Amazing Humpback Breach!

It was a warm, sunny afternoon with some cloud when the MV Seasmoke departed the Alert Bay dock. There was just a light breeze and seas were calm. Our passengers were in for a treat today, while not only did they sight the Northern Resident ‘I’ pod that have been frequenting Blackfish Sound, but were lucky enough to be out near Bold Head also in the Sound, when a Humpback did a full breach out of the water!

To start with, the Seamsmoke picked up more guests at Alder Bay resort and the skipper took a great photo of a Blue heron resting at the dock. These wonderful, almost prehistoric-looking birds that frequent our coast, emit a great ‘squawk’ as they fly. The tour carried on with a leisurely cruise through the Stephanson Islands where Harbour seals rested on rocky islets. In the Plumper group of Islands, Stellar sea lions were observed.

Finally out in Blackfish Sound near Flower Island, our group came upon a resting line of six to eight I27s and I65s. These Northern Resident Orca were not moving anywhere, and in this state will shut down half their brain, while the other half keeps them surfacing as needed to catch a breath. Also at Flower Island, a Humpback was seen, then two more in front of Orcalab at Hanson Island and finally four more at Bold Point!

Passengers also talked about the Dall’s porpoise they saw out in the Sound, the Bald eagles and the many waterfowl such as the Red Necked Phalarope, Red Necked Grebe, Common Murre and Pigeon Guillemot. It was indeed a spectacular day for wildlife viewing in their own world that we are privileged to share.