Today was another beautiful day on the water and the viewing of orcas was exceptional. This morning we headed in the direction of Johnstone Strait and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and it was not so long to wait before we could see the distinctive tall dorsal fin of an approaching adult male orca. The A36 brothers were on their way back to the west foraging steadily, they were well spread out across Johnston Strait. A12 was also sighted, she was foraging very close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was parallel to her while A32 and A46 were over on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait. The three brothers converged together at Cracroft Point and continued to forage in the flood current. It was exciting to see them feeding, moving back and forth with powerful strokes in chase of salmon. On the afternoon tour passengers enjoyed their time viewing the same A36 brothers and the A12 matriline who had continued to travel further west and were foraging west of Blinkhorn and our encounter with them on this tour was while sailing. The experience of moving quietly along with them under sail was wonderful and passengers were able to listen to their A-Clan calls via the trailing hydrophone. Meanwhile, the A30’s, who had traveled east from Lizard Point this morning were observed entering Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound via a narrow waterway that separates the Plumper Island group from Hanson Island and is known locally as the ‘Blowhole’. It is always a special treat to see orcas navigating through the narrow island waterways in this manner and on this occasion, the A30’s (10 orcas in total), was a powerfully moving sight to see. Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Gulls++(Mews, California, Herring and Glaucous-Winged).

The morning was a glorious one when we set out, the sunlight was shining bright and burning off the fog. Following up on a report that orcas were seen earlier heading out through Weynton Passage in the fog, we had gone in that direction and once out into the Queen Charlotte Strait the visibility was clear yet there were no orcas initially in sight and the flood current was strong. It was quite by chance the orcas were sighted, they were tucked in very close to Donegal Head on the south side and traveling close to the shore. Once around the corner of Donegal Head the A30’s spread out and were foraging extensively, A30 and A38 were foraging together as they had been yesterday and foraged closest to the Malcolm Island shoreline. There was a lot of activity observed from both A50’s and A54’s calves including breaching, pectoral and tail slapping, all seen at a distance. It was wonderful to see their exuberant and free-style fun in a wide and almost empty ocean (of boats), having it to themselves for awhile. Their A-Clan calls and ecolocations were superb to listen to and enjoyed by all passengers on both of our vessels. At Bold Head a Humpback Whale was sighted and was identified by its fluke as being the same Humpback Whale we had seen yesterday BCYO177 (known as Slash because it has no dorsal fin and has slashes visible on its body close to the dorsal fin area, the cause of propellor damage). Passengers on the Motor Cruise this afternoon enjoyed viewing the A36 brothers and A12. They had been foraging off Cracroft Point for most of the day and were well spread out in Johnstone Strait, from Izumi Rock to Big Bay on Hanson Island and later, further west to Blinkhorn. Their A-Clan calls as always, were beautiful to listen to. Other species also seen were: Dall’s Porpoises, Stellar Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Gulls++

Today was an exceptional day for viewing marine mammals in the area and it had to be again one of the warmest days of the summer. The fog was clearing as we neared the Stephenson Islands and Johnstone Strait stretched ahead of us looking like a mill pond.It was so beautiful and already blows could be seen down at Cracroft Point. Two of the A36 brothers: A37 and A38 were foraging back and forth, lunge feeding at times, their A-Clan calls were wonderful to listen to as well their ecolocations via the hydrophone. A12 was reported further back in Blackfish Sound but ahead of the A30’s who were also en route. We traveled a little further east where we could see numerous blows and orcas heading to the west, the A23’s passed by, close to the West Cracroft Island shoreline, the other groups of A5’s (and possible A24’s) were seen at a distance, they were resting and then they turned and headed back east. Meanwhile the A30’s, with A30 and A38 in the lead had entered the Strait at Blakney Passage and were headed to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve; A50 and her calves followed next and then A54 and her calves with a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins interacting with them as they did yesterday. Dalls Porpoise were also active, feeding nearby. The A36’s were still foraging at Cracroft Point when we headed into Blackfish Sound. A Humpback Whale, later identified as BCYO177 (known as Slash because it has no dorsal fin and has slashes visible on its body close to the dorsal fin area, the cause of propellor damage) was sighted out in the Queen Charlotte Strait. The viewing was absolutely amazing for everyone on board observing as the whale fed, lunge diving and bubble netting on a herring ball close by. Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Gulls+++were also feeding on the herring ball. Other highlights of the day included the viewing of a mother Black Bear and her cub who were foraging along a beach and a very young/small mink was also sighted running along a rocky shore.

