Kelly | M/V Osprey | April 18th, 2026 | 1:30pm
I was beyond excited to head inter-island and investigate a whale report just outside Bellingham Bay. The whales reported where the infamous T419's a mysterious NEW (Yes, new) Bigg's killer whale family that was first reported off Vancouver city last month. Made up of:
- T419 — female
- T420 — male, born around 2012
- T421 — born around 2021
Since then, the group of three has made their way down to Seattle and back, seen traveling both alone and with other familiar Bigg's family groups. It is incredibly rare that we find whales that are not already a part of out ID guide book. Researchers were able to trace these whales to photos taken near Anchorage Alaska (outside the typical range for Biggs killer whales). Perhaps a typically very remote family decided to be social and explore new territory? What ever the reason might be, I'm certainty glad that were able to spend time watching these whales transit. Interestingly, they did appear to move different then our typical family groups. Surfacing after almost every long dive split from one other and then slowly regrouping as a trio. Perhaps this is a search/hunting tactic? It was absolutely fascinating to watch. After spending time with our mystery whales we had one final bonus encounter, a fluking gray whale just 5 minutes to the south. We were treated to incredible looks at this massive whale as it surfaced showing of its dappled gray skin and barnacles. Watching in awe as it threw up its gorgeous tail to indicate a long dive.