Today a brisk se wind was again blowing in Johnstone Strait when we headed out this early morning. Sightings of Humpback Whales in the Queen Charlotte Strait and Blackfish Sound had been reported and we headed in that direction. We sighted a Minke Whale en route and also watched a Humpback Whale breaching four times in the distance. As it turned out there were four Humpback Whales in the area near Bold Head with numerous herring balls being worked by gulls galore, Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres. It was spectacular and fascinating viewing; the Humpback Whales lunge feeding in the midst of a frenzy of feeding sea birds! The sun was shining brightly and the lighting on the white caps of waves as the birds and whales fed was quite extraordinary especially for those who had never witnessed such a spectacle before. As we headed for home 5 Transient Orcas were reported travelling rapidly to the east in Johnstone Strait and were very quickly east of Blinkhorn in heavy seas. We ended out tour cruising through the Plumper Island waterways; the trees on land were sparkling, as were the underwater kelp forests. The forest was alive with the sound of Belted Kingfishers as they darted back and forth and the Stellar Sea Lion colony had some 50 +individuals hauled out. Other species also seen today were: Harbour Seals, Dalls Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Red-necked Phalaropes+++, Black Oystercatchers, California, Glaucous-winged & Herring Gulls.

When we headed out this afternoon change came today in the shape and form of se winds in Johnstone Strait. It had been reported that a group of orcas were heading to the west opposite the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and so we headed in that direction along the Hanson Island side and encountered them nearing Cracroft Point. Here a small group of orcas were foraging in Blackney Passage while others were opposite on the Vancouver Island side. We believe that they were some of the I15’s, but identification of them was not easy due to wind and wave action. Several Pacific White-sided Dolphins were swimming among the orcas and this no doubt accounted for some long dives that were taken by the orcas. We journeyed home via Blackfish Sound where in contrast to Johnstone Strait, the sea was calm and the sun shining. On our way, we again briefly viewed Stellar Sea Lions where earlier on in the tour there had been some 80 + observed hauled out with many more in the water fishing. They are always fascinating to watch and photograph. Other species also seen today were: Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, California, Glaucous-winged & Herring Gulls.

The beauty of the day was astonishing yesterday and makes one rethink and reflect about taking ones every day surroundings for granted. One cannot do so, the change that occurs in this remarkable coastal region is as dramatic as it is sudden. Sunshine, fog, rain, cloud formations and rainbows all within a few short moments or hours. So are the comings and goings of orcas, dolphins, minke and humpback whales; dramatic and sudden their arrival and also their departure.

What an exciting day it has been! Just moments after leaving the dock in Alert Bay this morning passengers were viewing orcas. Two groups of orcas who were identified as the C6’s and the G25’s. Both pods were travelling very slowly to the west, heading in the direction of Haddington Island when we left them to view other orcas in Cormorant Passage; the D7’s and the I22’s, possibly C10’s were among them. They were resting and we stayed a distance away which made identifying them more difficult. They had travelled via Pearse Passage taking the back route in behind Cormorant Island while the C6’s and the G25’s had carried on past Alert Bay on Cormorant Island. A Minke Whale was also sighted at this time. Travelling back via the Pearse Islands more orcas were sighted in the distance heading out through Weynton Passage, they were likely some of the I33’s who were heading out at this time. On the late afternoon Motor Cruise the weather had changed as had the movement of orcas in Johnstone Strait. Just as we were leaving the dock in Alder Bay the rain cleared and a most beautiful rainbow emerged arching directly across Johnstone Strait. Orcas were sighted travelling east in Johnstone Strait close along the Hanson Island side, they were moving quickly in the flood current, as were some 200+ Pacific White-sided Dolphins centre Strait, other orcas , the I15’s were heading east as well but closer to the Vancouver Island shore. It was amazing viewing, especially when another glorious rainbow emerged arching again across Johnstone Strait and the dolphins were in the middle with white water moving rapidly above them as they swam, a brilliant blue sky above and the brightness of the rainbow; it was a most remarkable and indelible image to have witnessed, with so many dolphins swimming inside of the rainbow. As we neared the south-east end of the Sophia Islands, the I15’s had crossed over, meeting up with the other G-Clan orcas. It is here that we left them and turing back, the seascape had turned to silver and the image of several female orca fins were etched wonderfully in a cloud formation ahead of us, not unlike those of the I15’s! It was an amazing and very special day of viewing. Also seen today were: Stellar Sea Lions ++Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, California & Herring Gulls.

This afternoon when we headed out on tour there had not been any reported sightings of orcas in Johnstone or Queen Charlotte Straits earlier on in the day while Humpback Whales had been sighted. We headed in their direction travelling through the wonderful scenic Plumper Island waterways after viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and a myriad of sea birds on the Stephensen Islands. There were two Humpback Whales in the vicinity of Bold Head, one taking long dives. We spent our time with BCYO177 (Slash) who is often in the area and observed as she made her way in large circles feeding, heading towards concentrations of herring balls as they occurred, due to the presence and hard work of the diving birds: Rhinoceros Auklets and Common Murres in particular. It is always fascinating viewing these Humpback Whales, especially when they are lunge feeding amongst the herring balls. The large group of Stellar Sea Lions, some hauled out, many were in the water swimming in the flood current at Weynton Passage, they were wonderful to watch and several seemed very curious, swimming over to and around our boat. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Black Oystercatches, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, California Gull, Mew, Herring and Glaucous Winged Gulls.

It was another very beautiful day on the water as we headed out this morning. Making our way through the Plumper Islands we entered into the Queen Charlotte Strait and it was here that a Humpback Whale was sighted in the distance. As we drew closer we could identify it as being BCYO177 (Slash) who is often in this area feeding. The sea was calm and the sun pleasantly warming upon us and it was fascinating to sit back and enjoy the majesty and beauty of the whale as it moved back and forth in large circles feeding. A second Humpback Whale was also sighted close by and watching the two of them surfacing and diving and listening to their blows was mesmerizing. Numerous Gulls and Auklets actively feeding on herring balls were a common target for the whales to head for and lunge feed in the midst of the feeding birds. We headed back home via numerous Stellar Sea Lions hauled out and swimming, a wonderful ending to a most beautiful and enjoyable day on the water. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, California Gull, Mew, Herring and Glaucous Winged Gulls.

