Today we set out from Roche Harbor on the good ol' Hawk with knowledge of some orcas on the west side. They were headed south and weren't positive that we would catch up, but we remained hopeful. Orcas can travel at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, a feat which the Sea Hawk is not capable of. As we approached Salmon Bank, we were delighted to see the awaited black dorsal fins break the surface in the distance, those of L-pod. We moved in to viewing distance to get a better look. They seemed to be celebrating, perhaps over an abundance of salmon (their main source of food) in the area. They expressed themselves through surface behaviors like pec slaps, tail slaps, and rolling at the surface; a great show. Their direction continually shifted, indicative of continued feeding. There, we sat and enjoyed the whales and the weather for about an hour before starting our long, but leisurely journey back to Roche Harbor.
Naturalist Alex
M/V Sea Lion, San Juan Island Outfitters