This is the first sighting of Killer Whales or Orca in the area since January. It's been a long time for them to have stayed away. We can only hope that this sighting report is start of more frequent sightings again. The report came in last night, so I couldn't even try to find them with binoculars.
Dee Reported from Savary Island:
"We had company this evening and one looked out and asked if there was a float out front. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., we watched some orcas traveling and circling in front of our cabin. Steve saw a large male way out from the others. The most I saw at one time was four...looked like females or maybe young males.....We don’t know that much. They were traveling over Stradioditti Reef from east to west. This is the first time we have ever seen them traveling in that direction. We just got to the island this Sunday."
Stradiotti Reef extends out towards Harwood Island off the South side of Savary Island.
Based on what looked like a "float out in front", it would suggest that the whales were in what's called a Resting Line. This is when they lie still on the surface, usually grouped in somewhat of a line, to sleep or rest. Since whales have to consciously think about breathing, they seem to take short "naps" on the surface.
I'm making a bold assumption that these whales are possibly the Transients that were last seen in the inside passages by Minstrel Island off Johnstone Strait. It's unknown where these Orca got to, so it may very well be them in our neighbourhood. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars handy.
Have You Seen Any of These?