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 |
the birds look absolutely amazing! so sad though that a whales revolutionary ability to pick up soundwaves is now one of the reasons they end up avoiding feeding grounds. there really should be a way to keep noise pollutions of the oceans in check!
ReplyDelete