June 26
In the area of Middle Bank we caught up with members of L pod. They were split up into family groups and were also showing feeding behaviors. The groups were spread out more than a mile from shore and were headed northwest making quiet vocalizations. By 3:30 PM they had only progressed to Eagle Point.
~Tristen Joy, Naturalist, Crew At San Juan Safaris Whale Watch Wildlife Tours
vrijdag 26 juni 2009
L78
June 26
Whales all over today on the west side of San Juan Island, very spread out. We were a mile or two off shore with L78, K16 and possibly J35, who played in a kelp bed, then pushed the kelp over towards us. What a thrill. Attached are 2 photos of the kelp princess.
Jill Hein, Coupeville
Whales all over today on the west side of San Juan Island, very spread out. We were a mile or two off shore with L78, K16 and possibly J35, who played in a kelp bed, then pushed the kelp over towards us. What a thrill. Attached are 2 photos of the kelp princess.
Jill Hein, Coupeville
donderdag 25 juni 2009
June 25
Cool orcas off SJI today most of the day. First, J pod went down island on the ebb, then up island on the flood to Lime Kiln, with most of the pod making close passes to shore with lots of surface active behavior. As J1 and J2, among others, went north, most of the pod seemed to stall out around Lime Kiln, still with lots of surface activity. At the same time there were reports that K pod had passed Discovery Island and other reports further north had J1 and J2 disappearing. Minutes after J1 and J2 "disappeared," the orcas at Lime Kiln started heading at a fast pace off shore and towards Discovery. Within minutes J pod, including J1 and J2, were together making great time and distance against a strong flood tide. Several juveniles breached nearly continuously, until J pod met up with K pod and perhaps more than a few L's about a mile off Hannah Heights at around 5 p.m. There were whales all over, with much active socializing. There appeared to be at least three groups of ten or more whales in close proximity, rolling all over each other, with much switching of whales (at least sprouters) between the groups. About half of K pod headed in close to the shore at Hannah Heights within 10 minutes of meeting up. At Hannah there was a good chop going on. The K pod whales appeared to be surfing, foraging and playing at the same time. A young calf (K42?) tried to copy the older whales and dove aggressively into a large wave before getting bashed sideways by the pretty good sized wave. The calf kind of wriggled like a fish, righted himself and continued on unabashed after his older brethren. As the flood tide began carrying the main group of orcas up island, the K pod whales that had been close in to the beach headed out and joined up with the main group. I left them just after 6 pm still heading up island as a group. On another good note I think I have seen more socializing already this year, than all of last year which seemed to be a continual quest for food. On a bad note, as the whales met up today, they were completely surrounded by boats. (On a good note, DFW and Soundwatch had been out earlier in the day.)
Sharon Grace, SJI
June 25
Late Thursday afternoon as the whales went north past Lime Kiln I was able to get a picture of Gaia L-78 and Wave Walker L-88. I don't know if other L Pod whales were present with J Pod and K Pod, but it was interesting to see these whales with Js and Ks. I would imagine that their mom, Grace L-2 was there, but I didn't get a picture of her. L-2, L-78 and L-88 were seen with J and K pods on Monday June 22nd as they all came south down Haro Strait.
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island
Cool orcas off SJI today most of the day. First, J pod went down island on the ebb, then up island on the flood to Lime Kiln, with most of the pod making close passes to shore with lots of surface active behavior. As J1 and J2, among others, went north, most of the pod seemed to stall out around Lime Kiln, still with lots of surface activity. At the same time there were reports that K pod had passed Discovery Island and other reports further north had J1 and J2 disappearing. Minutes after J1 and J2 "disappeared," the orcas at Lime Kiln started heading at a fast pace off shore and towards Discovery. Within minutes J pod, including J1 and J2, were together making great time and distance against a strong flood tide. Several juveniles breached nearly continuously, until J pod met up with K pod and perhaps more than a few L's about a mile off Hannah Heights at around 5 p.m. There were whales all over, with much active socializing. There appeared to be at least three groups of ten or more whales in close proximity, rolling all over each other, with much switching of whales (at least sprouters) between the groups. About half of K pod headed in close to the shore at Hannah Heights within 10 minutes of meeting up. At Hannah there was a good chop going on. The K pod whales appeared to be surfing, foraging and playing at the same time. A young calf (K42?) tried to copy the older whales and dove aggressively into a large wave before getting bashed sideways by the pretty good sized wave. The calf kind of wriggled like a fish, righted himself and continued on unabashed after his older brethren. As the flood tide began carrying the main group of orcas up island, the K pod whales that had been close in to the beach headed out and joined up with the main group. I left them just after 6 pm still heading up island as a group. On another good note I think I have seen more socializing already this year, than all of last year which seemed to be a continual quest for food. On a bad note, as the whales met up today, they were completely surrounded by boats. (On a good note, DFW and Soundwatch had been out earlier in the day.)
Sharon Grace, SJI
June 25
Late Thursday afternoon as the whales went north past Lime Kiln I was able to get a picture of Gaia L-78 and Wave Walker L-88. I don't know if other L Pod whales were present with J Pod and K Pod, but it was interesting to see these whales with Js and Ks. I would imagine that their mom, Grace L-2 was there, but I didn't get a picture of her. L-2, L-78 and L-88 were seen with J and K pods on Monday June 22nd as they all came south down Haro Strait.
