Kelly Klein | M/V Osprey | June 24th, 2026 | 12:30pm
The only whale report in our area was far north, so we wasted no time leaving the harbor and pointing up San Juan Channel. Thankfully, it was an absolutely gorgeous summer day here! We certainty enjoyed the clear skies, calm water and a gentle breeze cooling all of us off from the mid day sun . As we continued to transit north, we were treated to looks in almost every direction of harbor porpoise! Their small dark triangular fins surfacing like cetacean confetti all around us. We made our way (only slightly) across the border into Canada, hugging that border line for most of our time in foreign water. Soon, Stanley T123A's massive 6ft tall fin came into view! Followed but the smaller fins from the rest of the family group identified as the T123's:
T123/Sidney — female, born in 1985
- T123A/Stanley — male, born in 2000
- T123C/Lucky — female, born in 2012
- T123D/Darcy — female, born in 2018
As we approached, one of the younger orca's threw their tail in the air, (a behavior known as a headstand!) Letting the full tail and peduncle linger for a moment before sinking back into the water! It appeared to me that this orca family was engaging in a bit of social play, and perhaps had just finished a hunt. We were treated to a few other headstands, as the family surfaced in a non directional patter off our starboard side. Eventually, grouping back up and continuing their transit north.