Using photos I took on this trip one of these Transient Orcas was id by Ron Bates, Marine Mammal Researcher, as CA195 a Transient that is usually sighted in California.
We set out this afternoon in search of various Humpback Whales that had been reported just East of Race Rocks, plus we also had a report of two Transient Orcas a few miles to the South East.
Our first encounter was with five Humpback Whales not long after we had left the Harbor. Two were seen very close together and playing with some Stellar Sealions. We got to see some impressive tail flukes and tail thrashing. The Humpbacks could be seen following the tide lines that seemed to teem with fish.
We then set off in pursuit of the two very elusive Transient Orcas that no-one had been able to positively identify and were going on very long dives. After a little trouble finding these tow supreme mammal hunters due to some large swells, we finally had them tracked down south of the Hotel Foxtrot marker. Marine Mammal Researcher, Ron Bate, believes that these tow to male Orcas were from the California group of Transient Orcas and have been sighted in the area once earlier on in the season. Update: using pictures I took of these two Transient Orcas, Ron was able to identify one of the Orcas as CA195.
After spending time with the Orcas we headed to Race Rocks to enjoy the site of the many Stellar & California Sealions, as well as Harbor Seals and various marine birds. Whilst we were at Race we saw one Stellar being harassed by several Gulls as it tried to eat the remains of a salmon.
We then returned to the Humpback Whales on our way home and saw several impressive tail flukes as the animals went on deep dives. Despite some ominous looking rain clouds we managed to avoid the rain for the most part and had another beautiful encounter on a perfect Autumn day.
No comments:
Post a Comment