T30s T100s, T101s, T124s, T90 & T90B, T12A, T109A & T109A2

Transient Breach
Strait of Juan de Fuca
May 31, 2009
Photo by John Boyd

May 31
Well, once again the old saw of "just when you figure out orcas, they go and change things" held true yet again. For the most part, when we are viewing Transient (mammal feeding) orcas, you see a few fins (usually groups of 4- 6) every now and then as they pass through the area. IF you get lucky, you may even witness Transients feeding. Well, today was anything but "typical." We heard that there was a group of Transients in the Strait of Juan de Fuca near the Romeo marker, so we were happy to hear we had whales in the area. As we left the dock, we heard that it was actually a large group of Transients, numbering between 14-20. Wow! We arrived about 6 miles north of Sequim at 1320 and slowly approached the area the whales were sighted. The perfectly glassy calm water made spotting the whales very easy, and we shut down about 450 yards from the group. Amazingly--they were in a definite resting pattern, with all 14 whales slowly rising to the surface in unison in a tight, contact pattern. This went on for about 15 minutes until one of the whales decided "nap time" was over. Then the whales began zig-zagging in what appeared to be a random pattern, breaking into smaller groups and then coalescing into a big group again. Soon the Transients were spy-hopping, tail slapping, and then a swirl of water around 3-4 whales--followed by a bunch of seagulls swarming the area. They had made a stealthy kill, and we can only guess it was a porpoise as there were dozens in the area. This was followed by several breaches!! And for only the 3rd time in 12 years--I witnessed whales swimming backwards four times! It always catches me off-guard to see a dorsal fin going backwards! No vocalizations, but amazing to see Transients so active! We left the scene at 1410 as the whales continued heading easterly. A truly spectacular day!
John Boyd (JB), SSAMN Marine Naturalist, Western Prince, Friday Harbor

May 31
Mark Malleson of Prince of Whales called to relay a report of a large group of 18 Transients in the Strait of Juan de Fuca - the T30's, T100's, T101's, T124's, T90 & T90B. They followed them as they headed east, leaving them at 4:30 pm off Pt. Wilson, still heading east.

May 31
Ken Balcomb & Emma Foster of the Center for Whale Research had 3 other Transient orcas: T12A, T109A, & T109A2, south of Discovery Island at 11 am, heading west. (see photo below)

May 31
Hi Susan and Howie, A pod of orcas went past Pt No Pt (N. Kitsap Peninsula) from 8-8:45 pm this evening 5/31/09. Two whales were seen at around 8pm by beach walkers and then a second group came by around 8:30pm. There was at least one large male and 3-4 females in the second group. They were travelling south towards Kingston. The second pod hung out about ¼ mile past the lighthouse at Pt No Pt and did some breaching and tail lobs. A tug was following them and possibly you might get some photos from the folks on the tug, unfortunately I was without a camera this evening.
Patty Michak, MarineView Fisheries Consulting, Inc., Hansville

May 31
Bev Wenthin of Bush Pt. called to report 3 orcas just north of Bush Pt. at 6:32 pm, heading south. They were between mid-channel & the far side of Admiralty Inlet.

May 31
Sunday, May 31 about 2PM we were attracted by a large number of boats of all sizes off Partridge Point Sunday afternoon. Apparently, the fishing in the Sound is good at the moment. When I noticed that there were some large party boats and whale watchers in the group as well as one of the Prince of Whales vessels from Victoria, I took a look with the spotting scope and sure enough, there was a pod of Orcas doing a little fishing as well. They were probably 10-15 miles offshore from where I am near Partridge Point, so there wasn't a lot of see from my vantage point, but the male's dorsals were unmistakable even from afar. Regards,
Cameron Chandler, Coupeville


Transient Orcas & Mt. Baker
T12A, T109A, & T109A2
May 31, 2009
Discovery Island, BC
Photo by
Emma Foster,
Ctr. for Whale Research
(see report above)

