It was an exciting morning with a report of orcas heading east in Johnstone Strait at Boat Bay and some traveling west in Blackfish Sound early in the a.m. We made our way through Weynton Passage viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and Stellar Sea Lions along the way and into the Queen Charlotte Strait where a large dorsal fin was sighted. Initially two males and a female orca were seen and passengers observed as they made their way into Blackfish Sound, they were identified as C6 and her sons C14 and C18. Suddenly more orcas were sighted further behind them, it was C8, C22 and C27 with C16 trailing behind them. It was wonderful to watch as they made their way in the Sound, the orcas coming together briefly in a resting line with C16 still trailing behind. A small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins appeared from nowhere and mobbed the orcas briefly before heading on their way to the west. The orcas continued to travel against the ebb current and were observed spy-hopping and milling about in the bull kelp briefly at the entrance to the small passage at the bottom of Hansen Island, continuing through Blackney Passage and into Johnstone Strait. A Humpback Whale had also been sighted near Parsons Light at the same time and it was incredible for all onboard to be viewing not only Orcas but a Humpback Whale and two Stellar Sea Lions swimming in the water, all at the same time. Other sightings today included: Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Black Turnstones, Red-necked Phalaropes, Belted Kingfishers, a Storm Petrel, Mew and Herring Gulls and Bald Eagles.

Today’s tour was a real treat with orca sightings early in the tour and wind enough to sail quietly along with them. We first encountered the orcas as they made their way west in Johnstone Strait, they were spread out: the A34’s and A12 with the A36 brothers A37 & A46. Passengers enjoyed listening to the A Clan calls via our trailing hydrophone as we sailed along, tacking back and forth; it was a wonderful experience for all onboard. At the time of our viewing the orcas were observed foraging, spy-hopping and breaching. They continued west past Blinkhorn where they foraged intently before turning back to the east and we observed as they went by and then traveled home via the beautiful island waterways of the Plumper Islands that were sparkling in the sunshine. Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions swimming, Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers, Mew and Herring Gulls and Bald Eagles.

Magical moments shared with Humpback and Minke Whales today. Traveling in Weynton Passage this morning we encountered three Humpback Whales of varying size, ‘Freckles’ the smaller whale was sighted first and disappeared in the direction of the Plumper Islands leaving two more whales feeding nearby and then finally one who continued to feed near Stubbs Island in the ebb current with a myriad of seabirds who were also feeding. It was quite a spectacle to observe the whale rolling about and waving its pectoral fins and fluke at the surface of the water. A Minke Whale was sighted and suddenly Dall’s Porpoises joined us at the bow of the boat and traveled along with us as we headed in; everyone enjoyed their exuberant company but especially the children. It was a very special moment and surprise for the family onboard this morning when Chris proposed to Leah and they became engaged just after the porpoises departed; it was a very memorable ending to a wonderful family outing. The afternoon tour was equally exceptional and very enjoyable with the sighting of two Humpback Whales and a Minke Whale, it was especially fascinating to watch as both whales traveled parallel to one another while feeding and also parallel to the boat. Other sightings today included: Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Mew Gulls and Bald Eagles.

Today was a great day out on the water. Our sightings today included Stellar Sea Lions, Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Mew Gulls, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest. The highlight of the tour was the early morning sighting of ‘Freckles’ a Humpback Whale who seemed elusive at our first encounter and was observed taking long dives and then disappeared, traveling through a narrow waterway among the Plumper Islands to re-emerge out in the Queen Charlotte Strait. It was at this time that we noticed the whale to be breaching out of the water, a total of 12 breaches were counted! There was a lot of bird activity feeding on herring balls and krill indicating more food moving into the area. It was a wonderful day for all onboard.

This morning after setting out on tour orcas were reported heading east at the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve earlier this morning but there were no sightings until a boat coming up from Campbell River reported them to be at Windy Point (near to Kelsy Bay), still eastbound. Out tour took us through numerous island waterways where in Blackfish Sound there were numerous birds feeding on herring, large numbers were spread across the Sound but surprisingly there were no baleen whales in that area. It was nearing the Plumper Islands that a Minke Whale was sighted feeding in circles, as well a number of Stellar Sea Lions were sighted in the water. Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, a Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfishers, Mew Gulls and Bald Eagles.