This morning when we headed out the A30”s were reported heading to the west at Lizard Point while other pods: the A23’s, 25’s, A8’s, A24’s and A11’s were heading east at Cracroft Point. We decided to head to the east, it was a beautiful day and one that was worth the waiting for as it turned out! Pacific White-sided Dolphins 100++were seen in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we arrived, as well a small group went by us heading to the west. Orcas were sighted in the estuary of the Bight heading east and we observed them as they went to the beaches at the eastern end. It was nice to simply sit back and observe them; so many at the beaches at one time and then suddenly, they all began heading to the east and out of the eastern end of the Reserve. To see these groups of orcas, the A4’s and the A5’s altogether was wonderful; the A11’s were in the lead with the A24’s right behind with A73, the A8’s, A23’s and A25’s following closer to the Vancouver Island shore and almost parallel to the A5’s. Watching the young calves playing together was a treat: the lighting was superb and the viewing was breathtaking. As we watched the orcas, a flock of some 60 + Sandhill Cranes were observed flying overhead south while en route back home, a Humpback Whale and another flock of 40 + Sandhill Cranes flying south were sighted. It was a great ending to a most spectacular day of viewing in Johnstone Strait. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes++, Pigeon Guillemots, Surf Scoters, Stellar Sea Lions, California Gulls, Mew, Herring and Glaucous-winged Gulls.

We headed out this morning with rain falling gently but soon the rain was behind us and a beautiful rainbow arched across Johnstone Strait directly behind us as we headed east and into the sunshine with some 100++ Pacific White-sided Dolphins who were feeding and travelling as we headed east. It was fantastic viewing seeing the dolphins so spread out and immensely enjoyed by all, especially those who had never seen dolphins in the wild before. The A30’s had been reported entering into Blackney Passage and Blackfish Sound when we sighted orcas on the Vancouver Island shore heading east, as we watched they began crossing Johnstone Strait making their way towards Blackney Passage as well. We identified them as the A8’s but A28 was not among them. 30+ Stellar Sea Lions were sighted hauled out and swimming in the water on our way back. On the afternoon tour we headed towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve where orcas had been reported entering the Reserve from the east. A Humpback Whale was sighted en route to the orcas as were Dalls Porpoises riding at the bow of the boat and more Stellar Sea Lions who were swimming. We sighted orcas near the Pig Ranch on West Cracroft Island, some of the A24’s including A73, more orcas were foraging in the Robson Bight Reserve and more were headed to the west along the Vancouver Island shoreline. The orcas were travelling and foraging, some breaching activity was also observed. The rest of the A24’s were sighted further to the east as we headed home. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Surf Scoters, Belted Kingfishers and California Gulls.

Thursday, August 20th, 2009
Today was a most beautiful calm day in the Queen Charlotte Strait where we spent most of our day viewing Humpback Whales and a large Minke Whale. We began our tour in the morning exploring the scenic beauty and sea life of the Stephenson Islands and then headed into Blackfish Sound, it was at this time that the first Humpback Whale was sighted near Bold Head. As we drew closer the Humpback Whale was identified as Slash (named so for obvious injuries that have left their markings of three slashes on the left side of its body, it also has no dorsal fin due to the injury). While watching this Humpback Whale another was sighted as well as a large Minke Whale, followed by a third Humpback Whale as we were leaving the area. Viewing herring balls up-close as the gulls and Rhinoceros Auklets were feeding was fascinating, especially so when a Humpback Whale suddenly appeared feeding as well. Later on in the tour a smaller fourth Humpback Whale was sighted in Weynton Passage along with 20++ Stellar Sea Lions. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals++, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Stellar Sea Lions, Black Turnstones, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

Today was a wonderful day of contrast and colour. It was a foggy morning that we headed out in and yet moment by moment the seascape was ever changing as land and forest emerged from the fog, appearing close along the shoreline and suddenly orcas were seen heading towards us. Two orcas were sighted initially, one being a male with a very broad fin leaning to the left and a female, two other orcas were sighted soon after. These orcas were identified as T018, T019, T019B & T019c; Transient Orcas who prey on marine mammals unlike those of the fish feeding Resident Orcas. The Transients headed into Blackfish Sound and we left them at this point, heading west in Johnstone Strait where a group of Pacific White-sided Dolphins were sighted feeding nearby while on our Port side Dalls Porpoises were “rooster tailing” speedily along beside us as we travelled, further along we were joined by more Dalls Porpoises who rode briefly at the bow of the boat. On the afternoon tour we headed east in Johnstone Strait where Resident orcas were reported returning from their journey to the east. We sighted the A24’s, the A23’s and the A25’s who were moving steadily to the west, our first encounter was at the Pig Ranch on West Cracroft Island. The A24’s were in the lead while the A23’s and A25’s were together following very close behind along the West Cracroft Island shoreline. As they all neared Cracroft Point they slowed and began to forage, but still continued moving to the to the west. They were playful at times, breaching, foraging and some resting behaviour was observed. Dalls porpoises again joined us bow-riding on the way home. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals++, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

What an amazing afternoon it was! Just prior to our leaving the dock in Alder Bay the fog lifted revealing a most beautiful day and so it was that we headed out into sunlight. As we entered Weynton Passage orcas were sighted in the distance and as we drew closer they were seen heading in the direction of Blackfish Sound yet turning towards Lulu Island Pass while the A30’s who suddenly appeared off the NW corner of the Plumper Islands, turned also into the less turbulent waters of the Plumper Island Passage. The flood current was maximum and surging in Weynton Passage! We cruised through another beautiful waterway and waited for the orcas entry into Johnstone Strait and what an entry it was. Our entire time spent with the orcas from here-on during the tour was spent sailing using our main sail. It was absolutely exhilarating to move quietly while observing the orcas and their movements. The pods looked to be the same groups that we have encountered the last few weeks but it was not possible to fully identify each family due to keeping a distance away and the glare from sunlight. We did get a good look at the A30’s and the A23’s, the A24’s we believe were there as well as the A25’s. The A8’s were likely there also but we did not get a positive ID on them. A Humpback Whale was sighted also in Weynton Passage, as well as a Minke Whale; it could not have been any better! Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals++, Stellar Sea Lions++, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, 5 Arctic Terns, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

It was not long after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this morning that orcas were sighted in the distance travelling towards Johnstone Strait in Weynton Passage. As we neared Weynton Island passengers watched as the groups of orcas entered the Strait and began making their way slowly to the east. The A30’s stalled initially on their entry and the young calves were observed spyhopping and three had their tails high in the air making head stands. A38 and A39 had separated from their family and had commenced foraging a distance away. The A23’s were travelling close to the A30’s while the other pods: the A25’s, A8’s and ?A24’s headed over towards the Vancouver Island shore. All were eastbound in the flood current that was pushing them along. Mid-Strait and abeam Blackney Passage, some 100 ++ Pacific White-sided Dolphins appeared suddenly from the east, they could be seen feeding in the flood current and the viewing was quite wonderful; they are always a treat to see especially when they leap high out of the water. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, hauled out Harbour Seals, one Harbour Porpoise, Bald Eagles in trees and fishing, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

