JUNE 15, 2009 T87, T88 and T97 in the Strait of Juan De Fuca (and a Raccoon!)

This morning we were departed the Victoria Harbour at 1000 on Five Star Charter's Supercat and headed south into the Strait of Juan De Fuca to follow up on a report of killer whales (Orcinus orca) travelling in the strait. We first headed to Constance Bank just south of the Victoria waterfront to see what we could spot there. After having a look around Constance we headed back toward the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area and had a quick look to see what wildlife was around there. We spotted three Elephant seals (Mirounga angustrirostris) and many Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) hauled out.

Just after we looked at these animals we spotted some other boats in Race Pass and, after heading over for a look, found a group of the Transient 'mammal eating' killer whales travelling close to shore and east through Race Pass. After getting a better look I was able to identify the animals in the group which included T87, an adult male believed to be at least in his 40s; T88, a female he often travels with (possibly his mother) who is also believed to be at least 40 years old; and another younger male, T97, who is 29 this year (possibly T87's younger sibling) (DFO Transient catalogue).

Transient 'mammal eating' killer whales probably hunting near shore in Race Pass

T87, adult male Transient killer whale believed to be at least in his late 30s

T97, a 29 year old male Transient killer whale

Above 2 photos: T97 taillobbing

Above 2 photos: T97 travelling off William Head minimum security Institution

T97

We got a great look at this group of 3 Transients and even saw them milling and chasing, likely hunting a seal or porpoise, a couple of times! After watching them about an hour we left them as they continued heading east just south of the Victoria waterfront.

This afternoon we also saw these 3 Transients but due to heavy weather (4 foot seas!) it was difficult to photograph the animals. We also went to the Chain Islands, Oak Bay this afternoon and got a good look at the harbour seals hauled out and the Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) on the many small islands! Then on the way home after work I spotted a raccoon (Procyon lotor) just above me in a tree at Fisherman's wharf!

Above 3 photos: afternoon trip's sighting of harbour seals (aka rock sausages!) hauled out at the Chain Islands, Oak Bay

Harlequin Ducks at the Chain Islands, Oak Bay

Above 4 photos: after work I spotted this raccoon in a tree at Fishermen's Wharf!