April 6, 2025 - T-Parties with Chainsaw and Sea Lion Shenanigans
Although the rain was coming down as we set off on our whale-watching adventure on April 6th, we didn’t let it dampen our spirits! We climbed aboard Kula, our cozy semi-covered boat, and began our search. We headed out into the open waters of the Strait of Georgia, leaving Vancouver Island behind as we made our way east toward the Sunshine Coast. Earlier in the day, we’d heard reports of a couple of whales in the area, and we were eager to find them.
And find them we did—a whole whack of whales, in fact! It seemed those earlier orca had invited some friends, because we stumbled upon a full-blown T-party. That’s the nickname we use when a group of Bigg’s (also known as Transient) killer whales gather to socialize. This time, we were able to identify whales from four different matrilines, plus one lone individual, for a total of 18 whales present!
T019 Nootka ♀ (~1965)
T019B Galiano ♂ (1995)
T019C Spouter ♂ (2001)
T036A Leland ♀ (1990)
T036A1 Tierna ♀ (2005)
T036A1A (2022)
T036A2 Kailas ♀ (2012)
T036A3 Storm/Mike III ♂ (2015)
T036A5 ♂ (2021)
T049A Nan ♀ (1986)
T049A1 Noah ♂ (2001)
T049A3 Nat ♂ (2011)
T049A4 Neptune ♂ (2014)
T049A5 Nebula ♀ (2017)
T049A6 Charlie II ♂ (2022)
T065 Whidbey II ♀ (~1971)
T063 Chainsaw ♂ (~1978)
T099B Holly ♀ (2007)
When large gatherings like this occur, it's usually not about hunting—it’s about socializing. Bigg’s orca are stealthy predators and rely on surprise to catch their prey. But when nearly twenty whales are cruising together, stealth goes out the window. That’s okay, though—despite their reputation as apex predators, orca are also incredibly social creatures. They have highly developed brains, and more impressively, extremely sophisticated social centers. Some researchers even suggest that their social bonds may rival or exceed our own!
These T-parties give us a front-row seat to that complex social behaviour. One fun thing we noticed? The “boys club” breaking off from the rest of the group. Nat, Noah, Mike III, and Chainsaw were seen cruising together—possibly soaking up some wisdom from the older, more experienced Chainsaw. Could this be a mentoring moment in action? It sure looked like it!
After spending some unforgettable time with the orca party, we left them to their fun and began our journey back across the Strait. Our next stop: Valdes Island, at a spot we affectionately call Stinky Rock. This is a popular haul-out spot for Steller Sea Lions, and sure enough, they were there in full force! These giants of the rocky shores are impressive—males can weigh up to 2,800 pounds, while females are about a third of that size. We also saw plenty of juveniles, adding to the lively, noisy chaos. The constant growling, barking, and jostling never stops here, making every visit full of surprises.
Before heading home, we made one final stop at the sandstone cliffs of Gabriola Island, where Pelagic cormorants nest along the steep rock faces. Watching these sleek seabirds cling to the cliffs is always a stunning sight—even as they leave their mark by painting the rock white with guano.
At last, we cruised back into Nanaimo Harbour, hearts full and SD cards full, grateful for another incredible day on the water. We hope you enjoy the photos below, taken by Marine Naturalist Vanessa Vereshcahen.
From left to right: T036A2 Kailas, T099B Holly, and T036A5.
T049A Noah has a massive towering dorsal!
T049A Nan, one of the matriarchs of the pods.
T049A5 Nebula surfacing next to T049A Nan.
T049A4 Neptune, T049A5 Nebula and T049A Nan all surfacing together.
From left to right: T049A4 Neptune, T049A5 Nebula, T049A6 Charlie II (back), and T049A Nan.
T049A5 Nebula showing off her eye patch beside her mom, T049A Nan.
T049A6 Charlie II surfacing beside his older brother, T049A4 Neptune.
T036A3 Mike II, T049A3 Nat, and T063 Chainsaw surfacing together.
T036A3 Mike III surfacing in front of T063 Chainsaw.
T036A3 Mike III diving with T063 Chainsaw still at the surface.
T036A2 Kailas peeking out of the water.
Brothers T019C Spouter and T019B Galiano travelling side to side.
T036A1 Tierna (back) and T099B Holly (front) side by side.
T099B Holly travelling amongst the rain.
A curious Harbour seal watches us.
Our Harbour seals have perfected the art of balancing on rocks.
The Steller Sea Lions don’t seem to mind the rain!
Look at how long this Steller Sea Lion’s whiskers are!
A common loon floating by
This very unhappy lookngg eagle is about 4 years old, judging by the amount of white feathers present on their head!
Pelagic Cormorants on the Gabriola Bluffs.
A gull keeping an eye on the water.
These towering sandstone cliffs are home to many bird species.
Bonnie the Bald Eagle sitting in her nest.
The mist rising from the trees.