April 5, 2024 – We got a chance to see Biggs orca T87 (the oldest known male transient orca in this region at approx 60 years old) as he was charging north towards Friday Harbor. Earlier he had been traveling with the T124A’s as they came up San Juan Channel, but he broke off to head back south while they took Upright Channel. As we approached Turn Rock we found that he had turned north again. He moved very quickly 7+ knots until he reached Pt Caution on San Juan island at which point he turned around again and went charging south. He continued all the way south exiting Cattle Pass. He was outpacing our sailboat so we chose to go see the T124A’s who just finished hunting in Eastsound, Orcas Island. It was so exciting seeing the newest calf in the family who appeared to be traveling with T124A4. This calf was first seen mid March.
Biggs/Transient orca T87 charging north in San Juan Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T87 charging north in San Juan Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T87 charging north in San Juan Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T124A4 with what could be her new calf (unconfirmed)
Biggs/Transient orca T124A4 with what could be her new calf (unconfirmed)
Orca headstand
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Orca spy hop
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A’s northbound in Eastsound
Fetal folds visible on newest calf in the T124A’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A4 traveling with newest member in pod
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A4 traveling with newest member in pod
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A4 traveling with newest member in pod
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A4 traveling with newest member in pod
Biggs/Transient orcas T124A4 traveling with newest member in pod
Great blue heron