Killer whale. For so many indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, the killer whale figures prominently in their lives. These "wolves of the sea" define family relationships or clans. They are found in the art and folklore of most, if not all of the tribes. A walk through the tiny community of Alert Bay results in the discovery of many and varied depictions of this black and white marine mammal that has become so well known and both loved and feared worldwide.
Just south of the horseshoe-shaped Cormorant Island, observers on the Sea Bird were excited to hear that a pod of these biggest of the dolphin family had been sighted a short distance ahead. For two hours we drifted round and round in a tidal rip as the whales did the same, pursuing salmon bound for the Fraser River. Two large males, several females and a very tiny young whale surfaced close to our vessel repeatedly, allowing attentive observers to match their dorsal fins and saddle patches with those in an identification catalogue. Finally chilly winds drove us inside to continue our education in depth and we learned to recognize the differences between resident and transient killer whales and of the difference life styles they led.
Just south of the horseshoe-shaped Cormorant Island, observers on the Sea Bird were excited to hear that a pod of these biggest of the dolphin family had been sighted a short distance ahead. For two hours we drifted round and round in a tidal rip as the whales did the same, pursuing salmon bound for the Fraser River. Two large males, several females and a very tiny young whale surfaced close to our vessel repeatedly, allowing attentive observers to match their dorsal fins and saddle patches with those in an identification catalogue. Finally chilly winds drove us inside to continue our education in depth and we learned to recognize the differences between resident and transient killer whales and of the difference life styles they led.
