Lively Ocean Currents Stirs up Food for the Wildlife

It is fascinating to observe the behaviours of the local wildlife, day to day, hour by hour as the tide and current move through their cycle. The animals of this region are intuitively in tune with their surroundings and we have the privilege to observe. 

Our day began with overcast skies and the grey coloured sea to match. It was quiet and calm which made for a comfortable and easy ride aboard the MV Seasmoke. We meandered through the narrow scenic passageways of Pearce Islands and slowed down to enjoy the sights of Seals coating rocks by the dozens and Bald Eagles perched high up on exposed tree stumps and branches. 

Humpbacks foraged in close proximity to eachother so at times we had six whales in our vicinity. Ripple and her calf were amongst them. By this time we had heard their were Orcas deep inside Robson Bight and out of our reach. After viewing Humpbacks we made our way to where we hoped the Orcas would exit the boundary and as though right on cue, they did so. 

They had a place to be and that was Cracroft Point where a rip tide was gurgling and bubbling as the flood current picked up speed. By the time our afternoon tour was underway we were able to establish ourselves on the edge of the rip and observe intriguing behaviour with both Orca and Pacific White-sided dolphins foraging side by side. At times it seemed as though the dolphins were pestering the Orca's as they darted in, then out and around a small pod of Orca. The whales responded by diving deep and staying under longer than usual, as though trying to hide and escape. 

By mid afternoon the sun was high in the sky and the clouds had shifted allowing the heat to warm up the day, and a stunning day it was.