CWR encounter #45 • Bigg’s Killer Whales

EncSummary: With a decent-sized group of Bigg’s killer whales reported near Turn Point and new interns to train, we decided to head out for an encounter. We departed Snug Harbor at 14:55, getting on scene with the group, now identified as the T46Bs and T49C, as they were spread eastbound in Boundary Pass at 15:30. T49C was the first whale spotted, off on his own, aiming for some of the T46Bs to the southeast of him. This group ended up being the bulk of the T46Bs, without the T46B3s, who were presumably trailing. The whales were zig-zagging across Boundary, but eventually aimed for Blunden. After a few surface sequences, all of the T46Bs and T49C began to group up and in better lighting. With the improved grouping and angle for lighting, we went in for an ID pass. T49C hung towards the back of the group as the 10 whales continued their path toward Blunden. After a few surface sequences, we were satisfied with our photos and decided to end the encounter at 16:10 a ¼ mile southeast of Blunden. With a report of another group of Bigg’s nearby, and generally in the direction of home, we aimed for Flattop Island.