It was a beautiful afternoon when we set out on tour and one of the hottest days that we have encountered so far this summer. We headed east in Johnstone Strait and soon the orcas were in sight, the A30’s traveling to the west nearing Blinkhorn. A38 and A30 were in the lead, A39 was far over on the Hanson Island shore while A50 and A54, each traveling with their off-spring were close to the Vancouver Island shoreline. All were foraging and while our hydrophone was deployed, there were no vocals to be heard. Suddenly, A30 with A38 had made their turn and began traveling east together, A54 and calves turned next and then A50 and calves while A39 continued to forage a little longer to the west before turning back. A54 and calves made their way east crossing more towards the Hanson Island side of the Strait and closest to A39. A small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were present throughout our viewing of the orcas, darting back and forth and A54 ‘s calves at one point were seen interacting with them. It was in Blackfish Sound that a Humpback Whale was sighted and soon after, two groups of Stellar Sea Lions were seen swimming. On our way home we traveled the scenic waterways partaking of the beauty that is ever present and made even more so by the shimmering sunshine and beautiful blue sky and ocean. Other species also seen: Dall’s Porpoise, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in it’s nest, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Harlequin Ducks, California, Mew and Herring Gulls.

The fog was a heavy one this morning when we headed out on tour. Shortly after our departure large numbers of Rhinoceros Aucklets were sighted in Broughton Strait having feasted around a large herring ball. We traveled through the Pearse Islands where passengers observed hauled out Harbour Seals and Bald Eagles in the trees, they were also fishing off a herring ball and as we neared the Plumper Islands 10+ Stellar Sea Lions were sighted swimming. Distant A-Clan orca calls had been reported as being heard out in the Queen Charlotte Strait near the White Cliff Islands and while several boats were looking and listening at various locations, the orcas could not been seen or their blows heard through the heavy fog. With a report that the A36 (three) brothers and A12 were heading west at Boat Bay, we headed in their direction through Blackfish Sound. The fog was still heavy behind us as we travelled and it was not until we neared Burnt Point that it began to disperse. We entered Johnstone Strait and into a beautiful clear and sunny day and headed in the direction of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. We sighted two orcas outside of the Reserve and watched as they made their way further west, A12 was in the lead. It was at Izumi Rock that we encountered and enjoyed the company of A12 and A37 foraging steadily together back and forth; A46 and A32 were further back inside the Reserve boundary. The viewing of A12 and A37 was simply beautiful, the light that was shining upon them at Izumi Rock and the trailing kelp forest was exquisite. A12 and A37 looked very much at home in the company of each other at the time of our viewing. It was reported that the A30’s, the pod that had been obscured from sight all morning by the heavy fog were at last sighted in Blackfish Sound approaching Flower Island.

