Tag Archives: Knight Inlet

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.

Ravens and Bears

The relationship between Ravens and Bears is an interesting one. Both crows and ravens are commonly seen near Black and Grizzly Bears. The reason for this is simple, easy food. Often bears will leave scraps of fish, mussels or other food sources. It some cases we may see ravens on a river, but no bear. Often with a little patience the bear will emerge behind a log or rock. The birds tend to sit above the bear whenever possible, swooping in when they have an opportunity for easy food. Much like the gulls in the strait indicating where marine life may be, the ravens can help us find the bears.

Sea Otter Sightings

The last 3 years we have been starting to view sea otters in our area more regularly. They are still often a distance away, but the sightings are increasing with some “rafts” of them developing in areas near the western portion of our whale watching trips. These animals were hunted heavily for their fur and were completely wiped out of British Columbia waters. Re-introduction occurred from Alaskan otters in the 1960’s. They have long been protected and their numbers have been steadily increasing along the exposed BC coast and are now moving back into inside waters. They are unique in that they don’t have the insulating blubber that other marine mammals use to keep warm. As a result they have dense (over 1 million hairs per square inch) fur and feed heavily. They are important in balancing the eco-system. They eat a lot of sea urchins, which eat a lot of kelp. Kelp is extremely important as it provides cover for juvenile fish and is where the herring spawn in the early spring. With the increase in these otters we are seeing a greater abundance and healthier kelp forests.

Grizzly Cub Peek-a-Boo

This photo was taken on our river trip.  We were lucky to have a mother bring her cub through the yard while we sat quietly and watched.  The mother was very relaxed as she stopped to forage on some grass.  They cub took a moment to do a bit of “people watching” before continuing to feed with her mother.

Black Bear On the Bluff

We always keep our eyes open for Black Bears cruising the beaches at low tide.  Sometimes it also pays to look up.  Black Bears are much sleeker then Grizzlies and have short claws, which makes them excellent climbers.  In the late summer there are often salal berries growing on the rocky outcroppings, which the bears enjoy.


Another Successful Season Comes to an End

Another season has passed and it is time to start putting things away for the winter months.  The grizzly and black bears are putting on last minute calories in preparation for their hibernation and the humpback whales are starting to head for their breeding grounds.  Joe and I towed the dock out of Glendale Cove the other day and were blessed with an absolutely beautiful October day in Knight Inlet.

Black Bear Climbing Skills

Black Bears are often seen in our area and are excellent climbers.  Unlike the Grizzly Bears they have short, sharp claws and can easily climb tress and move over harsh steep terrain.  This bear was spotted on the way up Knight Inlet on a steep rock face overlooking the water.

The Little Things

We are very lucky to be located in the Great Bear Rainforest, where the wildlife is plentiful and the scenery is spectacular.  Often we take for granted the little things, which are also beautiful, such as this small falls entering Knight Inlet.  The larger waterfall in the back is Rainbow Falls, which is just past Glendale Cove where we do most of our Grizzly Bear watching.

For The Birds Pt4

Here are a few more common birds in the estuary and Knight Inlet area.  The Merganser, Common Loon and Surf Scooter.  The Surf Scooter often arrive in mid September in large numbers.  The male’s are quite striking.  The cruise the rocky cliffs of Knight Inlet eating large numbers of mussels.

For The Brids Pt3

These are a few birds that we see often in the estuary and main river while we are looking for Grizzly Bears.  The American Dipper, Cedar Waxwing and Belted Kingfisher.  The Kingfisher is particularly common and can be heard and seen in many areas including right by the lodge.