Date: 30-Aug-19

Sequence: 1

Encounter Number: 58

Enc Start Time: 16:26

Enc End Time: 16:43

Vessel: Chimo

Observers: Ken Balcomb

Pods or ecotype: J pod

Location: Offshore from False Bay

Begin Lat/Long: 48 28.506N/123 07.347W

End Lat/Long: 48 28.707N/123 07.329

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Encounter Summary:

It had been awhile since Ken had an encounter with the resident whales, so when everybody else was ending their whale watch day he cast off from Snug Harbor in "Chimo" at 1606 in the late afternoon in hopes of getting a glimpse of how the new baby, J56, was doing. About two miles off False Bay, San Juan Island, J27 was spotted foraging in the tidal chop near the end of an incoming tide. Soon, J35 appeared nearby also foraging while accompanied by two young females J53 and J56 that appeared to be having a marvelous time splashing alongside. Then J31 appeared briefly, perhaps from a deep dive while she left her baby, J56, playing with her friend J53, the daughter of J17. There were very likely other whales in the area, but they were very spread out and the water was too choppy for a reasonable search that would not be comprehensive, anyway. The air temperature was dropping quickly as a low lying cloud came from the north and wisps of fog began to roll in, so the encounter was ended and "Chimo" headed back to Snug Harbor, having accomplished the mission of documenting the new baby.

Notes-Comments: Another photograph was taken of J56 rolling around with J53 and J35, confirming she is female.