Into and out of the rain we went!
September 9th
Today's Sightings:
Orcas, Humpback whales, a Minke Whale, Dall's porpoises, Pacific White-sided dolphins, Stellar sea lions, Harbour seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Gull species, Belted Kingfishers and Common Murres.
Signs of fall are in the air as storm clouds and heavy rain joined us on the first of two trips we had out today. Thankfully rain doesn't deter the wildlife in any way so it was another animal packed day of touring.
Humpback whales continue to be the highlight during our tours, due to their dynamic feeding behaviour, their large bodies and explosive blows, and the numbers of individuals we are encountering. At least twenty whales were viewed today and some who have been in the area since the middle of spring when our season was just beginning.
By the time our afternoon tour was underway; orcas (A23's/A25's) had come in to the area and were foraging in Beaver Cove. Dall's porpoises were foraging in the same vicinity and by this time the clouds had parted, blue sky appeared and the sun dried off the damp.
September is all about abundance. The nutrient rich ocean is at its richest so all the marine mammals, bird species, bears and other marine life all have food at the ready.
In some ways it is the opposite in regard's to us humans. Tourists are now fewer in numbers, the tourism season is winding down and locals are starting to prepare for the coming winter months. As September moves onwards to October we begin to see a sudden change in the weather and the wildlife. Until then, we will continue to proudly show people our abundantly beautiful back yard.
Seasmoke Whale Watching photo's have been taken by Dave Jones using a telephoto lens and have been cropped.