Friday, September 19th

Southern Residents talked and talked

This morning the water looked like glass, so quiet, not even birds up for breakfast yet. After a good search, headed to Sheringham Lighthouse to find the Southern Resident community heading west. These fish-eating orcas were spread out as far as the horizon. We were greeted with many playful pectoral slaps and breaches. They were being very social and vocal. We got a good visit from Faith, L-57, the huge 33 year old male, and a really close show from Raggedy, K-40, and her brother Cappuccino, K-21.

The afternoon sky cleared up with Captain Rick, and naturalists Tim and Kaylin on board the Orca Spirit. We new our resident killer whales were all traveling together, traveling away from us, but really wanted to catch up. Making an exception for the trip, we boated to Sombrio Beach on the southwest end of Vancouver Island. Sure enough, they were still spread over the Strait traveling, playing and feasting on salmon. The hydrophone brought the orcas even closer when we got to hear the amazing calls, clicks and whistles from the traveling community.