Orca- The "L" pod

More from our Canadian trip. I realise these may not be the best of photographs. Being tossed about on a boat by the Pacific swell it's not easy keeping the camera pointing in the same direction, never mind focusing the darn thing.

I just feel so privileged to have seen them I'd like to share.

So jealous Barrie. Must have been amazing

Barry if you had asked I would have held the camera for you!

me jealous?

Why are they known as the L pod? How close were you? What lens?

Dave

Very amazing.

They are a resident pod normally found in the Salish Sea between Vancouver Island and mainland USA. Being resident they are part of a long term scientific study and were designated the L pod of that.

The boats work to a regulation distance, so as not to disturb, I think it's 100 meters. I was using a K3+DA300+1.4X and they have been cropped a good deal.

We were dead lucky, as I say they are normally found down by the USA coast, where the distance is extended to 200 Yards. According to the marine biologist on our boat the pod are salmon eaters and were on a fishing trip up to Tofino in Canadian waters

Once in a lifetime opportunity well caught.

Unlike the others though I'm not in the least bit jealous.


(much)

A great experience well caught on camera ... The first two do well to set the whales off in their environment.

Ah! My mates the L pod. We saw them too, but in US waters on a trip from Anacortes. Always a privilege to see whales and dolphins doing their thing. An experience to treasure.

Our boat had to chase them like mad as they were hunting, then suddenly they stopped and our boat had to keep backing off so as to to break the rules about being too close.

The weather wasn't as good for our trip though.

I ended up with a lot of photos of splashes as well as a couple of orcas.
Had the same problem on the east coast with humpbacks, and they were right by the boat - just kept coming close for a look at as all. Felt they watching us at least as much as we were watching them.

Ridiculously emotional experience every time too.