Encounter #030-01
June 23, 2007 - T14
Platform: Orca
Departed Snug Harbor: 3:20 p.m.
Begin Encounter: 3:42 p.m.
Start Lat: 48° 30.51 N
Start Long: 123° 15.52 W
End encounter: 6:00 p.m.
End Lat: 48° 35.75 N
End Long: 123° 19.53 W
Returned to Snug Harbor: 6:25 p.m.
Observers: Dave Ellifrit, Astrid van Ginneken, Kim Marlor and Basil von Ah.
Center for Whale Research staff observed transient male T14 June 23, 2007 traveling slowly northbound and occassionally milling near D'Arcy island in Sidney Channel. During the encounter several Harbor porpoises were observed in the vicinity of T14, and at one point birds were seen diving at the surface after the transient male passed, leading staff to believe T14 made a kill beneath the surface and birds were presumably diving on scraps. Following nearly two hours of detailed observations staff then witnessed T14 engage in circling and lunging several times after prey. Staff observed T14 successfully catch a Harbor porpoise and subsequently return to travelling northbound with the animal carried in his mouth. T14 made another circling lunge effort just 15 minutes later, though no prey was observed. Staff ended the encounter in Sidney Channel as T14 continued traveling slowly northbound.
T14 was photographed traveling near Race Rocks, May 9, 2007. T14 has a very unique history, including having been captured and released back in 1976.
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Transient male T14 lunges after a Harbor porpoise just moments before he caught and consumed the small mammal.