With Capt. Tyler in the wheel-house and Biologist Mika on board the 12.15 'Ocean Magic'
we were sure to find some of those black and white marine mammals that hadn't been seen lately. It was flat calm on the water today, warm with some sunshine so finding wildlife should be easy if around. Sure enough, two Orca surfaced south of Victoria, near Constance Bank. These two apex predators, Transient Killer whales were identified as T 87, a male and T 88 a female travelling together. They were probably mother and son. It was learned that they had already made a kill before we encountered them, so we watched them as they zig-zagged around taking long dives. There were groups of sea lions swimming around which is one of the Transient Orca's main food source, but these two whales, didn't appear to be chasing them. During our trip we saw a huge bait-ball where hundreds of gulls congregated. California and Heermann's gulls were two species identified. A visit to Race Rocks gave us good looks at California and Steller Sea Lions as they jockeyed for position on favourite rocks. An interesting small craft caught our eye near this location with its bright yellow paint , solar panels and small wind turbines set aloft. Was this someones answer to going 'Green?' Conditions were perfect for our guests to enjoy a most informative wildlife trip once again.
Marie, Orca-Magic.
The following was captured by Orca Girl;
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