This is a picture of a Humpback Whale. We see Humpbacks quite often, so that in itself is not unusual. What is unique about this picture is that it is taken from the front deck at the lodge cruising by only a few meters from the beach. Sometimes it pays to stay put.
Whale Watching
We’re not all about the bears, whales are abundant here too!
Killer whales and humpback whales are often seen during our wildlife tours. There are resident whales and transient whales that can be seen feeding and playing in our waters.
Bald Eagle Fishing
Bald eagles like grizzly bears are pretty good at catching a meal. This bald eagle manages to pick up a small salmon which will keep it’s young happy for a little while until they start to squawk again. Always hungry and never satisfied.
Working 2 of 2
A killer whale / orca’s working speed is much faster than a humpback as it is looking for salmon. This orca had been circling the area of our boat as we sat and watched it feed. This time if surfaced under a “full head of steam” before it dove again nearer the boat to continue it’s search for food. Again as in January 17th post my guests did not complain.
Working 1 of 2
The working aspect of this post has two meanings. First I am working and the only reason it can be classified as that is because I get paid, other than that it is just fun. The second one working is the humpback whale as it passes along the shore looking for more herring to fill it’s demand for food. Note the bar in the lower left corner of the photo is the metal bar on our boat which holds the radar. So yes the whale is close.
Hard to See
Just out of it’s nest this bald eagle was hard to spot sitting in a tree. Lacking the white head and tail feathers, which do not start to appear until their third year, they blend with the trees. Note that even the beak and talons are not yet the bright yellow of an adult.
More Impressive?
Steller sea lions are much more impressive than harbour seals in size, volume of their roars and of course smell. Some sea lions now live in the area all year but are only on a number of haul out sites in the spring and fall when migrating between California and Alaska.
Taken for Granted?
Harbour seals are constantly seen on the rocks enjoying the sun and as a guide we forget that this is not a normal site for our guests. It is most often the first marine wildlife we view on a whale watching day. We make a point of stopping by the rocks that are used by the harbour seals as it gives a comparison for later in the day and tomorrow’s post…
Orca Behaviour Pt2
As mentioned yesterday the behaviour of the orca varies day to day and is highly advanced. This whale is “spy hopping”. What the whale is basically doing is having a look at what is happening above the water line. Orca have advanced echolocation “sonar” abilities, which allows them to detect objects and animals underwater with pinpoint accuracy. They also like to check out what is happing above them as this orca is demonstrating.
Orca Behaviour Pt1
Orca are highly intelligent and incredibly sociable animals. There behaviour varies day to day. They are often travelling, foraging and resting, but they do take time for play and socializing as well. This whale is basically standing on his head and doing a little bit of “tail lobbing”.
Orca Resting Line
These Orca are resting in the waters of Johnstone Strait. Whales are voluntary breathers, which means unlike us they have to think about every breathe that they take. When whales rest they shut down half of their brain and close the opposite eye. They reverse this process, so that both sides of their body is able to rest. This lets the animal rest, but also breathe and watch for danger.
