Calm Seas, Sunshine, and Orca Whales
"This morning we were nicely surprised to find Orcas right in our very own backyard. Just 15 minutes off the dock and we were on scene with members of J pod! Right off the bat we found Princess Angeline (J17), with her new calf J44, her 11 year old daughter Tahlequah (J35), Blackberry (J27), Doublestuff (J34), and we even got to visit with Granny (J2) and her son Ruffles (J1)- the oldest female & male in the Southern Residents! We ended our great and lengthy visit with the majestic whales with Slick's (J16) subpod. I was blown away to see her youngest, 2 year old Echo (J42) at her side and to see just how big this youngster has gotten! Also traveling in close proximity to Slick was her son Mike (J26) and daughter Alki (J36). Our guests then enjoyed the south end of Lopez Island where we made a nest call to a Bald Eagle, found some Turkey Vultures soaring and nearly 100 Pigeon Guillemots surrounding Castle Rock splashing and enjoying the brilliant day!" Naturalist Kate Janes
