Tuesday, June 19, 2018

J AND L RESIDENT ORCA WHALES HAVE RETURNED TO INSIDE WATERS - AND OTHER SAN JUAN ISLAND ITEMS

The good news is J and L pods of the Southern Resident Community of Orca whales have returned to inside waters and were seen in the San Juan Islands during mid June.  The bad news is that L92 Crewser is missing and presumed dead.  That leaves the Southern Resident Community at 75 whales which is the lowest since studies began in the 1970's.  Low populations of Chinook Salmon are a major cause of the decline of the endangered whales along with excessive noise levels, contamination and likely other factors.  In addition to the Orca whales and one Humpback Whale we viewed San Juan Island foxes, Hummingbirds, Harbor Seals, Eagles and River Otters.  We packed a lot into 4 wonderful days made even better by a visit from my sister Pat and company of sweetie Gretchen.

Barn Swallow






Humpback Whale














River Otter with fish














Research boat collecting whale poop samples



WDFW Whale Police Boat