Beautiful blue waters with Humpback Whales and Orcas!
August 30th
Our sightings: Orcas (A30's, I15's) Humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, Stellar sea lions, Harbour seals, Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Gull species and Belted Kingfishers.
It was another day of magic and wonder and while the A23's/A25's were foraging at Blackney Passage, we headed out on our tour towards Blackfish Sound, passing Humpback whale Domino en route.
On hearing a loud trumpeting sound in the distance and then seeing a Humpback whale tail slap, we were curious and made our way towards the whale. The weather was overcast and the sea glassy calm with sun showing itself intermittently and so our viewing was exceptional. To our surprise, we found the whale in amongst numerous Stellar sea lions who were all around it and seemingly unperturbed by the large whale they had congregated around. The whale in turn trumpeted again and we watched from a distance amazed by the spectacle of sea lions bobbing all around the whale.
Orcas were reported near the Foster Islands, they were the A30's and I15's who were spread out and foraging and it was an amazing sight to see them in such beautiful surroundings with the Coast Range Mountains looking to be so near in the atmospheric conditions that were present at the time.
At Donegal Head we viewed another Humpback whale and then six more in Weynton Passage, one of which was lunging through a bait ball. The weather was changing, a squall was passing over and sea conditions and wind had picked up on our return home.
Back in Alder Bay we were treated to the viewing of a mother River Otter and her she growing kits on the dock.
It was a beautiful day of blue waters, Humpback whales and Orcas!
Seasmoke Whale Watching photo's have been taken by Dave Jones.