(using one another as pillows :) )
We set out early this morning (9 am) and since we were the first out, we were also the "scouters" for whales. We headed directly to Hein Bank where often the southern residents and minke whales are found foraging. After an adventurous ride across, we did not find any orcas however did see 2 minke whales. They were quite shy beings and although I did catch a few glimpses, I did not succeed at getting any decent photos. After about half an hour we ventured over to Race Rocks.
The strait was flooding so it was quite the ride over. We arrived and found many pinnipeds hauled up on the rocks. Various types were spotted; california sea lions, stellar sea lions, elephant seals and harbour seals with pups. I also managed to get a photo of one individual with a branding on it's back (see photo). Just as we were preparing to head home, we found out that 3 transient orcas were spotted going westbound off of Otter Point (Sooke). With only a few mins remaining we were unable to see them. Saw several sea birds such as cormortants, common murres, and rhinoceros auklets. Found out later that J, K, and L's were off Sooke inbound. They sure know how to slip out in the middle of the night :)
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