Book Review - Wild Orcas: A Deep Dive into the World of Killer Whales - Princeton University Press

      Thankfully, in most areas of the world, it is realized that the imprisonment of Orcas - commonly known as Killer Whales - for human entertainment is both inappropriate and cruel, and the practice has been almost universally banned. Public outcry and popular films such as Free Willy played no small role in this outcome, and for this we should be grateful. 

     As this book shows, Killer Whales form complex, organized societies, showing great similarities between whales and humans. Family bonds are close, co-operation is key to survival, intense care for the young, sharing of food and other forms of altruistic and cooperative behaviour are pervasive. 

     Wild Killer Whales have a sophisticated language and communicate continuously, sometimes over great distances to maintain pod cohesion and facilitate hunting strategies. They manifest a touching curiosity about humans and have never been known to intentionally harm any of us, despite the fact that they could do so with ease; by combining forces they are able to overcome Great White Sharks and much larger whales.

     This book provides an enchanting look into the world of Killer Whales, measurably enhanced by the array of high tech devices to enable scientists to understand them with ever greater sophistication and precision. Given the disturbing history of humankind's relationship with marine mammals it is comforting to know that exploitation is no longer our principal goal in getting to know these magnificent creatures better.

     Killer Whales throughout the world's oceans form distinctive groups with unique cultural traits, differences in language with dialects identifying kin, and pod-specific dietary requirements. All are carnivores but some specialize in the consumption of marine mammals, others eat exclusively salmon, for example, and the two populations rarely interact with each other. There are morphological differences, too, raising the possibility that distinct species designation may be warranted.

     These magnificent mammals that returned to the ocean during the Eocene epoch around fifty million years ago are in trouble. The oceans which sustain every aspect of their lives are becoming a sewer. Every human-impacted corner of the globe is being degraded and all life is at risk. Blubber samples taken from whales reveal that it is a repository for fat-soluble forever chemicals. In a process known as bioaccumulation, and its companion evil biomagnification, nursing mothers pass on a toxic concentration of these deadly chemicals to their young, impairing their chances for survival. The concentration of poison is now so great that dead whales are declared hazardous waste. We know what we are doing, we have all the knowledge we need to stop doing it, yet we humans lack the will to act. Whales (and other marine organisms) continue to die around us, we wring our hands, express outrage - and do nothing.

     One of the best known Killer Whale populations in the world is the group in the Salish Sea off the west coast of North America known as the Southern Residents, and it is one of the most at risk. As researchers grimly state, this is "an extinction in plain sight." The Canadian Killer Whale biologist and environmental activist, Alexandra Morton has stated, "If we lose the Southern Residents, it will be the first extinction where every individual's name was known."

     It is a terrible indictment on all of us that we may permit this to happen.

      Read this book. Please read this book - and take it to heart. We have shamed amusement parks into freeing their captive Orcas. Now is the time to push politicians into global action for all species. 

     Ultimately, that means us too.

Wild Orcas: A Deep Dive into the World of Killer Whales - Princeton University Press

Hardcover - US$35.00 - ISBN: 9780691269849

256 pages - 7.5 x 9.75 inches (18.75 x 24.375 cm)

125 colour illustrations

Publication date: 19 May, 2026

WRN Outing to Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area, Huron County, ON

 12 May, 2026

Leaders: David M. Gascoigne and Curtiss MacDonald

Participants: Miriam Bauman, Allen Beacock, Penny Beacock, Jim Bowman, Terry Bullen, Lisa Den Besten, Helen Fowler, Dianne Garceau, Steve Gyorffy, Victoria Ho, Solam Hyolmo lama, Dale Ingrey, Leon Linseman, Melinda Metzger, Geoff Moore, Ruthann Moore, Kathy Moustardi, Marg Paré, Selwyn Tomkun, Mary Ann Vanden Elzen

     The day was cool, but bright and sunny, and we set off in good spirits, anticipating a fine day's birding. We were not disappointed.

     Upon arrival at our first stop at Hullett the first order of business was the traditional group photograph. 

     Everywhere was lush, green and inviting.

     For several people in our group it was their first visit to Hullett Marsh and all expressed great pleasure in being there.

