JUNE 30, 2009 MORNING J pod in Haro Strait and minke whales at Hein Bank!

Departure time: 1004
Vessel: Five Star Charter's Supercat

Sighting #1: Southern 'Resident' fish eating killer whales (Orcinus orca)
Start Time: 1050 - 1130

Start location: 1.0 miles west of Hannah Heights, San Juan Island, Washington Behaviour:

End location: 0.5 miles west of Hannah Heights, San Juan Island

Individuals identified: J17, J19, J30, J44
Behaviour: travelling slow south

Links

Center for Whale Research killer whale fact page, photo ID and matrilines

Orca Adoption Program at Friday Harbour Whale Museum

Orcasound online hydrophone network

Orca Sightings Network

American Cetacean Society fact sheet

J30, 14 year old 'sprouting' (maturing) male killer whale

J19, Schachi, a 30 year old female

J17, Princess Angeline, a 32 year old female

J44 the 6 month old calf of J17... one of the newest calves in J pod!

Above 3 photos: J1, Ruffles, the oldest known male in the Southern 'Resident' fish eating killer whale community (estimated to be born in 1951)

Mount Baker looming over South Beach, San Juan Island, Washington

Sighting #2 Steller sea lion (Eumatopia jubatus)

Time: 1200

Location: south Hein Bank marker bouy, Washington

Behaviour: hauled out on bouy

Links
Vancouver Aquarium Steller sea lion fact page

Marine Mammal Consortium fact page

Above 3 photos: Steller Sea Lion (Eumatopia jubatus) on south Hein Bank marker bouy

Sighting #3: Minke whale (Balaenopter acutorostrata)

Time: 1220
Location: Hein Bank, Washington

Behaviour: foraging
Links

American Cetacean Society minke whale fact sheet

Above 2 photos: minke whales at Hein Bank!