What a wonderful day to be out on tour. We encountered the orcas this morning at Cracroft Point, they were in resting lines and making their way slowly east against an ebb current and while they were observed to be traveling in three groups there was some mixing of individual orcas amongst the family groups. The Orcas seen today were the A8’s, A11’s/ A73, A12’s and A36’s. It was interesting to see another three orcas approaching as we turned back towards Blackney Passage after the resident orcas had moved further east. The three orcas took a long dive and suddenly appeared nearby, disappearing again for approximately 6 minutes and reappearing again but on the other side of the boat. These three orcas were Transients T2c, T2c1 & T2c2. Transient Orcas are those who prey on marine mammals including Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises and Pacific White-sided Dolphins. On our way home via Blackfish Sound numerous Stellar Sea Lions were sighted feeding on the surface of the water and two Humpback Whales were also seen, a large one and also ‘Freckles’ who was considerably smaller in size. Just when it could not get any better it did when nearing the Plumper Islands, a Minke Whale was also sighted. It was an incredible day for sightings! Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, White-winged Scoters, Common Murres, Mew Gulls and Bald Eagles.

It was a fabulous day on the water and beautiful when we headed out on tour this morning. Traveling in Blackfish Sound a large blow was sighted in the distance and then the dark body of a Humpback Whale was seen. As we headed in that direction we noticed small groups of Dalls Porpoises feeding nearby when suddenly the Humpback Whale also surfaced nearby, it had traveled a fair distance from the last sighting. It was wonderful sailing while the Dalls Porpoises were feeding on one side of the boat and the Humpback Whale on the other side. The Humpback Whale was identified as ‘Freckles’ and it continued feeding in a wide circular fashion in the Sound. Orcas meanwhile had been sighted entering the eastern boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and were traveling to the west. We encountered the first group, A11 was in the lead and she was moving rapidly to the west favouring the Cracroft shore. Her daughter A56 and her calf were following behind. The A8’s were on the Vancouver Island side with A73, while the A36’s with A12 and the A34’s were further behind them. Other species also seen today: Stellar Sea Lions swimming and also hauled out, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Common Murres, Mew Gulls and Bald Eagles.

It was a blustery day again on the water, strikingly beautiful with the sun shining, bull kelp glistening and sea sparkling. Heading out this morning passengers enjoyed viewing numerous Harbour Seals and Stellar Sea Lions who were hauled out and lying on rocky ledges while the tide was low. Traveling in the Queen Charlotte Strait we could not see any large blows but a few splashes in the distance caught our interest and as we drew closer we could see the distinctive fins of Pacific White-sided Dolphins. As it turned out, everywhere we looked we could see them swimming very close to the surface with only their dorsal fins visible. It was difficult to make an accurate count of their number due to the wave conditions present but we estimated there being several hundred ++ dolphins in the area who were feeding intently. Passengers enjoyed seeing them close and swimming alongside as the boat sat idle and drifting and also watching as they leaped clear of the water near and in the distance as we cruised towards Blackfish Sound, it was a spectacular viewing! In Blackfish Sound a Humpback Whale was sighted feeding in a circular fashion, it was identified as being ‘Freckles’ as it is locally known. Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Oyster Catchers, Belted Kingfishers, Black Turnstones, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest.

It was a glorious day to be out on the water and our passengers enjoyed a super day with some wonderful sightings. Nearing the Plumper Islands this morning a small group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins joined us at the bow of the boat and proceeded alongside allowing all onboard to observe and enjoy their streamlined beauty and playfulness. They left us as we entered the ‘Blowhole’ but shortly after, looking behind us we realized that they had followed us through and then proceeded to escort us a fair distance in Blackfish Sound. It was a rich and wonderful encounter, having them cruising alongside and just below the surface of the water. Blackney Passage was also busy with activity and during the length of our viewing we enjoyed the sightings of three individual Humpback Whales. They were moving about considerably in the current as they fed, traveling west and then drifting back down with the flood current; a group of Dalls Porpoises were also sighted feeding nearby. Other species also seen: Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Belted Kingfishers, Mew Gulls, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest.

It was a very windy day out on tour today and with the sun shining brightly the sea was sparkling amongst the frothing whitecaps. Our sightings today included a Humpback Whale, Stellar Sea Lions hauled out, Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Black Oyster Catchers, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Belted Kingfishers, Mew Gulls and Bald Eagles++. This afternoon orcas were reported from the vantage point of the “Cliff”, they were seen entering the eastern boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve as we were headed for home. Prior to this there had not been any sightings in Johnstone Strait all day.

