Lauren | M/V Osprey | Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | 12:30 PM
The M/V Osprey departed Friday Harbor and headed towards Upright Channel. We had just got word that a group of killer whales were spotted near the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. We made our way east between Shaw and Lopez Island with crystal clear views of Mount Baker and The North Cascades in the distance. Once we made our way into Rosario Strait, we started to see other Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) vessels in the distance. The whales found are known as the T123’s. A family of Bigg’s (or Transient) Killer Whales. We got spectacular looks at these four whales as they zigged and zagged across Rosario. It seemed like they couldn’t agree on which way to go, changing directions several times throughout the trip. Bigg’s Killer Whales eat several different species of marine mammals. One of their preferred delicacies here in the Salish Sea is Harbor Porpoise. While watching these whales we were also watching several porpoise surface in their vicinity. We were eagerly waiting for one of the whales to make a move, but they did no such thing. They must have already had their lunch! On our transit back we made a stop at Pointer Island to view a handful of hauled out Harbor Seals (another Bigg’s delicacy).
Check out our SmugMug to see photos of all the wildlife from today’s trip at https://sanjuansafaris.smugmug.com/