Sharing our backyard

July 16th 2020 UPDATE

During our tour today, the variety of wildlife really gave the feeling that summer and our whale watching season had truly begun.  

A thoughtful fisherman was kind enough to make a call on the VHF radio letting us whale watchers know that he was seeing Orca heading into Blackfish Sound. With fewer boats on the water and less eyes looking out for whales, this was a really helpful gesture and much appreciated by our guests and skipper Jon.

After picking up our remaining guests in Alder Bay we went directly towards the area the whales had been seen. As we approached Flower Island we were able to see black dorsal fins breaking the surface and the breaths of these whales lingering in the misty, still air. At least five whales were seen traveling south towards the entrance of Blackney Passage and Johnstone Strait. It was thrilling to have our first encounter with Northern Resident Orca and it was no surprise that the pod belonged to the A30’s.  This pod has been one of the first to arrive in the area and one of the true locals who frequently spend time in this region throughout the summer months. We were treated by a breaching juvenile who literally cleared the water with its entire 6+ ton black and white body. Orca, being the largest of the dolphins, display this kind of playful behaviour which we thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.

Foraging Humpback whales was also a delight to observe as they dove deep in search of food, lifting their massive flukes high out of the water. They may have been foraging in the wrong place because in other areas we saw numerous bird species feasting on bait balls. Jon was able to catch (by camera) a gull ‘red handed’. It appeared to be a juvenile Herring that was in the beak of this happy gull, pleased with its catch. Bald Eagles also partook in the buffet as they to dramatically dove to scoop fish with their tremendously strong talons. Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres were also making the most of the abundance of ocean food.

By late afternoon the mist and gentle rain had dissipated and the sea remained calm, offering us a comfortable ride and easy wildlife viewing. How good is it to be on the water again, sharing with our guests the wonders of our backyard.