The L12s/L22s were nowhere to be seen on this day.
Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
This encounter is a great example of what often happens after Southern Resident orcas wake up from "sleeping" for awhile. J pod was inching their way towards Stuart Island, split into Group A and B with about half a mile separating the two. They had been "sleeping" for about two hours already, shoulder to shoulder, synchronizing their breaths, while their brains were partly shut down. Group A had been in the lead until, after a long time, they were passed by Group B. About twenty minutes after this happened, Group B suddenly turned around and met up with Group A. Everyone went underwater for a little bit, then popped up all jumbled together and this is when they woke up. Polaris J28 was the first to spy hop. I don't think I have ever seen so many spy hops in one encounter before! The Southern Resident orcas often seem to celebrate waking up, acting excited and playful. Maybe they are just stretching though.
The L12s/L22s were nowhere to be seen on this day. Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
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AuthorMelisa Pinnow grew up on San Juan Island in Washington State. She attended The Evergreen State College from 2013 to 2017, receiving a Bachelor of Science in marine biology and ornithology. She has been a certified marine naturalist at San Juan Excursions since 2010. It is her hope that sharing her orca encounters will inspire others to love and protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come. Archives
October 2018
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