T14 & Jpod

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(Pender / T14 above)





(Double Stuff / J34) sequence above



(Slick / J16 hunting on her own)

(Ruffles / J1)

Today the L12's (4 minus L12) were headed out west so we headed over to San Juan Island where we heard that Jpod was feeding. On the way we spotted a transient killer whale named Pender / T14. He is a solo orca who travels alone, his mother passed away a few years ago and since then he is sighted alone however is also seen traveling with girls from the Alaskan transient orca groups. Was awesome as I unexpectedly saw him lunge out of the water no doubt killing a seal as many seagulls hovered up top. He stayed milling back in forth in the same area giving us many amazing photo opportunities to photograph his impressively large profile. In the early 70's I think it was, he was captured for a short time and radio tagged however soon after they fell off. Left behind are two indentations in his fin, making him very easy to recognize. I have not seen Pender / T14 for two seasons now, was a great surprise to get another look at him.

Take a look at the Center for Whale Research's page on T14's predation of a Harbour Porpoise

We then ventured over to San Juan Island (False Bay) where Jpod was spread wide apart hunting. Caught some breaches in the distance and some tail slaps as well. A jouvenile orca (Double Stuff / J34) passed us turning upside down tail slapping. Also noticed that Slick / J16 was off hunting alone without her new calf. Many of the animals were close to shore so I didn't get a look at where the calf was but assumed was being babysat by other family members. Of course the best way to end any trip is to see such a magnificant pass by our famous largest and eldest SR; Ruffles J1. Spendid!


(Ruffles J1)

On board today were guests all the way from Mexico City! It's always wonderful to find our guests coming out to enjoy the orcas from different countries.