A COASTAL HIGH RISE

 

Queen Charlotte Strait

 Northern Vancouver Island Region, British Columbia

 

The Northern Resident Orcas of Vancouver Island are a fascinating group, comprising over 200 individuals across 34 pods. They are known for their complex social structures and unique vocalizations, with each pod having its own dialect. These orcas have a strong preference for Chinook salmon and are often seen engaging in cooperative hunting and sharing their catch with family members. A particularly captivating behavior is breaching, where an orca propels itself out of the water, which may serve various purposes such as communication, play, or even to dislodge parasites. Witnessing these majestic creatures breach is a breathtaking sight, often observed during whale watching tours around the northern end of Vancouver Island.

 

“A COASTAL HIGH RISE”

Acrylic Painting by

Kathy Harder, Port McNeill, British Columbia

Coastalwaves.ca

@coastalwavespaintings

​