It was a beautiful morning that we headed out into Johnstone Strait and numerous sea birds were already busy working herring balls in Weynton Passage in the flood current. As we entered Blackney Passage a Humpback Whale was sighted feeding nearby and orcas could be seen in the distance further up in Blackfish Sound, as were two other Humpback Whales and a Stellar Sea Lion who was swimming nearby; it was quite an eventful marine encounter! As the orcas drew near they were identified as the A25’s, A24’s, and the A8’s, they were moving steadily with the flood tide and some breaching and tail slapping behaviour was observed. The A30’s with the A25’s followed next and they too gained speed as they neared Blackney Passage, prior to this they had been in a travelling/resting line. Another Humpback Whale was sighted in the distance and 8 Stellar Sea Lions hauled out were also seen. On the afternoon tour the orcas were encountered nearing the Wastell Islets, the A24’s were in the lead, the other pods were spread across Johnstone Strait, the A23’s, A8’s, A25’s and the A30’s were all seen. Cruising through the Plumper Island waterways the surrounding scenic beauty was immense and breathtaking with sunlight sparkling on the kelp forests. Some 20+ Stellar Sea Lions were countered hauled out and swimming. Observing numerous Harbour Seals hauled out on rocks among kelps forests was the finale to a most wonderful day of viewing. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Harlequin Ducks, Black Turnstones, Black Oystercatchers, Belted Kingfishers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

This morning the orcas were heading to the east inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but as we travelled in their direction they turned back to the west. Our early sightings of them were from the Reserve Boundary but as they moved further to the west and were outside of the Reserve, we were able to view them more closely and identify them. They were travelling close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, the A23’s appeared in the lead close with the A25’s, the A24’s were behind them followed by the A30’s and back a distance behind them were the A8’s. Some foraging was observed when the pods slowed at Kaikash to feed, they had been travelling at a fast pace prior to this. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Bald Eagles Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

Heading out this afternoon the orcas who were west in Johnstone Strait earlier in the day had turned back and were heading east which is very typical of the pattern that they had been displaying in their movement in the Strait all week long. The pods included the incoming A34’s (A12’s daughter and her family, as well A12 was travelling with them), A30’s, A23’s, A25’s, A8’s and the A24’s. Meanwhile, the A36’s (brothers three) who had been in Blackfish Sound earlier in the morning had disappeared to the west with no sighting of them reported after this. With this in mind we headed to the east as well, hoping that the orcas would turn back as we travelled. They had been moving at a steady pace but then they stalled and as we neared the Ecological Reserve we saw them as they made their way, cutting across the Strait to the rubbing beaches. Keeping outside of the Reserve boundary passengers could only watch from the distance, A39 was foraging intensely, already making his way back to the west and was seen foraging inside the estuary of the Reserve. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, a Harbor Seal, Bald Eagles fishing, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls and two small flocks of unidentified duck species flying high heading south!

AUGUST 12
A late posting for yesterday as our internet was down in Alert Bay last evening:
Shortly after leaving the dock this morning a Black Bear was sighted foraging along the beach, it was a great way to start the tour for all on board but especially so for those who had never seen a bear in the wild before. The orcas that we have seen for the past several days were again in Johnstone Strait today. Our first sighting was of the A23’s followed by the A25’s and they were on the Hanson Island side of the Strait further ahead of the A8’s and A30’s who were on the Vancouver Island side of the Strait. We watched as the A23’s and A25’s turned near Turn Point and commenced travelling back to the east; the A30’s and the A8’s also turned forming resting lines. A38 and A39 had been observed foraging ahead of their family (the A30’s) and when the turn was made, A38 was seen to quickly join in the resting line beside his mother A30, while A39 travelled back to the east, he was separate yet parallel to his family and foraging. Resting, foraging, tail and pectoral slapping behaviour was observed. The A24’s again had travelled up to Beaver Cove and were the last ones to turn back to the east. Continuing on with our tour we passed through some scenic waterways that were sparkling with sunlight, 15 + Stellar Sea Lions were sighted swimming and finally a Humpback Whale who was feeding nearby. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murres, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Belted Kingfishers, Mew, Glaucous-winged, Herring and California Gulls.

This morning when we headed out a light fog filled the entire Bay but within moments it began to evaporate leaving just the outer edges of Johnstone Strait obscured and shortly after, Cracroft Point emerged out of the fog as did the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve which only minutes earlier we could not see. It was at the Pig Ranch that the orcas were sighted, the same pods as yesterday and they were travelling slowly towards the west when they turned suddenly and began moving towards the Vancouver Island shore and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Within minutes, most of the orcas were inside the boundary, some were foraging, others were making their way directly to the rubbing beaches. On our afternoon tour we found the leading pod of orcas, the A24’s west of Kaikash Beach, they were travelling fast along the Vancouver Island shoreline but turning back often to forage. Meanwhile, the other pods, the A30’s and the A5’s (A8’s, A25’s and A23’s) had crossed over to the Hanson Island shore and had made it as far west as Big Bay before turning back; they were observed to be foraging and resting. When they turned back they were in resting lines and began heading across the Strait towards the VI shore. It was beautiful viewing and mesmerizing to watch. At this point we turned back and it was up near Bauza Islets that we again sighted the A24’s, they had been foraging in Beaver Cove and had made their turn back to the east some 40 + minutes after the other pods had turned.

This morning when we headed out a light fog filled the entire Bay but within moments it began to evaporate leaving just the outer edges of Johnstone Strait obscured and shortly after, Cracroft Point emerged out of the fog as did the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve which only minutes earlier we could not see. It was at the Pig Ranch that the orcas were sighted, the same pods as yesterday and they were travelling slowly towards the west when they turned suddenly and began moving towards the Vancouver Island shore and the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. Within minutes, most of the orcas were inside the boundary, some were foraging, others were making their way directly to the rubbing beaches. On our afternoon tour we found the leading pod of orcas, the A24’s west of Kaikash Beach, they were travelling fast along the Vancouver Island shoreline but turning back often to forage. Meanwhile, the other pods, the A30’s and the A5’s (A8’s, A25’s and A23’s) had crossed over to the Hanson Island shore and had made it as far west as Big Bay before turning back; they were observed to be foraging and resting. When they turned back they were in resting lines and began heading across the Strait towards the VI shore. It was beautiful viewing and mesmerizing to watch. At this point we turned back and it was up near Bauza Islets that we again sighted the A24’s, they had been foraging in Beaver Cove and had made their turn back to the east some 40 + minutes after the other pods had turned.

