September 1, 2023, 3:30 - Define "pod" of orca... because this group is not normal!
Normally when you see orca, you are witnessing one matriline or pod travelling together. That was not the case today. In fact, there were 3 different matrilines hanging out. The following whales were ID’d:
T059 ♀ (1970)
T059A2 ♀ (2009)
T059A4 (2017)
T023D3 Robin ♂ (2012)
T077C Neftali ♂ (2006)
On today’s tour, we saw an interesting mix of Orca indeed. You may notice some of the whales spotted today do not have nicknames, they are identified by their scientific numbers only. This is because these whales are not commonly spotted by whale watchers and researchers. Do you know how our Transient orca get their nicknames? Well, we have a secret Facebook group composed of workers in the industry, where we suggest names and then vote on the best ones!
So we give the Orca names, but did you know they also have language and dialect amongst themselves? Scientists believe that dolphins (Orca being the largest species of dolphin) have individual names for each other! This is fascinating as it shows just how intelligent the Orca are. Unlike human words, the Orca use a series of calls and whistles. There have even been Orca known to “speak” human language by mimicking words. An Orca named Wikie could say “hello”, “bye” and the name of her trainer “Amy.” She was also able to repeat numbers and sounds made by researchers. We do not hear the Transient Orca vocalize very often, but we have witnessed them making rumbling sounds at the surface, sounds a little like a boat. Perhaps this is their word for us!
We also saw our most abundant mammal the Harbour Seals with their cute as-ever stares, they watch us back! A majestic Bald Eagle keeping an eye on us from the trees, and our many Cormorants nesting at the bluffs! Ending our trip with a beautiful sunset over the city!
Photos taken by Marine Naturalist Des Poier.
T059.
T059A2 with her distinct white scar with T059A4 behind her.
T059A2 with T059A4 close behind.
T059A4 in the lead with T059A2 behind.
T059 and T023D3 Robin.
All together! T059 with T023D3 Robin to her right and T059A2 to her left.
T023D3 Robin and T059A2.
T059A4 with their distinct C-shaped saddlepatch scar.
T059 with T023D3 Robin closer to shore.
Swimming into the sunset.
Look at the curve in that dorsal fin!
Sometimes whales are very trick to spot. Sometimes you only see blows like this.
Harbour Seals going for a dip.
Just swimming by!
Little fish among the kelp.
Bull Kelp glistening in the sun.
Gull with some takeout food!
Do you spot the Bald Eagle?
Cormorants on the Bluffs.
Protection Island at sunset.
The Nanaimo skyline at sunset.