A Pletheroa of Wildlife

We needed eyes at the back of our heads for our tours today because the wildlife was literally everywhere.  The moment we departed from Alder Bay this morning our eyes fixed on a black bear that foraged along the shore and shortly after Killer Whale dorsal fins were sighted. From the radio chatter we knew that at least three to four families were all spread out and heading in a westerly direction. We slowed right down to get our bearings and figure out the best way to non-intrusively observe these beautiful animals. 

While we drifted in silence a pod passed us by, then continued through some islets that was fringed by Bull kelp. They shot through a narrow gap and we met them on the other side. A large male dorsal fin was amongst this group along with at least four or five younger or smaller whales. 

A large blow from a Humpback took our attention away from the Orca. The Humpback was a large male known as Argonaut and he was doing long, deep dives. Our eyes scanned the horizon and Dall's porpoises were seen in all directions along with more Humpbacks. At one stage a Humpback and Orca breath was seen rising up at the same moment. We had to pinch ourselves as we felt utterly privileged to have witnessed such abundance and beauty. 

By afternoon the sky and sea were blue and the sun made everything glisten. The Orcas had continued heading east, catching a ride with the current so our second tour had some distance to travel to reach them. They swam in their family groups so it was a pleasure to see them surfacing at the same time with uniquely shaped and marked dorsal fins. 

Pacific White-sided dolphins passed by at a great speed,  turning the ocean into a flurry of white water.  We have started to see more Stellar Sea lions in the area, Ancient Murrelets have appeared and more Great Blue Herons are being seen. We are deep in to the richest part of the summer when food provides nourishment for many different and wonderful species.