The fog was heavy this morning and seemed to hang in far longer than usual however, it did not prevent us from viewing orcas and today’s viewing was no exception as passengers and crew alike were treated to some beautiful visuals of the A36’s (three brothers) and Matriline A12. As we made our way down Johnstone Strait following alongside of the Vancouver Island shoreline we listened for blows and as we approached Kaikash Beach we began to hear them. The first orca sighted was A46, his fin appearing through the blanket of white was an awesome sight. He was foraging steadily along, traveling west and close to the VI shore. We could hear other blows parallel and also from behind and as we waited in anticipation, the distinctive dorsal fin of A12 appeared. A32 appeared next, he had been foraging parallel at a distance further out and as we watched, he crossed over behind our stern and was seen moving towards the shoreline at Blinkhorn foraging as he went. It was at this point when suddenly A37 also appeared. The four orcas were intent on feeding and while ecolocation was heard via the hydrophone, no A-Clan calls were heard. We observed them make their turn and begin to slowly angle back towards the east, A46 and A12 had surfaced together following a long dive. As we continued west and homeward bound, Johnstone Strait was almost clear of fog and the sun and a bright blue sky had appeared. Other species also seen were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles fishing over a herring ball, Rhinoceros Aucklets, two white-tailed deer on the beach and Common Murres.

The fog cleared rapidly this morning and not long after our departure, orcas were sighted off the Bauza Islets, they were well spread out and foraging and were identified as being the A36 brothers and A12. A46 was the first orca we came upon at the Islets followed by A37. It was a while before we sighted A12, she was much further to the east and mid-strait, and as we watched she crossed over, making her way to Blinkhorn on the Vancouver Island shore where A38 was also sighted. When they made their turn they all angled back towards Cracroft Point and made their way slowly against the ebb current in that direction. Other species also seen were: Dall’s Porpoises (and two chasing fish), Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Red-Necked Phalaropes, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers and Pigeon Guillemots.

It was another remarkable day of viewing orcas in Blackfish Sound and Johnstone Strait. Today we encountered two groups of resident orcas heading east of Burnt Point in Blackfish Sound, they were the A30’s who were in the lead followed by the C10’s; both pods were favoring the Hanson Island shore and traveling slowly against a strong ebb current. As the groups neared the bottom of Hanson Island the A30’s stalled, were milling about and resting against the current while the C10’s moved ahead milling just at Cracroft Point allowing the A30’s to enter Johnstone Strait first. This is the first time for seeing the C10’s this summer so it was very exciting indeed. It has been confirmed by DFO that both C23 and C10 each have new calves. With both the pods in Johnstone Strait, they began heading to the east. The viewing was beautiful throughout and it was wonderful observing the dynamics between the two pods. There was a lot of interaction between family members with pectoral and tail slapping and spy-hopping being observed. Other species also seen were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Stellar Sea Lions, Bald Eagles fishing ++ and in trees, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Red-Necked Phalaropes and Pigeon Guillemots.

It was a splendid day for observing orcas in Johnstone Strait with passengers on both the morning and afternoon sailing’s enjoying some quality viewing. As we headed out this morning, in Cormorant Channel, gulls galore were feeding on a herring ball as were Bald Eagles, swooping in low to fish. Orcas were reported traveling in from Donegal Head and were sighted off Bold Head, but ahead of this a large Minke Whale was sighted. The orcas were identified as being the A30’s and they were east bound in Blackfish Sound. A39 was traveling closest to the Hanson Island shore while the A54’s were ahead of him; A30 and A38 were seen together over on the Swanson Island shore and the A50’s parallel to them. While stopping to hoist our main sail and with the engine off, we listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone. Upon entering Johnstone Strait some of the A30’s foraged briefly but all were seen moving swiftly to the east. On the afternoon tour the viewing was also exciting as the A36 brothers and A12 were traveling back to the west in Johnstone Strait, they were spread out and foraging intensely. Our entire time spent with the orcas on this tour was under sail using our main sail, passengers enjoyed the experience of sailing quietly with them and while trailing our hydrophone, their A-Clan calls could be heard from time to time. Traveling home via the island waterways was glorious: the kelp forests and trees on shore sparkled in the warm afternoon sunlight and, when we least expected it, a Minke Whale was sighted in Cormorant Channel. It was a wonderful sighting and way to end the tour on. Other species also seen were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Stellar Sea Lions, Bald Eagles fishing ++ and in trees, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Red-Necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Great Blue Herons, 27 Canada Geese and a Humming bird.

