J's, K's and L's come in from the ocean
actively catching salmon, Sept. 26, 2007
photo by Astrid van Ginneken. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
Adult male L57 (Astrid's favorite whale) lunges through a tidal chop in search of a large salmon hiding in the waves. The salmon at one point passed very near the research vessel in it's attempt to avoid L57. Following the chase scales were observed but not collected, as researchers continued their effort to collect poop following the successful hunt.
photo by Kelley Balcomb-Bartok. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
Center for Whale Research co-Principal Investigator Astrid van Ginneken and scat-sampling volunteer Deborah Kelso stand with sampling nets in hand, prepared to collect SRKW fecal samples and/or fish scales left behind by the foraging and actively tactile whales.
photo by Astrid van Ginneken. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
During an extended period of time near Kellett Bluff, the following whales were observed in close social contact and very tactile: K12, K22 K33, K37, J11, J31 and J39.
photo by Astrid van Ginneken. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
Though not all the whales are visible in this photo, there are actually seven whales pressed together during this tactile social session (K12, K22, K33, K37, J11, J31 and J39).
photo by Astrid van Ginneken. This photo was taken under MMPA permit #532-1822.
During an observed tactile session with other whales just beneath the surface, L92 displays his distinctive underside markings in a breach near Battleship Rock, Sept. 26, 2007.
Encounter #067-1
September 26, 2007
J, K and L pod
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 2:07 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 2:36 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 28.14 N
Start Long: 123° 06.89 W
End Encounter: 6:34 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 36.35 N
End Long: 123° 12.80 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:47 p.m.
Observers: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Astrid van Ginneken, Katherine Ayres, Amy Johnson
and Deborah Kelso.
Staff of the Center for Whale Research and the University of Washington continued fecal sampling Sept. 26, 2007, with amembers of K and L-pod. The whales were first reported heading east near Race Rocks, British Columbia. The whales were encountered as they crossed Haro Strait approaching the west side of San Juan Island. Several hours were spent with the whales as they slowly foraged north through Haro Strait. Several salmon kills were observed, numerous scales were sampled, and two poops were collected during the encounter. The encounter ended as members of J, K and some members of L-pod continued northward towards the Fraser River.
|
|
