On August 9-10, our field studies class went to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. The San Juan Islands consist of many islands and valleys in the Salish Sea. The coastline has abundant marine life from starfish to Orca Whales (scientific name orcinus orca). One of the primary attractions in the Islands is orca whale watching. During our time in San Juan Islands, we learned about whales in the Whale Museum, Native American connections to Orcas, and patience. We spent both days at Lime Kiln Point State Park to observe Orca Whales, spotting several on August 10, 2018!
Skeleton of a Baby Orca
Native American Orca Story
J-Pod Genealogy
As a city dweller, the field studies class prompted me to venture outside and explore natural habitat in Seattle. From these different sites, I develop a greater awareness of the natural community. In the fourth week of class, we discussed Salmon, even visiting the Salmon Ladders at Ballard. Here, we learned the Chinook Salmon (scientific name Oncorhynchus Tshawystscha) population has been declining. Moving to week five, we began discussing Orca Whales. As Orca Whales rely on Chinook Salmon as a primary source of food, the declining Chinook Salmon has had a detrimental impact of Orca Whales. There are three factors for the declining Orca Whale population: water pollution, boat noise, and declining prey
Orca Whales are beautiful complicated animals. The Southern Resident Killer Whales are a large family broken into smaller units known as “pods.” These pods normally consist of a matriarch and offspring. There are currently three pods: J, K, and L. These whales mate every 3-4 years. Orca Whales do not have permanent mates, a female Orca can have children with different male Orcas. Reproduction is a significant energy consumer. Orca whales are carnivorous, and strategic hunters in the water. This is why they are known as “killer” whales. Due to increasing toxins and decreasing prey, it has become more difficult for female Orcas to have calves.
Lime Kiln Point State Park at Friday Harbor
During these two days, I am reminded of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Indeed, there were moments when we were tired and cold, even miserable in the rain. However, when the Orca Whales emerged from the water, these feelings seemed to fade away. As we all gathered along the edge to watch these magnificent creatures pass by, there was awe and a sense of triumph.
In the end, the trip was also bittersweet. Considered an endangered species, it is unlikely their current population, 75 Southern Residents, will be able maintain a steady population. The Orca Whales face a bleak future. The heart aches for the Orca Mother who pushed her dead calf over 1000 miles and 17 days. After studying and seeing these animals in their natural habitat, we are reminded of how our actions carry a great impact. As we continue living in this world, it becomes necessary to remind ourselves and become cognizant that our actions have consequences, for it is also our duty to address the problems we cause.