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island
dinsdag 23 juni 2009
Ls of Swiftsure
June 23
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, relayed a report of orcas, possibly L pod, off Swiftsure, heading west at 7:30 am Tuesday morning.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, relayed a report of orcas, possibly L pod, off Swiftsure, heading west at 7:30 am Tuesday morning.
maandag 22 juni 2009
June 22
Jeff Hogan reported Js, Ks & some L's (at least L2 & L87) off the west side of San Juan Island today.
June 22
All of J-Pod with some L's and K's porpoising, power swimming, against the strong flood tide, from Saturna Island southwest across Boundary Pass toward Stuart Island, from 2:20pm to 3:25pm. They were traveling quite fast, in tight knit family groups. As we watched the first group approach Turn Point and the tide rips, one whale spy hopped, then 2 in unison, then the breaches started. There were 4 to 5 orcas in each group, 8 groups total, in that time period, heading around the point into Haro Strait. In every group, whales spy hopped, breached, lunged, cartwheeled, back flipped, pectoral slapped, or tail lobbed as they closed in on Stuart Island! Words can't describe the fantastic, countless breaches, percussive and surface behaviors!! Even J-1 Ruffles joined the party and breached!
Caroline Armon, San Juan Excursions
June 22
At 17:58 I can hear whales at Orca Sound hydrophone. Great clarity! No vessel noise!
Celia Barroso
June 22
They're there again (orcas on OrcaSound) right now - 5:08pm!
Ruby Keefe, Culver City, CA
June 22
Heard some GREAT orca calls on the OrcaSound hydrophones beginning at about 4:30 pm, then at 5:43 pm on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone, so they must have been heading south along the west side of San Juan Island.
Susan Berta, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
June 22 Hearing our friends at 12:17am June 22nd on the orcasound hydrophone!
Ruby Keefe, Culver City, CA
June 22
Sounds like party time for the 'Superpod boys and girls' right now at 12 .15am June 22nd on the Orcasound hydrophones. Makes my heart sing! What magical sounds.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Victoria B.C.
June 22
Center for Whale Research received a report from Soundwatch of 40 plus whales traveling south from East Point on Saturna Island, B.C. at 12:25 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. Center staff Erin Heydenreich, Emma Foster and Basil Von Ah encountered J's and K's in mixed tight groups traveling at a fast pace southwest through Boundary Pass(48° 43.930 N; 123° 09.584 W). The whales continued to travel past Turn Point and spread out across Haro Strait (48° 36.568 N; 123° 14.784W). All members of J and K pod were confirmed present as well as the L2's and L87. The rest of L pod reportedly went west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca earlier that morning.
Center for Whale Research,
Jeff Hogan reported Js, Ks & some L's (at least L2 & L87) off the west side of San Juan Island today.
June 22
All of J-Pod with some L's and K's porpoising, power swimming, against the strong flood tide, from Saturna Island southwest across Boundary Pass toward Stuart Island, from 2:20pm to 3:25pm. They were traveling quite fast, in tight knit family groups. As we watched the first group approach Turn Point and the tide rips, one whale spy hopped, then 2 in unison, then the breaches started. There were 4 to 5 orcas in each group, 8 groups total, in that time period, heading around the point into Haro Strait. In every group, whales spy hopped, breached, lunged, cartwheeled, back flipped, pectoral slapped, or tail lobbed as they closed in on Stuart Island! Words can't describe the fantastic, countless breaches, percussive and surface behaviors!! Even J-1 Ruffles joined the party and breached!
Caroline Armon, San Juan Excursions
June 22
At 17:58 I can hear whales at Orca Sound hydrophone. Great clarity! No vessel noise!
Celia Barroso
June 22
They're there again (orcas on OrcaSound) right now - 5:08pm!
Ruby Keefe, Culver City, CA
June 22
Heard some GREAT orca calls on the OrcaSound hydrophones beginning at about 4:30 pm, then at 5:43 pm on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone, so they must have been heading south along the west side of San Juan Island.
Susan Berta, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
June 22 Hearing our friends at 12:17am June 22nd on the orcasound hydrophone!
Ruby Keefe, Culver City, CA
June 22
Sounds like party time for the 'Superpod boys and girls' right now at 12 .15am June 22nd on the Orcasound hydrophones. Makes my heart sing! What magical sounds.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Victoria B.C.
June 22
Center for Whale Research received a report from Soundwatch of 40 plus whales traveling south from East Point on Saturna Island, B.C. at 12:25 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. Center staff Erin Heydenreich, Emma Foster and Basil Von Ah encountered J's and K's in mixed tight groups traveling at a fast pace southwest through Boundary Pass(48° 43.930 N; 123° 09.584 W). The whales continued to travel past Turn Point and spread out across Haro Strait (48° 36.568 N; 123° 14.784W). All members of J and K pod were confirmed present as well as the L2's and L87. The rest of L pod reportedly went west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca earlier that morning.
Center for Whale Research,
zondag 21 juni 2009
Superpod Sunday
Orca Love -
or Superpod sex?!
Haro Strait
June 21, 2009
Photo by
Carole May
June 21
Howard Garrett, calling from the Center for Whale Research on west San Juan Island reported the L12s heading north off Eagle Pt. and J pod off Iceberg Pt. heading south at 10:30 am. Orcas also reported off Salmon Bank at 10:55.
At 1:10 pm, J pod & the L12s were passing the Center heading north. At 2:30 pm the Center received reports that the orcas up north were now in Active Pass, heading south, so it looks like a Superpod is in the making!
Update: Howard joined Ken Balcomb and the Center for Whale Research staff in heading up to see the superpod - they encountered them at approx. 4:10 pm off the NW tip of Stuart Island, and left them at about 6:25 pm south of Saturna Island, as all three pods headed north toward Boundary Pass. More details and photos coming tomorrow!
