San Juan Island Outfitters

Whale watch report from Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, WA

2010-04-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island whale watch wildlife report for April 30th:

Captain Brian G. and I went out for a private charter this morning, and what a gorgeous morning it was! Some spectacular highlights were watching a peregrine falcon in flight (3 different times!) off Turn Point, watching a school of harbor porpoise race towards an oncoming boat and bow ride (not typical behavior), and getting some amazing views of a large herd of male mouflon sheep. They were off by themselves, and we saw some good examples of aggression between males too!

Also, confirmed whale reports put our local resident orca whales headed our way! They hadn't been spotted in over 45 days, so this is a break in the dry spell. I hope they are sticking around now, as they surely have been missed.

Virtual whale watching & sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands (follow us on Facebook or Twitter!)

2010-04-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak and whale watch wildlife update for April 29th:

I'm afraid I haven't been blogging as frequently as usual, and for that I blame Facebook and Twitter. We at San Juan Outfitters are on both (follow us athttp://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Friday-Harbor-WA/San-Juan-Outfitters/60673701584 & http://twitter.com/sjioutfitters) and I've really been enjoying writing quick updates about our tours, staff, events, and of course, wildlife spotted.

I'll continue to blog, post and tweet(!) updates regularly, so keep reading!

Aileen

San Juan Island whale watch tour spies porpoise

2010-04-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island whale watch wildlife update for April 3rd:

The blustery weather cleared long enough for Captain Brian and I to set out on a whale watch tour. We were hoping for a sighting of transient orcas (killer whales), but no luck. We were lucky with a few harbor porpoise sightings, many many harbor seals, a number of bald eagles displaying interesting behavior and a wonderful up close look at a peregrine falcon sitting just a few feet away!

We also drove very close to Spieden Island where we were able to see large herds of fallow deer and mouflon sheep. I've never seen so many before! This is a great time of year to see the animals on Spieden as the spring rains bring plenty of new growth to the grassy fields. We saw a large number of mouflon ewes with lambs, it's definitely that time of year.

San Juan Island 3 day sea kayak tour spies dozens of porpoise!

2010-04-02T09:32:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak wildlife update for April 2nd:

Well Noelle and I just returned from our first multi day sea kayak tour of 2010! We had a great, cheerful group and were both happy to get out on the water and dust some cobwebs off our paddling skills. We left Friday Harbor, paddled north and on Day 3 arrived at Roche Harbor-- all without retracing our steps.

Despite varying inclement weather our cheerful group made the best of each day. We were able to paddle around the Wasp Islands, hike around Jones Island State Park and explore the west side of San Juan and Henry Islands. It's definitely springtime here in the San Juan Islands, and the blossoms are in bloom!

I think I can safely speak for the group when I say everyone's highlight was setting off across San Juan Channel on Day 3, and stopping to listen to the dozens of harbor porpoise that were surfacing quietly on all sides of us. We got some great looks at a few pairs just a few hundred feet away, and could hear them breath as they surfaced. It was such special moment, and I was grateful for the chance to share a little island magic.

San Juan Island 3 hour sea kayak tour spies a hunting Steller sea lion

2010-03-27T18:41:00.001-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak wildlife update for March 27th:

Today I paddled out on a 3 hour kayak tour. It was a bit windy out but the overcast clouds created the most beautiful colors-- all of the islands to the west were clothed in wonderful shades of blue.
We saw harbor seals, courting bald eagles and lots of shorebirds.

As we were paddling down the west side of Henry Island we spied a Steller sea lion surfacing a few times just a few hundred feet away! This big guy was hard to identify at first because he surfaced upside down-- coming to breath with just his chin (and then chest) showing. Later that afternoon when I spoke with an experienced captain he suggested that seals or sea lions surface like that when they are hunting and do not want to take their eyes off their prey. Wonder what this Steller was looking at down there?

Whale Watching Tour San Juan Island

2010-03-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog regarding our trip Saturday March 20th. Our first official wildlife charter of the year. No sign of Southern Resident Killer Whales today. Lots of Dalls Porpoise, Harbor Porpoise, and Stellar Sea Lions on Speiden Island (12). It looks like the Peregrine Falcon pair are nesting at Turn Point again, in the narrow drainage below the rock outcropping known at "Lovers Leap" to locals. One of the adults was perched below on a fir branch. The best look I've had in three years of one of the adult birds. Unfortunately, my Swarovskis were left at home. Captain Brian Goodremont

San Juan Island sea kayak 3hr tour spies variety of wildlife

2010-03-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak wildlife update for March 23rd:

Today I was able to paddle out with a lovely family new to the Northwest. Luckily for us we had gorgeous weather and could see clear to the Olympic, Cascade and Vancouver Island mountain ranges. The wildlife was visible as well, with a number of harbor seal sightings, various shorebirds seen and heard and even three harbor porpoise. I thoroughly enjoyed showing off a bit of the splendor of the islands, and the Pacific Northwest!

