June 30th - Sunny day out on the water with tons of transient orca!
On June 30th we had both a morning and an afternoon trip go out, and we were lucky enough to find transient orca during both trips!
T046E with his impressive dorsal fin breaking through the water. Photo by Val Watson.
The morning trip we saw the T124A2s, T124C, and the T046s travelling up the Strait of Georgia just outside of Howe Sound. This large group had 3 distinct males and a bunch of females travelling together.
T124C (Cooper), T46E, and T46D showing off their dorsal fins (named left to right). Photo by Val Watson.
During the trip 2 of the males, T046D and T046E were easily identified by their nicks and large dorsals but we had to figure out who the rest of the whales were from the photos after the fact. Not only did we have to look at the dorsals but we also used another unique identification method, the eye patch!
T124A2B lunging out of the water! Photo by Val Watson.
From left to right: T046E, T124C (Cooper) and T046F
Although less talked about than the dorsal fin or the saddle patch the eye patch of each orca is also unique and can be used for ID. If you can get a clear shot of the orcas face and compare it against the known photo-identification for the individual you can determine which whale you are looking at. We used this method to figure out that T124A2 was there with her son and daughter, along with her uncle Cooper (T124C). Check out the photo below to see the eye patch shape.
Although the dorsal isn’t clear in the picture the distinct shape of the front of the eye patch can be seen coming out of the water! Photo by Val Watson.
T124A2 surfacing. Photo by Val Watson.
In the afternoon trip the group we had watched in the morning had travelled north, being left to voyage throughout the Northern Gulf Islands so we headed south in search of other whales! We travelled through the until we found the T65B’s just off the Saturna shoreline. The T65B’s also had a surprise guest travelling with them, T65A2! He was seen hunting, travelling, and socializing with his Aunt and cousins.
A quick headstand being done by the calf, T065B2. Photo by Val Watson.
T65A2 doing a spy hop! Photo by Cheyenne Brewster.
Overall it was a awesome orca filled day exploring the Salish sea and getting to see all the wonderful wildlife that calls this area its home. If you want to come join us for an experience yourself give us a call at 1-250-667-5177 or book through our website.