May 26, 2025, 10:30 AM - Grey skies and a Grey Whale, with a T-party just around the corner.

We had overcast, grey skies this morning, which aided our visibility while searching for whales. The reason is that the darker background makes the white, bushy blows of the whales stand out more clearly. Heading out into the Strait of Georgia, we were immediately in full search mode. Our open boat, Cascadia, and our semi-covered Kula were both filled with eager passengers and staff, all with eyes keenly focused on spotting any signs of whales in the water.

Some days require us to venture far within our range and look a little harder than usual. Today was one of those days. But we never lose hope, our whales can appear anywhere, at any time. We had made it to the shores of Vancouver before we finally spotted an exciting sight: a blow! Something was swimming in the shallow water, but no dorsal fin was visible. Out came our cameras with their handy zoom lenses - it was a grey whale! Grey whales are known to be somewhat more difficult to spot, as they rarely lift their tails, lack dorsal fins, and frequently stay close to shore. They also exhibit some of the most fascinating and muddy feeding habits in the whale world. Unlike many of their cousins, who chase schooling fish or krill in open water, grey whales are bottom feeders. They spend a great deal of time in shallow coastal areas, especially during their summer feeding months in the nutrient-rich waters of British Columbia and Alaska. These gentle giants roll onto one side, often favouring the same side repeatedly, much like a person’s dominant hand, and scoop up mouthfuls of sediment from the ocean floor. Using their baleen plates like giant combs, they filter out tiny amphipods, crustaceans, and other bottom-dwelling creatures, leaving plumes of mud trailing behind them.

If you ever have the chance to observe grey whales in these shallow feeding grounds, keep an eye out for individuals with one side of their jaw noticeably more worn or scratched than the other. This is a telltale sign of their preferred feeding side, a fascinating reminder of how specialized and quirky nature can be. Interestingly, it’s believed that over 90% of greys are right-sided feeders, just like how the majority of humans are right-handed! The presence of this grey whale in fairly shallow water suggests it was foraging for a snack. After spending some time with this unique feeder, we resumed our search mode, knowing we still had a journey ahead to get back home.

As we headed off to cross the Strait back to Nanaimo, it seemed the whales had other plans for us. Before we could accelerate, we spotted fins - many fins! It was orca. What a thrill to see two species in one day! Looks like we’d be staying on the Vancouver side of the Strait a while longer.

The orcas present today were:

T037A3 Spinnaker ♂ (2013)

T049A1 Noah ♂ (2001)

T086A Eider ♀ (1988)
T086A4 Akia ♀ (2016)
T086A5 Siku (2024)

T086A1 Nahanni ♀ (~2001)
T086A1B Denali (2023)

T100B ♀ Freya (1997)
T100B1 Seidr (2010)
T100B3 Selkie (2024)

T101 Reef ♀ (≤1969)
T101A Rush ♂ (1993)
T101B Lagoon ♂ (1997)

T123 Sidney ♀ (~1985)
T123A Stanley ♂ (2000)
T123C Lucky ♀ (2012)
T123D Darcy ♀ (2018)

Transient orca, also known as Bigg’s killer whales, are typically seen in small, stealthy groups, cruising the Salish Sea in search of seals, sea lions, dolphins, porpoises and even whales. Known for their quiet, calculated hunting tactics, these apex predators are often thought of as the strong, silent types of the orca world. But every so often, something special happens: they gather. We affectionately call these gatherings T-Parties. In what can feel like an oceanic family reunion, different transient groups come together in a joyful display of socializing. These meetups can include tail slaps, spyhops, rolling, breaching, and vocalizations, behaviours that seem playful and deeply social. It’s always thrilling to see, and this behaviour offers a glimpse into their complex social bonds. Scientists are still learning about the full meaning behind these gatherings, but one thing is clear: even the ocean’s top predators need connection. And when transient orcas come together, it’s not just a spectacle, it’s a party! Now we really needed to start heading back, we were still nearly 40 nautical miles from home.

We had time for one more stop to see the California Sea Lions at the Harmac log booms. With their sleek bodies, loud barks, and playful personalities, California Sea Lions are some of the most entertaining marine mammals along the Pacific coast. These social pinnipeds can often be found piled together in large groups on docks, buoys, and log booms, places known as haul-outs where they rest, warm up, and catch a break from swimming. While rocky outcrops were once their go-to lounging spots, sea lions have grown fond of log booms and floating docks for a very clever reason: they move with the tide. Unlike exposed rocks that can leave them high and dry or make for a tricky escape route, floating haul-outs stay level with the water, offering a safer and more comfortable spot to relax. It's a floating lounge for the ocean's most charismatic flippered sunbathers!

Enjoy the photos below taken by Marine Naturalists Val Watson and Aly Kohlman.

A couple of young bucks talking a stroll by the ocean. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Well, that’s rude! Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Can you spot the blowholes? Photo by Val Watson.

A spotted little grey whale spotted. Photo by Val Watson.

Can you see the murky water around this grey? Most likely an indication they are feeding. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

They look like a big boulder! Photo by Aly Kohlman.

An interesting angle! Photo by Val Watson.

T101A Rush beside T123 Sidney. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T101B Lagoon with his brother T101A Rush surfacing behind him. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T101B Lagoon making waves. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Look how round T123A Stanley is. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T123D Darcy surfacing in front of T101 Reef. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T101 Reef followed by T101A Rush. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T123D Darcy surfacing in front of two others. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

T101A Rush and T037A3 Spinnaker. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Where the Fresh water from the Fraser River meets the salty sea water. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

A California Sea Lion relaxing. Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Did you know they use their flippers for thermoregulation? Photo by Aly Kohlman.

Author: Vanessa VereschahenMay 26, 2025WhalesComment