Like a true summer trend, the early morning of August 9th began with orcas moving through Blackney Pass, waking us all with our “orca shout” at 6:58am. On mornings like this, most of us simply stumble out of our tents onto the deck, still half-asleep. This time, our sleepy shuffle was rewarded with the beautiful sight of two Bigg’s orcas heading south through the pass.
It didn’t take long to recognize the large male with the badly damaged dorsal fin – T063, better known as “Chainsaw” for the unmistakable notches along the trailing edge. Travelling alongside his mother T065, “Whidbey II,” they seemed to be lagging behind a group further ahead, which had already reached the gap. The lead group cleared the area heading east shortly after, while Chainsaw and Whidbey II battled the strong currents, which held them in place for nearly two hours.
As we watched the pair pour their energy into inching forward, two whale-watching boats suddenly raced around the corner, far too close for the comfort of the whales, who likely needed more space than they were given. Meanwhile, our remote camera at Cracroft Point picked up the second group of orcas passing close to the platform at 7:45am, travelling eastbound. Chainsaw and his mom finally made it through Blackney Pass by 9:00am.
At 9:38am, we received an exciting report from Alexandra Morton of six Northern Residents just off Malcolm Point, heading east toward Blackfish Sound. They continued in that direction, and at 1:24pm, after five days without hearing any, we finally picked up the distinct calls of the A34s. Fainter calls, which paused briefly around 2:00pm, suggested the orcas’ movement through Weynton Passage. By 3:15pm, our remote hydrophone at Strider Rubbing Beach – the one with the furthest range, up west in Johnstone Strait – picked up their distant calls again as they entered the Strait. The calls continued until about 3:30pm, when the whales turned and began heading west. By 6:50pm, Katie’s parents – coincidentally on a kayak tour in the area and having stopped by earlier in the day – reported seeing the group just off Telegraph Cove, travelling eastbound.
With this brief but exciting glimpse of the residents back in the area, the assistants gathered on the deck of the Lab and were treated to the sight of two humpbacks lunge-feeding and trap-feeding close to shore. Watching them feed offers only a hint of just how immense these animals truly are.
On a bittersweet note, we had to say goodbye to Tomoko this afternoon, as she begins her journey back to Japan. Her vast knowledge and warm spirit left a lasting impression on everyone on the island.
Words by Freddy