It was a wonderful day for viewing cetaceans in our local waters. Beginning this morning with rain falling gently and a rainbow that followed clearing the sky, we were soon within range of seeing large blows in the distance. This turned out to be four individual Humpback Whales foraging near to Bold Head. The viewing was exciting as everywhere one looked a whale would surface and dive. One of the Humpback Whales was identified as Slash (due to the absence of a dorsal fin and three very noticeable slashes on the upper body). On leaving the area a Minke Whale was sighted and having viewed 12 Stellar Sea Lions hauled out earlier on in the tour, more were sighted swimming in the water. In the afternoon, the orcas who had been further east in the morning had returned rapidly to the west: the A30’s, A5’s and the A24’s. Our first sighting was along the Vancouver Island shoreline west of Kaikash. The pods were spread out, travelling west at a steady rate, foraging as they went. Some pods were also on the Hanson Island side of the Strait just as they had been yesterday afternoon. The A24’s and A23’s foraged near to the Bauza Islets while the A30’s crossed back towards Vancouver Island and with the A8’s and A25’s they stalled west of Blinkhorn waiting for the others to catch up. It was wonderful viewing with multiple spyhopping, tail and pectoral slapping, breaching, porpoising and resting behaviour all being observed. When all of the orcas were close together, they began proceeding rapidly to the east. Heading for home the lighting was beautiful and looking back down Johnstone Strait to the east a Rainbow could be seen. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in its nest, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Red-necked Phalaropes, Pigeon Guillemots, Herring, Glaucous-winged, Mew and California Gulls.

On tour this morning in Blackfish Sound passengers enjoyed watching two Humpback Whales, one was feeding while a smaller one appeared to be travelling east in the Sound. Although the current was ebbing there were a lot of seabirds in the area especially Rhinoceros Aucklets and Gulls, Stellar Sea Lions (10 +) were sighted swimming and numerous Bald Eagles including an Eaglet in its nest. On the afternoon tour the pods of orcas who had been travelling back from the far east all morning in Johnstone Strait were sighted, they were well spread out across the Strait: the A30’s, A24’s and A5’s (A8’s, A23’s and A25’s). We encountered the A30’s near Kaikash, A39 was foraging well ahead of the others. There was a lot of interaction between family members with multiple spyhopping, pectoral and tail slapping, porpoising and resting behaviour being observed. At the Bauza Islets we observed several orcas foraging, some were resting while others moved further west. Where ever one looked, orcas could be seen in the distance and it was nice to sit quietly and listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Red-necked Phalaropes and Pigeon Guillemots.

The fog cleared as we headed down Johnstone Strait this morning enabling good visibility from a distance. The A36’s with A12 were sighted in Johnstone Strait and our encounter with them began at Izumi Rock. A12 and A46 were travelling together tight against the Vancouver Island shoreline, A37 was foraging nearby and A32 was also foraging further back to the west. Passengers watched until A12 and A46 entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve at the western boundary just as A37 crossed from the north side of the boundary. A32 was further back west foraging steadily off the Baron Reefs near to Cracroft Point. It was at this same location at Cracroft Point that we again sighted the A36 brothers (three) and the A12 matriline on our afternoon tour. A37 was foraging back and forth and was joined by his brother A32 and together they foraged intensely. At one point A37 passed nearby chasing a salmon. We had seen him lunge diving previous to this so to see him pass by the boat close was thrilling for all onboard. A12 who was foraging directly at Cracroft Point suddenly turned back and passed by the boat as it sat idle giving everyone a chance to view the 68 year old female orca. It was a wonderful viewing, exciting and special because of the extraordinary dynamics shared between the four orcas. The flood current surging at Blackney Passage and Weynton Passage this afternoon was remarkable, as was seeing the myriad of gulls and Aucklets feasting on herring balls at the waters surface. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Black Turnstones, Pigeon Guillemots and Black Oystercatchers.

It was another beautiful day to be out on the water enjoying the beauty and majesty of the area. We were again fortunate to have the same pods of orcas as yesterday in Johnstone Strait. They were the A30’s, all of the A5’s and the A24’s. On the morning tour when we headed out the orcas were all travelling to the west and we encountered them at Kaikash Beach. Deploying our hydrophone as soon as we arrived it was wonderful for everyone on board to listen to their beautiful A-Clan calls. The orcas continued to the west, some pods were sighted over on the Hanson Island shoreline. A38 who had been seen earlier travelling with his mother A30 close to the Vancouver Island Shore was seen crossing over towards the Hanson Shore as he foraged, his brother A39 was further to the west also foraging. We headed back via Island waterways viewing hauled out Harbour Seals and numerous seabirds. On the afternoon tour the orcas had turned back to the east, some pods had entered the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The A24’s were still outside of the Reserve during our time with them and passengers were delighted, the viewing was superb in the late afternoon sunlight. Travelling, resting breaching and spyhopping behaviour was observed today. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Black Turnstones, and Black Oystercatchers.

The day was a truly amazing one with wonderful viewing of orcas in Johnstone Strait. Today we were able to clearly view and enjoy all of the pods in Johnstone Strait, they were the A30’s, the A24’s and the A5’s. Our first encounter began with sighting the A24’s traveling very close along the shoreline of West Cracroft Island and close to the Baron Reefs near Cracroft Point.
They crossed Blackney Passage and continued to travel west but as we watched from a distance they turned back towards Cracroft Point. Crossing Johnstone Strait we sighted two more groups of orcas moving to the west slowly, the A5’s were altogether in the lead followed by the A30’s. They were at a distance from the Vancouver Island shore and it was beautiful to observe the resting lines of orcas. One male orca, A39 separated from his pod and foraged further west beyond Blinkhorn and while the hydrophone was deployed we heard their A-Clan calls, at this point both groups of orcas turned back to the east and A39 was observed turning back as well, moving quickly to catch up with his pod. The orcas had been relaxed and resting and some spyhops were seen amongst the A24’s that included A73. A Minke Whale was sighted briefly just prior to our leaving the orcas. It was in Weynton Passage that we sighted a Humpback Whale feeding in the flood current where a large herring ball with gulls galore, were feeding at. The sea birds in the area in Weynton Passage were numerous. Continuing on our tour and close to home a second Minke Whale was sighted in Pearse Passage. It was a wonderful ending to a most beautiful day on the water. Other species also seen today were: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbor Seals, Rhinoceros Aucklets, Common Murre, Belted Kingfishers, Harlequin Ducks, Surf Scoters and a Great Blue Heron.

