Chainsaw! (Orca)

[Oldnintheway]

T65 "Chainsaw" is one of the most iconic Orcas that visits us here in the Puget Sound. He has a bit of a cult following among Orca enthusiasts, due at least in part to his huge gnarly dorsal fin. Adult male dorsals are +- 6ft tall. Up until a few years ago his appearances were a rarity, and still are few. But he has made an appearance here for the past three years in May and I've been fortunate to see him on each of those occasions. He travels with his Mother, T63 "Whidbey ll", and often joins other families but today it was just the two. These were taken from a bridge that they passed under.

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[Woody Meristem]

Perhaps his dorsal fin was struck by a ship's propeller or ... ?

 

[Louis champan]

Great shots.

 

[Rick S]

Great shots, and thanks for the story behind them.

 

[Oldnintheway]

Perhaps his dorsal fin was struck by a ship's propeller or ... ?

That's a possibility, but it's unknown for sure. There are many Orcas with chunks missing from seal/sea lion bites etc. But Chainsaw's fin is exceptional. The character of their fins is one way that we identify them.

 

[Oldnintheway]

Thanks all. They were back today and had met up with two of their cousins. I followed them for a while but they didn't get close enough for decent shots.

 

[ssheipel]

Cool!