May 31
This majestic bull T12A (see below) was out there yesterday, May 31st, keeping company with T 109A and T109A2. We had good looks of the three of them slowly heading out west. He has a Dorsal fin rather like Ruffles, full of nice waves. We encountered them just south of Trail Island and they were in a resting pattern with very long dives. Conditions on the water fantastic. Photo cropped.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic, Prince of Whales

Transient Orca T12A
May 31, 2009
Discovery Island, BC
Photo by
Marie O'Shaughnessy

May 31
Ken Balcomb and Emma Foster of the Center for Whale Research encountered 3 transients while in route from Victoria, B.C. to San Juan Island. T109A and calf T109A2 were traveling with T12A.
Center for Whale Research

T40

Transient T40,
"Capt. Hook"
May 30, 2009
off William Head, B.C.
Photo by Andrew Lees


May 30
We headed out this afternoon into the Strait of Juan De Fuca in search of T40, Cpt. Hook and eventually found him traveling a few miles East of William Head. The sea state was very confused this afternoon but T40 seemed to be taking the surf in his stride. As we observed T40 we noticed a number of directions changes. It was great to see the old guy again.
Andrew Lees, Marine Naturalist, Five Star Whale Watching

T'2s reported near Sidney BC, then at Active Pass

May 25
T 2's just outside of active pass.
Photo by Gary Sutton


May 25
Some Ts have been spotted near Coal Island, over near Sidney.
Capt. Jim

May 25
We ran into the T2's just outside of active pass in trincomali channel and followed them through the pass. Beautiful weather and the transients made it a great day!!
Gary Sutton
Naturalist
Wild Whales Vancouver

T18s

No calls but orcas nearby

A report from StraightWatch at 11am: a small group of transients are heading west into Robson Bight. Also at 8:15am this morning there was at least one humpback in Blackney Pass travelling south along Parson Island.
Helena
17 May 2009 11:20:20 PDT

Distant calls audible.

Transient call in Johnstone Strait. At least 3 transients (one male) were seen travelling west from Robson Bight mid strait.
Helena
17 May 2009 11:51:07 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Straitwatch reports that the 4 transients have been identified by Jared Towers as the T18s. They are continuing west mid strait past Kaikash creek. Straitwatch also reports that the humpback who was in Johnstone Strait has turned back toward Blackney Pass entrance.
Helena
17 May 2009 12:18:48 PDT

No calls but orcas nearby

Jared now reports the T18s are actually turning into Blackney Pass!
Helena
17 May 2009 12:22:02 PDT

The T18s travelled north through Blackney Pass. They are now in Blackfish Sound. T19 B stopped for a while and circled around, looking like he was interested in something but as the final pair approached he continued off to the west. It turns out that there were two humpbacks and as the transients turned into Blackney they were only 200 meters apart, to no consequence. A few sea lions were in the water as the transients passed through.
Helena
17 May 2009 13:08:18 PDT

T100s, T124s, T101's, T90s

May 16
There were T's everywhere May 16th out west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. They were seen 2-5 miles south and west of Race Rocks. I have never seen so many in one day. Such an awesome spectacle. The early afternoon trip at 12.15pm caught up with playful Transients, possibly 10-12 that had probably just eaten. Their behaviour included several breaches and tail lobbing activity. T102, the big bull, was obvious on both the trips. His dorsal fin reminded me of 'Faith, 'L 57'. The later trip at 3.30pm, saw most of the T's in separate groups, heading fast out west past Sheringham Lighthouse. There could have been 15-20 or more in total at that time. Mark Mallerson our Expert on T's, here in Victoria, identified many of the groups seen in the Strait. T100s.T124's T101's,T90's. Amazing sight I will never forget!
Marie, Orca-Magic, POW