The day was indeed a beautiful one as the fog cleared and Johnstone Strait became visible, blue and sparkling. En route to viewing orcas a small group of Dalls Porpoises rode at the bow of the boat delighting everyone with their darting tactics back and forth. The orcas who had been sighted yesterday were well to the east this morning however, the A36 brothers (A37 and A46) were foraging inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but A32, the oldest brother was outside of the Reserve across on the West Cracroft Island side of the Strait foraging. At 45 years old he is of a substanial size and viewing him is always a treat. On the afternoon tour the orcas who had been to the east were returning back to the west at a very rapid rate. It was near Kaikash Beach that we suddenly saw a pod of orcas approaching, moving quickly and very close along the Vancouver Island shore, mothers and their calves. Stopping to deploy the hydrophone it was exciting to hear their A-Clan calls. Scanning across the Strait numerous orcas could be seen in all directions, it was an amazing sight, they were so spread out. The pods were the same as yesterday: A30’s, A5’s, A24’s and A36’s. As the lead groups neared the Bauza Islets they slowed, some were observed resting and foraging while others socialized. The viewing was superb as was the lighting. Just when passengers thought that it could not get any better it did. We had been observing A39 who was foraging alone mid Strait well ahead of us and we had stopped to watch his foraging tactics when suddenly he turned back and then towards us, circling around the entire boat. It was breathtaking and beautiful to see this orca under the water, so large and floating free! It was like magic, over in a moment yet somewhere in all of our minds eye, that powerful image remains vivid. Looking back we could see that the orcas had turned back east and we ourselves were headed home.

As we headed out on tour, passengers and crew alike could not imagine the remarkable orca viewing that lay ahead. Nearing the Sophia Islands we could see orca fins and blows stretched before us across Johnstone Strait, heading west in our direction. It was very exciting to see them speeding by and that was literally what they were doing. Because they were traveling at such a rapid rate and being so spread out, the mothers and their calves close along the Vancouver Island shoreline, it was very difficult to identify the individual orcas and their pods. The orcas that were in the Strait most of the day and this afternoon were the A30’s, A24’s, and the A5’s. The orcas that we were closer to and better able to identify were the A30’s who were also spread out (A54 and her calves and A38), the A25’s and also the A24’s including A73 with her open saddle patch. Stopping at times to deploy the hydrophone, it was wonderful listening to their beautiful A-Clan calls as well, ecolocations as some orcas foraged nearby. Breaching, spyhopping, foraging, pectoral slapping and resting behaviour was observed. Heading back home care was taken to steer clear of numerous orcas who were still heading west behind those who had slowed down and were foraging off the Bauza Islets. It was indeed a very remarkable day for viewing orcas in Johnstone Strait.

Shortly after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this afternoon we were taken by surprise when a Minke Whale surfaced nearby. The angle at which we observed the dorsal fin we thought that it was an orca however when it surfaced again it was most definitely a Minke Whale and it was a great sighting to start our tour on. The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to. As we headed back it was time to partake of the hot freshly baked scones served with tea all the while drinking in the beautiful seascape that stretched before and around us.

Shortly after leaving the dock at Alder Bay this afternoon we were taken by surprise when a Minke Whale surfaced nearby. The angle at which we observed the dorsal fin we thought that it was an orca however when it surfaced again it was most definitely a Minke Whale and it was a great sighting to start our tour on. The A36’s with A12 and the A30’s were inside the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve when we neared the western Reserve boundary but as we watched a male orca was making his way back to the west and it looked as though a female was as well. We watched from the distance of the boundary and sailed with our main sail hoisted and while trailing the hydrophone we listened to their A-Clan calls. The male orca when outside of the western boundary began moving across Johnstone Strait and was identified as A38 while the single female orca who had been sighted earlier was not alone and was identified as A54 with her three calves and they were foraging steadily along the Vancouver Island shoreline, westbound as well. A39 was sighted a distance out from the shore, A50 and her calves were further behind while the A36’s and A12 were further across on the West Cracroft Island side of Johnstone Strait.The viewing was wonderful and as we watched, the calves were playful and interacting together. With the hydrophone deployed again, ecolocation could be heard and their A-Clan calls were clearly audible and wonderful to listen to. As we headed back it was time to partake of the hot freshly baked scones served with tea all the while drinking in the beautiful seascape that stretched before and around us.

Today was another wonderful day for viewing orcas in the area. It began this morning with sighting the A36’s and A12 foraging at Cracroft Point. As we watched mezmerized, A12 and A37 began traveling further west along the Hanson Island shore, they were soon joined by A37 and finally A32 who had been foraging steadily back at the Point. We sat and listened to their beautiful A-Clan calls via the hydrophone and then began making our way back towards the west. Looking back we could see some tall dorsal fins, likely A32 and A37 foraging back at Cracroft Point in the flood current; we had lost sight of A12 who had been foraging with A46 nearby only moments ago. Suddenly A46 was seen charging alongside and keeping pace parallel with us as we traveled. We slowed to let him go by and surprising us, he crossed over and was headed for the Bauza Islets on Vancouver Island. We headed in the direction of Weynton Passage and while we were observing some bird activity around a herring ball we were thrilled to see a Humpback Whale emerge feeding in the flood current along with numerous Stellar Sea Lions; it was an amazing sight to see them tumbling all around the whale in the swirling current. Passengers on the afternoon Motor Cruise began their tour with more wonderful viewing of the Humpback Whale and Stellar Sea Lions feeding in the current. Leaving Weynton Passage, two orca pods, the A30’s and A24’s including A73 were sighted foraging off Bold Head. As passengers watched they slowly made their way across Blackfish Sound and then proceeded to pass through the ‘Blowhole’, a narrow waterway that separates Hanson Island from the Plumper Island group. The A30’s were in the lead this afternoon followed by the A24’s, passing through the Blowhole and then the small waterway that separates Little Weynton Island from Hanson Island, entering then into Johnstone Strait. Visually it was a powerfully rich and memorable experience for all onboard to witness. The A30’s navigated this same route in the afternoon on July 31. It was exceptionally beautiful and a wonderful way to make our way home via the scenic island waterways . Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Pigeon Guillemots.

