Biggs Humpback and Minke Whales

Trifecta Day of Whales

Our day was a Trifecta of whales today including Biggs Humpback and Minke Whales. The Biggs consisted of the T37As and the T34s.

Sea Birds

On the first tour, we stopped off to see Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklet and Tufted Puffin. We arrived on scene with the orca, just as they were exiting Puget Sound. From there they entered the Strait of Juan de Fuca. At the same time, a nuclear US Navy Submarine was under escort into the strait on its way out to sea.

During our time with the pods, there were many porpoise swimming nearby. Unfortunately for us, we did not witness a kill. They were being a bit playful and zigzagging as if trying to locate prey. However, they seemed to ignore the porpoise when it was there for the taking.

Big Mama

We had a couple looks at Big Mama, our Salish Sea celebrity Humpback Whale. She has brought six calves back from Mexico over the years. Her last calf, four years ago loved to breach and was named Poptart. Big Mama was doing long dives today and hard to track, so I was not able to get a photo on this day. There were Minke Whales, but none of my shots were in focus. However, I did get some fantastic images of the orca.

Popeye

Popeye, the celebrity Harbor Seal of Friday Harbor, came by my boat between tours to say hello.

Being Mugged by Killer Whales

During the afternoon tour, we still did not see any kills. However, we did see a lot of playing around, breaching and spy hopping. Several times they were playing not traveling, and we just shut down to enjoy their show of playfulness. At one point, we were even “mugged.” This meaning that they pop up nearby and don’t leave. Then they swam under and around the boat multiple times as if we are one of their play toys.

These Biggs Humpback and Minke Whales are such beautiful creatures. We are blessed to see here in the Salish Sea.