San Juan Humpback Breach
A rare humpback whale breach in front of Orcas Island. The humpbacks that once frequented these waters are making a comeback!
Pacific Northwest Humpback Whale Wildlife Photography
When you think humpback whale wildlife photography, you normally imagine Hawaii or Alaska, but humpback populations are on the rise in the pacific Northwest throughout Puget Sound and the Salish Sea as well. The whaling that occurred in the Canadian Gulf Islands deterred the humpback whales from traveling this way, and although the practice was outlawed in the ‘60s, it’s only been in the last couple of decades that they’ve returned here in significant numbers. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to do fine art humpback whale wildlife photography here now.
It was also a real treat to get this humpback breaching photograph. Generally speaking, when the whales are in the north, either here or in Alaska, they are here to eat. Breaching and other playful behaviors are much more common in the tropical waters of Hawaii or Mexico. On this trip we had been observing two humpbacks eating and diving for about half an hour, which didn’t produce exciting wildlife photography at all. But just after the captain announced that it was time to head back to the harbor, this humpback decided to give us a goodbye breach.
Fine Art Wildlife Wall Art for Living Room or Any Room
The evergreen trees covering the steep hills of Orcas Island in the background of this Pacific Northwest fine art photograph both give depth and texture and help tell the story of this special northwest moment. Humpback whale wildlife wall art like this is a dynamic addition to any room in your home. And just like these whales, truly fine art wildlife photography is something you don’t see every day.
