Prince Of Whales
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Victoria | Vancouver | Seattle
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Tag Archives: transients

Zodiac Wildlife Adventure April 18 2011

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Our guests from England, Oklahoma, Ottawa and Victoria were given a glimpse into the best that the west coast has to offer on this sunny afternoon in April. The 2pm zodiac with skipper Mark ‘Mallard ‘at the controls headed us due south east to where Transient Orca were reported. The ocean was flat calm, and the sunshine bathed this picturesque coastal region so we could view the Olympic mountains and the Canadian and USA islands. When conditions are right and the sun shines, all is perfect for spotting wildlife. Our keen eyed skipper soon located the marine mammal eating Killer Whales, ‘Orca ‘ off the south end of Hein Bank. This group consisted of 8-9 whales, the T49′s and the T75′s. They were very active and foraging for their main prey item, the Harbour Seal, which is an abundant species in these waters. There appeared to be two very young baby Orca within this group, as they were still quite peach coloured where it should be white patches on their bodies. We watched these stealth hunters, mothers with their babies, churning the water while chasing their prey. It was an awesome encounter and soon we saw the clean up gulls, flock in to snatch up what they could from the successful hunt. Nature can be cruel at times, but to watch and admire these stealth, apex hunters is a real privilege. Our trip was soon over so we headed back to Victoria enjoying the scenic beauty before us and some of the sea birds, Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres. This was one of those trips never to be forgotten, with those mysterious mammals that frequent these waters, especially at this time of year. Marie, Orca-Magic.

Zodiac Wildlife Adventure, 1pm Zodiac, March 28th

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Our weather continues misty and overcast, hardly Spring like, however, warmer and sunnier days are on their way! Even when the skies threaten rain, we head out in one of our yellow Zodiacs in search of wildlife. There is always something interesting to find. With Skipper Mark at the controls of the 1pm zodiac, and a full boat load of guests from New Zealand, Britain, Calgary and Edmonton, we headed south from the harbour in search or Orca. Although some had been seen from shore earlier in the day we were unable to locate this group, so headed north up Haro Strait in search of Transient Killer Whales that had been reported. We came upon these ‘ WILD’ stealth hunters, marine mammal hunters, traveling fast, in the choppy water, toward Active Pass. Two or three females were porpoising and creating lots of white water. We observed that a tiny orca was among the group as well as a young juvenile.Young orca are always a big hit with our guests. Two tall dorsal fins foraging off by themselves indicated that the males were busy chasing their favourite food, Harbour Seals. All too soon, these magnificent animals headed into Active Pass under the watchful eye of three Steller Sea Lions that were lounging in shallow water at Helen Point. The Orca ignored them. We headed back to Victoria and the harbour, where several float-planes were taking off and landing. Our guests had a special encounter this afternoon with those charismatic Transient Killer Whales, the T100′S, T101′s and T102 . Marie, ‘ Orca-Magic ‘. Please note, all of the photographs are taken with telephoto lenses and are heavily cropped.

Winter Wildlife Adventure Feb 11

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The Prince of Whales 12.30pm Zodiac left the harbour on Friday afternoon with international guests from Sweden, Germany, Brazil, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Although it was overcast there was very little wind or chop on the water. Snug in our survival suits, Skipper Mark, headed us south and east to hopefully encounter some Orca. We search diligently and then had a call from one of our friends on shore, who had seen a few black dorsal fins 2 miles south of Victoria, through his spotting scope. This was great news! We found the four Transient Killer Whales, identified as the T30 family group, travelling in from the west. The big male T30A, split from the rest of the group to go forage on his own. The three others soon were seen chasing a Harbour Porpoise, that surface periodically while trying to flee. The churning sea water soon indicated the hapless animal had been dispatched by these apex hunters. The clean up crew of assorted gulls soon flew in to claim their share. We later found the big male Transient Orca foraging with a prey item, a possible Harbour Seal. A quick look for other wildlife led us to Trail Island where, Harbour Seals were lounging on rocks. A Bald Eagle and some flying Harlequin Ducks added interest to our magical afternoon of wildlife viewing. Our guests were thrilled with their adventure even on a somewhat cool winter’s day not far from the Victoria waterfront. Marie,  ‘ Orca-Magic ‘

Ocean Magic Adventure Oct 9 12:15

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With dynamic skies over the Olympic Mountains, Washington, the Saturday 12.15pm Ocean Magic vessel set sail and headed south then in an easterly direction toward Hein Bank where it was reported many Orca were foraging. We found them amid the chop on the water, slowly foraging and spread far apart . We could see the Southern Resident community of whales, the fish eaters, in every direction. They were taking deep dives and a few young males could be seen chasing fish. A change in the wind and sea conditions dictated we needed to head back to Victoria where conditions were better. A few Harbour Porpoise were also seen on our return. It was an exciting trip just watching those majestic ‘Orca ‘do their own thing. Marie,’ Orca-Magic’ and Clint, ‘Orcawizard’

Zodiac Wildlife Adventure Sept 26 2pm

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There were Transient Killer Whales reported out west of the harbour, Sunday afternoon, so Skipper Mark headed the 2pm Zodiac in that direction. Local and international guests were on board and they were in for a spectacular trip. It was a rather overcast day but the wildlife was present despite the mist and clouds of the west coast. Initially, we came across two Transients, T 49′s off Albert Head, a male and female. They eventually joined four other Transients that were milling close to three Humpback Whales. The trio of Humpbacks was a mother and calf and a sub adult. The presence of the Transients created some tension for the Humpbacks. We could see and hear the activity. Trumpeting and tail slapping by the Humpbacks indicated that they were somewhat stressed by the Orca’s curiosity. We could see dorsal fins slicing through the water close to the humpback whales. It was thrilling to watch these two species interact, knowing that this was a rare event in these waters. Eventually the Transient Orca moved off and headed west, while the Humpbacks moved in a southward direction. It was another amazing wildlife trip in these rich waters off Victoria. Marie, Orca-Magic