January 2024 | Sailcone's Grizzly Bear Lodge

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Home > Archives for January 2024

Coastal Grizzly Bear Viewing

January 18, 2024 Angus

At the lodge our style of bear viewing changes with the season. In the spring and early summer we spend a lot of time in the river estuaries as the bears feed on sedge grasses. As the salmon arrive, we spend more time up the river systems viewing the bears as they try and fill up on the high protein salmon. One food source that is available to the bears throughout our season is the intertidal. When the tide is out there is a huge amount of protein available in the areas of the coastline between the high and low tide line. Some favourites include shore crab, mussels, barnacles as well as eels and other small fish. Both Black and Grizzly Bears utilise this important food source. Whenever we are travelling (particularly when the tide is out) it always is a good idea to keep a keen eye on the shoreline.

Speedy Dalls Porpoise

January 5, 2024 Angus

When we are on our whale watching tours it is fairly common to spot Dalls Porpoise. They are often seen slowly rises to the surface, but can take off at high speeds, reaching speeds of over 50KMPH. This speed is used for feeding, socialising and for escaping Biggs Orca. The have a thick body and distinct black and white colouring. We have two species of porpoise in our area, the Dalls and the Harbour Porpoise. Although they resemble dolphins in some ways they are not closely related. Dolphins have elongated heads, forming their beak, while porpoise have a much flatter head. Dolphins have cone shaped teeth, while porpoises have spade shaped teeth. In addition dolphins tend to be seen in larger groups and are generally more social. An interesting development is that Harbour and Dalls Porpoise do sometimes interbreed, leading to a Hybrid, which has been documented in our area.

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles are frequently sighted in our area. At times they can be seen in large numbers. This is usually where food supplies are high. For example this could be in areas with high concentrations of baitfish or along the rivers in the fall when the salmon are spawning. They are not migratory, but do move around with the food supply. As mentioned earlier when the salmon are spawning we often see many along the rivers, while there will be fewer along the coastline. With little need for camouflage their white head and tail feathers can be spotted easily. The female is slightly larger and her white head extends down a bit farther onto the body, but it is subtle. It takes these birds 4.5 – 5 years to acquire this unique plumage. As juveniles they are a brown colour. With exceptional eyesight and the ability to view 270 degrees they are understandably often seen in high perches and in trees near points and passageways.

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