And Then There were Two

Today was an exciting day on the water even for us locals.

For many years we have had the occasional sighting of a single Sea Otter within our neighboring islands. This specie is known for inhabiting the Wild West coast where they typically live, breed and forage. Over the years their population which was once completely wiped out here on Vancouver Island, has been growing and their distribution has spread into the inside waters. Today we were thrilled to see a pair of Sea otters swimming side by side, and even with a look through binoculars it was difficult to determine the relationship between the pair. Perhaps and we are hopeful, it was a parent with a pup which would be very exciting to know that they are successfully breeding.

Our day just got better and better especially as we witnessed the dynamic feeding behaviour of three Humpbacks. At times they lunged their body forward with a wide open jaw to scoop the schooling fish that they preyed upon. They also used the herding method called bubble net feeding, when they create a net out of bubbles by spiraling up towards the surface, releasing bubbles which then surrounds and traps a ball of bait fish. It was an opportunity to see this 30 ton gentle giant in action and how awe-inspiring it was. We had two guests who had never in their lives seen a whale in real life, so this experience thrilled them to bits.

 It was quiet on the bird front today but as usual it was a delight to see the Eagles poised in their lookout towers, either on a limb of tree or a lichen covered rock. Dall’s porpoise were easily spotted as the sea was like glass with not a single breath of wind in the air.

 It was a day of firsts and for those that live in this region, a day like this makes us truly believe that there is still so much to discover and enjoy, and with nature, every single moment is unlike the last. We are grateful to live in paradise.