For me the highlight was spotting so many bald eagles, including one that was hunting. As we paddled along the cliffs of Henry Island, we saw an eagle take off from its perch, fly out over the water and swoop down. Three times it dove with talons outstretched, climbed back up, kited (back beating its wings to maintain position) and dove again. This is extremely taxing on the eagle, as they are not built for agile flying and kiting, but broad soaring. Despite all that effort, however, it did not catch anything.

Later I spoke with Brian about the eagle's behavior and he informed me that what the eagle had been hunting for was likely a diving bird. Eagles will watch a bird dive down and be poised to snatch it as soon as it comes up for air. That's why the eagle will kite and dive again-- knowing the bird must come up and cannot swim too much further, as opposed to a fish which will dive and not near the surface again.

All in all, a really interesting sight.

Spring at San Juan Outfitters, Friday Harbor

2010-03-13T15:07:00.001-08:00

San Juan Outfitters' wildlife update for Saturday March 13th:

It's springtime here on the island-- which means the weather is likely to change at a moment's notice, the animals are all getting ready for courtship or mating, and it's simply gorgeous out. Today I saw an adult bald eagle fly by with a large stick in it's beak-- building a nest I presume. Although bald eagles are believed to mate for life, each year they will make 'improvements' to their nest by adding on more and more sticks until the tree can no longer support the nest.

One of the most amazing looks at wildlife I've ever had here on San Juan Island was when I saw two bald eagles performing courtship aerials of swoops and spins in the sky, all while crying out. The highlight of the display was when the two eagles locked talons and spun down towards the ground. At the last second they let go and flew up again.

Keep those eyes on the sky, and you too might be lucky enough to glimpse these magnificent birds in flight (and courtship!)

San Juan Island sea kayak and whale watch for March

2010-03-03T10:04:00.001-08:00

San Juan Island wildlife update for March 4th, 2010:

Happy March everyone! February was such a mild, gorgeous month (not quite usual) so we'll wait to see what kind of weather March brings!

This week there have been many reports of gray whales feeding off of Whidbey Island further east in the Salish Sea. Here is what the Orca Network has to say: "In Washington, Gray whales were once thought to be strictly seasonal travelers along the outer coast. We now know that these waters are more than just a stop on a migratory route for some. Two small groups of Grays often turn east into Washington's inland waters, usually during the spring northern migration. Some of them stay all summer.

The first group seems to know where the best feeding grounds are. From six to ten Grays return most years to northwestern Whidbey Island or southeastern Whidbey Island and Port Susan, Camano Island, feeding on ghost shrimp and tubeworms for several months. In recent years (2008-2009) more gray whales have been reported feeding in more areas around Whidbey Island, including Holmes Harbor and along Whidbey Naval Air Station and Joseph Whidbey State Park near Oak Harbor. They also appear to be arriving earlier - some in January - and staying later - some not leaving until July.

The second group visiting inland waters seems unfamiliar with the feeding areas, and are often emaciated when they arrive, possibly already dying of starvation. Hungry Grays usually arrive in Puget Sound in spring and summer, after four or five months in southern waters with little to eat." (Source: http://www.orcanetwork.org/nathist/graywhales.html)

We don't see as as many Grays here in the San Juan islands, likely because the conditions that make this prime orca whale habitat (deep and steep channels, cold fast currents) are not conditions that Grays love (shallow water with much sediment). If you're around Whidbey Island, however, now is a great time to keep a lookout for those whales!

More new calves for Southern Resident Killer Whales, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

2010-02-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

San Juan Island wildlife update for February 23, 2010:

The population of the Southern Resident Killer (Orca) Whales is still on the rise! Sunday was the first sighting of brand new calf L114, to first-time mom L77, Matia. This birth brings our current total to 89 whales!

Typically in the winter months the southern resident orca whales disperse and travel much more, so last week's SUPERPOD of all three resident orca pods (J, K, & L) together in the straits was cause for excitement!

Here at San Juan Outfitters we're excited for the population to rise, and looking forward to another great season of sea kayaking and whale watching here on San Juan Island.

