Wind and the Whales

We were surprised to experience such windy conditions with a forecast that actually seemed reasonable. The SE wind was due to drop 5 to 15 knots by afternoon but in both Johnstone Strait and Blackfish Sound a 4 to 5 foot chop kept us lively. Our guests were refreshed by ocean spray that skipped up and over the bow numerous times, but it did not stop us from finding whales.

There were a number of Orca groups around today and spread out in different locations. Some were traveling in Blackfish Sound - east bound, while others were heading towards the west. They too have to work harder in lumpy conditions, particularly the younger whales with less experience and body length. They literally lunge forward at a greater speed, as though trying to make some headway, gather momentum or simply clearing their blow hole to exhale and inhale.

A 23’s, A 25’s and A 30’s were the families we observed today, consisting of a good mix of male and female. The male is easier to identify due to the tall dorsal fin that tends to have more nicks and notches. A good comparison is teenage boys with scarred up knees and elbows from living life large. These unique markings on male dorsal fins give researchers and whale watchers alike, a way to figure out helps which family groups are in the area.

We viewed foraging Humpbacks at Bold head, but the lumpy conditions made it challenging to stay for too long. Stellar sea lions, Harbour seals, Rhinocerus Auklets and Black Turnstones were some of the species we were able to observe. A juvenile Bald Eagle gave us a fabulous opportunity to witness its powerful landing maneuver, with talons sharply pointed towards the branch it was about to land on, and the wings in braking formation.

It was wild, wet, windy and wonderful adventure on the water with Seasmoke.