Orca Whale Killer Whale Endangered Species Postage Stamp

The southern residents (who I am usually photographing...athough this one is actually a transient) do not migrate per se. They follow the salmon and can be seen up and down the west coast from CA to Canada throughout the year. However, since the salmon runs are prevalent throughout the months of April (?) into October up here- the whales tend to spend those months in this area. That could be changing, though- as the salmon runs seem to be depleting. We've had one of the three pods (J pod) here since the beginning of this month- not every day just yet, still pretty hit or miss...Sandy

Sandy, Are the orca a year round fixture....or do they migrate?

Oh, Tom...dont get me started! :) The County just passed a law dealing with this exact issue. Every year, the whales' "personal spaces" are encroached upon" day after day by "pleasure boaters," fishing boats and whale watch operators. It is not unusual to see more boats than whales and to see boats with the whales for 16 hours of a summer day. It is frustrating to watch- but to be fair, we have never seen a whale hurt and we have also seen the whales seek out the boats to interact. Just last year a law was passed making enforcement efforts a bit more stringent- voluntary guidelines are now law, so hopefully more people will realize their actions are being monitored and take the distance requirements more seriously. I'll get off my soap box now...smiles. Sandy

Yet another amazing shot, Sandy. Five. Are there ever any "run-ins" between the orca and, say, a pleasure boater?

Great shot of the whale. -Eric

Thanks so much...heading over to your wall to thank you "in person!" :) Sandy

My husband is also a fan of your whale shots! He saw this one and it caught his attention right away! (Hopefully you already know I'm a fan of your shots :)

Debby- thank you so much for your purchase! :) Sandy