T123s and T2

May 15
I took another trip Friday on the Ocean Magic at 3.30pm, Friday May 15th and conditions were even better than in the morning. Flat calm waters in Haro Strait with no wind. Exceptional ! We encountered T 123's and their tiny calf. Also the T 2's that were with the T123's. The research boat monitoring them at the time gave me the info as to who we were watching. We had encountered the T's west of Kelp Reef at 4.30 pm and they were heading south in Haro Strait.
Marie O'Shaughnessy, Orca-Magic POW

May 15
As soon as the we left the 20 some transients up in Satellite Channel, B.C., we recieved another report of more transients off the southern end of Sidney Island. The T2's and the T123's were spotted off Kelp Reef in Haro Strait (48° 32 169N, 123° 16 213W) at 4:31 p.m. They were traveling south in a tight group. At 4:49 the group of T's quickly killed a harbor porpoise. The 3rd encounter of the day ended at 5:01 p.m., with the T2's and T123's continuing south at 48° 30 989N, 123° 15 447W.
Dave Ellifrit and Erin Heydenreich, Center for Whale Research

T18s,T20, T21, T100s, T101s, T124s

May 15
Amazing day with T's today. Dave Ellifrit was also there representing the Center for Whale Resarch, so I'm sure you will get a fantastic report from him too. When our boats passed close, he was just grinning from ear to ear and rattling off ID's. I think he was in T heaven!
A group of approx 8 Transient Orcas was located on the east side of Prevost Island at approx 12:30 today. T102 was clearly recognizable in the group, along with several females and juveniles. They were travelling at about 8 knots, heading south. Then, off a ways to the south there were many more blows spotted. We had heard that J Pod was headed North, and the immediate reaction was that we were going to have a near pass of Resident and Transient Orcas. As we approached, the pointy tips of the dorsal fins, and the unmistakable lean of T19B's fin revealed there were even more T's in the area. I can't give you an exact count of the number as the various groups kept joining up, then seperating, but I would estimate there were about 20 whales altogether. The whales we ID'ed on scene and after the fact from photos were the T18's, T20 & T21, T100's, T101's and the T124's. A photo of T124D and company travelling together is attached. The Center for Whale Research was also on scene, so I am positive they will have a complete list of the whales that were present. We did see one kill during the time we spent with the T's - likely a seal as there was not much fuss at the surface, except for the seagulls looking for scraps. There was some social activity, some breaches and tailslaps, however, no vocals were heard. When we left the whales, most of the group was headed southwest, along the south side of Saltspring Island. What a magnificent show of power to have so many T's travelling together.
Joan Lopez, Naturalist, Vancouver Whale Watch

May 15
After leaving J pod and the K13's off Mitchell Bay, we recieved a report of 20 plus transients off Beaver Point on Saltspring Island B.C.At approximately 1:30 p.m., the T18's, T20's, T101's, T100's and the T124's were encountered by Dave Ellifrit and Erin Heydenreich of the Ctr. for Whale Research, the whales were traveling in a tight group (see photo) up Satellite Channel (48° 44 329N, 123° 22 990W). The encounter ended with the whales split up into groups heading toward the Swanson Narrows at 3:23 pm(48° 45 350N, 123° 34 163W).
From Center for Whale Research


MANY Transients!
Salt Spring Island
May 15, 2009
Photo by
Dave Ellifrit,
Center for Whale Research

May 15
Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research called to report Transients at Kelp Reef at 4:35 pm

May 15
Hillary from Beam Reach called to say that a pod of orcas reported earlier in the day in Active Pass were Transients, at 2:15 pm they were in Swanson Channel.

