Down in South Harbour, I don’t have as good radio reception, especially at low tide behind the high rock breakwater, so couldn’t hear if any of the boats found the Orca noted below. I did take the skiff out for a short while to drop the hydrophone and scan the waters – just in case. I never heard or saw anything by Powell River. The whales are still somewhere in the area so keep looking!
Susan MacKay Whales and Dolphins BC
May 13:
Between 12 and 1 pm around 3 Orca by Savary Island – Al Wood – Lund Water Taxi
May 13:
Hello Susan. I just received a text from Lund that states that a pod of orcas is heading south from there towards Powell River. 09:30 a.m. Friday.
William D.
May 13:
9 am 3 to 5 Orca just off of Lund. – Lund Water Taxi Office
May 12: from the US:
More J pod reports from the San Juan Islands and again in Admiralty Inlet and Puget Sound today! Transients in BC, Orcas in Prince William Sound, AK, Gray whales in WA & CA, and porpoise and sea lions.
Also, Saturday May 14th is the Penn Cove Water Festival in Coupeville on Whidbey Island, WA. This year we celebrate our 20th year with a fabulous Orca Wheel design by artist Roger Purdue. The whale wheel was designed by Roger, and six local carvers carved the orcas. The whale wheel is to help us remember the history of the orca captures in Penn Cove, and the threats the orcas face today, and to encourage us to take better care of them.
May 12: Sea Lion Information:
The link above does not include the “C” branded California Sealions which we had a photo of the other day. This Sea Lion was one of 1000 that were captured at Astoria in the Columbia River between 1997 and 2006. Of the captured pups, they branded 621 of them. The one on Major Rock off Lund was branded C435. Based on the numbers and years of branding, this animal is around 7 to 8 years old. Sea Lions usually live around 20 years, but there are some, usually female that can live longer.
Susan MacKay – Whales and Dolphins BC
May 12:
I asked if anyone had an update on the 20 -25 Transient Orca from the May 10. Responses below:
May 12:
Hey Susan,
As far as I know, no body was out on the water yesterday. The trailing group of Orca were making way South when I left them at about 5pm – Race Point mid- channel. Upon consulting with Aaron and AJ we really think that T20, T10 and T10B were in the mix, they were moving so quickly that it was difficult to get an ID, but you were correct, had to be transient, even by the dorsals – and couldn’t see any distinctive open saddle patch. Fantastic!!! Just wonder where they went.
I saw the photos of the Orca under the Lions Gate this website has some decent photos.
I think that we are out sometime tomorrow and on Saturday – will be in touch. Thanks for all of your work Susan, it is much appreciated.
May 12:
Morning,
I was reading the Vancouver Sun this morning and the T’s made the front page. On page A3 a short story on them IDed one male as T102 and there was a new born calf (still with its orangish hue) with them… Now we know which ones they were.
I also noticed the photo on page A3 the female (immature male?) has a notch 1/3 of the way down the back of its dorsal.
B Sue
