The Anticipation of Migrating Birds

One of the common questions we get from guests wanting to go out whale watching is; which tour is more likely to have Orcas, the morning or afternoon tour?. It is a difficult question to answer because the whales are influenced by the movements of their food source, salmon as well as the currents and tides which also effect the salmon.

This morning was an example of one scenario. The resident orcas had traveled quite a way east and out of our reach. By afternoon they had utilized the flood current and made their way in to our vicinity.

Despite the lack of Orcas on our morning tour we were blessed with wondrous encounters of other kinds. A good-sized black bear was sighted foraging along the shore. It seemed relaxed with our company therefore remained searching the shoreline for nutritious crustaceans as we watched in awe.

Humpback whales were everywhere. Infact every time we picked up speed to make our way to a different location, we were stopped in our tracks when a blow was encountered.

The first whale of the day was infact a Minke whale and this was sighted having only just left Alder Bay.

The Orcas were traveling close to the Malcolm Island shoreline in a tight group. One family was resting, swimming lethargically side by side. It was spectacular to see them in the calmest of water, where everything on their dorsal and back glistened in the shimmering daylight.

Steller Sea lions are now a highlight on our tours as they gather in huge numbers, posing and vocalizing and allowing our guests to take fabulous photos.

We will soon be anticipating the arrival of the Sooty Shear-waters who stop by this region on their extensive migration to New Zealand. So many wonderful things to still look forward to as we tour our way through September.