June 21
The day started off very cool and rainy. I thought to myself "Wow, summer/Father's Day is starting off pretty soggy." But after having whales in the area yesterday, my hopes were high that they would stick around. So we left aboard the Explorer and the day got progressively sunnier, and sure enough--we heard J-Pod was slowly working their way north near Kellett Bluff. Along the way, we got sidetracked by 6 bald eagles feasting on a harbor seal carcass near Davidson Head (north end of San Juan). That should have been a clue to let me know what kind of special day we were in for! Soon (1330) we were watching J-Pod actively working the tide rips in search of salmon near Kellett Bluff. Lots of direction changes as the whales did their thing, sometimes maintaining their position by swimming into the current. We saw several spyhops, tail slaps, and I was especially excited to see my "buddy" J1 Ruffles (it's been too long since my last sighting!) We also saw J30 Riptide, and one of the new moms (her saddle was hidden by the waves in the riptide). But the day suddenly got even better. We had heard reports of a group of unidentified whales passing Campbell River last night around 1800. So we figured maybe late tonight/early tomorrow we'd have them down here and could ID them. Well, we got a report from a friend that a large group of "maybe Transients" had just made it through Active Pass. So off we went (the advantage of having a fast boat!) Soon (1430) we were off of Prevost Island and saw fins. LOTS OF FINS. Hmmm, we thought--this is too many for Transients, right? Well, before we knew it, whales started breaching everywhere! Not acting like Transients, we soon thought--Residents?? And that's when we began to make some IDs--L78 (Gaia), L72 (Racer), L7 (Canuck), K26 (Lobo), K16 (Opus), K21 (Cappucino), and K40 (Raggedy). Haven't seen these whales yet this year and we were the first to make the ID!! As a naturalist, it's always extra special to be the first to see a group of whales. Just when we thought we'd seen all the whales pass, we'd hear a blow or two and yet more whales would come by! We left the whales heading South in Swanson Channel near Thieves Bay at 1500 and made our way back to Friday Harbor. One of the best father's day gifts a naturalist could hope for!
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Western Explorer, Friday Harbor
June 21
What a day, what a day! Sunday morning started with a morning downpour, but by 1 pm it was sunshine with clearing skies! On our way around the island we stopped for magnificient views of Bald Eagles, both mature adults and immature subadults all in trees near a washed up Harbor Seal carcass. The eagles really are scavengers first, predators second. Then we spent our afternoon on the northwest corner of San Juan Island in Speiden Channel with Southern Resident Orcas from J & L pods!! These are the fish-eating pods that frequent the area in the summer months to feast on salmon that travel through our waterways. So if we're seeing these Orcas, hopefully it means they are finding enough salmon here and will stick around for the rest of the season! (Currently our 3 pods that make up this Southern Resident Community of Killer Whales are endangered, one threat being decreasing salmon populations.) J pod was just passing Henry Island and playing in a rip or current where presumbably they were fishing. They were very active - changing direction, tail slapping, and even some logging at the surface by 1 or 2 whales. They continued north forming tight groups and picked up speed with a few Orcas porpoising out of the water with force. Then slowing again - more activity - even a few breaches! The L12 subgroup was not far behind also traveling north. I didn't identify the 2 K pod animals, K20 & K38, but other boat captains said they were also in the mix, traveling with the J pod. Very interesting - I think we're all still wondering where the rest of K pod is and why these 2 animals have been without them lately. Either way it was a truly beautiful sight to observe them. We were also able to drop our hydrophone in and pick up some clicks (echolocation used in hunting) and hear a few squeals and whistles (communication between the whales). After viewing the Killer Whales we had some extra time to tour through the islands on our way back to Friday Harbor. More eagles, interesting currents, and harbor seals swimming in kelp were all a part of our safari! A perfect Sunday afternoon.
-Jaclyn, naturalist, Crew At San Juan Safaris Whale Watch Wildlife Tours
June 21
Wow---2 days in a row of all three pods of Southern Residents! At 1500, we observed the whales making the turn around Turn Island, and they really started pouring on the speed as they headed down Haro Strait. First came members of J Pod. We observed J1 Ruffles, J2 Granny, J30 Riptide as they porpoised past the boat (technically I guess you could say they dolphined past the boat!). Then the breaches began as one and then another whale began breaching one after the next. Then came a mixture of J's & Ls as they tried to play "catch up" to the leaders. I heard that there were members of K Pod as well, but I didn't observe any from our location. As they are known to do, as the whales made their way south, they began to spread out in smaller matriline groups. At 1600, the whales were approaching Kellett Bluff and the waves and wind began to pick up, so we decided to head up Speiden Channel and enjoyed bald eagles, sunning harbor seals, quite a few Mouflon Rams (12 to be exact), and a harbor porpoise. Oh how I hope the whales hang around for awhile longer-- maybe that will indicate some salmon are returning after all!
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Western Prince, Friday Harbor
June 21
After watching several whales pass by the Center and receiving various reports of more whales up north, Ken Balcomb, Howard Garrett, Erin Heydenreich, Emma Foster and Basil Von Ah of the Center for Whale Research, departed onboard both Orca and Starlet. At approximately 4:10 p.m. both vessels encountered J, K, and L pods travelling in tight groups up Boundary Pass (48° 44.495 N; 123° 07.195 W) . It appears that all members of the three pods were present, totaling 86 whales. The encounter ended at 6:30 p.m. The whales were traveling tight in two groups and continued north up Boundary Pass (48° 44.877 N; 123° 05.293 W) .
