On the morning of 6/23/15, following a report of marine mammal eating Transient orcas (two of them being T075 and T075A) heading North in Andrew's Bay at San Juan Island, the Center for Whale Research's Dave Ellifrit and I headed out on the water under permit to see who the rest of them were. We left Snug Harbor and headed North up Haro Strait to Gooch Island. Once on scene, we saw T075, her adult son T075A, and the T073A matriline (T73A1, T73A2, and T73A3). We were happy to see T073A with a new calf, T73A3, who was likely born sometime in late 2014 or early 2015.
T073A with her new calf, T073A3. Photo taken under NMFS Permit 15569/ DFO SARA 272. Do not use without permission.
Adult male T075A, born in 1991. Photo taken under NMFS Permit 15569/ DFO SARA 272. Do not use without permission.
The orcas were headed back South in a tight group. They swam down the shoreline of Sidney Island and aimed right for D'Arcy Island. Once they reached a reef off the North end of D'Arcy, there were a few lunges and splashes. We then smelled blubber oil in the air, which indicated the orcas had made a kill (likely a harbor seal). There were a few celebratory tail slaps and after milling about/feeding for a bit, the orcas picked up speed and traveled quickly Southwest towards Zero Rock. We ended our encounter with them off the South end of D'Arcy as they headed South. What a great way to start the morning! To read more details of our encounter, see the Center's version here.
Please do not use these photos without permission. Just ask.
Please do not use these photos without permission. Just ask.
