Blackpearl, Argonaut and other Beauties

Our sightings today: Humpback whales, Harbour seals with many seal pups, Dall’s Porpoises, Steller Sea Lion, Bald Eagles, Belted King Fishers, Red-neck Phalaropes, Rhinoceros Auklets and Pigeon Guillemots. Now that peak whale watching season has drifted upon us, operations at Seasmoke have become busy. The village of Alert Bay has a happy hustle and bustle about the place, with visitors from all over the world enjoying this cultural rich community. As the tourist numbers rise so are the bird numbers.

On our two tours that went out today hundreds of Red Necked Phalaropes were sighted, turning the glassy calm sea into a flurry of activity. Multiple Bald Eagles were observed, perched on cedar tree branches like noble monuments, on the charming Flower Island. Four resident Humpbacks were seen on tours today, with one very familiar face (fluke) identified as Argonaut.

On the afternoon tour it seemed that another resident Humpback, known as Blackpearl, decided to take an afternoon nap. The behaviour observed is seeing their entire body, floating on the surface for long periods of time and then on the odd occasion, they will release a blow, then continue to float as though they were as light as a feather. It is mesmerizing. One must pinch themselves when they realise that they are witnessing, with their very own eyes, a whale sleeping.

A beautiful day in and around the picturesque Alert Bay.