Transient Orcas, the T49As, South Pender Island

September 14, 2018 – Right at the entrance to Friday Harbor we came across a number of Harbor Porpoise. And so we drifted watching whilst mum and calf pairs foraged in the current line. A Bald Eagle at Point Caution watched as two Steller Sea Lions caught fish off the point. Wing on wing sailing in light air we passed harbor seals resting and warming on Low Island. Then on to Spring Pass and Flattop National Wildlife Refuge – sailing in silence as the harbor seals enjoyed their siesta.

Heading towards White Rock we made a decision to go for it and cross Boundary Pass to meet Transient orcas of the T49A matriline reported as coming South in Plumper Sound. We met them a little South of Blunden Island and they appeared to be having supper just as we started ours. T49A1, a large 17 year old male who was dispersed from his family recently was back with them today. T49A2 also disperses from the family but was likewise back together with them today. T49A, the 32 year old female and mum of 5, was close with T49A5 – her young calf of less than a year. Finishing their meal of harbor seal and played in the kelp for a while before moving West.

Leaving them at Tilly Point we headed South for Johns Pass. Onwards through the Cactus islands and along to the North side of Spieden Island with strong current. Here the forested shoreline was reflected deep green in the waters. Crossing the channel to Jones Island we saw many Harbor Porpoise in the flat reflective waters. And mid way from Green Point to Jones we saw what appeared to be a shark swimming at the surface – a first for us.