Center for Whale Research,
zaterdag 20 juni 2009
SR near Campbel River
June 20
Had some of your Southern Resident friends come through Discovery Passage last night (6/20) headed home! They might be a little skinnier as they had to run the Discovery treadmill, bucking a 7 knot ebb tide and moving through the water at bursts of 14-15 knots! We left them still travelling at 2030 hours in 3 distinct groups. We are guestamating 24-26 animals total. Hope the pics help (see above). Cheers!
Nick Templeman, Discovery Marine Safaris, Campbell River
June 20
15 + Orcas just reported (8:45 pm) heading south past Campbell River, stay tuned for id's.(maybe L's and K's?)
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures, Campbell River
Had some of your Southern Resident friends come through Discovery Passage last night (6/20) headed home! They might be a little skinnier as they had to run the Discovery treadmill, bucking a 7 knot ebb tide and moving through the water at bursts of 14-15 knots! We left them still travelling at 2030 hours in 3 distinct groups. We are guestamating 24-26 animals total. Hope the pics help (see above). Cheers!
Nick Templeman, Discovery Marine Safaris, Campbell River
June 20
15 + Orcas just reported (8:45 pm) heading south past Campbell River, stay tuned for id's.(maybe L's and K's?)
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures, Campbell River
vrijdag 19 juni 2009
June 19
It was quite the day, 19th of June out west off Vancouver Island. What with the wind, the waves, the flood tide and meeting up with the L 12's once again. Sure made for a memorable day, even if I missed three breaches. We saw a total of 8 whales on my first Zodiac trip at noon. Initially we found five off by themselves including three big boys and two females at Constance Bank, then later encountered Mega L 41, and his sisters L 77 and L 94, closer to shore. The 3.30pm Ocean Magic encountered Mega, L 41 and Alexis L 12, heading out west, past Metchosin, Vancouver Island between 4-5pm. Other whales were seen in the distance but too far to ID.The wind and the waves were even more boisterous at this point, so looking for whales was a challenge. Still, we had sunshine and no rain despite the threat from above.
Marie, Orca-Magic Prince Of Whales
It was quite the day, 19th of June out west off Vancouver Island. What with the wind, the waves, the flood tide and meeting up with the L 12's once again. Sure made for a memorable day, even if I missed three breaches. We saw a total of 8 whales on my first Zodiac trip at noon. Initially we found five off by themselves including three big boys and two females at Constance Bank, then later encountered Mega L 41, and his sisters L 77 and L 94, closer to shore. The 3.30pm Ocean Magic encountered Mega, L 41 and Alexis L 12, heading out west, past Metchosin, Vancouver Island between 4-5pm. Other whales were seen in the distance but too far to ID.The wind and the waves were even more boisterous at this point, so looking for whales was a challenge. Still, we had sunshine and no rain despite the threat from above.
Marie, Orca-Magic Prince Of Whales
donderdag 18 juni 2009
L12s together with J pod and K 20& K38
June 18
Jim Maya of Maya's Westside Charters called to report J pod, the L12s and K20 & K38 looking happy in Race Passage at approx. 7:10 pm. They had been spotted earlier in the day off Jordon River, S. Vancouver Island, heading east.
June 18
Yesterday (6/18) we saw members of J Pod, members of the L-12s subgroup, and we saw Spock K-20 and Comet K-38. Since the L-12s and J Pod have gone separate ways today - 6-19-09 - I am interested in knowing if anyone spotted K-20 and K-38 and if so who were they with - J Pod or the L-12s? Would be interested in finding out. More on my blog post.
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island
Jim Maya of Maya's Westside Charters called to report J pod, the L12s and K20 & K38 looking happy in Race Passage at approx. 7:10 pm. They had been spotted earlier in the day off Jordon River, S. Vancouver Island, heading east.
June 18
Yesterday (6/18) we saw members of J Pod, members of the L-12s subgroup, and we saw Spock K-20 and Comet K-38. Since the L-12s and J Pod have gone separate ways today - 6-19-09 - I am interested in knowing if anyone spotted K-20 and K-38 and if so who were they with - J Pod or the L-12s? Would be interested in finding out. More on my blog post.
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island
woensdag 17 juni 2009
L12s
L94
San Juan Island
June 17, 2009
Photo by Ken Balcomb,
Center for Whale Research
June 17
Ken Balcomb encountered the L12's spread out a few miles off False Bay on the west side of San Juan Island at 10:45 a.m. The whales were very spread out and the conditions were poor. Only L89 and L94 (see above photo) were documented, but reports confirm that all of the L12's were in the area.
Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
L12s and L22s
L12'sTRIPLE Tail Lobs!
June 17, 2009
Photo by Jim Maya
June 17
We left the L 12s, which I think is a new resident pod, off of False Bay, West Side, San Juan Island, today at 5:00 PM going East down island. I have never captured a triple tail lob before (see photo!). I don't even know if I've ever seen one. A remarkable day! I hope you enjoy these photos.
Update:
Orcas about 9 PM headed N past Hannah Hts, San Juan Island.
Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Westside Charters
June 17
I was out on a Zodiac today at 1pm and we caught up with the L 12's at Cattle Point , San Juan Island. They were foraging with a few tail slaps and one mighty breach from Mega - too bad I missed it. Just looked the wrong way at that moment. Happened so fast and he never did it again. They were travelling slowly north close to shore.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic POW.
June 17
We had the L22's, L22, L89, L79 and and additional whale L-77, I believe, off the westside yesterday (6/17). Lots of back and forth activity, at one point L-22 was bracketed by both her much bigger sons.
