Date: 11-Sep-17

Sequence: 2

Encounter Number: 78

Enc Start Time: 9:45

Enc End Time: 13:54

Vessel: Orcinus

Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Melisa Pinnow

Pods or ecotype: L12s, L22s, L26s, L47s, L72s

Location: Haro Strait

Begin Lat/Long: 18 21.829/123 09.896

End Lat/Long: 18 22.855/123 02.369

 

Encounter Summary:

Jeanne Hyde called Dave at home just before 9:00 to report she was seeing whales off of Andrews Bay. Dave called Melisa and they headed down to Snug Harbor and left aboard "Orcinus" at 9:34. The first whales were encountered at 9:45 right off of Bellevue Point. This was L47, L72, L91, L105, L115, and L122 and they were spread out in loose pairs as they milled about and slowly headed north.

By 10:36, more whales could be seen back at Bellevue Point so “Orcinus” dropped back and found L83, L90, L92, and L110. They were also spread out as they slowly headed north. Eventually, L83 and L110 came together, while L90 remained inshore and L92 slightly offshore. With reports of more whales spread out further down the island, L83, L90, L92, and L110 were left half a mile southwest of Sunset Point at 11:09.

At 11:36, “Orcinus” arrived on scene with L89 as he slowly milled around by himself a mile and a half southwest of Eagle Point. After a few quick proof of presence shots, “Orcinus” headed over to take a look at L94, L113, and L121 as they foraged a mile off the north end of South Beach. By 12:03, L77 and L119 came into view as they quickly traveled southeast. “Orcinus” paralleled the loose pair for a bit, got a perfect ID shot from L77 after she breached, and then split off to find more whales.

L41 was found 4 miles south of Cattle Point by 12:20 and was also traveling. Further southeast, L85 was spotted and after a long deep dive, gave the perfect arch for another excellent ID shot. L85 continued to mill around for some time, about 4 miles south of Long Island before committing to traveling southeast. L77 and L119 then caught up to L85 but did not join him. All three whales were now 4-5 miles southwest of Iceberg Point. At one point, L119 paused to fool around in some bull kelp.

At 13:22, “Orcinus” found the L94s again as they slowly headed south 5-6 miles south of Cattle Point. Soon after, L22 was found 5-6 miles south of South Beach traveling south, then back north. North of L22 was L89 again and he was milling around. "Orcinus" ended the encounter at 13:54 with L89 still milling in the same area.

 

Notes-Comments:L25 was not photographed during the encounter but multiple whale watching boats reported seeing her.