We encountered 20+ Bigg’s (Transient) Killer Whales westbound in the Strait of Juan de Fuca today! This was my first time as a Naturalist seeing this many transient families together, and also the first time that I would meet the T046 matriline, my favourite family. Other families included the T073As, T075Bs and T077s.
The transients were in traveling mode, and continuously appeared on either side of the boat, in all directions.
The T046s appeared out of the blue nearest the boat, which allowed myself and guests to have a nice look at this family – one that I adored so dearly. Matriarch T046 was involved in the last live capture in Budd Inlet, but was released and is now a great-grandmother. How special it was for me to spend time with this beautiful individual and her family.
We also decided to put the hydrophone in to see if we could hear any vocalizations and lucked out! They were communicating back-and-forth constantly throughout the encounter! The encounters keep getting better and better!!
– Brendon
Leave a Reply