After a wonderful wildlife-packed (but orca-free) trip north yesterday, I was excited to hear a report the orcas were back in our range when I arrived to the office early this morning. Yet, as the morning progressed and reports continued to be updated, I became a bit nervous that whales might yet again mosey on northward, to far north for us to catch up with. But, we lucked out and as it all turned out, one group of whales did continued swimming their way northbound, but some members of L pod were reported south of Lime Kiln State Park, headed southbound.

We met up with some L Pod members when we reached False Bay. We travelled offshore, getting some fantastic looks at many L Pod males, including L78 Gaia, and his mother, L2, Grace. The orcas were spread out, some close to shore, others quite far offshore. At one point during the trip we put the hydrophone in the water, no expecting to hear much because the whales were so spread out. However, just as we put the hydrophone down a male orca starting actively fishing 150-200 yard off our port quarter. Everyone on the boat heard the echolocation - you could even here the sound waves bounce off the boat!

This September here in the islands has been one for the books! We have seen orcas galore, the weather has generally been phenomenal, and the wildlife viewing has been at its best!

Over and out,
Ashley, Naturalist


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