August 20, 2021 – This evening we had an action packed whale watching experience with Biggs/Transient orcas T18’s and brothers T60D and T60E. After these two groups by-passed one another earlier in the day in San Juan Channel, they decided to join up together after all. The orcas were coming down the Shaw Island coastline opposite Friday Harbor just as we cast off. After they rounded into Upright Channel they began tail slapping. Apparently they noticed a young sea lion. Suddenly, after a massive splash the hunt was on as they chased the sea lion across the channel towards Flat Point on Lopez Island. T19C was busy goofing around with T60D and they didn’t get involved with the hunting but rather hung out nearby. The predation event took quite awhile and unfortunately for the sea lion it didn’t end well. Sometimes that’s the way it goes. We enjoyed the sunset and dropped off our passengers to Odlin Park before returning to Friday Harbor..
T18’s cruising along Shaw coastline
T19B cruising along Shaw coastline
Shaw onlookers watching the orcas go by
Phalaropes
T18’s with T60D and T60E in Upright Channel
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slaps
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slap
T19C
T18 and T19
T19C with his wavy dorsal fin
Orca surfacing
The hunt begins
T18 and T19 start the chase
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
T19B involved in the hunt
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orcas in pursuit of a small sea lion
Orca tail slap
Orca tail slap
T19C
Male orca inverted tail lob
Male orca inverted tail lob
Male orca inverted tail lob
T19C
Orcas continuing after the hunt towards Flat Pt
T19B
T19B
Sunset
Route map 8-20-21-pm