Orcas Island

Scientists say a killer whale found in Uist in Scotland's Outer Hebrides is one of the oldest male orcas ever recorded. The animal was discovered dead on the islands, and researchers believe its age makes the find significant for understanding orca lifespans. Details about how the whale died and what scientists hope to learn from it have drawn wide attention.

Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, the well-known rhododendron preserve on Whidbey Island in Washington state, is scheduled to visit the Orcas Island Garden Club. The announcement was reported by the Orcasonian. It offers garden club members and island residents a chance to hear from the gardens and learn about rhododendron cultivation and the gardens' work.

A new analysis finds a major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea, the waterway spanning Washington State and British Columbia that includes the San Juan Islands. The finding is drawing attention in local island outlets, where residents track shipping, ferry and whale-watching traffic because of its effects on noise, safety and endangered southern resident killer whales.