T100s

No calls but orcas nearby

This is a bit late but this afternoon as we headed into town to vote a small group of orcas crossed our path in Weynton Pass. The whales were headed to Johnstone Strait where they eventually headed east. We didn't really stop but Jim Borrowman was able to get some IDs and is pretty sure it was the T100s. Earlier in the day, there were orcas in Robson Bight again. This has been a fairly busy transient month so far.
Helena
12 May 2009 22:57:52 PDT

May 11
Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research received a report of ~20 orcas in Shelter Cove, between Ft. Bragg & Eureka, CA, killing sea lions close to shore.
Orca Network also received a message from Carlos Cordina (sp?) on May 11th reporting he was out in a boat near Crescent City, CA and encountered a lot of orcas. We have been unable to reach him for more details at this time but will keep trying.

May 11
8 to 10 killer whales, 1 bull, reported in front of Campbell River, B.C. early afternoon today (5/11).
Matthew Ellis, Eagle Eye Adventures

T14

May 10
I just talked with Radar out of Victoria. He has T14 ("Pender") out by Sheringham now.
Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, San Juan Island

T40

May 10
We got a report from Susan McLeod at 4:50 pm, of 4 - 5 orcas between west Fulford Harbor, Salt Spring and Pender island, west of Russell Island, heading north. She described one of them as having a flopped over fin, possibly T40/Captain Hook?

Correction/Clarification - May 10:
I reported the sighting of 4-5 orcas yesterday (in yesterday's whale report). I want to correct the location. I guess that I gave too much information on the phone and didn't make myself clear. I saw the orcas pretty much between Salt Spring Island and North Pender Island - out where the Swanson Channel and perhaps the Satellite Channel intersect - south of Beaver Point, Salt Spring Island.
I live on the west side of Fulford Harbour on Roland Road and observed the orcas way out beyond Russell Island (from my vantage point on Roland Road). I do have a good spotting scope and am pretty sure that the male that I saw had a dorsal fin that was completely bent over at the top (it looked like it was rolled over). Probably T40/Captain Hook - sb I hope that this helps.
Susan MacLeod, Salt Spring Island, B.C.

T14

May 10
The Ocean Magic encountered T 14 , 'Pender' this afternoon (5/10) at 1.30pm, near Sheringham light house. He was typically all alone and definitely heading out west this time. Last time I saw him on April 10th he was keeping company with the T30's and T11's near Piers Island, Swartz Bay. It was so nice to see he had company at that time.
Marie , Orca-Magic POW.

May 10
This morning our vessel "Fastcat" was half way between Race Rocks and Crescent Bay when Marine Naturalist, Rachel, spotted a large dorsal fin in the distance. We slowed down and after a few more surfacings soon realized we had found T14 "Pender". During the 30 minutes we observed T14 he was zig-zagging across Juan De Fuca Strait and then suddenly made a number of sharp direction changes, possibly making a kill underwater of one of the Harbor Porpoise we had also seen in the area. It was great to see the old guy out there in all his splendor!
(see more of Andrew's report under Minkes & Grays)
Andrew Lees, Marine Naturalist, Five Star Whale Watching

T18s

May 8
Transient Orcas T18's swam by Campbell River today between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Matthew Ellis,
Eagle Eye Adventures

T19b ?

No calls but orcas nearby

We were just informed that there are 5 orcas in Robson Bight heading east.
Helena
07 May 2009 13:23:04 PDT

From the audience:
Just a note....5 orcas southbound past Cape Mudge on Quadra Island at 1200 today
Haywire@c.r. bc
08 May 2009 13:01:18 PDT

Thanks Haywire, wonder if these were the same as here yesterday.
Helena@Hanson Island
08 May 2009 13:44:51 PDT

Could be.......out with the flood. too far away to confirm but the male looked alot like T-19b....
Haywire@c.r. bc
08 May 2009 13:56:08 PDT

