This evening Five Star Charter's Fastcat departed at 1840 with a group of cruise ship passengers returning south from their Alaskan cruise. Fortunately, we were leaving the dock with a report of many Transient 'mammal eating' killer whales in Haro Strait so Fastcat headed east after departing the harbour to head towards Beaumont Shoals near Discover Island.
About 40 minutes after departing the harbour Fastcat arrived at Discovery Point and we began a search for the whales. Just prior to leaving the harbour the last whale watch vessel with the whales was leaving them on their own meaning we were responsible for spotting them again!
At approximately 1923 I spotted the whales travelling just south of Beaumont Shoals in the middle of Haro Strait. We went over to take a look and, after having a good look, discovered we had the T2 group of Transient 'mammal eating' killer whales.
About 40 minutes after departing the harbour Fastcat arrived at Discovery Point and we began a search for the whales. Just prior to leaving the harbour the last whale watch vessel with the whales was leaving them on their own meaning we were responsible for spotting them again!
At approximately 1923 I spotted the whales travelling just south of Beaumont Shoals in the middle of Haro Strait. We went over to take a look and, after having a good look, discovered we had the T2 group of Transient 'mammal eating' killer whales.
Female 'mammal eating' Transient likely to be T2B with calf and T2C2
female Transient, likely to be T2B
Female Transient killer whale T2C
Spyhopping Transient!
Female 'mammal eating' Transient likely to be T2B with calf
T2 Transient group of killer whales: T2B, T2C2, T2C
T2 group of Transient 'mammal eating' killer whales travelling through the Strait of Juan De Fuca with Mount Baker in the background
Five Star's Supercat under an amazing evening sky
Cruise ship at Ogden Point in Victoria harbour
We watched the T2 group of 6 Transients (including a very young calf!)for nearly an hour as they foraged around Beaumont Shoals in Haro Strait. There was even good evidence that they were feeding: gulls feeding on scraps at the surface and a small pleasure vessel who was with us and spotted the remnants (lungs and ribcage!) of what was most likely a harbour porpoise!
It was an amazing evening with calm seas, a great group of whales, beautiful skies and views of the Olympic Mountains and a lovely sunset!
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