Heading out this afternoon it was not long before passengers on both vessels were in sight of orcas east of Blinkhorn. There were two Matrilines and their offspring: the A30’s and the A24’s. The mothers and calves were traveling along Vancouver Island and very close to shore, foraging as they went while A38 and A39 were well spread out, A39 being the greatest distance across the Strait from the others. With the hydrophones deployed it was a treat to sit and listen to their A-Clan calls. The viewing had already been wonderful when we learned that the A36 brothers and A12 were entering Johnstone Strait through Weynton Passage. It was very moving to watch as the four orcas entered the Strait altogether as a family group. As they surfaced together it was wonderful seeing A12 in this manner, surrounded by the boys, her being in the middle and all of them very much at ease. They commenced to travel east down the Strait while the A30’s and the A24’s who had been foraging and resting at the top end of the Strait around the Bauza Islets, also turned and commenced to travel back east. Other species also seen today: Dall’s Porpoises, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles and an Eaglet in the nest, Rhinoceros Auklets ++, Common Murres and Gulls++(Mews, California, Herring and Glaucous-Winged.

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.

September 30:

What a wonderful day we had for our last tour of the season! We could not have asked for anything more. There was an abundance of sightings it seemed in every direction we looked, beginning with a large blow being sighted off into the distance and well ahead of viewing the humpback whale that eventually showed itself. As we drew near, two breaches were observed. At the same time a second humpback whale was sighted and then a third, followed simultaneously by a glimpse of a single dorsal fin. What excitement and joy! The first orca that we sighted at a distance was later identified as A39 and suddenly a second smaller fin was seen, followed by several more dorsal fins. Until our sighting there had not been any reports of orcas in the area and yet there they were; the A30 matriline, foraging steadily in Blackfish Sound. The weather was glorious with wind conditions perfect for hoisting both the stay sail and the main. It was pure magic, moving quietly along, sailing with the whales as they foraged. Stellar sea lions were in the water swimming, one was viewed catching a salmon while others, with much splashing, were seen to be interacting with one of the humpback whales, rolling all over and around it. Where to look and in which direction to head after our wonderful encounter with the orcas! The humpback whales were magnificent, their dive sequence a graceful sight to behold. Traveling home via the island waterways with its sparkling kelp forests, numerous stellar sea lions and some harbour seals were observed hauled out, the sight and sound of the sea lions, their bodies glistening in the sunshine was an interesting sight to see. The final day in September: a season still showing great change and transition for all species, from high above the water to far below it. Throughout the tour, numerous flocks of birds were sighted high in the sky heading south east on their migratory journey. Mindful of the distance they travel, their flight formations ever changing and creating dramatic ribbons in the sky, they were a wonderful sight to see.

With gratitude and thankfulness for the powerfully inspiring and unforgettable images of the day, our final tour of the season had come to an end and our guests departed, all of them, acknowledging the spectacular beauty and wonder of this very special place on planet earth, that like all other natural habitats, must be respected and cared for by “we humans” who live here now.

Some wonderful days of viewing!

September 29: The A30 matriline were sighted again out in the Queen Charlotte Strait, they were foraging near to the Foster Islands, moving slowly eastbound. There was barely a breathe of wind and glassy calm waters that made the viewing superb!
The orcas were mostly silent although some A-Clan calls were heard via the hydrophone.

September 28: Another beautiful and spectacular day of marine mammal sightings! What a wonderful day this turned out to be! Just when we thought there were no orcas in the area and we were focusing on the humpback whales who seemed to be every which way we looked, as blow after blow was sighted with some very good viewing close by, an orca fin was sighted off into the distance. How wonderful that sighting was and soon, the A30 matriline were identified. Everyone on board had a beautiful day of sunshine and marine mammal sightings.

September 26: There were no orcas in the area but the sightings of three humpback whales close by were wonderful. Everywhere passengers looked, humpback whale blows could be seen. There were seven humback whales in the near vicinity in total. A myriad of bird species, stellar sea lions and harbour seals were also seen.

Fall has arrived for sure! Today it was cool and a south east wind was blowing on the water in Johnstone Strait. The A30 matriline were foraging at Cracroft Point, they were well spread out and were focusing intensely on feeding. Because of wind conditions our stay sail was raised enabling easy manoeuvreing, back and forth in the flood current in Blakney Passage while passengers observed the orcas forage. Leaving the area and traveling into Blackfish Sound, the water was calm and soon the blows of two humpback whales were sighted. It was wonderful watching the dive sequences of the pair and glimpsing their flukes when they dived. A large grouping of stellar sea lions were observed hauled out, some 130+ others in the water. Other sightings today were: Dalls porpoises, harbour seals hauled out, sooty shearwaters, rhinoceros auklets, pigeon guillemots, white-winged scoters, surf scoters, oyster catchers, common mergansers in flight, bald eagles and an eaglet nearby the nest, california gulls and glaucous-winged gulls.

This morning when we left Alder Bay the fog was clearing and soon the beauty of Johnstone Strait was revealed, a silver-lit waterway and a sun high in the sky that was shining bright. It was beautiful and so welcome, to again see the seascape and islands after the very heavy fog of yesterday. The A30 matriline were reported in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, they were at the east end, headed east but turned and began making their way back to the west. While most of the blows could be seen at Critical Point inside the Reserve, two orcas were sighted on the Cracroft side, they were identified as A30 and A38. They were foraging steadily to the west, as were the rest of the family, parallel on the VI shore inside the Reserve. Two pacific white-sided dolphins were observed swimming nearby which resulted in A30 and A38 taking long dives. A38 surprised everyone when he suddenly appeared alongside the boat, he had traveled a distance from his last dive sighting, near his mother, who was still traveling close to the Cracroft shore. The orcas were obviously searching for food, they were focussed, intent on feeding. A30 and A38 made their way over to the VI shore, all of the orcas remained spread out, intent on foraging along the VI shore. Other sightings today were: Pacific white-sided dolphins, sooty shearwaters, common murres, rhinoceros auklets,, bald eagles, a great blue heron, california gulls, glaucous-winged and bonaparte’s gulls.

Shortly after leaving the dock in Alder Bay this morning, small groups of Pacific white-sided dolphins were sighted. The first group of 12 or so rode at the bow of the boat briefly, it was a joy to see them swimming just under the water at the bow of the boat, prior to their heading back to feed. While a heavy fog was present for most of the tour, resident orcas, the A30 matriline (9 orcas in total) were sighted. It is always exciting finding orcas in the fog when they have been reported in the area. Blows were heard and then finally black fins appeared looming through the water. It was a great viewing with all of the 9 individual orcas being seen even though they were well spread out and heading west from Blackfish Sound to Donegal Head. Their A-Clan calls were also heard. Stellar sea lions were observed hauled out, as well many were sighted swimming and one individual was seen feeding on a fish. Other sightings today were: sooty shearwaters +, common murres, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles, cassin’s auklets, black turnstones, california gulls, glaucous-winged and bonaparte’s gulls.

