Friday, September 5th

T30's and T46's

Captain Brad and naturalist Tim left the dock this morning with a report of 7-8 mammal-eating orcas about 5 miles south of Victoria. As we arrived to the area where the report was given we scanned and searched, and scanned and searched, and scanned and searched, and finally, just when we thought all hope was lost… ppppfffffffff (that’s how I write the sound and sight of an orca blow). We saw the blow of a male orca, and he was really moving in the direction towards three other orcas that appeared to have found something. Could there be some foraging activity going on? These orcas had been making really long dives (10+ minutes), which is why it was initially hard to spot them, and I guess they were on the search for food. Sure enough when we slowly approached this group of four orcas (identified as the T30’s) they had found a Stellar Sea Lion and were lunging, jumping, tail slapping, cartwheeling all over this pinniped. Now one may feel sorry for the sea lion, but we must remember folks that these orcas are the top predators in the ocean, and they must feed in order to survive, so to witness these animals in this behaviour is truly spectacular and we learn to appreciate them just that much more. Turns out though that they gave up and the sea lion got away. Studies have shown that of all documented observations of orcas attacking Stellar Sea Lions, more then half of those instances the sea lion got away. There is plenty of food in the Salish Sea at the moment, so the orcas won’t go hungry, and the sea lion will live to fight another day. Just an amazing trip this morning, where passengers got a true appreciation of the wonder and power that is the orca.

The afternoon trip headed out with Brad and Tim again, but this time we were joined by senior naturalist Sheenah. This afternoon trip aboard the Orca Spirit was a little bit special, as it was Sheenah’s last trip of the season, and what a great way to finish up the season! We came across the T30’s and the T46’s, which have a new calf in the group that is less than 6 months old! And what a playful bunch of T’s they were this afternoon! We saw a lot of tail slapping, lots of tail lobbing where the orcas appear to “wave” their tails in the air, and even a few spyhops! The juveniles in the group did some half breaches, then we saw some porpoising where these majestic and powerful creatures bring their whole bodies just out of the water where they have been clocked up to 55km/h.
Amazing! There were cartwheels, reverse tail slaps, and we were extremely lucky to pick up some vocalisations, which is a rare treat as these animals are generally quiet as they hunt in a quiet and stealth manner. We left these playful orcas and headed to Race Rocks which is absolutely teaming with pinnipeds this time of year. Stellar Sea Lions and California Sea Lions galore! They were a very active bunch of otariids (scientific term for the ‘eared’seals, yeah, nerdy I know), with the Stellar’s growling and displaying their dominance by biting the necks of their own kind that got a bit close for comfort. ‘Twas just amazing to witness these creatures “doing what they do”hauled out up on the rocks. We left Race to check out some Harbour Seals at Albert Head, then headed back to Vic. Another really amazing trip, with such marine mammal diversity and activity. A great last trip for our beloved Sheenah!