Some breathtaking and magical moments were enjoyed by all on board S.V. Tuan today. We headed out this morning in the direction of Johnstone Strait and as we travelled, a report came in that a group of orcas were east bound in Blackfish Sound. We had also learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were at the west end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and were west bound along the Vancouver Island shoreline. Arriving at Blackney Passage we were just in time to hear the blows of approaching orcas through a curtain of fog that was wafting out from Blackfish Sound and then in a moment, ‘ there they were’! With the engine cut and the hydrophone deployed, it was beautiful to listen to the chorus of their A-Clan calls, signaling the arrival of the A34’s into the Strait. Just prior to their entering, it was observed that the A36 brothers became excited with breaching and spy-hopping activity and A12 had been seen making her way towards Cracroft Point. It was an extremely moving sight to witness and a privilege to share with others as the rest of the Matriline A12’s family: her daughter and her daughters offspring, 8 orcas which included A62’s newest calf and A67’s first calf, made their way into the Strait on a flood current. We watched spellbound, the antics of A62’s two calves calves playing together spy-hopping and tail lobbing, as they travelled with their mother A62 and uncle A55. The A36 brothers were closest to this small group especially so A46 while the rest of the A34’s had travelled more quickly to the east down the West Cracroft Island shore. The viewing was superb as were the vivid images held in the minds of all on board. Other species also seen were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Red-Necked Phalaropes and Pigeon Guillemots.

It was a day of interest and intrigue. As we headed into Blackfish Sound this morning the fog drifted lower, yet ahead of this, several Dall’s Porpoises joined us at the bow of the boat, darting back and forth. It was wonderful to see them close and fun for everyone onboard. When a fisherman reported seeing orcas in the fog at Lizard Point we headed in that direction. The fog was clearing quickly and soon the Queen Charlotte Strait was open before us. We found the orcas foraging extensively at Lizard Point, they were well spread out. A12 and A37 were foraging in close proximity together while A32 & A46 were foraging back and forth together. At the time of our viewing, passengers enjoyed sailing quietly with them, ecolation was heard via the trailing hydrophone but there were no vocals. As we headed back, a Humpback Whale was sighted at the Plumper Islands in Weynton Passage, it was a surprise ending to a wonderful day of viewing. Other species also seen were: Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles fishing, in flight and in the trees, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Red-Necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones.

Today was a beautiful day, rich in colour and movement in an ever changing marine environment. Heading down Johnstone Strait this morning Dalls Porpoises++ could be seen in the distance at Blakney Passage, they were feeding in the flood current. At the bottom of Hanson Island we left the Strait and entered into Blackfish Sound, and soon after, the boat was surrounded by numerous Dalls Porpoises who were riding at the bow of the boat and seemed to be everywhere we looked, darting back and forth. In the midst of all of the activity a Humpback Whale surfaced where other Dalls Porpoises were feeding, surprising everyone on board. The viewing of this Humpback Whale who moved further down Blackfish Sound and was soon seen foraging very close to a rock wall and of the Dalls Porpoises, who continued to dive around the boat, was superb.

Todays tour was a very special one, made so by the beautiful dynamics displayed between a matriline who has in recent months lost her son and of three brothers who lost their mother several years ago. We encountered the A36 brothers with A12 near to Bold Head in Blackfish Sound. All of the orcas were very relaxed, some were seen resting while others were foraging, moving very slowly to the west yet not going any distance. A12 was observed spending time very close to A46, A32 was closest to Swanson Island and A37 was not so far from A12 and A46. Passengers enjoyed listening to their A-Clan calls via the hydrophone as we drifted in the current. The orcas rested, drifting towards Donegal Head while A32 continued to forage.
All the while numerous Bald Eagles were working a herring ball and some wonderful viewing of the Eagles swooping low to pick up herring in their talons was observed, along with Rhinoceros Auklets who were also diving and feeding. As we neared the orcas again, a single Pacific White-sided Dolphin was seen amongst them and then the orcas disappeared for a long dive, resurfacing, they were seen to have grouped altogether. With A12 traveling between A46 and A32 and A37 alongside; it really was quite wonderful to see. Their movement carried them towards Weynton Passage and it was at Stubbs Island that they finally were seen to have made up their minds to head in that direction into Johnston Strait with the flood current pushing them along. Even in the distance as we watched, the four orcas made their way into Johnstone Strait, they were relaxed, swimming alongside in traveling sequence with A12 tight between A32 and A46 with A37 to the left of A32. Having watched A12 solo and alone for several days not so long ago, it truly was heartwarming to see her in this way today.

