June 1, 2024 – With news of a pair of humpback whales coming south from Jones Island we contacted our friend on Yellow Island. He had spotted the whale passing southbound about 20 minutes prior. We knew they must be close by. Capt David spotted the blows near Reid Rock, and Barbara identified the larger whale as BCX1057 “Divot”. She had a brand new calf in tow born earlier this year (presumably at the breeding grounds in Hawaii where she’s been seen in past winters).
“Divot” is a special whale in that she is the first presumable offspring of famous humpback whale “Big Mama” BCY0324, the first humpback whale to return to the Salish Sea after 100 years of absence after whalers decimated the humpback population. “Divot” was born in 2003, is the mother of 5 offspring and a grandmother of 3. We sailed quietly paralleling the whales and had some spectacular views. The calf was playful at times raising tail flukes in the air and also did some cartwheels.
We broke off to continue our sail but kept watching from afar. Out of nowhere there was a big splash followed by several breaches in the distance. Boy how we wished we were closer to get photos! Anyhow it was a sight to see no matter how close or far. As we reached Shark Reef we broke off to check out some other wildlife. Next stop was Whale Rocks to see the Steller sea lions. We passed over the top of Salmon Bank scanning for minke whales while continuing up towards False Bay.
We had a very brief encounter seeing some members of the Southern Resident orcas from J pod and K pod. We heard J’s continued north and K’s flipped south in a tight group. While watching the orcas there was a group of 10 jet skis racing up the westside towards the line of resting Southern Resident orcas. We were relieved to see the Soundwatch boat quickly head towards them to divert them around the endangered orcas. Upon our return we spotted a bald eagle sitting atop Cattle Point Lighthouse and the cormorants were busy on their nests on Goose Island.
Note: photos of orcas are taken with 200-800mm equivalent lens and further cropped
Washington State Ferry leaving Friday Harbor
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” tail flukes
Tail flukes of new calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Tail flukes of new calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” with new calf born this year
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” tail flukes
New calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Right side and dorsal fin of new calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
New calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” doing a cartwheel
Rhinoceros Auklets
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot southbound San Juan Channel
New calf of Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot
Right side and dorsal fin of Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Right side and dorsal fin of new calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Washington State Ferry
People watching humpbacks from the Washington State Ferry
Left side and dorsal fin of new calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” southbound San Juan Channel
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” and new calf
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” and new calf
Left side and dorsal fin of Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” tail flukes
Tail flukes of new calf born to Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” tail flukes
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” fluting next to new calf
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot” and new calf
Harbor seal
Harbor seals
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks including branded sea lion “619R”
Southern Resident orcas from K Pod
Two male orcas in K Pod
Southern Resident orcas from K Pod
Southern Resident orcas from K Pod
Line of jet skies coming right towards the Southern Resident orcas
Male orca in K Pod
Southern Resident orcas from K Pod
Bald eagle on top of Cattle Point Lighthouse, San Juan Island
Cormorants on Goose Island
Harbor seals
Harbor seals near Turn Island
Route map 6/1/24