Just when we thought it could not get any better it did! Today's viewing has to be one of the best of the entire season. Heading out on tour this morning the fog was beginning to clear in Johnstone Strait and yet our first glimpse of an orca took everyone onboard by surprise including crew when the fin of A33 suddenly rose up through the water and out of the fog near to the boat. With the engine cut, passengers sat and watched as A33 continued on to the west, foraging as he went. The hydrophone was deployed and the wonderful A-Clan calls of the A12 matriline were heard, and beautifully so, and with the fog clearing rapidly, other orcas could then be seen further down Johnstone Strait and slowly making their way towards the west. As it turned out, the orcas passed by very near to the boat, and then turning back and forth as they foraged at Turn Point, some swimming under and alongside of the boat. The viewing was superb and left everyone on board smiling! A humpback whale was sighted across Johnstone Strait at Blinkhorn at the time of our orca encounter. Leaving the area, we headed into Weynton Passage where passengers observed the antics of numerous stellar sea lions 30 + hauled out and many, many more who were in the water swimming and fishing. A humpback whale was sighted near Stubbs Island, it was feeding in the flood current; in total there were 5 humpback whales in the area, some could be seen off in the distance and one was sighted on the way home near the Pearse Islands. It was a purely magical and remarkable tour for all onboard. Other sightings today were: harbour seals, sooty shearwaters +++, common mergansers flying south in small flocks of 20 or less, common murres,, red-necked phalaropes, rhinoceros auklets,, bald eagles, cassin’s auklets,, california gulls, glaucous-winged and bonaparte’s gulls.

What a way to spend the day! Nearing Weynton Passage on tour this morning we encountered a large group of Pacific white-sided dolphins, some 100 + that were feeding intensely and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing of them. Continuing on and traveling through the Plumper Islands, numerous hauled out harbour seals were sighted as well a pair of bald eagles who were fishing. Once out in Blackfish Sound we began scanning for blows and it was not long before a humpback whale was sighted. As it turned out there were 5 and possibly 6 humpback whales in the near vicinity, they were well spread out in all directions where a blow or fluke could be seen off in the distance. Passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing of Chunky and her calf and shortly after another adult humpback whale who was observed to have dolphins and stellar sea lions intermingling with it. On our way home, just as the devonshire teas were being served, passengers were treated to a special viewing of a humpback whale that was rolling over and over, waving its pectoral fins about and some 4-6 stellar sea lions were playfully rolling over and around it. It was an incredible and memorable impression for everyone to take home with them as well as some extraordinary photo’s. Other sightings today were: sooty shearwaters +++, common murres,, red-necked phalaropes, rhinoceros auklets,, surf scoters, bald eagles, a great blue heron, california gulls, glaucous-winged and bonaparte’s gulls.

September 13,2008: Not mentioned in yesterdays update: Soon after leaving the dock in Alder Bay yesterday morning, what looked to be a large deadhead in the water, turned out to be a male northern elephant seal which disappeared from sight while we were still a distance away. This summer there has been frequent sightings of northern elephant seals in this area which is quite unusual; they are found further south on Vancouver Island, near Race Rocks, Metchosin and Sooke but especially off the California Coast.

Today was another beautiful day in which to celebrate our favourite month, a time of year that brings a feeling of change in the air, as well, numerous bird species into the area. We encountered the A30’s and the A36 boys at Blinkhorn on our tour early this morning. They were well spread out foraging, working their way to the west with the ebb current, the A36’s going the furtherest west. At one point the A30’s stopped to rest, as did A37 and A46. A-Clan vocals were heard via the hydrophone, resting calls and then calls where we observed A30 (the matriarch) to begin moving further west and soon the A30 pod had formed a resting line, moving slowly west in the ebb current. Traveling through Weynton Passage, numerous stellar sea lions were sighted hauled out, many more were in the water interacting together playfully and several were in the Queen Charlotte Strait swimming and fishing. Humpback whale blows could be seen in the distance in all directions, there were nine in total in the vicinity of Donegal Head, Queen Charlotte Strait and Blackfish Sound. Passengers enjoyed viewing Chunky and her calf, watching their dive sequence was mesmerizing and wonderful to watch. Other sightings today were: hauled out harbour seals, pacific white-sided dolphins, two harbour porpoise, common murres,, red-necked phalaropes, rhinoceros auklets, canada geese, surf scoters, bald eagles, sooty shearwaters, california gulls, glaucous-winged and bonaparte’s gulls.

12 SEPTEMBER, 2008

Today was a beautiful day to be out on the water. The A30’s were sighted off the Sophia Islands this morning heading to the west, their blows could be seen a distance away. They were well spread out and began foraging intensely in the heavy flood current at Blakney Passage, at one point they were seen heading to the west along the Hanson Island Shore and as suddenly they turned back and in a traveling line, passed nearby the boat on their way back to forage again in Blackney Passage. A dozen or more Pacific white-sided dolphins were observed intermingling amongst them. The A12’s were also sighted, they traveled quickly to the east down the VI shore, carried along by the flood current. On the way home, six or more pacific white-sided dolphins came racing along from behind the boat and were soon riding at the bow and passengers enjoyed watching them turning back and forth under the surface of the water. Just when it couldn’t get any better, a humpback whale was sighted foraging near the Stephenson Islands. It was a truly remarkable day in viewing so many marine mammals and sea birds. Other sightings today were: Numerous stellar sea lions hauled out and in the water swimming+++ hauled out harbour seals, common murres,, red-necked phalaropes, rhinoceros auklets, canada geese flying south east, surf scoters, bald eagles, fork-tailed storm petrels, sooty shearwaters, harlequind ducks, oyster catchers, california gulls, glaucous-winged and bonaparte’s gulls.

It was a beautiful and blustery day out on the water with sunshine and orcas! The orcas that were sighted were east of the east end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and they were identified as the A30’s. They were well spread out and also heading east, foraging as they went; several pacific white-sided dolphins were intermingling among them, the orcas were consequently taking long dives. A39 was the first orca we sighted, he was heading to the west foraging steadily at the time of our first excited sighting. A72 (Bend) was also sighted foraging near to A50 (mother) and A84 (sibling), they were foraging very close to the Cracroft Island shoreline; A38 and A30 were also seen, as were A54 and her two calves. Just prior to our leaving the area, A39, traveling back to the east to catch up with his family, passed close to the boat as it sat idle, giving everyone a wonderful photographic opportunity. We traveled back via Weynton Passage, viewing the hauled out stellar sea lions +++. Other sightings today were: harbour seals, common murres,, red-necked phalaropes, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles and california gulls.

The orcas were east in Johnstone Strait at the eastern end of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, they were the A34’s who were resting while A55 was further to the west foraging, just inside the boundary of the reserve. The rest of the A34’s soon began traveling to the west moving rapidly along in the ebb current, some pacific white-sided dolphins were seen intermingling with them nearby. On the way back, two stellar sea lions were sighted swimming along and close to Alder Bay, a black bear was observed foraging on the beach.

With reports of orcas heading east in Johnstone Strait towards the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve we headed in that direction briefly, sighting a Black Bear that was foraging on the beach at low tide. When orcas were reported in Blackfish Sound we veered north, passing through the Blowhole into Blackfish Sound where we encountered the A30’s who were traveling west, foraging along the Swanson Island shore. It was wonderful viewing them as they foraged back and forth steadily, heading west off Bold Head and towards Donegal Head; they were well spread out. A Humpback Whale was sighted along the Swanson shore, moving in our direction and passengers enjoyed some wonderful viewing moments during numerous dive sequences. It was moving steadily west and was soon lost from sight in the ebb current. The A30’s who were quiet earlier began to vocalize and passengers enjoyed listening to their A-Clan calls. It was exciting when A54 and her two calves who had been foraging 200 meters distance away, suddenly turned towards the boat as it sat idle and drifting and swam alongside of and under the boat, much to the delight and wonder of all on board. We cruised home via numerous islands partaking in the beauty and majesty of it all. Other sightings today: stellar sea lions hauled out and swimming++++, harbour seals hauled out++, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles and an eaglet in a nest, red-necked phalaropes, common murres, two great blue herons, 4 fork-tailed storm petrels, a peregrine falcon, glaucous-winged and california gulls.

Despite the mist that persisted for most of our tour, orcas were sighted this morning in Johnstone Strait. We encountered A12 and A33 traveling west towards Cracroft Point, they were foraging a few 100 meters apart. Distant A-Clan calls could be heard via the hydrophone but mist and fog conditions obscured the VI shore making visibility difficult. The A34’s were located on the VI shore near Kaikash Beach, they too were foraging, making their way to the west. With the hydrophone deployed, their A-Clan calls were heard, this time at a closer range and they were wonderful to listen to. Passengers observed when the A34’s suddenly turned and began heading back to the east, A12 and A33 on the Hanson shore had also turned.

It was a beautiful fall day on the water, the assembly of large numbers of common murres having arrived into the area and the sound of their calls across the water was familiar and signified that fall had indeed arrived. The A12’s were sighted at Big Bay early on in the tour this morning and passengers on the SV Tuan enjoyed observing them as they foraged, traveling east along Hanson Island when they turned into Blakney Passage making their way into Blackfish Sound. A humpback whale was also sighted and some wonderful viewings were enjoyed. It was an action packed afternoon for passengers on the motor cruise. A humpback whale fluke was seen disappearing out of sight out in the Queen Charlotte Strait at the same time that numerous stellar sea lions were swimming close by, exuberant and splashing about. While scanning for the humpback whale, waiting for it to surface again, it was surprising to suddenly see orcas, the A12’s who were also near by in the Queen Charlotte Strait. A33 was well out in the Strait heading west when A12 turned towards Weynton Passage; the A34’s following. A33 circled around and was soon parallel to his mother and entering into Johnstone Strait on the flood current with the A34’s following. A12 and A33 commenced foraging on the VI shore while the A34’s rested, moving slowly down the Hanson Island side of the Strait. The viewing of the humpback whale was superb, meanwhile, stellar sea lions were everywhere it seemed! It was extremely interesting to observe them swimming and feeding in the water and also hauled out. Other sightings today: Humpback whales, harbour seals hauled out, common murres+++, fork-tailed storm petrels, red-necked phalaropes, red-necked grebes, cassin’s auklets, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles, and california gulls.

It was a beautiful viewing of the A12’s that we were privileged to observe while out on tour today. When we first encountered the orcas they were foraging steadily, west towards Blinkhorn on the VI shore, A12 and A33 were in the lead. The A34’s followed, they too were foraging, A55 was in the lead and it was such a treat viewing this family group at the time that we did. They passed on by and while we were drifting in the current with the engine off listening to their wonderful A-Clan calls, the family suddenly turned and approached nearby. It was a very relaxed and special viewing with multiple spyhopping, resting on the surface, pectoral slapping and playful interactions between all members. Their calls still being heard via the hydrophone, passengers observed as they grouped together forming a resting line and then began to move very slowly towards Weynton Passage, changing direction to drift with the ebb current through one of the passages of the Plumper Islands (Lulu Island Passage). Stellar sea lions were everywhere in the water swimming and playing and amongst the chaos of them all, the A34’s were seen passing gracefully through the same narrow waterway (of which dozens of Stellar Sea Lions were also navigating their way through) and eventually into the Queen Charlotte Strait. Scotch mist persisted and hung for awhile like a curtain of rain obscuring much of the Plumper Islands and the Coast Mountains could not be seen. And yet it was beautiful, the gentle magic of the rain forest unfolded, passengers listened to the calls of birds on the islands and watched the antics of the stellar sea lions, 35+ hauled out and at least double this number swimming in every direction, many in playful interaction with each other. Other sightings today: harbour seals hauled out, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles, red-necked phalaropes, black turnstones, a great blue heron and california gulls.

This morning orcas were sighted out in front of Alert Bay, just ahead of passengers arriving to board and so it was with much excitement that the tour got underway. It turned out to be the same seven Transient orcas (mammal feeders, mostly marine) who were in the area two days ago, on August 30; the T34’s, T37’s and T72. When SV met up with the orcas they had just finished feeding and were resting and passengers were able to view these transient orcas in their relaxed state. Resting is rarely seen in transients , representing less than 3 % of their overall activity, as compared to 10-15% for residents. Passengers observed that the resting transients were uninterested in two Harbour Porpoises swimming nearby. After a time, the orcas began to travel to the west, passing west of Pultney Point on Malcolm Island. Other sightings today: Stellar Sea Lions swimming, a common Loon, a mink, rhinoceros auklets, bald eagles, red-necked phalaropes and california gulls.