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.
Group A of J pod in a resting line on 6/4/13.
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.
Polaris J28, born in 1993, spy hops close to shore at Stuart Island.
Mike J26, born in 1991, pulls kelp with his tail flukes.
Princess Angeline J17, born in 1977, spy hops.
Tahlequah J35, born in 1998, spy hops.
Blackberry J27, born in 1991, spy hops.
Samish J14, born in 1974, spy hops.
Tsuchi J31, born in 1995, spy hops.
Onyx L87, born in 1992, spy hops.
Moby J44, born in 2009, pectoral fin slaps.
 |  Blackberry J27 breaches. |  |
 Moby J44 and Star J46, born in 2009. |  Moby J44 and Star J46, born in 2009. |
 Tahlequah J35 does an inverted tail slap. |  Tahlequah J35 does an inverted tail slap. |
Oreo J22, born in 1985, spy hops.
Oreo J22 spy hops again.
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 :)
The L12s/L22s were nowhere to be seen on this day.
Please do not use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
