Wildlife Extravaganza
The misty low cloud tempted rain as we set off for our afternoon adventure with skipper Jon aboard MV Seasmoke. Even with the dampness in the air we felt cozy, warm and secure in our mustang float suits and our cameras were ready for any wildlife that spontaneously revealed itself.
After picking up our passenger in Alder Bay we set off in search of Orca that had been seen over an hour ago heading west. We had a decision to make. One group had been sighted heading west in Johnstone Strait, near the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, the other was seen heading west towards Queen Charlotte Strait. ‘Decisions, decisions, which direction should we go?’ We decided to head out into Blackfish Sound, beyond Weynton Passage in an area where Humpbacks are often sighted. That way, if we don’t find the Orca, the Humpbacks whom are larger with a more extensive blow and huge tail fluke would be an easier find.
Thankfully, the whale watching community works together, especially when it comes to broadcasting wildlife encounters. Another operator reported a sighting of Orca not too far from where we were heading.
We aimed our bow towards Bold Head and scanned the horizon for blows and black dorsal fins. Our first impressive sighting was the number of Sooty Shearwaters that were gathered in this area. A magnificent seabird that travels vast distances flying from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern, following the summers that provide nutrient rich ocean food.
We found the honeypot. In glassy calm seas and good visibility we could easily spot the 12 to 15 resident Orcas who foraged for their favourite food, the Chinook salmon; This is a fish that has declined in this region due to over fishing and fish farm contamination. Not too far from where the Orca’s foraged and traveled, at least 15 Pacific White-sided dolphins, the smaller dolphin of the two, were also seen. Yes, Orcas are actually a dolphin and are the largest of the species. We stayed with the whales that at first had no immediate direction. It was easy for us to stay stationary with our engines off, listening to the blows and drifting in the current. Eventually they grouped together within their tight-knit family group and headed back in the direction they had come, aiming for Weynton Passage.
The tour suddenly took a turn. It soon became a free for all – a wildlife extravaganza. At least eight humpback whales joined the Orcas and together they foraged and traveled and dove. Sooty Shearwaters surrounded the Orca, Red-necked phalaropes were seen among the Humpbacks and Common Murres were mixed within the entire feast of fins and feather. It was an absolutely stunning and breath taking sight leaving our guests feeling giddy with excitement and moved by the experience where nature showed us how different species share in the abundance of the sea.
