We are grateful for our summer of abundant and varied wildlife encounters.
September 27th
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, Pelagic Cormorants and Common Murres.
Heavy fog and brilliant sunshine, Humpback whales lunge feeding through numerous bait balls and frolicking sea lions, all took the spot light today as we cruised amongst the scenic rock gardens and bays of this Northern Vancouver Island region.
As sea smoke blanketed the islands and islets of our coastal marine paradise, the M.V. Seasmoke headed out for the final tour of our 2017 season. It is a bittersweet feeling to be hanging up the float suits, winterizing our vessel and closing the office doors. For some of us who are privileged to live in this region, the day has arrived that we begin our farewells, saying goodbye to the majestic and incredible animals who for the summer have called this place home. While some species remain here throughout the winter, most will move on to their wintering grounds including the resident Orcas and Humpback Whales.
When we look back on our posted blogs and images and recall all our profound wildlife encounters, we cannot help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. Nature in its own rhythm went about its way, balancing within an ecosystem so fascinating yet so fragile.
We have observed feasting Humpback whales, foraging and socializing Orcas, grazing Black bears, diving seabirds, soaring Bald Eagles and sunbathing seals along with numerous other animals. They were simply doing their thing, in their own unique way, all ultimately trying to survive and thrive.
We can only hope that our visitors, along with their photographs and memories, have taken away from their experience while aboard M. V. Seasmoke, an understanding that we are all a part of this Natural World. Humans, whales, birds and bears can coexist in harmony as long as there is an understanding and respect for the needs of all living things. We play a huge role in being the voice for the coast and all who dwell here, therefore ambassadors we have become.
How wonderful it has been to have had the opportunity to share this with visitors from all over the world. May the coming seasons be gentle for our wildlife and kind to all those who shared their lives with us here at Seasmoke.
Thank you.
Seasmoke Whale Watching photo's have been taken by Dave Jones using a telephoto lens and have been cropped.