This day starts with the report of a lone Orca whale in Canadian waters. But Who? What a surprise to find a whale I have never seen before...a male Transient Orca whale that researchers have last seen in Alaska...and a first time for sighting him here! No wonder T-103 does not show up in any of the local transient Orca guides.
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| T-103 (Orca male) |
Being one of the first boats on scene, it takes a while to find one black fin cruising the coastline of Vancouver Island. But, there he is! As we enter a channel, following along he moves past the shoreline very close to reefs and rocks. What skill! It's always amazing to see these huge whales moving so easily in and around rocky shores.
Here's a good look at how the dorsal fin on T-103 has some definite character in the shape. See the curve at the top trailing edge of the massive fin?
Nothing like a little kelp frond decoration to dress us an Orca whale dorsal! What style!
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| Trial Island lighthouse |
Eventually we do have to turn around and head for U.S. waters....but not before watching this new visitor glide out toward Trial Island, near Victoria, B.C.
Bull kelp!! It is an indicator of a rocky bottom. Each plant has a bulb that holds the long "stem" (can be 80 to 100 ft.) from the root "hold fast" in the rocks, up to the surface to collect the sunshine and grow, grow, grow. The plant also has beautiful fronds that can be 25 feet in length! Perfect for creating an underwater kelp forest for a schooling fish or immature salmon nursery. Perfect for a Harbor seal haven and hunting ground. Perfect for Orca dorsal fin adornment shopping!
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| Harbor seal "hello!" |
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| Who glides there? |
On our way back to San Juan Channel we find a Minke whale, Harbor seals hauled on Whale Rocks, many little seals bobbing in the kelp beds, a beautiful adult Bald eagle on top of the rock, Harbor porpoise and a grand finale of speedy Dall porpoise racing alongside!! (too speedy to photograph!)
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| Ballet anyone? |
What a fabulous day on the water! But truthfully, I just can't keep my mind off our special guest star and his premiere appearance in the Salish Sea! Whoo-Hoo...Welcome T-103! (last seen headed west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca....)
Once again, all photos taken with 400mm lens and cropped. (no we were not this close!)
~Nan
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