It was a fabulous day for viewing marine mammals in the area but especially so in Weynton Passage, a ‘Serengeti’ waterway where many species come to feed at. Weynton Passage was indeed a busy place when we arrived this morning! A Minke Whale was sighted soon after our arrival and shortly after a Humpback Whale was seen on the opposite side of the boat followed by the sighting of a second and larger Humpack Whale, all three were feeding in the flood current as the swirling waters and whirlpools raced on by. The viewing was fabulous, especially when numerous Stellar Sea Lions who were also feeding swam by, some seemingly mobbing the Humpback Whales as they too were feeding and Dall’s Porpoises were there as well, some feeding while others could be seen ‘rooster tailing’ with white water splashing out behind them. On the afternoon tour the Passage was still very much alive with the sight and sounds of marine mammals and seabirds feeding. A Humpback Whale (Freckles) was sighted and numerous Stellar Sea Lions and it was very exciting when some Dall’s Porpoises rode at the bow of the boat as we traveled along. A large group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were reported and we headed in their direction. With such a large number being so spread out it was difficult to estimate their numbers but possibly several hundred+. The viewing was superb that words simply cannot describe, it was breathtaking, marvelous and so memorable! Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Black Oyster Catchers, Pigeon Guillemots, Marbled Murrelets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Belted Kingfishers, Surf Scoters and Bald Eagles++. Two Eaglets were sighted in one nest and a smaller Eaglet was seen in another nest. A fabulous day on the water!

This mornings tour was a surprise one as new orcas that have not been sighted in Johnstone Strait this summer arrived this morning via Weynton Passage in a heavy flood current that carried them towards Kaikash Beach fairly quickly, where they had crossed the Strait from the Hanson Island Shore. The C6’s are an interesting family that we do not often see and it is always a treat when they arrive, there being a mixture of adult females and males to view. It was good to see that C22’s fin has grown taller from last year now that he is 13 years of age which is typical as males reach adolesence at around this age. The orcas who had been resting just prior to our arrival continued to travel east and did not stop in at the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve for a rub. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets++, Common Murres, Black Oyster Catchers, Belted Kingfishers and Bald Eagles.

It was a beautiful day for viewing orcas in Johnstone Strait. This morning we encountered them close to the Sophia Islands, the pod that we observed and enjoyed the most were the A34’s while the other groups, the A11’s with A73 and the A8’s were spread across Johnstone Strait and on the Vancouver Island Shore. It was a special treat to see A34 with her new calf, she was in the lead of her family, A55 was foraging alone well out from the shoreline yet parallel to his mother A34 and new sibling, while his sisters and their offspring followed behind and very near to the Cracroft Island shore. It was at Blakney Passage that we deployed the hydrophone and passengers listened to the beautiful A Clan calls. The orcas continued to the west on either side of Johnstone Strait and the viewing was superb. Nearing the top end of Hanson Island at the entrance to Weynton Passage a Humpback Whale, locally known as “Freckles” was sighted feeding intently in Weynton Passage. On the afternoon tour the orcas had turned back to the east in Johnstone Strait and were moving steadily along in their family groups, they were well spread out across the Strait. As they traveled past Cracroft Point we entered Blackney Passage to watch as A12 with the A36 brothers, A37 & A46 also entered Blakney Passage from Blackfish Sound making their way back into Johnstone Strait. They had spent most of the morning in the Queen Charlotte Strait. Other species also seen today: Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets++, Common Murres, Black Oyster Catchers, Black Turnstones, and Bald Eagles.

It was a busy day for viewing orcas as they traveled back and forth in Johnstone Strait. This morning we encountered the orcas at the Sophia Islands, they were traveling to the west and moving steadily along, A11’s with A73 and A28, as well there were orcas on the Vancouver Island shore traveling parallel, they were the rest of the A8’s and the A36’s with A12. Just past Cracroft Point at Blakney Passage some of the VI shore orcas began crossing over towards Hanson Island, all of them continuing to the west. On the afternoon tour, all of the orcas had turned near to Weynton Passage and were heading back to the east. They continued as far as the Robson Bight Ecological Bight, some of them foraging at the estuary of the Tsitika River.
As we watched the orcas move through the Ecological Reserve, a large Black Bear was sighted feeding at the estuary. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Black Oyster Catchers, Black Turnstones, Belted Kingfishers and Bald Eagles.

Today has to be one of the best tours of the season if not the very best! With the day warm and sunny and the sea calm we could not have asked for a nicer day when we departed on our tour this morning. Nearing Pearse Passage a Minke Whale was suddenly sighted nearby followed by a second Minke Whale. It was a surprise viewing and nice to see the two adult whales traveling together. A large gathering of Rhinoceros Auklets and gulls sitting on the water made us think that they, along with the two Minke Whales had been feeding earlier on a herring ball and the Minke Whales were departing the scene and the birds were beginning to disperse. We were headed towards Blackfish Sound and the Queen Charlotte Strait when a boat reported seeing three Orcas easting at Lizard Point. The Queen Charlotte Strait was like a glassy plate today, the blue sky being reflected back onto the water which was shimmering and a glassy blue colour and the contrasting black fins of the orcas were easily visible a distance away. A12 with the A36 brothers, A37 and A46 were on a slow roll back to the east, they were relaxed and seemingly enjoying each others company with A46 comfortable rolling on his back at times and slowly slapping a pectoral fin. The threesome were observed surfacing together in unison, it was superb viewing before A37 moved a short distance away to forage leaving A12 with A46 beside her; they were all moving east towards Bold Head when we left them and as we did so, a third Minke Whale was sighted, this one was traveling west along the Malcolm Island shore. It really was a magnificent day for viewing. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises “rooster-tailing”, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, and Bald Eagles.

It was another blustery day out on the water with sunshine and clear skies, a beautiful day for cruising. Early in the tour passengers were treated to a fabulous viewing of a Gray Whale feeding near to the shore as it was passing back and forth feeding intently. The Gray Whale is unique among whales in being a bottom feeder. They roll usually onto their right side and suck up sediment containing amphipods (crustaceans including mysid shrimp) from the sea floor; the water and silt are sieved out through the baleen with the help of the tongue. Baleen lines the entire upper jaw while the lower jaw contains gums only. With the mouth closed a little and the baleen is just touching the bottom gums, the tongue is used to squeeze the water out through the baleen. The baleen plates (stacked closely together and frayed on the inside) act like a sieve, letting the water through but retaining the zooplankton and amphidods which is then licked off the baleen by the tongue and swallowed. Although we could not see this form of feeding taking place under the water, it was still very fascinating for all of us to observe. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-necked Phalaropes, Belted Kingfishers and Bald Eagles.

As we headed out this morning a boat reported seeing orcas heading rapidly to the west in the Queen Charlotte Strait, among them were reported some males with tall dorsal fins. As we glassed Blackfish Sound a large blow of a humpback whale was sighted in the distance but because the orcas were making good time in the heavy ebb current we continued on our way around Donegal Head and out into the Queen Charlotte Strait. Some orcas were sighted near to the Foster Islands while others were nearing Lizard Point. As we drew closer to the orcas we could see that they were well spread out in small groups, the A36 brothers, A37 & A46 were foraging closer to the Foster Islands while steadily moving west and the A34’s and A12 were spread across to Lizard Point moving west as well. At the time of our viewing the orcas were mobbed by a 100+ Pacific White-sided Dolphins, a few were observed interacting with some of the orca calves, where they were seen porpoising along together however most of the orcas were taking long dives in their attempt to stay clear of the dolphins. On our way home a Gray Whale was sighted, it was feeding very close to shore and was a wonderful way to end the day. Other species also seen: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-necked Phalaropes and Bald Eagles in flight and fishing herring balls.

It was an absolutely beautiful day on the water and an early encounter with orcas soon after leaving Alder Bay made for a wonderful beginning to the tour. A small group of orcas were sighted making their way to the west along the Mitchell Bay shoreline on Malcolm Island, they were identified as W3, R13 and her calf R47. W3 is the oldest living Matriarch of all the Northern Resident Orcas at aged 70 years. With her two sons no longer alive, she had been sighted earlier this season further north traveling with R13 and A47. These same three orcas were in Johnstone Strait yesterday where their identity was initially a mystery until updated information was passed on by reseachers about this group of three traveling together. Passengers enjoyed their viewing especially when the orcas turned back briefly to forage and lunge feed as well as to rest. It was a very special viewing as these orcas are so seldom seen in this area. A Gray Whale was also sighted feeding along a shoreline, it is likely the same whale that has been in the area feeding for the past few weeks. Other species also seen: Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Bald Eagles and Belted Kingfishers.

