Kelly | M/V Osprey | April 13rd, 2025 | 2pm
The gorgeous spring weather had everyone in a wonderful mood as we left Friday Harbor and took a left up San Juan Channel. A quick stop at Sentinel Rock gave us wonderful looks at Harbor Seals, taking full advantage of the real estate that low tide provides. We continued west, quickly crossing over the border and entering Canadian water. Blows in the distance! A group of 8 killer whales were ahead, hugging the coast of Brethour Island. These whales were identified as:
T049A's
- T049A "Nan" 1986 F
- T049A3 "Nat' 2011 m
- T049A4 "Neptune" 2014 M
- T049A5 "Nebula" 2017 F
- T049A6 "Charlie II" 2022
T19's
- T019 "Nootka" 1965 F
- T019B "Galiano" 1995 M
- T019C "Spouter" 2001 M
Most noticeable in this group of 8 are most certainly the full grown males, T019B and T019C. Their massive 6ft fins towering above just about everybody else. Teenager T049A3 is what we call a sprouter male, in his awkward teenage growth spurt, the only one that rivals the towering adult males. These whales were milling in the same area, surfacing with their heads toward each other as the seagulls frenzied above. All of this observational evidence would lead me to believe that they were in the process of food sharing, likely just finishing a harbor seal kill. We watched them finish the meal, followed by a little celebration. T19C with the tail slaps, and one of the T49A youngsters with a side body breach.
On our way home we cruised down Spieden Island and were treated to some absolutely incredible looks at bald eagles. So many nesting pairs perched by the waters edge, giving us an up-close view at these impressive raptors.