A Show From a Small Minke Whale!
"Leaving the marina this afternoon our guests caught a glimpse of a mature Bald Eagle flying over Cap Sante Point as we exited! In Rosario Strait we not only found the BMW Oracle continuing its test trials amidst the San Juan Islands, but also the start of one of the best showings of Harbor Porpoise of the year! The porpoise were quickly swimming through the tide rips as we ventured past Bird Rocks where we saw a prominent nesting colony of Double-crested Cormorants perched atop its rocky shoreline! As we rounded Colville Island entering into the Strait of Juan de Fuca we saw Harbor Seals hauled out on its rocks!! The strait welcomed us into its glass calm waters under blue skies as we traveled towards Hein Bank. Arriving at the huge bank in the middle of this vast body of water we found a congregation of birds awaiting a meal of bait fish! Then suddenly out of the depths of the brilliant blue waters a small Minke Whale appeared!! We watched patiently as we waited for the Minke Whale to reappear! The time came when the Minke gave us some great profile passes showing off its small body (of the juvenile whale) and swept back dorsal fin! After looks as the whale gently rolled through the calm water, we eventually left heading back towards Salmon Bank! As we turned homeward we could see in the distance the trimaran BMW Oracle was screaming with sails up making good speed alongside Whidbey Island! Also seen on our adventure today were Common Murres, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Red-necked Phalaropes, Lion's Mane Jellies, Turkey Vultures, Bull Kelp, Heermann's Gulls, breaching Salmon, and a perched Bald Eagle in the marina upon our return!!" - Naturalist Kate Janes
posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 7:51 PM
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