Tag Archives: orca watching

Biggs Orca

In our area we have two types of Orca. We have the residents and the Biggs (aka transient). Although quite similar in size and appearance their behaviour is quite different. The resident Orca show up in the summer and usually remain in the area until the fall. The Residents feed exclusively on fish, and enter the area to feed on salmon. Their primary food source is the chinook salmon, which is the largest of the 5 species. To a lesser extend they also feed on other types of salmon, lingcod, squid and various other species of fish. They will never feed on marine mammals and despite their name tend to leave the area during the winter months. They are very social and often vocalise. On the other hand the Biggs can be spotted year-round. They feed on marine mammals with harbour seals (like the ones in the picture) being their main food source, although propose, dolphins, sea lions and otters are also commonly on the menu. These animals are much “stealthier”, traveling quickly and vocalising much less. This is because they are on the hunt for mammals which can detect their calls. The Biggs below circled this particular rock several times, but in this case were unsuccessful in catching a seal off guard.

The Biggs Orca were named after Dr. Micheal Bigg who pioneered Orca research in the area. He realised that individual whales can be identified by their dorsal fin and saddle patch. This led to the creation of a thorough catalogue of animals and their family structures, which are organised by clans, pods and matrilines.

Awsome photos

hb lunge
Click to enlarge then click again

orca and calf
Click to enlarge then click again

Two incredible photographs the first being a humpback whale lunging through a ball of herring directly toward the boat. A perfect photo showing the herring in the spray, the baleen along the lower jaw and the growth on the pectoral fins. The second shows a female orca coming out of the water on its back with a calf on its belly. A unique photo that I have never seen duplicated or heard of from another guide in the area. Comparing the two photos one would say the humpback is much clearer, more close-up and would win as a photo until you were told that the orca photo was taken twenty of more years ago on 35mm film. So no second chance or multiple digital shots just a once in a lifetime photo.

Transient or Resident Orca 2 of 2

transient orcaTransient orcas generally form smaller and more variable social groupings than residents, roam over a larger area of the coastal waters, and their appearance in particular places is not so predictable. They feed primarily on sea mammals such as seals and sea lions. The name “killer whale” probably stems from observations of transient orcas hunting. Transients are characterized by more triangular and pointed dorsal fins than those of Residents (because they have a broader base), and their saddle patch is generally solid.

Anette and family visit 1 of 7

large male orcaAnette’s visit was September 3, 2015 and she has sent us some first class photos of their time with us last season. She provides: “A little story to go with some of the pictures: We had a great day spotting whales with George. Our son Nicolas (12 at the time) summed it up when he exclaimed “This is the best day of my life”. At that time we had had a long day with lots of orcas, including the bull on the picture who chose to take his herd very close to the boat,……”

Orca off coastal Vancouver Island

Some photos capture the majesty of the orca. This is a large male coming for a closer look. Often the best approach to viewing marine life in the area between Vancouver Island and the mainland coast is to sit quietly in the boat with engine turned off and allow visitors approach. Lunchtime on a whale watching tour involves drifting and waiting. Photos by 

 

Peter Palstring 5-6

Whale Watching Orca Visit 1 of 2

watching killer whales visit

On or whale watching trips we travel to BC’s Johnstone Strait area to watch (visit) the killer whales but some days we are the ones being visited. If you use the map mentioned in yesterday’s post you will be able to view the whale watching area. On this day I was photographing orcas near the bow of the boat with one of the guests and turned to call the other guest to come forward and found that it was not necessary. See tomorrow’s post…

Tail lobbing Humpback Whale 2 of 2

Humpback tail slap

Most often when humpback whales do their slapping they are nose down or hanging in the water. They may slap in an anterior or posterior position (belly or back) and either way it is loud. As with orca tail slapping humpbacks can be heard underwater by other whales many miles away so it may be used for communication or remove a build up of parasites and barnacles from the tail. The reason is interesting and the photos can be sensational.

Tail lobbing Killer Whale 1 of 2

orca tail slap

Tail-Lobbing, Lobtailing, Tail-Slapping all means the same. This action is when an orca slaps its tail against the surface. It can get pretty loud, so some scientists think its probably a method of communication. The whales might also be trying to get rid of unwanted parasites, or they might just enjoy slapping the water! This killer whale is slapping just off the stern of our boat. Note that orca tend to be on their back when tail slapping….

 

 

 

A foggy morning in Johnston Strait

orca fog

No it is not “Photo Shop” or any other modification program it is just a little morning fog. Fortunately the fog is normally gone before noon. For some reason this has become one of my favourite photos taken by Glen one of my fellow guides. I think it is because of the perfect blend of the photo on the page that there are no borders and the killer whale actually seems to be on the screen.

Killer whale watching 2 of 2

orca visiting close

This is a closer visit from orca. The white in the bottom of the photo is the stern corner of our boat, which puts the orca about five meters (yards) and closing. Sometimes the best way to watch wildlife is to stop and let them watch. Killer whales are members of the dolphin family and are curious. It is not uncommon to have them go off course and swim near the boat.