Serge asks about seeing Orcas (and Orcas eating "on-topic" birds) in SW
British Columbia. I'll respond to all Tweeters. I sent the attached (below)
to Don Baccus in response to his earlier request.

August is a great month for Orcas at both Telegraph Cove and Juan de Fuca
Strait. Get out and see if you can identify individual Orcas. There is a
cataloge of "mug-shots" for the BC/Washington animals, and one for SE Alaska/
Prince William Sound. The Vancouver Aquarium should have both on hand, as
might the BC Ferries.

I recall verbal accounts, and perhaps a photo or two, of Orcas "killing" sea
birds, but I'm not sure of evidence that the victims were actually consumed.
The incident(s) could have been curiosity or "play" on the part of a young
Orca. I've had experiences of watching Orcas hunt, chase, capture and
consume a Harbour Seal and a Horbour Porpoise, and recently watched a pod
of 6 chasing, in a wild, 4-minute melee (Serge will feel at home with that
word), two or more Dall's Porpoises, apparently without success. Watching
large mammals in the act of predation when one can see only 5-10% of the
action is still terrifically exciting...and amazing.

Bryan Gates, Victoria
bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORWARDED FROM: Gates, Bryan
TO: Baccus, Don

SUBJECT: Orca Search

Hi Don: Your photographer friend from the east may not not have time to get
to Vancouver Island and Victoria, but if he should, there are 2 or more
Orca watching charters here in Victoria and a great one - with perhaps the
best chance of seeing and really experiencing the species - further north on
Van. Is.

The latter is Stubb's Island Charters at Telegraph Cove (on Johnstone
Strait), north of Campbell River. Jim Borrowman or Bill and Donna McKay run
a great charter, in two good, dry boats with good food. They specialize in
the "resident" pods of the n. island (many animals). They would be pleased
to advise him and may even be able to get him out on a special photo
mission. Call 1-800-665-3066 or Fax (604) 928-3102. If he is a birder, he
could see (in Sept) Fork-tailed and Leach's storm-petrels, Sabine's Gull,
Black-legged Kittiwake, Sooty and Short-tailed shearwaters, 2 or 3 jaegers,
phalaropes and who knows what else. Some excellent salmon fishing at that
time as well. I've been there in many Septembers and have enjoyed it every
time.

In Victoria, Seacoast Expeditions (604) 383-2254 would be my choice. They
work their fast Zodiacs in Juan de Fuca Strait and s. Strait of Georgia,
searching for the s. "resident" pods of Orcas.

Tell him to call me if he wants more (604) 387-1725 office, or (604) 598-7789
at home.

Bryan Gates, Victoria
bgates at assessment.env.gov.bc.ca