Humpback, Orca and Minke Whales Sighted by Island Explorer 3!
A triple header!! Stay tuned to the Whale Report to hear all about the whales (including one very large Humpback, says Captain Carl!) and other wildlife seen on today's adventure from Naturalist Kate Janes!
Fluke Span (Humpback Whale)
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes
Sounding Humpback
Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes
Orca in Blue (Transient Orca)Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes
"Our adventure started in Guemes Channel with great looks at a Rhinoceros Auklet swimming atop the water, Pelagic & Double-crested Cormorants that flew by the boat! As we entered into Rosario Strait we were greeted by the large 180 foot mast of the BMW Oracle trimaran that was built right in Anacortes! We turned south towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca watching at our stern as the large vessel began to lift its sails! Our journey continued as we entered through a small fog bank that lifted at the south end of Lopez Island! It was here that 2 Minke Whales appeared as they zigged and zagged in a feeding pattern! Our guests watched as they got great looks at the whales profile ease back into the water and their exhalations dissipating rather quickly! After watching the two whales feed we departed in search for our wildlife in the area! As we ventured further into the Strait of Juan de Fuca we watched Harbor Porpoise quickly swam through the water, hundreds of Common Murres traveled in search of food, Heereman's Gulls sat atop rafts of floating Bull Kelp, and Harbor Seals swam at the surface before disappearing into the watery depths! Near Constance Bank a light layer of fog set in which after a short time lifted revealing a HUGE Humpback Whale!! The first adult Humpback of the year measured over 50 feet in length!! Our guests watched as the massive whale made multiple surfacing and sounded on 3 different occasions, raising its over 15 foot wide fluke high into the air!! After some great looks at the giant we ventured just a mile to the east where we found Transient Orcas quickly making their way further into the San Juan Islands!! A large male, a female and a youngster where spread out moving through the glass calm water under blue skies making the perfect end to a uniquely special day with a triple header!! Its not everyday that in one trip we see 3 different species of whales!! What an amazing day!" - Naturalist Kate Janes
posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 1:50 PM
0 Comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home