I had a WHALE of a time today chasing Orca!

Orca Network is the amazing non profit that posts about the sightings. Then other people comment each time they move to a new location. Such a cool way to be able to capture these individuals. Who knew it was something so simple as a Facebook page could help you track the resident and transient population.

www.orcanetwork.org

I started volunteering with them in September 2020 and took some very educational classes via zoom. We got to learn about all the different types of whales that visit the Salish Sea. So far I have been able to see Orca as well as a Grey Whale that is visiting the area. There are a group of about 30 individuals that visit year after year. I am excited so see more as they begin to arrive in larger numbers. Last I heard it was up to 9 individuals identified so far! I don’t have a photo of them yet but its bound to happen any day now!

Living on Whidbey Island has been an adjustment of its own. I wouldn’t say its warm by any means. If you bundle up its very pretty, sometimes I even get out of the car! I know this is so sad. But I’m a very cold person and when that wind hits you its like I’m back in Chicago waiting for the bus at the lake front. I will say they don’t have Orca in Lake Michigan. I think they are one of my favorite animals.

They tell you to wait for Summer, it will be SO HOT …. they said …. Well I was here for Summer and it never actually got HOT here. This island has a natural island breeze but its also only 52 degrees out and then in true Washington fashion it will start to rain.

If you live in Washington or you are looking to put together a road trip across the state you should check out my post about the Coho Campground at Wynoochee Lake. You could spot Orca on the ferry across the peninsula. They are all over the Salish Sea and pop out when you least expect it.