The Balance of Nature

All the wildlife glimmered today as the bright sunshine sparkled on the wet skins of all the marine mammals we encountered. 

The seas were glassy calm with only a ripple stirred up by a gentle NW breeze. The sky was completely blue and the horizon was crystal clear so all the layers of coastal mountains were visible. Deep forest greens shadowed against the lighter greens on the mountains that were closer to the water, made for a breath-taking backdrop.

We set off at low tide which gave us the opportunity to see foraging and socializing Oyster catchers. The seals were in their usual position sunning themselves on the rocks and the eagles kept a good eye out from their tree top stadium.

A curious Steller sea lion was one of our highlights today as it cruised fairly close to our boat as we drifted in the current in silence. With its jaw wide open it gave us the impression of a strong and sturdy salmon hunter. It is difficult to imagine these sea lions are actually attacked by Transient (Biggs) Orcas.

Speaking of Orca's; as we watched a snoozing Humpback whale that exhaled gently and floated for moments on the surface of the sea, we noticed black dorsal fins surfacing at a distance. How wonderful it is when Orca just 'happen along'. 

From the pointy appearance of their dorsal fins, particularly the male we sighted today, they were likely Transients, the ones that feast on marine mammals both big and small. 

Over the past several years we have noticed a shift in the Orcas we experience in these waters. At one time numerous resident pods would literally spend the entire summer in our nearby straits and channels. Now there is a small collection of resident pods that pop in from time to time but its the Transients we see more frequently. 

Nature is always involved in a balancing act since everything is linked, from plant plankton to the greatest and largest animals on the plant.

The sun kept us toasty warm and the gifts of nature kept us smiling. It was a fantastic tour aboard Seasmoke.