A Spring Encounter with Bigg’s Killer Whales
Spring continues to bring active wildlife encounters to the Salish Sea. On this trip, we encountered two Bigg’s killer whale (transient orca) families — the T65Bs and the T101s — travelling through the area.
Encounters like this highlight how dynamic whale watching in Vancouver can be, particularly in spring when multiple groups may be present in the region.
The T65Bs — Matriline Led by “Chunk”
The T65Bs were led by T65B “Chunk” (born 1993), travelling with members of her matriline:
- T65B1 “Birdsall” (male, born 2011)
- T65B2 “Nettle” (male, born 2019)
- T65B3 “Rook” (born 2023) — sex currently unknown
As with Bigg’s killer whales, this group represents a matrilineal family structure, with offspring remaining associated with their mother.
The T101s — Reef and Her Adult Sons
We also spent time with the T101s, led by T101 “Reef” (born ≤1969), travelling with her two adult sons:
- T101A “Rush” (male, born 1993)
- T101B “Lagoon” (male, born 1997)
In Bigg’s killer whale populations, male offspring typically remain with their mothers throughout their lives, forming long-term social bonds within the matriline.
Observing Multiple Families
During this encounter, both the T65Bs and T101s were observed travelling through the same general area. Associations between Bigg’s killer whale families can occur, though group composition and proximity can change over time.
Why These Moments Matter
Encounters like this provide insight into the social structure of Bigg’s killer whales, which are shaped by strong maternal leadership and long-term family connections.
Each sighting offers a snapshot of:
- multi-generational family groups
- matrilineal organization
- natural movement patterns within the Salish Sea
Whale Watching in the Salish Sea
Spring is an active time for whale watching in Vancouver and the Salish Sea, with Bigg’s killer whales frequently travelling through the region.
As always, sightings vary from day to day, and no two encounters are the same.
Join Us on the Water 🌊
If you’re planning a visit to Vancouver, a whale watching tour on the Salish Sea offers a chance to observe marine wildlife in its natural environment.
👉 Book a tour with Seabreeze Adventures and spend time on the water experiencing these moments firsthand.
