HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
Granny, "J2", and
Grand-calf, J45
Strait of Georgia May 8, 2009
Photo by Joan Lopez

May 8
After a brief visit with some Dall's Porpoises in the middle of the Strait of Georgia, we encountered J Pod a little further south, shortly before noon, with flat calm conditions. The pod was spread out over miles, and were travelling slowly southeast in matriline groups. Our boat first encountered the J2 Matriline, with new calf J45. It was thrilling to see J Pod again after a long winter, and even better to see that all the whales look fat and healthy. It warmed my heart to see Granny take a turn at babysitting the little one - photo attached (see above - aaaww!) (zoomed and cropped). We also had an opportunity to visit with the J17 group (Princess Angeline and family). Little J44 seems to be quite the explorer, often swimming ahead of the remainder of the family, and showing off some fine tail slaps as well. We were fortunate to also encounter J16 and family after our visit with gray whales. This group was the furthest east, and were just rounding the tip of Point Roberts, travelling in about 10 feet of water, heading towards Boundary Bay. For all the distance that the pod was spread, we heard no vocals on the hydrophone, just some echolocation clicks.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch