All posts by Angus

Stellar Sea Lions

Stellar Sea Lions are often seen on out tours and are common in large numbers from late August until the end of our season.  Stellar Sea Lions are creatures of habit and will use the same rocks to haul out on year after year.  Stellar Sea Lions do not migrate, but they do move throughout the season from resting, feeding and mating(rookery) areas.  They eat a variety of fish, but can often be seen feeding on migrating salmon that pass through Blackfish Sound, where we spend a lot of time whale watching.

Humpback Flipper

Humpback whales are extremely manoeuvrable and often quite acrobatic.  The reason for this is their long flippers.  Humpback Whales have longer flippers then any other animal. They also have large bumps  on their flippers called tubercles.  These tubercles act like rudders, creating turbulence and reducing drag.   Thanks to Annette for the photo

Delivery Day

Our lodge is located in a remote area of Knight Inlet and is only accessible by float plane or boat.  Many guests ask me how we get out supplies in.  A lot of it is brought in by boat or plane, but larger items and fuel is delivered once a month by barge.  The barge is able to pull right on to the beach and unload.

Grizzly on the River Trip

Nothing beats viewing the Grizzly Bears in their natural setting.  This phot was taken on the “wild river” trip by Felix Rome.  Guests on a four night trip get to spend a day in this remote setting searching for bears and taking in the scenery.

kakweiken bear

Black Bear Pt2

All bears in North America are excellent swimmers.  Some people even consider Polar Bears a marine animal, due to the large distances that they swim.  The mouth of Knight Inlet is dotted with many small islands and channels.  When food becomes scarce, or competition with other bears arises these bears will simply swim to another island or the mainland.  Thanks to Brien for the photo.

Black Bear Pt1

Black Bears are a common sight in our area.  Unlike the Grizzly Bears they do not congregate in great numbers around the salmon rivers.  They would if they could, but the Grizzlies are the more dominant bear and push the Black Bears out.  Black Bears are smaller and have short, very sharp claws that allow them to climb trees with ease.  Grizzly’s long, curved digging claws prevent them from climbing, except as young cubs.

Grizzly Bears Searching for Early Salmon

These two Grizzlies are investigating the shallow waters of the lower river, near the estuary.  Grizzly Bears have an exceptional sense of smell and when the first salmon begin to arrive they take notice.  The exact timing of the arrival of the Pink Salmon varies a bit year to year, but by August there are generally some fish heading up the river to spawn.

Calm Mornings on the Water

One of the benefits of our location is that we are protected from the open ocean and the big swells.  We do get afternoon winds in the summer, but more often than not the mornings are nice and calm.  Thanks Tom for this great picture of a peaceful morning on the water at Sailcone

Pacific White Sided Dolphins Following Boat

No matter where we are going at Sailcone’s Grizzly Bear Lodge, the guides are always keeping their eyes open for wildlife.  This could be a Black Bear on the way to view Grizzlies, an eagle family or in this case a group of Pacific White Sided Dolphins.  These dolphins are common in our area and it is not unusual to spot them in large groups.  They are incredibly intelligent and often come to us for a closer look.

Mother Grizzly With Four Cubs

Grizzly bears are slow reproducers and litters of one to three cubs are the norm.  In the last several years, however we have been lucky to witness three separate mothers with four cubs.  It is a true testament to the availability of food in the area.