Whales and Weather!

The weather for this afternoon’s tour was truly a mixed bag, with a sunny sky dotted with clouds at the time of departure on flat, calm seas, to some wet conditions and crackling thunder, with lightly choppy waters later in the day. Passengers dressed in their flotation suits were able to stay warm and mostly dry, especially with the canopy overhead. It was worthwhile it to be out on the boat for the wildlife that was observed, such as two Orca - transient (Bigg’s) T2C’s. These carnivorous creatures are differentiated from the Resident Orca by their diet that consists of marine mammals rather than fish, such as Harbour seals, porpoises, Steller and California sea lions and dolphins. They will even from time to time dine on whales that include juvenile Humpbacks or Minkes. The big black and white male had a huge dorsal fin, and was seen for a few minutes before taking a deep dive.

Guests were delighted to see the spotted Harbour seals in the lovely Stephanson Islands, and eight to ten golden Stellar sea lions lounging in the area on the rocks by an active eagle’s nest. A juvenile eagle, mottled brown in colour, was still in this nest, and on previous tours has been observed learning how to fly.

Over by Donegal Head at Malcolm Island, Rhinoceros Auklets were enjoying the wet weather, as nearby, three gentle giants, the Humpback, foraged for food, making shallow dives. They progressed around the top of Blackfish Sound, spouting that ‘whoosh’ of a blow each time they surfaced. The Humpback will typically take a deep dive after a few shallow ones and stay down for roughly ten minutes. It is at this time that they display their tremendous tails, otherwise known as flukes.

Let’s not forget the Dall’s porpoises that one guest described as ‘cavorting’ in the ocean waves. These playful swimmers are quick, and it takes a practiced eye to spot them surface quickly then go underwater again. We are grateful for the rain that brings the salmon, and keeps our spectacular area green. It’s all the same for the creatures that live in the sea.