Written by Alison
on Oct 28, 2024

Killer Whales in the Inter Islands

Killer Whales in the Inter Islands

September 5, 2024 PM – It was fun to take off in a completely different direction and to a different group of whales for the afternoon trip. The ones from the morning had moved out of our range but this meant we could go and check out the T19’s. We headed east and went through the middle of the San Juan Islands and then out into Rosario Strait. We did a quick search for other animals then headed for the Orcas. We started our encounter with the T19 matriline right at the tip of Point Lawrence on Orcas Island. We were excited as they rounded the corner and started cruising along the dark beautiful cliffs with their blows being lit by the afternoon sun. It was stunning. The T19’s (Bigg’s Killer Whales) family is made up of the 59 year old mother, Nootka, and her 2 sons, the infamous Galiano who is now 29 and easily identified by his dorsal fin which leans to the left. Both he and his 23 year old brother Spouter and massively big males. They typically have their ~69 year old grandmother with them, Esperanza. She has recently begun to split off from the family on her own for a change and was not present for our encounter. After our beautiful encounter we headed to Spieden Island where we found Harbor Seals, a Bald Eagle and two of the 3 types of exotic game animals that were imported in the late 60’s/early 70’s. The Mouflon – big horned sheep and European Fallow Deer! From there we headed for home!

 

Photographer and Naturalist: Alison Engle – Instagram: @Alisonengleart – Website: www.alisonengle.com

Western Prince Wildlife Adventures – Instagram: @Westernprincewildlife – Facebook: Western Prince Whale Watching

Written by Alison
on Oct 28, 2024

Killer Whales in the Inter Islands

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