May 3rd - Not a drill, it's Chainsaw!

Today Keta headed out determined to find the group of Orca spotted off Gabriola earlier that morning - however before they could, another pod popped up along the way. It was Chainsaw (T063) with his mother Whidbey II (T065). Chainsaw is one of our better-known whales thanks to his easily identifiable dorsal fin with large notches looking similar to that of a chainsaw. Tagging along with Chainsaw and Whidbey II was Jude (T049A2)! Lately, we have noticed Jude has been travelling between different pods never staying with one pod too long which leads us to wonder if he will ever rejoin the rest of the T049A’s.

To reduce our impact on the whales we only watch them for about an hour, so we left these whales in search of harbour seals on the nearby islands. These seals are growing in population and are usually an adorable sight to see. After we left the seals we ended up accidentally running into Chainsaw, Jude, and Whidbey II again! At one point we even got to see Whidbey II show off her tail and belly. This is always such a beautiful sight and amazing experience. When they’re all travelling together sometimes they all sync up together and swim perfectly aligned. In these moments it reminds us that even though they are called Killer Whales, they are the largest of the dolphin family.

After leaving the whales for a second time we got to see two different groups of Sea Lions hauled out near Gabriola Island, one group at a small islet we’ve dubbed “stinky rock” and the other at Entrance Island.

The photos below were taken by Marine Naturalist Keagan Sjolie.

Jude(T049A2), Whidbey II(T065) surfacing together.

Jude(T049A2), Whidbey II(T065).

Jude (T049A2), Whidbey II (T065).

Harbour Seals hauled out on the rocks! See how much they blend in?

More Harbour Seals!

Whidbey II (T065) and Jude (T049A2) moving quickly through the water.

Whidbey II (T065) showing off her belly.

Whidbey II doing an upside down tail lob!

Tails up!

Chainsaw (T063) surfacing. Look at those notches!

Whidbey II (T065) and Jude (T049A2) surfacing together.

Chainsaw (T063).

Whidbey II (T065) and Jude (T049A2).

Chainsaw (T063), Whidbey II (T065), Jude (T049A2) surfacing together in the Strait of Georgia.

Chainsaw (T063), Whidbey II (T065), Jude (T49A2).

Chainsaw (T063), Whidbey II (T065), Jude (T49A2).

Chainsaw (T063), Whidbey II (T065), Jude (T049A2).

Chainsaw (T063), Whidbey II (T065), Jude (T049A2).

A pair of mature Bald Eagles at stink rocks.

Must be having an interesting conversation.

Bald Eagles!

Sea Lions hauled out at stinky rocks.