This afternoon we headed in the direction of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve in Johnstone Strait as the A30’s and A12 were headed back from their journey to the east. Our first sighting showed an orca at Critical Point, soon after others were sighted further back and traveling very close along the VI shoreline. They were all moving at a steady pace foraging as they went. We identified A38 and then A12 who was close behind him a distance out from the shoreline yet closer to the VI shore while A39 was headed more towards the Cracroft Island shoreline. A50 and A54, each with their off-spring including A54’s new calf A94 were also later seen. With the hydrophone deployed, A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to. The sun was shining brightly and the VI shoreline was sparkling with its intense bright light. On the way home Dalls Porpoises were riding at the bow of the boat to the delight of all on board.

It was a calm and very peaceful day to be out on tour and our encounter with the orcas was very early on as they neared Blinkhorn. The A30’s were making their way foraging along the VI shore. A30 was in the lead with A38 close by, another male was sighted (A39) foraging opposite across the Strait on the Hanson Island shoreline and A12 was further east of him. A54 and her off-spring followed behind A30 & A38 and lastly, A50 and her calves with A72 in the lead. It was especially beautiful to sit listening to their A-Clan calls via the hydrophone, some resting calls were heard amongst others and suddenly as is usual, they all turned and began proceeding to travel back to the east. Other species also seen were: hauled out Harbour Seals, mothers and their pups, Rhinoceros Auklets+++, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in its nest, Common Murres and Red-Necked Phalaropes, Black Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones.

Today’s tour was simply wonderful. Our passengers enjoyed some brilliant viewing of orcas while sailing quietly with them in the fog. The A30’s were spread out foraging along the VI shore near Blinkhorn and with light wind conditions present, our main sail was hoisted. It was especially exciting when A50 and her two calves A72 and A84 circled around and behind the vessel chasing after salmon. A84 seemed briefly interested in examining our hydrophone as it trailed along behind the boat, enabling passengers to listen to some beautiful A-Clan vocals as they foraged and we sailed. Other species also seen were: hauled out Harbour Seals: mothers and their pups, Dall's Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets+++, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in its nest, Common Murres and Red-Necked Phalaropes (Northern Phalaropes).

It was another lovely day out in Queen Charlotte Strait and Blackfish Sound this morning. As we headed out a Humpback Whale was sighted near the White Cliff Islands making its way towards Blackfish Sound. It was breathtaking viewing and passengers watched mesmerized as the whale moved back and forth amongst numerous herring balls, lunge feeding and also resting on the surface. Numerous Bald Eagles were observed swooping low over the herring balls and carrying off herring in their talons. Dalls Porpoise joined us bow-riding as we made our way back through Blackfish Sound to the delight of our passengers. Other species also seen were: hauled out Harbour Seals, mothers and their pups +++, Rhinoceros Auklets+++, Bald Eagles, Common Murres and Northern Phalaropes.