Photo credit: Jeanne Hyde
Newborn L114 is showing it's pectoral flippers in the foreground, and an adult male, L85 Mystery is behind.

San Juan Island whale update

2010-02-20T17:06:00.001-08:00

San Juan Island wildlife update for February 20th:

It's technically winter here-- although all this sunshine would make anyone doubt it-- and although it's not prime whale season here in the Salish Sea, they've been popping up everywhere!

This week a humpback was spotted off the southern tip of Whidbey Island, a gray whale spotted near Camano Island and a small pod of four orcas were spotted in the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca (south of Vancouver Island).

Wildlife abounds on San Juan Island

2010-02-16T17:00:00.001-08:00

San Juan Island wildlife update for February 16th:

This morning I spent some time hiking trails around the southern tip of the island, and was excited to see two different bald eagle pairs. The birds were alternately resting at the very top of some pines, and soaring high above the prairie. I often see other raptors hunting above the tall grass, so it was a nice change to see so many eagles out too! One juvenile came in quite close, so I got a great look at its mottled brown and white feathers and bright yellow talons.

The songs of various birds were abundant today, and I couldn't move by a thicket without setting off the calls of some gorgeous springtime warblers.

San Juan Island orca (killer) whale update

2010-02-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

San Juan Island whale watch update for February 12th 2010:

Both resident (fish eating) and transient (mammal eating) killer whales, also known as orca whales, live in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. The Salish Sea is home to a huge amount of biodiversity, allowing animals large and small to thrive. There is a lot of research being conducted on the whales, and one way scientists gather information is by recording underwater acoustics using hydrophones. This allows data on whales to be collected even when they are out of sight. One such hydrophone is in the water just off Lime Kiln Lighthouse here on San Juan Island.

Just yesterday the vocalizations of transient orcas were recorded off the point. It's exciting to know they are here, even if they are hard to spot!

San Juan Outfitters all staff photo!

2010-02-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

San Juan Island sea kayak and whale watch staff:

Looking in some old files, I discovered a few gems from last summer, including an all staff photo! It can get so busy during the summer, that it's rare to have everyone together in one place, so this photo was a real treat.

It was taken down at South Beach, after a large staff BBQ, one of many each summer. I know it's only February, but I guess my mind is on this summer!

San Juan Island sea kayak and whale watch company: whale update

2010-02-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

San Juan Island wildlife update for Tuesday, February 9th:

Six new births within the Southern Resident Orcas brings the total number to 88. That's quite a rise from the previous few years, and scientists are eagerly awaiting more research to determine whether this rise will continue, or if it is a fluke. More detailed information can be found at either www.orcanetwork.org or www.whalemuseum.org.

Meanwhile, here's a picture of the newest calf born right around New Year's Day!

Photo by Jeff Hogan - NOAA permit #781182400.

San Juan Island sea kayak tour

2010-02-06T17:19:00.000-08:00

San Juan Island sea kayak tour wildlife update for February 6th:

I paddled out for my first trip of the season today, and what a day! The weather was perfect and the wildlife certainly on display. There were so many different kinds of winter birds-- scoters, mergasers, buffleheads, cormorants, bald eagles, kingfishers, guillemots, auklets and more. The highlight of the trip for me was when two harbor porpoise surfaced behind our boats a few times. They seemed to be feeding, but moved off before we could get some really good looks.

All in all, a great start to the 2010 season, and I look forward to paddling again soon.

Sea kayak tours in November! (San Juan Island, WA)

2009-11-02T16:02:00.001-08:00

San Juan Island sea kayak wildlife update for Monday, November 2nd.

Today I paddled out for a few hours with a lovely local couple who were celebrating their wedding anniversary. We started out under gray skies and were quickly paddling in the rain. Although it was November, and thus well after the tourist season was over, it was beautiful.

We identified all sorts of birds today, from the Harlequin duck's defined white markings to the soft gray spots of the Bonaparte's Gull in winter plumage. There were grebes, guilemots and cormorants diving for fish, gulls wheeling in the sky and four bald eagle's maintaining their watch.

The water was quiet, so it was a nice chance to slip out and see what most people miss in winter.

San Juan Island sea kayak tour sees orca whales

2009-09-05T22:53:00.001-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak tour wildlife update for September 5th:

I paddled out today amid strong winds, and was really surprised and pleased to see some resident orca whales! We saw some of J pod traveling down the Haro Strait (we were able to confirm the identity of the whales with the help of our whale watch boat). Although July and August are the best months to see the resident orca whales, they spend time in this area year round, and so can be seen at any time.

Whale watch tour sees a very active J pod!

