A solitary orca affectionately known as Old Thom has returned to the Bay of Fundy this year, a tradition he has maintained for two decades, though sightings of him are infrequent. David Matthews, a resident of East Ferry, N.S., has had the privilege of spotting Old Thom four times in recent years and never fails to be amazed by the sight of his majestic dorsal fin slicing through the water.
During a whale-watching tour on September 4, Matthews was delighted to see Old Thom once again. He expressed that encountering Old Thom is always a special moment, even though it happens rarely. Orcas, also referred to as killer whales, are recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings and tall dorsal fins.
On this particular sighting, Old Thom was observed surrounded by a group of 100 dolphins, a spectacle that left onlookers in awe. Amanda Crocker, a guide at Freeport Whale & Seabird Tours, noted that while humpback whales, minke whales, and finback whales are commonly spotted in the bay, the presence of an orca usually surprises visitors.
One such enthusiastic observer is Crystal Richard from Dieppe, who fulfilled her dream of encountering Old Thom last summer. She shared her emotional experience of meeting the orca off the coast of Grand Manan on social media, garnering significant attention. Richard emphasized the rarity and privilege of witnessing Old Thom in his natural habitat.
According to Crocker, who operates on the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy, sightings of Old Thom are infrequent despite the high interest from the public. She described the orca’s distinct features, including a notable notch in its fin, highlighting its unique characteristics. Crocker also mentioned Old Thom’s unusual behavior as a hybrid eater, displaying traits of both resident and transient orcas.
Andrew Westgate, a scientist at the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station, shared insights into Old Thom’s mysterious background, suggesting he may have been separated from his mother as a calf. Westgate mentioned previous sightings of Old Thom in various locations, indicating the orca’s extensive movements along the coast.
With Old Thom’s enigmatic presence captivating locals and visitors alike, his interactions with a group of dolphins challenge the perception of him as a solitary creature. Despite the ongoing fascination with Old Thom, his true origins and age remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of this iconic Bay of Fundy resident.