It was a blustery day out on tour with heavy wind and wave action. The orcas A12 with the A36’s (brothers A37 & A46) who were sighted early this morning at 8:30 a.m. off Beaver Cove were nowhere to be seen when we headed out this morning. Working together with other whale watching vessels, each of us searching in different directions, the orcas had seemingly disappeared and possibly went out through Weynton Passage taking advantage of the heavy ebb current running at that time; they would have moved quickly to the west on the north side of Malcolm Island where wind and wave action was extremely heavy, they could also have turned back east, swimming against the ebb current, their fins not sighted amongst the whitecaps and glaring sun conditions at the time. It was a beautiful and sunny day on the water and our sightings included Stellar Sea Lions with one catching and eating a large salmon as we looked on, Rhinoceros Auklets were busy flying and landing amongst the waves while Bald Eagles, California and Herring Gulls soared high in the sky. It was a beautiful day indeed!

A cool layer of misty fog lay in the far distance when we headed out this morning, clearing rapidly before us as we went. The flood current was heavy with birds feeding++ as gulls gathered feeding at the surface of herring balls, Bald Eagles were fishing intensely as were Stellar Sea Lions and a Minke Whale. The feeding frenzy made for some fantastic viewing for all on board. The resident orcas who were in the area yesterday were reported east of Eve River in Johnston Strait late this morning. Other species also seen: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oyster Catchers, A Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagles including an Eaglet in the nest, California and Herring Gulls.

The day was a glorious one throughout for both of our tours with calm seas and sunshine++. Our sightings today included Orcas: the A36’s with A12, they were well spread out and foraging near to Cracroft Point when we left them heading for home in the late afternoon. We also had some very good viewing of a Minke Whale who was feeding intensely in Weynton Passage along with several Stellar Sea Lions. Another highlight of the day were some Dall’s Porpoises bow riding briefly, it was exciting to watch as they darted and splashed alongside the boat as it traveled along. Other species also seen: Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Harlequin Ducks, Belted Kingfishers, Bald Eagles including an Eaglet in the nest and California Gulls.

It was a very exciting day to be out on tour. In Johnstone Strait this morning we encountered two humpback whales, they had entered the Strait ahead of us at Blackney Passage traveling east but at Izumi Rock they turned back to the west and we enjoyed some nice viewing of them traveling together, one was identified as BCX0004 ‘Stripe’. A third humpback whale was sighted further to the east but ahead of the humpback whale, orcas were sighted on the Vancouver Island shore also heading west and we continued in their direction. The orcas were all spread out in small groups, they were the A8’s, A11, A56 and her new calf, A73, A12 and the A36’s (A37 and A46). The orcas were moving quickly, stopping at times to feed, passengers also observed some breaching activity by the new calf (1/2 breaches) and another mature orca breaching which was exciting to see. Some beautiful A4 and A5 Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone when we stopped to listen. As we left the orcas, the two humpback whales who we had sighted earlier could also be seen back at Blackney Passage. Other species seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbour Seals, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Bald Eagles and California Gulls.

What a wonderful day to be out cruising on the water where even the cooling effect of the ocean was no match for today’s heat-wave. We headed out this morning passing near to the islands viewing Harbour Seals: mothers and their pup’s hauled out, some Stellar Sea Lions were fishing in the kelp and small groups of Dall’s Porpoises could be seen intent on feeding.
A large blow was sighted in the distance near to Flower Island in Blackfish Sound and as we drew closer it was identified as BCZ0004 or ‘Stripe’ as it is commonly called. The orcas who have been in the area: A12, A37, A46 and including A11, A56 and A73 who came into Johnstone Strait yesterday were all reported to the far east this morning. Other species seen today: Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, White-winged and Surf Scoters, Belted Kingfishers and Bald Eagles ++ including an Eaglet in the nest. It was magical cruising home through the island waterways observing sparkling kelp forests dancing in the current as we went by them. The colourful scenery today was absolutely exquisite and a joy to behold.

A day of glorious sunshine and beauty! Early in our morning tour the orcas (A12, A37 and A46) were reported well to the east in Johnstone Strait at the Broken Islands, they were reported traveling back to the west but turned and headed east again. We cruised through the island waterways, they were magical today, bathed in sunshine and sparkling. A Minke Whale was sighted feeding and as we observed it made its way towards a herring ball where Bald Eagles were also fishing from. On the afternoon tour, the Minke Whale was sighted again, it was still feeding in the vicinity of the herring ball and where numerous Rhinoceros Auklets had gathered and were also feeding. A small Gray Whale was also sighted feeding near to the shore and because we seldom see Gray Whales in this area, it was a special treat. It was in Blackfish Sound that 150 ++ Pacific White-sided Dolphins were sighted, they were intent on feeding and it was exciting to watch as they leaped clear of the water on occasion. Everywhere one looked on this gorgeous summer day the scenery was absolutely spectacular. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Dalls Porpoises, Harbour Porpoises, one Stellar Sea Lion, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers and Bald Eagles++++.

It was a bright and blustery day on the water with white-caps seen in sharp contrast to the blue and silver waters stretching before us as we headed out on tour this morning. It was near the north side of Weynton Passage that the large blow of a humpback whale was sighted and we headed in that direction. The whale was identified as Stripe BCZ0004, the same whale we had sighted yesterday and it was feeding in a wide circular pattern. Yesterday a single stellar sea lion had been observed hauled out and today there were two of them, as well one was seen swimming nearby. Todays NW wind also brought with it Red-necked Phalaropes++ a small wader bird that breeds in the summer in the Arctic regions of North America. Among phalaropes, the female has the brighter plumage and the male incubates the eggs and cares for the young. It is the females who arrive first on their migratory flight south and they were who we saw today; all of them in small flocks, flitting and swirling as they flew, landing lightly on the water surface to feed. They feed by swimming in circles forming a small whirlpool in the water, which is thought to draw up food from the underlying water. It was wonderful to see them for the first time this summer and fascinating to view them. Cruising home today through the tranquil island waterways it was quite a treat to view the bull kelp and trees sparkling in the sunshine. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Belted Kingfishers and Bald Eagles++++.

The orcas who were sighted yesterday (A12, A37, and A46) were reported in Blackfish Sound very early this morning however when we headed out on our morning tour there was no further update or sighting of them and it was a mystery as to whether they had travelled further to the west in the Queen Charlotte Strait or back into Johnstone Strait and east. Early in our tour we stopped to watch Bald Eagles fishing a herring ball, it made for some wonderful photographic opportunities as the eagles were seen swooping in low over the water and with their talons hook onto herring and immediately take off in full flight, stooping in mid-air as they flew eating the herring clasped in their talons. It was in Blackfish Sound that the humpback whale Stripe (BCZ0004) was sighted and it was exciting to observe as it tail breached twice. A tail breach is when a whale raises the majority of its body out of the water straight back and up into the air and then twisting its body as it returns to the sea. In Cormorant Channel passengers enjoyed the viewing of some several hundred Pacific white-sided dolphins who were also intent feeding on herring++. It was marvellous to watch as they interacted with each other, some leaping out of the water; all of them feeding intensely. Last but not least was the wonderful sighting of a small Gray Whale feeding. The Gray whale is unique among whales in being a bottom-feeder, it was observed feeding close into the shore. Other species also seen today: Harbour Seals, a Stellar Sea Lion, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres and Bald Eagles.

A number of orcas were reported foraging at Lizard Point when we headed out on tour this morning. En route to viewing the orcas the blow of a humpback whale was sighted in the distance near Parsons Light in Blackfish Sound, a group of Pacific White-sided dolphins were also in the area. We continued heading west sighting at first a single tall dorsal fin on the horizon of a glassy calm sea and parallel to Lizard Point. The visibility was excellent for sighting far into the distance and as we drew nearer the first orca to be identified was A12, a 69 year old female. The other two male northern resident orcas also seen were A37 & A46 and it was wonderful to watch the beautiful dynamics of these three orcas. A12, a matriline who last year had lost her son (he was reported missing from the family in early spring) foraging with the two remaining brothers of the A36’s who had lost their own mother several years ago. For much of last summer A12 was observed spending most days with the A36’s and separate from her daughter A34 and offspring, especially in the final weeks of summer and early fall. Today’s first sighting of resident orcas for this summer was a joyous one and yet there was sadness also as missing from the trio of brothers was the eldest brother A32. Today’s viewing showed the orcas to be relaxed, foraging steadily and some resting behaviour was also observed; there were no vocalizations at the time of our viewing. On the way back to Alert Bay a large Minke whale was also seen. Other species seen today: Harbour Seals, Dall’s Porpoises, Pigeon Guillemots, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres and Bald Eagles.