Wednesday, September 24th
The Residents return!
Captain Rick and I (Biologist Tim) headed out this morning, with new trainee naturalist Norel, to again flat calm waters south of Victoria. Although it was raining lightly upon us it was still great spotting conditions, so if something was out there we were determined to find it. We headed south-east out of the harbour into the Strait of Juan De Fuca, always searching for the hint of a fin, splash, anything. Clouds were low and the fog was setting in, but we remained positive and kept on the lookout. Then, just as we were stopped a couple of miles south of Race Rocks to do a scan, we saw a black dorsal fin, and another, and another, and another! I looked around and saw fins way south as far as I could see. I grabbed my binoculars to get a better look at the fins and saddle patch, and yep, sure enough, it was the residents (fish-eating orcas) that had returned after being away for 4 days! Woohoo! We had found the residents and because we were the only 9am boat we got to watch these animals all to our self, their black dorsal fins and blows appearing all around us. There really is something special about just floating on the water and seeing dorsal fins pop up as far as the eye can see. I was able to identify members of J-pod and some of L-pod, so I knew we had at least 25 whales in the area. Spectacular! I then noticed a big black dorsal fin that cannot be mistaken, J1 (aka Ruffles) headed our way. This 57 year old male surfaced near the Pacific Explorer and passengers got a fantastic look at this iconic male with that unmistakable dorsal fin. We then left the residents that continued to head east towards the San Juans, and went and checked out Race Rocks. I just love coming to Race to witness the pinniped fiesta that is happening there this time of year. So many pinnipeds in one area, it’s just awesome. Passengers loved it as well, and again we had another very successful trip. I love being the first on scene with the whales, as there is a certain element of tranquillity I feel when this happens. I may be getting a bit deep here, but still, it certainly is special.
The Orca Spirit headed out this afternoon with Captain Rick and naturalists Aussie Tim, Kitimat Cheri, and trainee Norel to the west side of San Juan Island where J-pod was now moving northward. As we arrived on scene the heavens decided to open up and pour down on us, but thankfully it was short lived and the sun came out as we watched members of our most resident pod head northwards and forage up the Haro Strait. We dropped the hydrophone down and were able to pick up some amazing calls, clicks and even some sounds that baffle the human ear. Just awesome! We then headed north of the group and positioned and switched off to watch these amazing cetaceans go by. We seriously must have a J1 attractant at Orca Spirit because again Ruffles seemed to find us. As passengers and naturalists were on a high it was time to slowly make our way towards Victoria, and as we were exiting the scene we came across the very young calf J42 (16 months old) and her mother J16 (aka Slick). Wow! We’d just seen the biggest member in J-pod and then we got to see the smallest and youngest. Incredible! As we made the trip back to Victoria passengers reflected on what they’d just seen, we talked all things orca and as they left the dock I noticed many many grins from ear to ear. What can I say, another spectacular tour!