Something magical happens when two very different worlds collide and are able to coexist with each other in harmony, even if just for an hour. The human world aboard M/V Kestrel had a chance to link up with the mesmerizing orca world of the Transient killer whales today off of Green Point on Saturna Island. I've always loved orcas, and have always appreciated their cunning, intelligence, and constant ability to keep us whale-watching humans guessing. But before today, I'd never seen Transient orcas having this much fun and being this surface active! They definitely took me, and my fellow whale watchers, by surprise! We were mesmerized for the entire trip.
When we first encountered these whales, they seemed to be circling the rocks off of Green Point, where several seals and sea lions typically haul out. Maybe, just maybe, they were looking for dinner. Once we had locked eyes on this particular pod, we noticed another pod not too far away - and a large male even further offshore! Several Transients were in the area, apparently spacing themselves apart as they searched for their next meal. Naturalist Sarah on our sister vessel, M/V Sea Lion, was able to identify them as the T86A's, T77A, and the T100's. This is when things got exciting. If you're lucky enough to encounter some hungry orcas, you're more than likely about to see some exciting hunting behaviors. We saw these animals pick up speed and begin to rapidly change direction as they chased their prey (which appeared to be a very unlucky harbor porpoise). They even started to "porpoise" (or leap out of the water in a manner very similar to other species of dolphin) and even breach (so cool!) as they moved through the water in hot pursuit.
And then, quite suddenly, the hunting seemed to be over! They must have made their kill, or decided they didn't want to pursue the porpoise anymore, because their behavior rapidly changed to traveling (moving in tight knit groups and taking rythmic breaths) and socializing (more surface activity, but less frantic and sporadic than when they are hunting - more playful!). Socializing orcas will spyhop, tail slap, breach, move in and out amongst their family members, and cling together in tight knit groups. Reservations staff Emmy was out on the whale watch today, and thank goodness she had her camera on her. We have her to thank for all of these amazing shots!
To top it all off, we even saw a humpback whale on the trip today. This animal appeared to be feeding a little further off of Green Point. What a treat of a day. With epic encounters with two very different types of whales and amazing weather to boot, it was the perfect end of a very peaceful Memorial Day Weekend here on San Juan Island.
See all 9 photos
