A Birder's paradise and Humpback whales!
Our sightings today: Humpback whales, Harbour seals with pups, Dall's porpoises, Bald Eagles, Belted Kingfishers, Black Oyster Catchers, Marbled Murrelets, Ancient Murrelets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots and Western Grebes. It was a birder's paradise out on the water today with numerous sightings of a variety of species foraging at sea and filling the air with feathered flight. It is fascinating to think that some of these birds are feeding on the exact same small schooling fish as the 50 foot long and 30 ton Humpback whale!
At times when we are observing feeding frenzies it appears that both the whales and the birds work well together. The birds take advantage of the food that gets conveniently stirred up by the foraging Humpbacks and the Humpbacks lunge through bait balls that the diving birds (especially Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres) drive to the surface as the schooling fish form tight balls in their attempt to survive when threatened by predators.
One of the Humpback whales that we enjoyed viewing today was Freckles, named because of the white speckled pattern over a dark grey massive body. We also observed Black Pearl and another whale which was not positively identified.
It is a delight for us to have repeat customers. This occurred today with our Hawaiian guests having been out with us the day before, and a gentleman from Germany who was out with us today has already signed up for another adventure aboard MV Seasmoke. It is our goal here at Seasmoke Whale Watching, to gently persuade our guests to fall in love with this area and the abundance of the stunning wildlife it provides. If you leave wanting to come back, we think our goal was accomplished.