J-pod, K-pod and several L-pod members
spread out, mixed groups off San Juan Is.
photo by Courtney Smith. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
J32 spyhops and takes in a big breath of air near the coast of San Juan Island.
photo by Dave Ellifrit. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
Young members of J-pod cavort near the shore of San Juan Island August 8, 2007.
photo by Dave Ellifrit. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
L85 breaches off the west side of San Juan Island August 8, 2007.
Encounter #043
August 8, 2007
J, K, some members of L-pod
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 11:45 a.m.
Begin Encounter: 12:23 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 25.346 N
Start Long: 123° 02.789 W
End Encounter: 2:47 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 28.561 N
End Long: 123° 07.786 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 3:11 p.m.
Observers: Dave Ellifrit and Courtney Smith.
Center for Whale Research staff first encountered several whales just south of Eagle Point.
The whales slowly moved north along the west side of San Juan Island, foraging and milling
along the way, before turning south again. They tended to travel in small mixed groups of
all three pods, with several miles between each group. Some highlights of the encounter
include several breaches and a cartwheel from L85, and a very playful group of juveniles
from J Pod.
