Biggs/Transient orcas T109A’s near Stuart Island

September 2, 2024 – We headed north quickly on account of orcas northbound in Haro Strait. Near Sentinel Rock we met the Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T109A’s. It was a bit tricky getting dialed in as they were acting pretty stealthy. This is a family of orcas we rarely see, so this was a very exciting encounter for us. We managed to get some awesome views as we stayed with them almost to Turn Point, Stuart Island. After leaving the orcas we wrapped around Stuart Island passing an osprey – not a common sight, but we have seen them on Stuart Island (and Crane Island) in years past. We also spotted harbor seals and belted kingfishers. Cutting through Ripple island Pass we checked out the bull kelp forests in New Channel and spotted many harbor seals. Sailed by Flattop Island before heading south towards Jones Island. There were some black tailed deer foraging on Jones. Cut through the Wasp Islands and had a fun sail tacking our way down the channel back to Friday Harbor.

Note: Earlier this year on March 23rd T109A lost one of her daughters, 15 yr old T109A3, who became stranded in a remote area near Zeballos, BC. T109A3 was alone with her calf, T109A3A, born 2022. Despite rescue efforts T109A3 drowned as the tide came in too quickly as rescuers tried to get her upright. Additionally after a necropsy they discovered she was pregnant.  So very sad. After about a month her surviving calf finally exited the shallow lagoon at high tide. At just two years old we’re hoping she is managing on her own, but hope she reunites with her family soon.