Today was a most amazing day to be touring out on the water with an abundance of marine mammal activity to observe and listen to. Traveling through Weynton Passage and out into the Queen Charlotte Strait, Dall’s Porpoises and hauled out Harbour Seals were seen simultaneously as well, an Eaglet sitting high up on its nest. Within moments of making way again, we were joined by four Pacific White-sided Dolphins riding at the bow of the boat. Passengers and crew alike had a wonderful time viewing with the Dolphins traveling along. Many more Dolphins were sighted actively feeding in Blackfish Sound, some 150 ++ when a Humpback Whale suddenly surfaced amongst them. The viewing was superb with dolphins surrounding the Humpback Whale, all of them were feeding on herring. The dolphin vocals were wonderful to listen to, as was the trumpeting sound made by the Humpback Whale. A second Humpback Whale was seen tail lobbing in the far distance with mighty splashings being visible. On closer observation this Humpback Whale was seen waving both pectoral fins about, tail lobbing and rolling about with numerous Dolphins who were also feeding nearby. It was an unforgettable and magical sight for those who had never seen Dolphins or Humpback Whales in the wild before. Other species also seen were: Dalls Porpoise, hauled out Harbour Seals, mothers and their pups +++, Rhinoceros Auklets+++, Bald Eagles, Common Murres and Pigeon Guillemots.

Today was a beautiful day for viewing marine mammals in the area, the sunshine was warming and very welcome. Early on in the tour the sighting of two Humpback Whales out in the Queen Charlotte Strait were easily visible from a distance. They were feeding on herring (and herring balls) as were numerous Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets++ and gulls. It was interesting for passengers to observe the two Humpbacks moving in wide circles distant from each other as they fed. With a report of possible inbound orcas from the Numas Islands we headed in that direction and were thrilled to see their dorsal fins ahead of us and west of the Foster Islands. The six orcas were traveling slowly together in a line and were very relaxed for Transient orcas. T020 and t021 were among those orcas sighted.
Other species also seen were: Dalls Porpoise, hauled out Harbour Seals and their pups +++, Rhinoceros Auklets+++, Bald Eagles, Common Murres, a Great Blue Heron and Northern Phalaropes.

The fog was clearing as we headed out this morning and soon Dalls Porpoises had joined us, riding at the bow of the boat they delighted all on board as they darted back and forth. The tide was ebbing and Harbour Seals and their small pups were observed to be hauled out on island outcrops and shorelines. At the top end of Blackfish Sound A12 was sighted, she was traveling towards Donegal Head and an advancing fog bank. The fog rolled in and yet A12 was still visible, her black body was viewed in stark contrast to the white blanket of fog that engulfed all. And, as she has done so for the last few days, A12 turned and making her way at a steady pace, she slipped back into Johnston Strait via Weynton Passage. Touring through the island waterways on the way home, the pace was tranquil and the scenery breathtaking. Bald Eagles and their nests, Belted Kingfishers darting back and forth, one Mink, a Stellar Sea Lion, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres and Northern Phalaropes were also seen on tour.

The morning started out grey and overcast with a fog bank looming out in the Queen Charlotte Strait but as the sun rays worked their magic, a beautiful day on the water was soon revealed. A single A-Clan call heard early in the morning via the hydrophone network indicated that the Matriline A12, was likely returning from her travel east last evening and it was later in the morning that she was reported heading back to the east from Weynton Passage. At Big Bay we encountered her, our vessel having entered Johnstone Strait from Blackfish Sound. Although alone, A12 was a beautiful and significant sight to see. She was intent on traveling and although the flood tide had begun, she did not stop to forage off Cracroft Point. We left her as she began crossing over towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Other species also seen today were: Dalls Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles fishing for herring+++ and in the trees, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guillemots, Common Murres, Black Oystercatchers, Common Loons, Marbled Murrelets and a Leach’s Storm-Petrel.

As the clouds began to lift, a beautiful day was seen unfolding on the water. Weynton Passage was alive with numerous bird species seen in flight and feeding and Bald Eagles and their nests were viewed as well as four Stellar Sea Lions swimming and numerous Harbour Seals who were hauled out and also swimming in the water. A blow was sighted in the distance in Blackfish Sound twice, it appeared to be the high blow of a Humpback Whale as well an arching dark shape but it was not seen again. A Minke Whale was sighted in Blackfish Sound and a second one near the White Cliff Islands, this second one was feeding extensively. High bird activity on the water indicated the presence of herring balls and Bald Eagles were observed to be gliding low over the water, picking up herring with their talons and feeding on them as they flew. Other species also seen were: Dalls Porpoise, one White-tailed Deer, Rhinoceros Auklets+++, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers and Black Turnstones.

