July 4th - 37A's in Cowichan Bay
On July 4th we got to hang out with the T37A’s, one of our favourite pods, in Cowichan Bay. These guys were pretty active, traveling, tail slapping, spy hopping, and even hunting.
The matriarch of this pod is T37A, Volker. At the young age of 26 years old (born in 1994) she already has 5 healthy children. She had her first in 2007, Inyo, when she was only 13 years old. Orca females will typically have a calf every 3-5 years beginning in their late teens. Volker started a little early, and there were only 2 years between her first two calves, and then 4 years, 2 years and 4 years. Seems to be a pattern! Does this mean we will see another calf next year? Only time will tell.
Orcas will typically produce calves until their late 40’s when they go through menopause. So if Volker continues this pattern she could have quite the big pod by the time she hits menopause.
Seeing such successful matriarchs in our waters is always encouraging and a great thing to see. Take a look at some incredible photos our Naturalist and Captain managed to get of these incredible whales.
Photo by Captain Rodrigo Menezes
T37A2 Inky (back) sticking close to mom, T37A Volker (front). Photo by Ryan Uslu
Volker Spyhopping with her eldest, T37A1 Inyo right behind her. Photo by Ryan Uslu
Inyo was one excited whale today. We had multiple photos of them tail slapping. Photo by Ryan Uslu
Inyo tail slapping again! Photo by Ryan Uslu
And again! Photo by Ryan Uslu
Orca eye patches are a great way to help IDing when dorsal fins or saddle patches look the same. Each eye patch is unique, and it’s even different from the left to right side of the whale. Photo by Ryan Uslu
These whales definitely aren’t practicing social distancing! Photo by Ryan Uslu
Little T37A5 born last year is still a little orange! That yellow-orange colour will fade to white as they age. Photo by Ryan Uslu.
Family photos! From left to right: T37A3 (born 2013), T37A5 (born 2019), T37A1 Inyo (2007), T37A Volker (1994), T37A4 (2015). Photo by Ryan Uslu
Can you spot the Harbour Seal in this photo? Photo by Ryan Uslu
Harbour seals, also known as Rock Sausage to the Orcas. Photo by Ryan Uslu.
Harbour Seals are a favourite food of the Transient Orcas. They typically hang out near small islands to haul out and stay safe when they aren’t fishing. The seals are in pupping season right now, so there are plenty of big females and quite a few little pups already. Seeing the seal populations doing well is a great sign, as it means plenty of food for our whales.
Want to see whales yourself? We are happy to be offering daily tours at 1 pm with covid restrictions, right from the Nanaimo Harbour. We have 2 styles of boats, our open zodiacs which provide 360 degree views of the wildlife. Our Semi-covered boat also has a large deck to stand on and view the wildlife and incredible scenery. All our boats are equipped with toilets on board and all tours are lead by a Marine Naturalist.
You can book a tour to see some amazing Wildlife in the beautiful Salish Sea directly through our website, through email to info@vancouverislandwhalewatch.com, or over the phone at 250-667-5177.
If you have any questions our office staff would be more than happy to help you.