Jeff Hogan, Killer Whale Tales
June 17,
A group of 5 of the L-12, L-22's in a fairly close formation, slowly swimming from the Salmon Bank buoy northwest toward San Juan Island, from 12:55pm to 1:50pm. At first they seemed to be traveling in 2 groups, then all 5 came together, and appeared to be resting in the slack flood tide with little tidal exchange. I could ID L-12, L-89 (Solstice near the Solstice!), and not sure, but think the other male was L-85, along with 2 other females. The sun glinting off their backs and through the spray of their exhalations, the 2 males shoulder to shoulder coming up together, was beautiful, but made it difficult to ID.
Caroline Armon, San Juan Excursions
dinsdag 16 juni 2009
L pod heading in
June 16
Orca Network received a message from Sandy Buckley of San Juan Island that the L12's had been sighted 5 miles west of Race Rocks, heading in, at around 4 pm.
We had another indirect report they were off Secretary Island, off Victoria around 6 pm, should have more info. on this sighting later -
Orca Network received a message from Sandy Buckley of San Juan Island that the L12's had been sighted 5 miles west of Race Rocks, heading in, at around 4 pm.
We had another indirect report they were off Secretary Island, off Victoria around 6 pm, should have more info. on this sighting later -
L12s
June 16
On the afternoon trip, we headed out to see the humpbacks again, only to hear that no one knew where they were. Just as I informed my passengers that we no longer knew where the Humpbacks were came news of the L 12 inbound. We were off and saw them both on our afternoon and evening trips, the only US boat to see Orcas this afternoon. They were West of Victoria. One other US boat got to them this evening.
And an update:
The L 12s right now are off False Bay, San Juan Island headed toward Eagle Pt. 8:45 PM
Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Charters, San Juan Island
On the afternoon trip, we headed out to see the humpbacks again, only to hear that no one knew where they were. Just as I informed my passengers that we no longer knew where the Humpbacks were came news of the L 12 inbound. We were off and saw them both on our afternoon and evening trips, the only US boat to see Orcas this afternoon. They were West of Victoria. One other US boat got to them this evening.
And an update:
The L 12s right now are off False Bay, San Juan Island headed toward Eagle Pt. 8:45 PM
Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Charters, San Juan Island
vrijdag 12 juni 2009
June 12
Hi Susan - Just to let you know that the L12's, K20 and K38 went west early yesterday morning (6/12). So the (orca) sightings in Puget Sound must have been transients. Mark Malleson found the L12's, K20 and K38 at aprox 11:30 am yesterday (6/12) off Jordan River, B.C going west. Warmest Regards,
Simon Pidcock, Ocean Ecoventures
Hi Susan - Just to let you know that the L12's, K20 and K38 went west early yesterday morning (6/12). So the (orca) sightings in Puget Sound must have been transients. Mark Malleson found the L12's, K20 and K38 at aprox 11:30 am yesterday (6/12) off Jordan River, B.C going west. Warmest Regards,
Simon Pidcock, Ocean Ecoventures
woensdag 10 juni 2009
June 10
Dave Ellifrit, Emma Foster, Erin Heydenreich, John Durban and Leigh Hickmott of the Center for Whale Research headed out after receiving a report of the L12's off Hein Bank from Jeanne Hyde at 6 a.m. At 9:48 a.m. L85 was spotted off Salmon Bank (48° 25.958 N; 123° 00.629 W) traveling slowly towards San Juan Island (48° 27.93 N; 123° 00.84 W). The whales were very spread out and apparently foraging. The whales present were: L12, L42, L77, L94, L22, L79, L85, L89, K20 and K38. All whales that were in the area were documented. This is the first sighting of any L pod whales since March, and the second CWR encounter with L's in Puget Sound this year.
Correction from June 10th report from CWR:
We had an error on our website for encounter 24/June 10 - L12s & K20/38 (reported in the 6/12 Orca Network report). The whales seen were: L12, L25, L41, L77, L94, L79, L85, L89, L22, K20, K38. Thanks!
Erin, Center for Whale Research
June 10
June 10, from 1:15pm to 2:05pm, we were delighted to watch L-41, L-77, K-20, and K-38, actively foraging off of False Bay. They headed west-northwest at first, then made directional changes and milling as the flood tide picked up. Lots of percussive behaviors- tail slaps, pectoral slaps, and breaches! L-41 was upside down, repeatedly slapping his curled tail flukes back on the surface! Nice to see the K's with the L's, and familiar behavior- hope they got some salmon.
Caroline Armon, San Juan Excursions
Dave Ellifrit, Emma Foster, Erin Heydenreich, John Durban and Leigh Hickmott of the Center for Whale Research headed out after receiving a report of the L12's off Hein Bank from Jeanne Hyde at 6 a.m. At 9:48 a.m. L85 was spotted off Salmon Bank (48° 25.958 N; 123° 00.629 W) traveling slowly towards San Juan Island (48° 27.93 N; 123° 00.84 W). The whales were very spread out and apparently foraging. The whales present were: L12, L42, L77, L94, L22, L79, L85, L89, K20 and K38. All whales that were in the area were documented. This is the first sighting of any L pod whales since March, and the second CWR encounter with L's in Puget Sound this year.
Correction from June 10th report from CWR:
We had an error on our website for encounter 24/June 10 - L12s & K20/38 (reported in the 6/12 Orca Network report). The whales seen were: L12, L25, L41, L77, L94, L79, L85, L89, L22, K20, K38. Thanks!
