The M/V Sea Lion went North today in hot pursuit of a Transient Orca. What's funny is that we started out heading south, but as Captain Mike pulled a U-Turn in the San Juan Channel we knew something was up! He informed us that there was a report of T-21 heading north in Canada and we were in reach of seeing her! A lot of times, we head out with no Orca reports then change our course throughout the trip because Transient- mammal hunting Orcas- popped up!
As we headed into Canada, guests got to see some great porpoise activity and lots of harbor seals! They always look so endearing with their large eyes and whiskers! When we got on seen T-21 was going down on deep dives and foraging, trying to hunt harbor seals or porpoise.
This is the first time in a very long time she has been without T-20 by her side (her probable son). She's likely getting used to foraging by herself again. Transient Orcas aren't like Resident Orcas in that they can travel solitary and will split from one another at times for reasons scientist are still unsure of. It was very interesting to see this happen to T-20 and T-21. This is the first time this year that I have just watched one Orca. None the less, it was a great day!
Heather, Naturalist, M/V Sea Lion
San Juan Safaris