Humpback Heaven!

Humpbacks!  What is it with these whales?  Have they listed the San Juan Islands as their new favorite tourist destination?  Good idea!

Dorsal fin appears!

 The dorsal fin on a Humpback whale is very small compared to an Orca.  The whale, however, is very very large....over twice the size with an average length of 49 - 52 feet (Northern Hemisphere whales)!  Oh, an the average weight?  A mere 35 - 50 tons.

Fluke up!  Whale going down!

Each whale has it's own unique pattern on the underside of the fluke.  This pattern can be used to identify individual whales.  It's like your fingerprint!  Hum....who could this be?

Underside of fluke displayed as whale dives

Humpbacks are migratory whales, feeding in the summer months in the rich waters of Alaska, and giving birth and mating in the winter months in Hawaii or Mexico.  This whale is probably has Alaska as it's next port of call.  We are fortunate enough to spend a part of this afternoon watching it as it cruised north up the Strait of Georgia.

On our way back to Friday Harbor we stop off at Spieden Island and find this adult Bald eagle perching proudly on a tree / branch stump.   Eagle eyes search the hillside for prey...and the water's surface as well.  This is a great vantage point.

Adult Bald eagle

Today we get a good look at these Harbor seals hauled out on Boiling Reef.  It always amazes me at how they look most comfy and lazy on such uncomfy surfaces!  I guess that four or more inches of blubber help cushion the rocky shore.  Is it like having your own personal built in thermarest pad?

Harbor seals