Erin, Center for Whale Research
June 10
June 10, from 1:15pm to 2:05pm, we were delighted to watch L-41, L-77, K-20, and K-38, actively foraging off of False Bay. They headed west-northwest at first, then made directional changes and milling as the flood tide picked up. Lots of percussive behaviors- tail slaps, pectoral slaps, and breaches! L-41 was upside down, repeatedly slapping his curled tail flukes back on the surface! Nice to see the K's with the L's, and familiar behavior- hope they got some salmon.
Caroline Armon, San Juan Excursions
L12
San Juan Island
June 10, 2009
Photo by Marie O'Shaughnessy
June 10
The two K's and L12s started off at 5:12 am off west San Juan Island - headed north, turned, headed south---and have been doing the shuffle ALL DAY LONG, all day between South Beach and Landbank- I dont even think they have made it to Lime Kiln yet. Up down, up down -- CLASSIC. When I saw all the big fins this morning I thought we had a superpod on our hands - but not.
Sandy Buckley, San Juan Island
June 10
The 3.30pm Ocean Magic encountered some of L pod orca this afternoon off San Juan Island.We found 'Mega', L 41 and 'Alexis, L 12 (see photo above), foraging 1-2 miles offshore from other members of this family group. We watched for a while and then moved closer to shore where we watched L 77 'Matia' and two others that I weren't able to identify, as they were far off. They were all heading North. I did hear that K 20 and K38 had joined this group so perhaps those two seen very close to shore were the K's.
Marie, O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic, Prince Of Whales, Victoria B.C.
June 10
Southern Resident Killer Whales on the west side of San Juan Island. We identified members of L-pod, one of the three pods of the southern resident killer whales. We first saw some members of L-pod just south of Lime Kiln State Park heading North. Just as we decided to make a trip around San Juan Island following the orcas, they changed their direction and began heading South. We quickly changed our direction and began heading south as well. We watched as the orcas traveled and even spy hopped. The captain then decided to head north and take a peak at the Cactus Islands. These islands are very beautiful. We then began looking for bald eagles and to our surprise found not only one but four. On our way back to Friday Harbor we got a good look at some of the mouflon sheep on Spieden. These sheep are awesome to look at. Another great adventure in the San Juan Islands with San Juan Safaris!!!
Jeannette, Naturalist, Crew At San Juan Safaris Whale Watch Wildlife Tours
dinsdag 2 juni 2009
L 89, "Solstice"
June 2, 2009
Off Victoria, BC
Photo by Jim Maya
June 2
We have just heard from our vessel that they have encountered members of L Pod (the L12's) near Albert Head, B.C. This is the first confirmed sighting of members of L Pod in the waters off Victoria this season and what a wonderful surprise!
Andrew Lees, Five Star Whale Watching
June 2
At a little before 3:00 this afternoon, the L 12s showed up a little to the east of Race Rock. Wow. Big surprise. We had to head home.
Late in the evening, we left L89 and L22 way out west of Victoria this evening at 6:30. We were lucky enough to see these breaches (see photo above).
Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Westside Charters
zaterdag 30 mei 2009
L pod near Port Hardy
No calls but orcas nearby
The Mackays report that a large group of orcas was seen earlier this evening near Port Hardy. The whales were headed this direction.
Helena
29 May 2009 23:41:21 PDT
No orcas present.
More news: the DFO received photos of the whales off Port Hardy last night: L41,L77,L79,L12,L22,L89 were identified. They were reported heading east. No reports today.
Helena
30 May 2009 16:07:17 PDT
May 29
Hi Howard and Susan - I thought you might like to know that I just received photos from Linda Nichol and Melissa Boogaards who work in our group and it looks like they had L's heading east off Port Hardy at 1800 this evening. From the photos they sent I could identify: L41, L77, L79,L12, L22, and L89. With any luck they should be down your way in a couple of days. Cheers,
Graeme Ellis, Pacific Biological Field Station, Canada's Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans
The Mackays report that a large group of orcas was seen earlier this evening near Port Hardy. The whales were headed this direction.
Helena
29 May 2009 23:41:21 PDT
No orcas present.
More news: the DFO received photos of the whales off Port Hardy last night: L41,L77,L79,L12,L22,L89 were identified. They were reported heading east. No reports today.
Helena
30 May 2009 16:07:17 PDT
May 29
Hi Howard and Susan - I thought you might like to know that I just received photos from Linda Nichol and Melissa Boogaards who work in our group and it looks like they had L's heading east off Port Hardy at 1800 this evening. From the photos they sent I could identify: L41, L77, L79,L12, L22, and L89. With any luck they should be down your way in a couple of days. Cheers,
Graeme Ellis, Pacific Biological Field Station, Canada's Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans
vrijdag 27 maart 2009
L pod off the Columbia River plume
March 27
2:25 pm. L pod off the Columbia River plume. We detected them acoustically first... it was very exciting to find them. We lost them again last night since they were quiet during our last visual sight and traveling south along the 20 fathom line pretty much for most of the afternoon (3/26). We had to go deeper after dark because of all the fishing gear out here. We continued south to overshoot where we thought they might be by morning and then did tracklines back up north. The visual team found them again off the Columbia R plume this afternoon (14:25). The crew just deployed the small boat and the whales are grouped up, resting and haven't made a peep so far. Our current lat/long is 046deg 21'51.5460"N, 124deg 41'411.3200"W.