T40

Transient Orcas
attack Steller Sea Lion
May 7, 2009
Photo by
John Boyd


May 7
I had the opportunity to go out and see "Captain Hook" (T40) and the other transients, and witness a rare interaction between the Transients & a Steller Sea Lion. The 5 transients spent over an hour and a half toying with the sea lion, occasionally letting it "get away" before they'd lunge after it. The two younger whales were obviously practicing their techniques, and we kept wondering if they were just toying with the sea lion or if they'd really eat it. Finally, after 90 minutes of this behavior, they decided to eat and the steller was pulled below the surface and all five orcas disappeared for several minutes. When they returned to the surface, there was no sign of the sea lion. It was amazing to see the power of the orcas as they batted around this large animal. An awe-inspiring day that my words do not truly convey.
John Boyd (JB), Marine Naturalist, Friday Harbor

May 7
The Ocean Magic spent time with Capt. Hook, T 40 this afternoon. He was with four other Transient Orca. Possibly three females and a youngster. This was my first ever observation of this male with a distinct looking dorsal fin (see photo below). He sure is an old male Orca.
Marie, Orca-Magic Prince Of Whales, Victoria



Transient Orca T40
"Capt. Hook"
May 7, 2009
Photo by Marie O'Shaughnessy

T71s T40

May 7
At 4:19 p.m. on May 7th, 2009 Center staff Dave Ellifrit, Erin Heydenreich and guest John Boyd responded to a report of Transients off Kelp Reef as well as J pod off the South end of San Juan Island. The T71's (T71, T71A and T71B) and T40 were encountered at 4:33 p.m. just north of Kelp Reef (48° 33.15 N, 123° 13.54 W). The whales were actively hunting a Steller Sea Lion. The transients continued to attack the sea lion for about an hour. The sea lion was determined to have been killed around 6:00 p.m. At 6:21 the encounter ended and the transients continued traveling slowly north at (48° 34.39 N, 123° 13.48 W). Center staff continued down the west side of San Juan Island in search of J pod.

May 7
Just to let you know I had an excited telephone call from my Mum in Ladysmith (Vancouver Island) B.C. today around 5.30 pm - she was watching four Orcas from her condo looking down on to Transfer Beach, Ladysmith. They were in full activity mode with plenty of seagulls hanging around. Orcas here are not a common sight - what a treat.
Sandra Pollard, Whidbey Island

May 7
4:03 pm - calls on OrcaSound hydrophones now - seeing Transient T40 plus others. 4:06 pm - Transients were going after a sea lion, was hoping to capture more calls.
Jeanne Hyde, San Juan Island

May 7
What an afternoon. First the Transients off of Discovery Island, then the Js at Iceberg Pt, then more Transients on the way home at Kelp Reef eating a Steller. Also, observed and photographed a bleeding Steller sea lion off Whale Rocks today off of south Lopez Is. I don't know about the small one. We hardly ever see them in here.
Capt. Jim and Mrs. Capt. Jim Maya, Maya's Westside Charters

Ts near Nanaimo

May 5
For your records we had a group of 9 transients out front of Nanaimo today heading north. best regards,
Jared Towers, Cetacean Research Technician, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo BC

T118, T121, T164 and T70

May 3
Sighting of 4-6 transients hunting and catching a seal half mile off powell river, b.c. around noon on may 3. Seal came and hid under our boat and whales came over and circled us flushing out the seal caught and ate him, displaying spy hopping, tail lobbing, and breaching. Have many pictures. Possible identification of t 118,121, 164, 70.
Mv catalyst, Bill and shannon bailey

T124A's and T86A's

Active Pass Transients
May 2, 2009
Photo by Jill Persick

May 2, 2009
We found a group of about 5 transients in Active Pass yesterday (May 2nd). We travelled with them into Swanson channel and they were travelling southbound when we left. I got a few really good ID shots so I thought I'd send them in.
Jill Persick, Steveston Seabreeze Adventures

ID's on the Active Pass Transients in photos from May 2 by Jill Persick:
Looks like the T124A's and the T86A's. The first pic is T124A2 and T86A.
Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research

My guess is the one with the 2 nicks could be T86A. The one with it could be T86A2.
Mark Malleson, Prince of Whales