It was another lovely day to be out on the water. Traveling through the Plumper Islands this morning Bald Eagles and their nests were viewed as well as three Stellar Sea Lions in the water; Harbour Seals were also seen hauled out and in the water. It was at Cracroft Point that an orca blow was sighted, and as we drew near we identified the orca as being A12. Seeing A12 foraging alone today one cannot help but remember days and years past when all of the family was intact including A12’s oldest son, A31. We cannot be absolutely sure that A33 has died, for now he is reported as missing. The A12 Matriline we sighted yesterday: A12 along with her daughter A34 and her off-spring but A33 (A12’s 38 year old son) was not sighted. Today we observed A12 foraging steadily back and forth at Cracroft Point and the rest of her family, the A34’s were not seen. Leaving the area we made our way through Blackfish Sound where off Bold Head we encountered a Humpback Whale feeding. It was a day of immense interest and intrigue for all onboard.

Heading out this morning, passengers enjoyed the viewing of Bald Eagles and their nests and Belted Kingfishers who were darting back and forth prior to the sighting of a humpback whale feeding at the top end of Blackfish Sound and making its way out into the Queen Charlotte Strait. There were a large number of Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres also feeding in the area. It was exciting news to hear a sports fishing vessel reporting that orcas were traveling to the east from Lizard Point. En route to the orcas a Bald Eagle was sighted swimming in the water, using its wings to help propel its body along, it finally made it to shore; Dall’s Porpoises were also seen near by. At the time of our encounter with the orcas, the A12 matriline were mingling about, young calves were playful with tail slapping and some resting activity was also observed. A12 was sighted resting, not so far behind A34 and some of her offspring who included A67 and her new calf. A-Clan calls could be heard above the water ahead of the hydrophone being deployed and were wonderful to listen to.

On our tour this afternoon passengers observed the humpback whale KC (Kelp Creature) who was seen initially spy-hopping and rolling around in the kelp providing some interesting viewing. It was a glorious day to be out on the water; the island waterways in which we toured were magical. Other species that were also seen were: hauled out Harbor Seals, a Stellar Sea Lion, Bald Eagles and two Eaglets in their nests, Black Oyster Catchers, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murre’s and Belted Kingfishers.

On our tour today passengers enjoyed the early sighting and viewing of the A24 Matriline resident orcas.
They were traveling slowly west in Blackfish Sound moving out into the Queen Charlotte Strait against the flood tide where some resting and milling about activity was observed. A Humpback Whale was sighted close by allowing for some wonderful viewing, a second humpback whale was also sighted further away. Wind conditions today enabled sailing with the whales, moving quietly along. It was a most beautiful day for viewing and enjoying the surrounding scenic beauty. Other species also seen were: Harbor Seals, Pacific White-sided Dolphins, numerous Bald Eagles in flight fishing and also in the trees, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murre’s and Pigeon Guillemots.

- WILDLIFE UPDATE - 2009

Our tours this year began on June 13 with a humpback whale sighting and viewing of a black bear foraging on the beach. On June 14th, a humpback whale was observed breaching 14 times. Subsequent tours over the following two weeks provided us always with a humpback whale sighting as well on several occasions minke whale(s) and black bear sightings; on several tours we had bow-riding dall's porpoises accompanying us for lengthy periods along the way. On June 25 passengers were thrilled with their viewing of 9 Transient orcas: T014, T020, T002, T002C, T002C1, T002C2, T046B,T046B1, T046B2. Other species also seen were white-tailed deer, harbour seals, stellar sea lions, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles and two eaglets in their nests.