Breaching Humpback whales and so much more!
September 26th
Today's Sightings:
Humpback whales, Dall's porpoises, Stellar sea lions, Harbour seals, Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes, Ancient Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Gull species, Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, Cormorants and Common Murres.
As we near the end of our whale watching season having only one touring day to go, we feel the need to take in every morsel of natural phenomena that is revealed right before our eyes while cruising the straits and passages.
Today was a stunner. The seas were like glass, the skies clear and the sun rays soaked us in its beautiful, stunning light. Everything glistened including the slick backs of Humpbacks, the water caressed seals and sea lions, as well as the bull kelp that fringed the rocks and islands where we traveled.
Bald Eagles stood on tops of cedar trees as though they too were taking in the last of the summer. The abundance of animals was a topic of conversation while onboard M.V. Seasmoke. The Stellar sea lions have multiplied in massive numbers, now taking up residence on additional islets and rocks. We had an incredible encounter with a large group who were swimming by, perhaps in pursuit of food. They slowed down, stopped then lifted their heads and shoulders high out of the water and looked straight at us. Their curiosity astounded us as we silently watched.
This morning we were blessed by a sighting of a breaching Humpback whale which occurred shortly after a discussion had just taken place about that very topic. Synchronicity is a fascinating thing.
Despite the fact that we are very much in the middle of Autumn, the signs of summer are holding on by a delightful thread that gives us hope that winter is not yet ready to draw upon us. We have hope that tomorrow, our last tour of the season will offer similar sea and weather conditions. Until then, enjoy the stunning images posted on today's blog.
Seasmoke Whale Watching photo's have been taken by Dave Jones using a telephoto lens and have been cropped.