On 12/28/15, some friends and I headed out on the water to have a quick encounter with marine mammal eating transient orcas that had been reported near Victoria, Canada. We departed Snug Harbor (San Juan Island), headed across Haro Strait into Canada, went through Baynes Channel, and slowed up off of Trial Island upon seeing blows. A matriline of three, known as the T10s, were working the Trial Island coastline for harbor seals to eat. Many of the seals were hauled out on rocks but there was probably at least one in the water too as T10 and her two large sons, T10B and T10C, seemed to be on the chase for a few moments as there was some splashing and large wakes behind them. This behavior did not continue though, so it could have been an unsuccessful attempt to catch a seal.
T10C dives as seals look on nervously in the background.
The three orcas then moved on from Trial Island and soon began to mill about off the Victoria golf course. They appeared to be working together and in pursuit of prey, likely a seal. Then, with a low lunge and splash by one of the sons, it was all over. As T10, T10B, and T10C continued to mill about and feed, seagulls arrived for scraps.
T10B and his mother T10.
Once the three orcas were finished, they continued on toward the Chain Islets and Baynes Channel and that is where we left them. I had wanted to see the T10s for years now and was super excited to finally have an encounter with them! I hope I get to see them again one day.
Please do not use my photos without my permission. Just ask.
Please do not use my photos without my permission. Just ask.
