April 7, 2025 - A Double Orca feature with the T075Bs then the T065Bs!
Although the forecast called for rain today, the clouds parted and treated us to blue skies as Kula, our semi-covered boat, departed from Nanaimo and headed south. We were on the lookout for whales that had been spotted from shore earlier in the day, but we had quite a distance to cover. We made our way through Northumberland Channel and Dodd Narrows, continuing through the Southern Gulf Islands toward Pender Island. The crew and guests were scanning the water the entire way.
One of the best things about whale watching in this area is the variety of potential sightings. The Bigg’s Orca population is estimated to be close to 400 individuals. These orcas typically travel in smaller pods of about 1–6 individuals, which means there are many chances to encounter a group.
And that’s exactly what happened! As we approached the reported area, one of our eagle-eyed guests spotted a dorsal fin slicing through the water, accompanied by the telltale blow from a whale’s exhale—we had found orcas! It quickly became clear that this whale wasn’t alone. Just a few hundred meters ahead, the rest of the pod was spotted. After snapping a few photos, and with help from our office team and a naturalist currently based in the UK, we identified the group as the T075Bs!
T075B Pebbles ♀ (1995)
T075B2 Jasper ♂ (2015)
T075B3 Rubble ♂ (2017)
T075B4 ♀ (2021)
At first, the whales were spread out, leading us to think they might be on the hunt. However, it wasn’t long before they shifted into travel mode, having been unsuccessful in their search for food. We cruised alongside them as they glided past the steep shoreline of Salt Spring Island. Like all orca pods, this group is matriarchal—meaning Pebbles is the leader! Although Jasper and Rubble may someday outgrow her in size, they’ll continue to travel with her and follow her lead in most things.
The youngest member of the pod, T075B4, may eventually leave the group. Female orcas often disperse from their natal pods once they begin having calves of their own, reducing competition for resources. Pebbles herself has dispersed from her mother, T075 Kidney, who is still alive and travels with her son, T075A Stone.
After spending an hour with the four T075Bs as they headed south, we turned around and began our journey north. Not long after, we received word that more whales were nearby! Since it was along our route, we decided to investigate.
We entered Active Pass, the narrow channel between the south end of Galiano Island and the north end of Mayne Island. Normally, you can spot Harbour Seals or Sea Lions hauled out along the rocky shorelines, but we didn’t linger—our focus was on the whales exiting the pass to the north. Before long, dorsal fins appeared again, and after reviewing photos, we identified the group as the T065Bs.
T065B Chunk ♀ (1993)
T065B1 Birdsall ♂ (2011)
T065B2 Nettle ♂ (2019)
T065B3 ♂ (2023)
Interestingly, the T065Bs have a similar family structure to the T075Bs. Both pods carry the “B” designation, both include a mother with three offspring, and both have a mother who still travels with just their adult son. One key difference, however, is that Chunk, the matriarch of the T065Bs, is actually the third-born in her family. She has two older siblings—T063 Chainsaw and T065A Artemis. When researchers first began cataloguing this family, Chunk’s mother, T065 Whidby II, was already quite old (born around 1968, making her approximately 57 years old). Early on, both she and Chainsaw were given their own numbers, but further observation revealed that Chainsaw was her son. Occasionally, these three related pods will reunite, but most of the time they are seen travelling separately, just like today.
The T065Bs were also heading south, this time through the Strait of Georgia, so we didn’t stay with them too long. Still, it was a fantastic encounter. The misty trees of Mayne Island created a stunning backdrop as the whales cruised by. Once they continued on their way, we resumed our journey northwest, following Galiano Island all the way to its northern point.
Here we made a quick stop at the Canoe Islets, near Porlier Pass, to visit the Sea Lion colony that winters there. Most of the group was made up of Steller Sea Lions, grumbling and growling at one another, though the occasional bark revealed that at least one California Sea Lion was in the mix. Perched atop the islet, a group of Double-Crested Cormorants was also a treat to see. This time of year, their breeding plumage is particularly beautiful—featuring long white plumes on either side of the head, vibrant blue eyes, and striking blue throats.
As we made our way back through the Southern Gulf Islands, we were treated to one final wildlife sighting—two juvenile Bald Eagles perched in the treetops, scanning the water for fish. After a brief stop to admire them, it was a quick trip back to Nanaimo, where we tied up and reflected on a truly memorable outing.
It was a wonderful trip filled with incredible wildlife and breathtaking views. Please enjoy the photos from the day, captured by Marine Naturalist Val Watson!
T075B3 Rubble surfacing.
T075B Pebbles in front of her youngest, T075B4.
You can see the obvious scarring on T075B Pebble’s saddle patch.
Almost all the family surfacing together: T075B3 Rubble, T075 Pebbles, and T075B4.
T075B2 Fifi breaking the surface.
A lovely look at T075B2 Fifi.
From left to right we have T075B2 Fifi, T075B Pebbles, and T075B3 Rubble.
The whole family! T075B2 Fifi, T075B Pebbles, T075B4, and T075B3 Rubble just about to break the surface.
T075B Pebbles is just behind T075B3 Rubble who are followed by T075B2 Fifi who is behind T075B4.
A pair of Rhinoceros Auklets flying by the T075Bs.
T075B Pebbles surfacing with her youngest, T075B4.
Can you spot the Rhinoceros Auklet just in front of T075B Pebbles and T075B3 Rubble?
A Pigeon Guillemot flying by.
T075B Pebbles surfacing with one of her kids behind her.
T075B2 Fifi, T075B pebbles, and T075B4 surfacing together.
The T065Bs from left to right: T065B1 Birdsall, T065B2 Nettle, T065B Chunk, and T065B3.
T065B1 Birdsall and his mom, T065B Chunk.
T065B3 showing off their dark saddle patch.
T065B2 Nettle and T065B3 surfacing together.
T065B Birdsall is growing into a big boy!
You can see a deep scar in T065B1 Birdsall’s saddle patch as he surfaces beside T065B2 Nettle.
T065B1 Birdsall leading the family, with T065B Chunk and T065B2 Nettle close behind.
T065B1 Birdsall surfacing beside his mom, T065B Chunk.
A fin-tastic photo with T065B1 Birdsall and T065B Chunk. You can also spot someone else just breaking the water between them.
T065B Chunk and T065B1 Birdsall surfacing together in front of the misty forest.
Sea lions, cormorants, and gulls sharing Canoe Islet.
Some cuddling amongst the Steller Sea Lions.
Can you spot the massive male in the middle of this cuddle puddle?
Fighting amongst the group, the large neck with extra fur helps protect the sea lion when others go for the neck, like you can see here.
A great look at the double crested cormorant’s breeding plumage.
This juvenile doesn’t look as good.
A bald eagle watching us float by.
One final look at the Bald Eagle!