An Array of Numerous Species all on a Three Hour Tour

Our sightings: Resident Orcas, three Humpback Whales, one Sea Otter, Stellar Sealions, Harbour Seals, Dall's Porpoises, Pacific White-sided dolphins, Rhinoceros Auklets++, Common Murres, Black Oyster Catchers, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles++ and two eaglets in their nest.

It was another active and exciting day on the water with a variety of species encountered, along with a rare and unique sighting of a Sea Otter.

Amongst the bull kelp, tucked alongside the rocks and reefs was a single Sea Otter that is more commonly seen on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The features and movements of this animal stood out from what we typically see when watching Harbour Seals. Like a needle in a haystack, it was a grand opportunity to see an animal that was once hunted to extinction along the waters of the British Columbia coastline. The Sea Otter was entirely at ease swimming amongst some Harbour seals who were fishing in the kelp forest, and had two sea urchins on its chest each time it surfaced to feed while lying on its back! Before this, we had watched a Bald Eagle drag to shore a salmon it had just caught. Its feathers were soaked, and while we had not seen it in the water with the salmon, we were fortunate to see it make landfall.

We were also lucky to be in the right place at the right time when Orcas were reported in the area and were privileged to meet up with the A42's just as they entered Johnstone Strait through Blackney Passage.  The distinct curve of their dorsal fins and energized vocalizations made it clear that they were residents and a family who have been in the area in recent days. We observed as they foraged briefly at Cracroft Point where we sat and watched from a distance with our engines off and it was a wonderful treat to listen to their A-Clan calls via our hydrophone.  

We watched while the orcas continued making their way east towards the Vancouver Island shoreline before turning back. As we entered Blackfish Sound, we observed two Humpback Whales, one of which was slowly making its way west. As we watched a gathering of Gulls, Rhinoceros Auklets and Bald Eagles all feasting upon a herring ball, we also got to see the Humpback whale suddenly surface and lunge forward, lunge feeding through the herring ball. This is one of the most common feeding techniques we see in this region and with this population of Humpback whales. 

The marine layer hung low until later in the morning, when the sun was strong enough to burn the fog layer away, bringing brilliant sunshine over our beautiful wild canvas. It was an amazing tour with so much to see and be grateful for!