Transient Orca in Our Midst!!
Pender's Surprise (T14)Photo by Naturalist Kate Janes
The Wary Harbor SealPhoto by Naturalist Kate Janes
"It was yet another beautiful day out in the Salish Sea as we departed this afternoon in search for whales! A slight fog layer set in just as we neared Burrow's Island Lighthouse creating a magical setting as we continued southward towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca! Scanning the horizon we found Harbor Porpoise quickly making their way through the water! Close to Salmon Bank we found a frenzy of gull activity surrounding 3 Harbor Seals! Taking a closer look we saw the silver scales of a Salmon hanging out of one of the seals mouth!! We slowed to watch the feeding frenzy and then continued our search for whales! It wasn't long before the tall dorsal fin of Pender (T14) came into view at the south end of Haro Strait! This large Transient male Orca was traveling solo today as he confidently swam towards Canadian water! We watched as he consistently surfaced 8-9 times before descending to his deeper longer dive! During one of his deep dives we waited and watched the port side awaiting his next surfacing when all of a sudden the sound of his exhalation was heard coming from the starboard side!! To our surprise Pender changed directions abruptly swimming right under the boat without our knowledge and surfaced off our starboard side!! We enjoyed this final look at the graceful giant before heading back towards the dock! Our guests not only enjoyed this huge male Orca Whale but also hundreds of Common Murres, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Rhinoceros Auklets, Lion's Mane Jellies, Bull Kelp, and 6 Great Blue Herons!!" - Naturalist Kate Janes
posted by Island Adventures Whale Report @ 8:32 PM
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