On the morning of August 6th, a new calf was thought to be seen. It was a very windy and rough seas day. There were two groups of L Pod whales traveling along the west side of San Juan Island. The first was comprised of at least the L-4s, a family group of eight whales. The second group appeared to have four whales. They were about 1 mile behind the first group. Pictures taken of both groups, revealed that indeed there was a new calf in the second group. These were the very first pictures of this new calf, taken by Jeanne Hyde, from shore, along the area of Hannah Heights on the west side of San Juan Island. The calf's dorsal fin appears flopped over a bit, indicating a very new baby. These pictures show the calf surfacing next to Marina (L-47). On the far side is Muncher (L-91), Marina's youngest offspring. Just ahead of them, not shown here, were Moonlight (L-83) and her three year old offspring Midnight (L-110).

These images were sent to the Center for Whale Research for proof of presence. There were many sightings of a new calf, yet it was six days later before the next pictures were taken of this new calf, this time by Simon Pidcock of Ocean Ecoventures of Cowichan Bay, B.C. The Center for Whale Research will assign an alpha numeric designation and also make a determination as to the mother of this calf. It may take several encounters before the mother can be confirmed, as sometimes other family members will have the calf next to them in their slip stream. If the calf is a new offspring of Marina (L-47), there is concern for the survival of this baby, as L-47 has lost her last four calves. She has, however, had two successful offspring, Moonlight and Muncher.

photo credit: Jeanne Hyde