Halloween Orcas near Point Retreat

A pod of five orcas were observed near Point Retreat.  As we came into the area we noticed a large number of gulls flying around and landing on the water.  After a few minutes we realized there were orcas in the same area as the gulls.  We quickly determined that the orcas must have recently made a kill, which attracted the gulls.  As we were moving closer to the area, but still approximately 200 to 300 yards away from the pod, we were shocked to see one of the orcas making a beeline for our boat.  We quickly put our motor in neutral and watched in amazement as it circled our boat for two to three minutes.  It then left and went back to the rest of the pod.  The pod stayed in the area, clearly feeding based on the bird activity.  At times they appeared to be celebrating and socializing with breaching and tail slapping.  As we were watching the orcas, a humpback whale surfaced and passed by.   

The pod has been identified as the T124Ds and T124A2s.  These are transient (mammal eaters) orcas.  Many thanks to Northern Resident Orca Population for identifying these whales for me.

This was a new experience for us.  One we surely never will forget.