan Island ebbing tide. On this day, Group B was made up of the J22's (Oreo J22, Doublestuf J34, Cookie J38, and Rhapsody J32), the J11's (Tsuchi J31 and Mako J39) and the J17's (Princess Angeline J17, Polaris J28, Tahlequah J35, Moby J44, Star J46, and Notch J47). It is interesting to note that Blackberry J27, who is part of the J11's, was not with his matriline, but off with the J14's and J19's in Group A on the other side of the island. The J16's were later found by themselves North of Saturna Island but they were soon joined by Group B and later A as they all eventually reunited with each other by night fall.
Sprouter male Doublestuf, born in 1998.
Princess Angeline, born in 1977, and Oreo, who was born in 1985.
When the orcas made it into some boat wakes and a small area of choppy seas, a few spy hops and tail slaps ensued. Oreo J22, as well as Tsuchi J31 were the spy hoppers.
Spy hop!
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Oreo spy hops!
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Tsuchi spy hops! She was born in 1995.
From left to right: Polaris, Cookie, and Rhapsody.
From left to right: Cookie, Mako, Star, Tsuchi, and Polaris.
On our afternoon trip, we encountered an active transient orca matriline known as the T065A's. This matriline is made up of T065A, the mother, and her four offspring; T065A2, T065A3, T065A4, and T065A5. By the looks of it, they had made a kill (probably a harbor seal) and were in celebration mode.
T065A, born in 1986.
T065A3, born in 2007, tail slaps.
T065A3 fooling around with sibling T065A2, who was born in 2004.
The newest member of the family, T065A5, who was born in March of 2014!
What an amazing day this was!! What will happen next?
Please don't use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
Please don't use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
