Race Rocks Lighthouse
Above and below, T20
T21
In this picture T20's distinctive Dorsal fin and saddle patch can be clearly seen. It is the dorsal fin and saddle patch that are used by researchers and Marine Naturalists to i.d. the Orcas.
Surf Scoters in flight.
Elephant Seal and Steller Sealions
Above and below, Steller Sealions
Above and below, Harbor Seals
T21 born in 1963
T21 born in 1968
T20
Transient Orcas T20 (male) and T21 (female)
At 9.30am Ron Bates, Marine mammal researcher, received reports that Transient Orcas (marine mammal eaters) had been sighted near Clover Point. So it was with great anticipation we set out on Fastcat at 2.00pm in search of these top Ocean predators.
We were not to be disappointed as shortly after leaving Victoria Harbor we came across two Transient Orcas South West of Trial Island. The two Transient were soon identified as T20 a male born in 1963 and T21 a female born in 1968. We followed these two Orcas for approximately 30 minutes as they headed in a South West direction.
Next we headed over to Race Rocks where we observed several Steller Sealions, 2 Northern Elephant Seals and a California Sealion. Several Harbor Seals were also seen dotted on the Rocks around Race Rocks. Harbor Seals are a favorite prey of Transient Orcas.
We also drove over to Pedder Bay and saw more Harbor Seals as well as a magnificent Bald Eagle. On our way back to Victoria we came across the 2 Transients again and watched them make several more passes of our boat, including one spectacular pass that was about 200' from our boat. It took our breath away as these supreme hunters passed by and was the perfect end to an unforgettable trip!
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