Marla Holt, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, on the McArthur II
2:25 pm. L pod off the Columbia River plume. We detected them acoustically first... it was very exciting to find them. We lost them again last night since they were quiet during our last visual sight and traveling south along the 20 fathom line pretty much for most of the afternoon (3/26). We had to go deeper after dark because of all the fishing gear out here. We continued south to overshoot where we thought they might be by morning and then did tracklines back up north. The visual team found them again off the Columbia R plume this afternoon (14:25). The crew just deployed the small boat and the whales are grouped up, resting and haven't made a peep so far. Our current lat/long is 046deg 21'51.5460"N, 124deg 41'411.3200"W.
Marla Holt, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, on the McArthur II
donderdag 26 maart 2009
L pod off Grays Harbor WA
March 26
Our encounter with L pod off Westport today: Spent entire day with them as they were heading south - left them off Long Beach - too far inshore to take the Mac II at night so will have to try to relocate in AM.
Looks like we will be hiding somewhere over weekend due to 40 kts wind forecast.
Brad Hanson, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, from NOAA Ship McArthur II
March 26
3:30 am - L pod off Grays Harbor WA.
We found L pod on the 4th day at sea!!! The NOAA ship, McArthur II ran into all of L pod just north of Grays Harbor WA. in the middle of the night last night (~0330 March 26). We lost them acoustically but then found them visually and acoustically in the mid morning and were able to deploy the small boat (RHIB). The whales were spread out and traveling south most of the day. Brad and the rest of the crew got photo IDs and some prey samples, stayed with them day until 1830. Last visual sighting was at dusk when they grouped back up and became quiet. Hopefully we will stick with them through the night to get more samples tomorrow.
Marla Holt, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, from NOAA Ship McArthur II
Our encounter with L pod off Westport today: Spent entire day with them as they were heading south - left them off Long Beach - too far inshore to take the Mac II at night so will have to try to relocate in AM.
Looks like we will be hiding somewhere over weekend due to 40 kts wind forecast.
Brad Hanson, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, from NOAA Ship McArthur II
March 26
3:30 am - L pod off Grays Harbor WA.
We found L pod on the 4th day at sea!!! The NOAA ship, McArthur II ran into all of L pod just north of Grays Harbor WA. in the middle of the night last night (~0330 March 26). We lost them acoustically but then found them visually and acoustically in the mid morning and were able to deploy the small boat (RHIB). The whales were spread out and traveling south most of the day. Brad and the rest of the crew got photo IDs and some prey samples, stayed with them day until 1830. Last visual sighting was at dusk when they grouped back up and became quiet. Hopefully we will stick with them through the night to get more samples tomorrow.
Marla Holt, NOAA Fisheries NWFSC, from NOAA Ship McArthur II
dinsdag 3 maart 2009
L-pod at Monterey Bay, CA
Sighting · March 3, 2009 · L's
L pod was last seen up this way in Puget Sound on 20 February, and then they raced the eight hundred miles down the coast to be seen on 3 March by Richard Ternullo of Monterey Bay Whale Watch. In this photograph, L pod seems to be racing back to the north with Moss Landing in the background. In this photo we can identify L25, L47, L54, L84, and L100.
L pod was last seen up this way in Puget Sound on 20 February, and then they raced the eight hundred miles down the coast to be seen on 3 March by Richard Ternullo of Monterey Bay Whale Watch. In this photograph, L pod seems to be racing back to the north with Moss Landing in the background. In this photo we can identify L25, L47, L54, L84, and L100.
vrijdag 20 februari 2009
February 20 0229
Great calls at 6:45 pm on the Port Townsend MSC hydrophones as L pod continues north!
Susan & Howard, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
Candi Emmons of NOAA Fisheries called to say they were with the orcas, just approaching Point No Point on N. Kitsap Peninsula at 3:50 pm. They had ID'd what looked like most or all of L pod.
Great calls at 6:45 pm on the Port Townsend MSC hydrophones as L pod continues north!
Susan & Howard, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
Candi Emmons of NOAA Fisheries called to say they were with the orcas, just approaching Point No Point on N. Kitsap Peninsula at 3:50 pm. They had ID'd what looked like most or all of L pod.
donderdag 19 februari 2009
When the reports came in just before noon from the Port Townsend hydrophone via Chrissy at the PT Marine Science Center, we headed to Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island but we didn't seen any whales. Then Elsa Levitt at Bush Point called at 1:25 pm to say she had seen 4 or 5 orcas heading south, so we hustled down to Bush Point, but missed them again. Apparently they were in a hurry, even though they were swimming against the tide. From about a mile south of Bush Pt. we saw at least a dozen at 1:50, maybe twice that or more, spread out over several miles along the western shore of Admiralty Inlet, all heading steadily south. From a lookout another few miles south we saw orcas rounding Point No Point about 2:30, still spread out. Next we went down to Scatchet Head, to a 200' bluff overlooking Possession Sound with Seattle on the horizon. From there we saw a far distant procession of 30 or more in small groups over several miles, their blows glowing in the slanting sunshine, between Pt. No Point and Apple Cove Pt. The leaders crossed the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lane about 4 pm, still moving south. They were distant for most of our sightings, but appeared to be at least 4 adult males, and given the number of whales and adult males, our best guess is L pod, maybe plus K's .
Howard Garrett & Susan Berta, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
*
Around 15 orca off Point No Point, Puget Sound, at 1445. 4 males, 8 - 10 females, 1 calf, patch still very red. direction: south at around 10kts. Some breaching, but they were spread from shore outward 1/2 to 3/4 miles in small groups. The large male had 2 notches in its dorsel looked like the transients that were in the hood canal a few years back. (this may have been L41?)
