Olivia | M/V Sea Lion | March 31st, 2022| 12:30pm
What a day.
The last day of March unexpectedly delivered us stunning views out on the water! We set off with a small boat of 7 passengers ready to follow up on rumors of whales over in Rosario Strait. Deciding to travel inner island, we eventually found our way to the northeast side of Orcas Island. Not only was this a confirmed sighting of Bigg’s Killer Whales, but there were also multiple family groups traveling together! We were able to ID them as the T036’s, T037A’s, T099’s, and T101’s. With this mammal eating ecotype, they are commonly seen traveling not with their entire pod, much like the Southern Resident Killer Whales, but in small family groups with mom (matriarch) and her calves. Once the female calves give birth to a few calves of their own, they split off and form their own matrilines. Because of this behavior, we commonly see them in groups of 4-6 individuals.
Similar to humans, they thrive on being social and keeping those familial bonds; wanting to spend time with siblings, parents, grandparents, and friends! When this happens, we all humbly refer to it as a “T Party” [T for Transient Orca]. Today was exceptional because we were viewing around 18 [!!!] orcas socializing together including a newborn calf!
In the Pacific Whale Watch Association, we respectfully limit our time on scene to prioritize space around the animals and give other vessels the opportunity to share this wild, beautiful experience, while also following state, county, and federal guidelines in terms of speed and distance. What additionally made this moment so special, was the fact that we were the only boat on scene for a while and sitting with the engines shut off in calm scenes. It felt almost dreamlike watching wild killer whales travel, socialize, and play in the crystal blue waters with nothing but the sounds of their exhales, singing birds, and subtle water pouring over their sleek, black bodies.
Slowly leaving scene, we started realizing that those were not the only Bigg’s Killer Whales in the area. There were sightings all around the Salish Sea totally around 72 orcas! This was a record Bigg’s Killer Whale day and made national news! One of our returning Naturalists, Maxx, decided to ride along on our trip that day to leisurely get out on the water before starting work for the season. Good thing, too! When Erin Johns Gless, Director of the Pacific Whale Association, reached out to me inquiring about any photos or videos from the day, I was able to refer Maxx to send over a video he had taken of our breathtaking experience. As Naturalists, we prioritize guest experience and often do not have our phones out, so while I was gushing over the experience and educating our group, Maxx was hanging out and capturing it for our records. This video made news headlines all over including ABC News, The Global Herald , CTV News Vancouver Island, Victoria News , and The Seattle Times.
These are the moments we strive for with wild experiences; that connection to the natural world around us, that acknowledgment of their intelligence, curiosity, and family bonds, that instant in time where we no longer feel separated from nature, but a part of it. It sparks an anthropological connection that we often lose sight of with the easiness of modern day, and allows us to learn from, relate, and appreciate them for everything they naturally are.
What a day.