Today we had to go a lot farther than usual, down the coast of Whidbey Island, but it was well worth it! There are fires in Eastern Washington today that made the lighting quite eerie around mid-day, but it cleared up for the afternoon trip.
The T109A's were hunting all day long, making several fascinating kills. Many on board were quite concerned for them breathing among the smoke and falling ashes and wanted to know if it would hurt them, and a research boat came on scene who were probably wondering the same thing! Fortunately for the whales the very top of the water has the best oxygen layer, despite the smoke layer above!
The baby orca T109A3A was finally ID'd today as a GIRL! She was rolling around on her belly quite a bit today and Naturalists were able to get a clear view to confirm it. What a day!
The skies should be clearing up soon!
