March 30, 2023 - T-party time with the T018s, T036As, T037s, T049As (-A2) and the T099s!
Vancouver Island is known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching, and for good reason. The waters around this stunning island are home to an incredible variety of cetaceans, including humpback whales, gray whales, minke whales, and, of course, orcas. And recently we spotted a large group of transient orcas north of Entrance Island, offering an incredible sight for our guests.
This group of transient orcas includes some well-known families. It was the T018s, T036As, T037s, T049As, and T099s. These families are all part of the same ecotype, known as the West Coast transient population, which feeds primarily on marine mammals such as seals and sea lions. These orcas are also known for their unique social structure, with matrilineal groups consisting of closely related females and their offspring.
Watching these orcas in action is truly a sight to behold. The sheer size and power of these animals is awe-inspiring, and their grace and agility in the water is a sight to behold. With a knowledgeable guide to provide insights into their behaviour and habits, watching these orcas is an educational and unforgettable experience.
But it's important to remember that we are visitors in their world, and we must treat these animals with respect and care. As we watch these orcas, we must maintain a safe distance and avoid any actions that could disturb or harm them. We must also remember that our actions have an impact on the health of the ocean ecosystem as a whole, and take steps to minimize our environmental footprint.
In the end, watching these transient orcas was a reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty of the natural world. As we witness their intelligence, power, and grace, we can't help but be filled with a sense of wonder and awe. And we can also be inspired to work towards a future where these animals and their habitats are protected and conserved for generations to come.
The orca present today were:
T018 ♀ Esperanza (~ 1955)
T019 ♀ Nootka/Mooja (~ 1965)
T019B ♂ Galiano (1995)
T019C ♂ Spouter (2001)
T036A ♀ Leland (1990)
T036A1 ♀ Tierna (2005)
T036A2 ♀ Kailas (2012)
T036A3 ♂ Storm / Mike III
T036A5 (2021)
T037 ♀ Rocky III (1979)
T037B ♀ Harald (1998)
T037B1 ♂ Lance (2012)
T037B3 (2022)
T049A ♀ Nan (1986)
T049A1 ♂ Noah (2001)
T049A3 ♂ Nat (2011)
T049A4 ♂ Neptune (2014)
T049A5 ♀ Nebula (2017)
T049A6 (2022)
T099 ♀ Bella (~ 1984)
T099B ♀ Holly (2007)
T099C ♂ Barakat (2009)
T099D ♂ Puck (2015)
T099E (2021)
All the photos from the tour today were taken by Naturalist Aly Kohlman and can be viewed below!
A tail and a couple faces from the T-party!
T019C Spouter!
T019B Galiano.
T037 Rocky.
T037 Rocky III and T099C Barakat.
T037 Rocky III and T099C Barakat.
Look at the lean to T019B Galiano’s dorsal fin! Don’t worry, it’s totally normal and he’s healthy!
T099C Barakat in front of T037 Rocky III.
T019B Galiano.
T099C Barakat showing off his dorsal fin that’s in the process of sprouting.
An exuberant surface from T019B Galiano!
T019B Galiano doing a a head stand!
Galiano Tail slapping!
T019B Galiano peaking his face out of the water!
Another shot of T019B Galiano!
Big cartwheel from T019B Galiano!
Galiano’s tail. Look at the curve to his tail flukes.
T019B Galiano.
T019B Galiano Spy Hopping.
T036A2 Kailas sporting new notches from her ID photo.
T099B Holly (right).
T019B Galiano.
T019B Galiano.
T037 Rocky III with some other t-party members in the background.
T037 Rocky III.
T019B Galiano.
T099C Barakat.
Look at all the scars Barakat is sporting!
Another fun surface from T019B Galiano!
Galiano sinking below the water again.
A large pectoral fin, courtesy of T019B Galiano.
T099C Barakat.
T037 Rocky III. With the trick of the water refraction, you can see her eye patch in the wave.
T019B Galiano and T037 Rocky III.
T049A6 and their mom, T049A Nan!
A juvenile Bald Eagle perched near the sea lions.
An adult Bald Eagle sporting white head and tail plumage developed around 5 years old.
See those “bracelets”? Those are tags for tracking the eagle!
Harbour Seals hauled out on their favourite rock.
So cute!
Steller Sea Lions.
This large male has the mane that they are known for. It’s a combination of increased blubber in the area as well as thicker fur.
Big ol’ cuddle puddle.
More stellar Sea Lions
So fluffy!
Seals and sea lions are much sleeker looking in the water, as you can see from this Steller sea lion we saw swimming near the haul out.
A whole group of them!
a Steller Sea Lion getting its mermaid pose on. Beautiful!