Mark Millard, WDFW
*
At about 2:50 P.M. this afternoon, a group of friends and I watched a very large group of Orcas heading south to and around Point No Point in Hansville, WA. They were fairly close to the Kitsap side of the water and took about 10 or more minutes to pass through the area. They were definitely on the move and not feeding.
Judy Roupe, Hansville, WA
*
Tony Wilkie, Quartermaster on the Puyallup Ferry on the Edmonds/Kingston run, called Orca Network to report 8 - 12 orcas off Apple Cove Pt, heading south. There was at least one mother/calf pair. The orcas were crossing their stern just before they entered the Kingston dock at 1620.
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We live on President Point, just south of Apple Tree Cove in Kingston. We just spotted upwards of 10 or so Orca's travelling South towards Seattle at 4:30 pm. They appeared to be playing as we saw one breach.
Tom Kellogg, Kingston
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Candi Emmons of NOAA Fisheries called Orca Network at 5:10 pm to relay a report from Lori Robertson, who was watching from the shore (N of Seattle, Carkeek Park area) as the orcas passed heading south.
Howard Garrett & Susan Berta, Orca Network, Whidbey Island
*
Around 15 orca off Point No Point, Puget Sound, at 1445. 4 males, 8 - 10 females, 1 calf, patch still very red. direction: south at around 10kts. Some breaching, but they were spread from shore outward 1/2 to 3/4 miles in small groups. The large male had 2 notches in its dorsel looked like the transients that were in the hood canal a few years back. (this may have been L41?)
Mark Millard, WDFW
*
At about 2:50 P.M. this afternoon, a group of friends and I watched a very large group of Orcas heading south to and around Point No Point in Hansville, WA. They were fairly close to the Kitsap side of the water and took about 10 or more minutes to pass through the area. They were definitely on the move and not feeding.
Judy Roupe, Hansville, WA
*
Tony Wilkie, Quartermaster on the Puyallup Ferry on the Edmonds/Kingston run, called Orca Network to report 8 - 12 orcas off Apple Cove Pt, heading south. There was at least one mother/calf pair. The orcas were crossing their stern just before they entered the Kingston dock at 1620.
*
We live on President Point, just south of Apple Tree Cove in Kingston. We just spotted upwards of 10 or so Orca's travelling South towards Seattle at 4:30 pm. They appeared to be playing as we saw one breach.
Tom Kellogg, Kingston
*
Candi Emmons of NOAA Fisheries called Orca Network at 5:10 pm to relay a report from Lori Robertson, who was watching from the shore (N of Seattle, Carkeek Park area) as the orcas passed heading south.
vrijdag 6 februari 2009
Superpod of Victoria
Orca Network received an update on the superpod off Victoria from Mark Malleson with Prince of Whales. J pod was reported inbound off Race Rocks at 11 am. Mark took a look from land and realized it was all three pods, then headed out to try to find out who all was there. He was with them from 1400 - 1600, and confirmed IDs for L41 & the L11s, with many more whales present, ID's to come soon. The whales were milling and foraging, and came within a mile of the Ogden Pt. breakwater, Victoria. At 1416 the majority of the whales seemed to be heading SW.
Orca Nework received a call from Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research, with the great news that J, K & L pods were off the Victoria waterfront at 2:30 pm! Ken headed out to do a survey of the pods, and hopefully we'll have more details on ID's soon.
*
Orca Nework received a call from Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research, with the great news that J, K & L pods were off the Victoria waterfront at 2:30 pm! Ken headed out to do a survey of the pods, and hopefully we'll have more details on ID's soon.
*
zaterdag 24 januari 2009
L pod at Depoe Bay
Linda Taylor of the Depoe Bay, OR Whale Watch Center called to report a pod of 7+ orcas off Depoe Bay at 9:30 am. At first they were active, circling and feeding - at one point she watched 24 breaches - then they headed north. Carrie Newell of Whale Research Excursions was headed out in a zodiac to try to obtain photos and ID's.
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Reserach reported that the Jan. 24th Depoe Bay orcas had been confirmed as L pod, heading back north.
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Reserach reported that the Jan. 24th Depoe Bay orcas had been confirmed as L pod, heading back north.
woensdag 21 januari 2009
L Pod, Depoe Bay OR
Orca Network received a call from Morris Grover at the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay, OR, reporting a pod of 16 -17 orcas heading south 1/21 at 4:00 pm, about 1 mile offshore. They thought they may have seen J1, but upon the Ctr. for Whale Research viewing the photos it is believed they were all L pod whales - there were 4 adult males and one pink calf.
In looking at this photo of L73 (far left), you can see how ruffled his fin is becoming, and how he can be confused with J1 these days!
Here are the Orca that we saw passing the Whale Watching Center yesterday evening(Jan 21, 4pm). . We think we were able to identify a few of them with the ID guide from Ken. Please let us know who we saw. It was great fun, we don't see them very often.
Morris Grover, The Whale Watching Center, Depoe Bay, OR
Report from the Center for Whale Research on Depoe Bay orca photos:
It looks like all matrilines of L pod are represented in Morris' photos. I picked out ten ID's and Dave is adding some additional IDs and some probables. That was a good score! We will be sending you and Morris the info on ID's soon.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island
Below are IDs from the photos sent by Morris Grover of the Whale Watching Center of the pod off Depoe Bay OR Jan. 21st.
It looks like all matrilines of L pod are represented in Morris' photos - confirmed ID's are: L78,85,92,41,73,5,12,79,77,22,55,95,108,54?,2,25 ,84?, and 94.
Ken Balcomb, Senior Scientist
Center for Whale Research
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