All posts by Angus

Humpback Whale Identification

ID’s of the local whales

We are fortunate to have dedicated colleges and societies in our area such as the Marine Education and Research Society. The Humpback Whales in our area are identified by both the underside of the fluke and the dorsal region. Unique pigmentation, shapes and markings allow these animals to be positively identified and catalogued. We know that the majority of the whales in our area migrate to Hawaii to mate and have their calves before returning to the colder, richer waters of British Columbia to feed. This is a familiar whale is named “Lucky”. The scaring you see is from escaping an Orca attack when she was younger. She has grown from when she was likely attacked as a calf, so the scrapes (rake marks) from the Orca teeth appear wider apart then they should, but this is just because she has grown. So wonderful to have so many of these amazing animals back in our waters.

The views at Sailcone Pt2

The early mornings are some of the nicest times to be out on the water.  It is often calm and the wildlife tends to be active.  This is a view from out dock taken after an early coffee and breakfast

picturesque sunrise over Knight Inlet BC

So many Salmon

This is a grizzly bear sitting in a pool in the Glendale river in Knight Inlet.  The fish that you see are returning Pink Salmon.  On a good return the river is black with fish.  This is important, because our coastal Grizzly Bears rely on the protein rich salmon to put on enough wait to make it through their winter hibernation.

Our “Big Red Suits”

Often the first pictures of the trip at Sailcone’s Grizzly Bear Lodge are of the guests in their big red suits.  Although they don’t make much of a fashion statement they are very warm and most guests are glad that they have them, especially on those chilly mornings.

The Views at Sailcone Pt1

We are blessed with both great wildlife opportunities and some great scenery.  On the four night trip you get to go to the Kakweiken River and visit Trapper Rick’s cabin.  This is his view from the deck, complete with “Andy” the bear.

view at ricks

Humpback in the Fog

In August and early September it is common to get some fog while whale watching in the early morning.  Usually by eleven this marine layer burns off and we enjoy a sunny afternoon.  It can make finding the whales a little more difficult in the early morning, but does make for some peaceful and dramatic scenes.  It is amazing how far the sounds of the whale’s blow travels on a calm foggy morning.

Who is Watching Who

One of the nice things about viewing the grizzly bears from the viewing platform is that they tend to ignore you entirely.  This is great as it is low impact viewing, allowing the bears to go about their business.  Once and a while a bear will glance up and check out the people.  Cubs are often especially curious and will give a stare to the lucky guests.