Spring at San Juan Outfitters, Friday Harbor

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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)

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.