2009-08-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island whale watch wildlife update for Saturday, August 29th:

Captain Nancy and naturalist Margo just returned from a very happy whale watch tour. They reported seeing a very spread out group of southern resident orca whales-- specifically, J pod. They saw a few breaches, pedunkle throws (cartwheel-like behaviors) and lots more activity. Margo says she got some great looks at siblings Blackberry (J-27), Mako (J-39) and Tsuchi (J-31)!

The weather is beautiful down here in the harbor, and it was a great trip for all on board!!

Orca whales spotted on 3 hour sea kayak tour on San Juan Island

2009-08-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak wildlife update for August 27th:

Today I paddled out of Roche Harbor on a 3 hour tour and we spotted orca (killer) whales! Thanks to our whale watch boat I received the whale report before leaving the harbor, but was not sure if we would be able to see the whales as they were already headed north in the Haro Strait. We paddled out to the kelp forest off Henry Island and as we were eating some seaweed, looking for seals and listening for eagles we saw some killer whales! There were quite a few whales visible, so I knew they were resident killer whales (which congregate in large numbers)

They were members of the southern resident orca community and were headed north at a brisk pace but we saw lots of large, dark dorsal fins slipping in and out of the water. Although the whales were out in the strait, it was a pleasant surprised to see them on our short tour!

After we saw the whales we headed down south a ways and looked for some swimming harbor seals and a bald eagle or two. The real highlight of the trip came on our way back when I was paddling alongside Kevin and his young son Ryan and a harbor seal pup decided to come check us out. It popped up alongside our boats, just inches away from Ryan! It swam to their rudder, popped up underneath the paddles and swam belly up under my boat. I could even hear its claws click on the underside of my kayak as it went underneath. This is the time of year when the weaned seal pups are starting to investigate their surroundings on their own, so I was excited to see it upclose!

Harbor Seals swim by San Juan Island sea kayak tour

2009-08-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayak wildlife update for Friday August 29th:

Yesterday I paddled out on a 3 hour sea kayak tour with guests from Idaho. The water level was so high that most haul out rocks were covered so I wasn't sure we'd see any harbor seals but as we paddled down the west side of Henry Island we were suddenly surrounded by harbor seals. 6 or 7 of them surfaced all around us, curious and calm but wary too. One large adult repeatedly surfaced eating a HUGE fish. With each appearance a little more of the fish disappeared! At one point a little pup came over to investigate us and surfaced both between our boats and alongside my bow. It was neat to see the little one, but I was glad it kept its distance.

It was a gorgeous, calm day out on the west side and there were few boats to be seen or heard. Simply lovely.

Sea Kayaking Family Tour San Juan Island--August 24th

2009-08-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

This morning on our 3-hour family sea kayak tour we had a veritable feast of native wildlife! Apparently the animals were hungry, because we saw ochre sea stars eating barnacles, harbor seals eating fish, as well as a sighting of a bald eagle catching a fish! One of the kayaks had a baby seal pup come up and stare at the paddlers, from less than a paddle's reach away from the boat! Beautiful paddling weather today, no wind and warm!

Don C

San Juan Island sea kayak multi day tour

2009-08-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

San Juan Island sea kayaking wildlife update for August 23rd, 2009:

On our last day of a 2 day sea kayaking trip, we managed to sneak in a group photo! It was wonderful to have a 'girl's only' trip.

Great weather, great food and most importantly, great company!

Photo credit: Peggy Howard

Sea Kayaking San Juan Island August 22

2009-08-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Excellent Weather for kayaking today from our Roche Harbor Hub. First day in several there were no Killer Whale sightings by our sea kayak tours. Flat calm waters, and lots of wildlife in the normal locations. Guides today were Noelle, Kaitlyn, Don, Joe, and Blake. All reported smooth waters, blue skies, and lots of critters. Noelle reported seeing a rare Stellar Sea Lion near the Kelp Forest off McCracken point. More updates to follow.

Whale Watching San Juan Island - Captain's Log

2009-08-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Whale Watching Update for 8/21. Captain Brian P and Noelle were fortunate that two groups of our Southern Resident Community were in the vicinity. Our vessel Sea Hawk observed J-Pod in the morning not far from the harbor, and then K-pod and J-pod joined in the afternoon. Once the two groups joined, there were lots of percussives (breaching, lob tailing), and lots of milling and socializing. Good viewing all afternoon. Both sightings today were withing 5 miles of our home port.
Lots of other great wildlife, including Harbor seals, Harbor porpoise, and Dalls Porpoise.

Check in for more whale observations.