We left the dock aboard the "Odyssey", of San Juan Excursions, with reports of L pod on the West side of San Juan Island. There were also reports of Transient orcas heading our way from Smith Island. When we got on scene with L pod, the orcas were spread over miles and the only L pod members I was able to identify were Surprise L86, born in 1991, and her son Pooka L106, who was born in 2005.
While we were with L pod, it was obvious that they were leaving the area after just arriving the day before, which most likely means there is not enough Chinook salmom to sustain them here. Historically, the Southern Residents (J,K, and L pod) could be seen in the area all year long feasting on Chinook salmon, but now they are only seen around San Juan Island in the summer and fall. These orcas are also listed under the endangered species act, and some of the Chinook salmon they depend on for almost their entire diet are endangered as well. If we are unable to save the Chinook salmon, J, K, and L pod are doomed as well. Visit Help The Orcas page to learn more.
While we were with L pod, it was obvious that they were leaving the area after just arriving the day before, which most likely means there is not enough Chinook salmom to sustain them here. Historically, the Southern Residents (J,K, and L pod) could be seen in the area all year long feasting on Chinook salmon, but now they are only seen around San Juan Island in the summer and fall. These orcas are also listed under the endangered species act, and some of the Chinook salmon they depend on for almost their entire diet are endangered as well. If we are unable to save the Chinook salmon, J, K, and L pod are doomed as well. Visit Help The Orcas page to learn more.
Surprise L86.
Then, out of nowhere five different Transient orcas that had not been reported showed up nearby so we headed over to check them out. It is pretty unusual to have Transient and Resident orcas so close together as they are different species of orcas that do not socialize, mate or interact with each other and basically stay out of each others way.
The group consisted of T075 with her adult son T075A and another matriline called the T036As. We watched as they made two kills (probably harbor seals) in a span of about ten minutes. After each kill they celebrated with breaches, spy hops, tail slaps, and other playful activities.
The group consisted of T075 with her adult son T075A and another matriline called the T036As. We watched as they made two kills (probably harbor seals) in a span of about ten minutes. After each kill they celebrated with breaches, spy hops, tail slaps, and other playful activities.
 T075, born around 1976, and T036A1, born 2005 pursue what was probably a harbor seal. |  Behind T075 and T036A1 is adult male T075A, born in 1991. |
T075A's dorsal fin has a wave in it.
 |  T036A2, born in 2012, leaps into the air. |  |
T036A1, spy hops.
T036A2 spy hops.
 |  T036A1 breaches. |  |
Just as we were ending our encounter with these Transient orcas as they headed up the West side of San Juan Island, the other group first reported approached from the South East and headed up San Juan Channel, which was the way back to our dock, so we were able to watch the orcas as we headed back home. In this group were two matrilines called the T065As and T075Bs, the same two matrilines we had seen a few days before.
T065A2, born in 2004, and T075B, born in 1994.
T065A, born in 1986, with her child T065A3, born in 2007.
Right after we left this group of orcas, they had a harbor seal for lunch as well. What an unusual but awesome day aboard the "Odyssey"!