     American Robin (Turdus migratorius) was very common throughout.

     We saw at least three Eastern Phoebes (Sayornis phoebe), flycatching actively and putting on a show for us.

     There is enchantment in this little bird.

     I think that the bloom of Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) must have been at its maximum, for there were carpets of gold everywhere. 

     The number of insects on the flowers bore testament to the importance of this humble plant as a source of nectar for so many species.

Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

Transverse-banded Flower Fly (Eristalis transversa)

     I am accustomed to seeing Northern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) occupy nest boxes, often to the exclusion of other species such as Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), so it was both pleasing and unusual to see an individual at a natural cavity.

      There appears to be recent work at this hole, but I doubt that the wren had anything to do with it. More likely, it is ready to evict the rightful occupant.

      I am sure that we all have our own ideas about "the" birds of spring, but for me Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheuticus ludovicianus) fit the bill.

     Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), that archetypal denizen of the marsh, serenaded us all day - and very agreeable it was, too.

     Feathers on the ground always evoke questions. How did they get there? What species do they belong to?

Strawberries (genus Fragaria)

     We were all excited to see a Merlin (Falco columbarius), although it's safe to say that the songbirds did not share our enthusiasm.

     It obligingly remained in the same location for several minutes and was eagerly viewed by everyone.

     This Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) has lost its tail, in what manner I am not sure.

     It did not affect its choral outpourings at all!

     Here is another Eastern Phoebe.

     A couple of American Redstarts (Setophaga ruticilla) were engaged in a high speed chase, perching for the briefest of moments, declining to show themselves well.

     Here is a little more.

     Finally!

     Miriam's persistence and patience paid off.

     Tree Swallows, as might be expected, were often stationed at their nest box.

     Perhaps the female is inside already incubating eggs.

     There are modest inclines to climb.

     We did not see many female Red-winged Blackbirds; doubtless they are sitting on the nest, but this individual was perhaps taking a break.

     Northern Yellow Warbler (Setophaga aestiva) was quite common, but mostly partly hidden and rarely staying in one spot for more than a few seconds.

     This is the old bridge across the Maitland River.

     Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) is a charming little duck that I see infrequently; Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area is a reliable place to find them.

Globetails (genus Sphaerophoria)

     I am hard pressed to adequately convey the indescribable beauty of the blossom of Apples and Crabapples (genus Malus).

     Last year when we made this trip we took a picture of Mary Ann reading the information boards, and the image has become mildy iconic. She posed in the same manner again, and we'll be sure to have her do it on future outings.

American Robin

  

     Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), with its delightful loud, bubbling song, is appreciated by everyone.

     Sadly, it is now classified as threatened, having experienced a population decline of between 22% and 28% over the past decade.

     This mirrors the experience of so many species, yet as a society we seem unwilling to tackle the accelerating slide towards extinction of so many organisms.

     It was a surprise to see a Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) out on the water.

     Perhaps it will still migrate to the wetlands of the low tundra where it breeds.

     Geoff had a spring in his step.

     There were several Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) far out on the pond.

     We saw many Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), surprisingly none with young.

     As mentioned above, Northern yellow Warbler was ubiquitous.

Baltimore Oriole ♀

      A sighting of an American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) is always special. It was Sonam's keen eyes that first spotted this one lurking in the rushes.

     Just as we were leaving a small group of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) flew overhead, preceded by their distinctive, far-reaching call.

     This is akin to an honour guard for birders!

     I could not help but ponder a couple of times during the day, that, in this age of reductionism and mathematical biology, there is still a place for field naturalists. There is a rare beauty in like-minded people enjoying nature's bounty together. The worth of an activity, or a sighting, extends far beyond statistical significance. 

      On the way home, in keeping with his long-established practice, Curtiss buys everyone an ice cream. I didn't think to take pictures while we were still enjoying our treat, so after the fact will have to do.

      People seem to have gathered in a circle. Whether there is meaning to that, I have no idea. Perhaps silent homage to the joys of friendship welded by the joys of nature.

     Just before leaving, we spotted this species of Snake Millipede (order Julia).

     Unknown to most of us, mysterious even; it was a fitting end to a day spent applauding and enjoying every jot and tiddle of nature - statistically significant or not!