This afternoon’s tour provided a fascinating glimpse into the complexity of whale family dynamics, pinniped life, and the important role of scavenger birds in maintaining healthy ecosystems. It was one of those days on the water where every turn brought something new to learn and appreciate.

We began by returning to a pod of Bigg’s (Transient) Orca we had encountered earlier in the day: T059, travelling with her granddaughter T059A1 and great-granddaughter T059A1A.

T059 ♀ (<1970)
T059A1 ♀ (2006)
T059A1A (2023)

Orca typically travel in matriarchal family units, where the offspring of a female (sons and daughters) remain with her for their entire lives. But as with many aspects of animal behaviour, there are exceptions. A trio like this —grandmother, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter —represents something more unusual.

Why might they be travelling together? T059 may be lending support to her granddaughter in caring for the young calf, or perhaps she is temporarily “babysitting” while the mother is away. Interestingly, over the years, T059 has been observed associating with different sets of grand-offspring, suggesting these movements are influenced by family bonds and social needs rather than strict rules. Whatever the reason, encounters like this remind us of the complexity and dynamic flow of orca family life.

This sighting was especially significant because T059 hadn’t been recorded in our waters for a couple of years, and for us, it was one of our first times seeing the T059A1s. We had the privilege of observing them both north and south of Dodd Narrows, eventually following them as they travelled into Northumberland Channel, right outside Nanaimo Harbour.

Between our orca encounters, we paid a visit to Stinky Rock, a well-known pinniped haulout site. As expected, the rocky outcrop was crowded with Harbour Seals and Steller Sea Lions, lounging in the sun or jostling for the best resting spots. Pinniped haulouts like this are critical rest stops where these animals can warm up, socialize, and conserve energy between foraging trips.

But the real surprise wasn’t in the water; it was on the rocks. Perched among the seals was a Turkey Vulture, making a meal out of what appeared to be the head of a lingcod. While it may not be the most glamorous sight, it’s an important one. Turkey Vultures are nature’s cleanup crew. They play a vital role in ecosystems by consuming carrion (dead animals) that might otherwise spread disease or rot in the environment.

Turkey Vultures are equipped with some remarkable adaptations for this job:

Extraordinary sense of smell: Unlike most birds, they can detect the gases of decomposition from great distances, helping them find food hidden under the forest canopy or washed up along shorelines.
Highly acidic stomachs: Their digestive systems can neutralize dangerous bacteria and toxins like anthrax or botulism, making them safe consumers of carcasses that would be deadly to many other animals.
Featherless heads: Their bald, reddish heads are more than a fashion statement—they prevent feathers from becoming soiled while feeding deep inside carcasses, keeping the birds cleaner and healthier.

Although often overlooked, scavengers like Turkey Vultures are essential for maintaining balanced ecosystems and keeping them free of waste. Watching one hard at work was a reminder of how every species, big or small, has a role to play in the web of life.

As the day began to wind down, we were treated to one final surprise: a humpback whale encounter. We came across Nike, a well-known whale in our region, travelling alongside an unknown companion. Time was short, with the sun slipping low on the horizon, but even those brief moments were magical. Seeing the dark silhouettes of their blows against the sunset was the perfect way to close the day.

From unexpected family groups of orca to pinniped haulouts to a scavenging vulture and a final sunset whale, today’s trip had it all. Our marine naturalist, Aly Kohlman, captured some amazing photos of the day’s encounters. Scroll down to see the highlights!

September 9, 2025, 3:30 PM - The T059 Gang and two Humpback Whales close to Nanaimo