Kelly | M/V Osprey | August 15h, 2026 | 12:30pm
We were so blessed today to have whales RIGHT In our backyard, and not just any whales…the beloved T49a’s! We traveled only about 15 minutes outside of Friday Harbor before exhales appeared in the distance. This is a family of 6 members consisting of:
- T049A/Nan — female, born in 1986
- T049A3/Nat — male, born in 2011
- T049A4/Neptune — male, born in 2014
- T049A5/Nebula — female, born in 2017
- T049A6/Charlie II — male, born in 2022
- T049A7*/Nimbus — born in 2026
The T49a are a very frequently spotted family here in the Salish Sea, but I have never seen them in quite this configuration. T49a4 Neptune was traveling about a mile separate from his family, perhaps needing some alone time from mom and siblings? For the start of our encounter, we spent time with Neptune as he slowly made his way south from Yellow Island. He appeared curious and in no hurry. We next spent our time with the bulk of the family, mom and her 4 other children. The star of this group being little Charlie with his lovable underbite. Before turning back to Friday Harbor we stopped at Spieden Island, a particularly hot wildlife hotspot today! We spotted a massive Steller Sea lion hauled out on the rock! A tell-tale sign that summer is nearing its end, this is typically only a sea lion spot in the spring and fall. As we watched this lazy sea lion, we could also spot bald eagles, harbor seals and non-native mouflon sheep!