photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Jim Stiles | all galleries >> Galleries >> San Juan Island, Washington > 5_W0A5496.jpg
previous | next
27-Jun-2015 Jim Stiles

5_W0A5496.jpg

San Juan Island County, Washington

Teaching Your Baby to Hunt!

WOW, OH WOW!!! OMG, what an incredible whale-watching excursion I went on yesterday in the San Juan Islands of Washington state!!! Even our boat captain (Josh, of Outer Island Expeditions) said this was quite the unusual show and had to break out his camera. Now, mind you he does this ALL the time, so this was truly a very special afternoon.

We watched and gently followed this pod of transient Orca whales (aka "Killer Whales") between Lopez and Orcas Islands in the San Juan islands. This was the pod known as T77A and there were about seven whales, plus a very large male in the distance who was communicating with his harem to which they would visually respond.

The portion of the pod we were following were the adult females with their calves, and we actually got to witness this particular mom catch a harbor seal and show it to her baby!

We saw them play with each other: tail slaps, jumps, spy hoping, belly rolls, back flips! OMG, it was SO incredible!!!!

As a nature photographer its VERY, VERY rare to witness wildlife acting like this, and I will NEVER EVER forget what an incredible experience we all had on the water on this day!

--Jim--


other sizes: small medium original auto
previous | next
share
Tomasz Dziubinski - Photography24-Nov-2021 16:59
Superb shot, Vote.
Phil Orgeron22-Jul-2015 02:26
A fascinating story and image! v
coaster29-Jun-2015 21:50
Wow, is right, Jim! What a wonderful excursion and a great capture. In hope you'll share more shots.
Richard Glenn29-Jun-2015 14:35
A very special capture. Obviously the Harbor Seal didn't survive.
We saw some pods on an Alaskan Cruise about 20 years ago, but
nothing this up close and personal. VV
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment