Just a spectacular day with The English groups and new immigrants. In the morning and a great international Canadian mix in the PM. We all had a lot of fun watching the Js go through several life cycles; fishing, socializing and rest swimming.
I appreciate our relaxed atmosphere on board and like that sometimes we just quietly idle along chatting and watching together. A very nice way to spend the day! Cheers- Jeff
Sunday, April 30, 2006
J 30 Breaching
Lots of social activity this afternoon as J Pod came to gether as a group and played a bit before going into a restive mood. - Jeff
J POD Surprises All
J Pod came south down Rosario Strait this morning
surprising all! Thought to have gone west on Friday, we were surprised and delighted to spend the day with them south of San Juan Island.
It seems they are here to stay as they have been seen several times this last week. Yea!
Jeff
surprising all! Thought to have gone west on Friday, we were surprised and delighted to spend the day with them south of San Juan Island.
It seems they are here to stay as they have been seen several times this last week. Yea!
Jeff
Saturday, April 29, 2006
The Orca Afterglow
This young Canadian couple were very interested in learning all about the Resident Orca.
The Old Fellah J1 Ruffles
J Pod returned to Victoria this afternoon around 5 PM. The supercat had was south bound in Haro Strait when we got the word animals had be sighted near the Bedfords, a small islet group west of Race Rocks. The Cat was returning from a trip circumnavigating Stewart Island in search of Transient orcas and a Minke whale friend we have not seen for some time. With porpoise and sea lions already seen, all onboard were ready to see an Orca. With a quick stop in the outher harbour for fuel we were soon into overtime as we sped west.
Friday, April 28, 2006
English Boy with charm
A charmer, this fellow liked the Sea Lions roar and put up with being the only kid in a group of travelling english seniors with humor.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
J POD South of Victoria Wednesday
Terrific visit with the Js today. However a mystry has us all asking where's J1 & J2? They were not to be seen at al durring our trip.
Northern Elephant Seals
Sleepy, and cranky come to mind when whatching these ladies have a chat. The Race rocks snooze -fest continues daily. See the web site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/165.shtml for up to date info on this the largest of the pinnipeds!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Orca male (we're pretty sure!) says "Hi"
Blackberry, a young male in J POD was feelin' frisky... as the pod moved southwest today. Not our usual photo fare, I could'nt resist sharing this happy moment. - Jeff
Monday, April 24, 2006
Ruffles / J1 (2005 video)
I thought I would post this in light of Jpod's recent return to the area this spring.
This season (2006) I will use the "You Tube" to blog video of our orca sightings. Will be a really exciting way to share up to date motion picture of the orcas we see on our trips! You can expect photos AND video! :D
This video clip was taken last summer from the 5 Star catamaran boat. This is only a small sample of what is to come. Stay tuned.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Very nice man from Europe.
This gentleman from Holland seemed perfectly suited to the ocean. The next morning I ran into him in Victoria's Walmart as he and his wife prepared to go exploring up island. They were very nice and I was happy to see them again. -Jeff
Father and son (Otto) from Japan.
Saturday's trip was a very mixed group with people from Seattle and California, England, Japan and of course Alberta! This little guy named Otto spoke Japanese and was learning English. It was cute to hear him speaking sentences with a mixture of both languages words.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
J-1 Olympic Mountains to the Southwest.
Great to have JPOD back in inside waters. A perfect day as we watched them hunt fish from a distance. They pursued and FLUNG a big King Salmon about and looked to pursue many others!
We were very glad to observe them eating and so far it appears they all animals are accounted for. Or at least thats what they are saying on the marine radio.
Great great day!
Best,
Jeff
We were very glad to observe them eating and so far it appears they all animals are accounted for. Or at least thats what they are saying on the marine radio.
Great great day!
Best,
Jeff
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Race Rocks Light Tower
Protecting Canada's Marine Protected Area
the Race Rocks Lighthouse is a Pacific treasure.
the Race Rocks Lighthouse is a Pacific treasure.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Transient Orca T-14 "Pender"
Pender is an old friend. He has been cruising the inside waters since he was born in 1964. Often sighted alone he occasionally surprises by showing up with odd companions as is the case this week. An old BC hand like Pender hanging out with
another Male of similar age and a nine year old whale of unknown sex. Perhaps he's playing tour guide. If I was a gambling man I'd bet $100 Canandian dollars that the young animal turns out to be a "sprouter" soon. Perhaps we'll see him again in the future, leading his own family through T-14's old territory.
another Male of similar age and a nine year old whale of unknown sex. Perhaps he's playing tour guide. If I was a gambling man I'd bet $100 Canandian dollars that the young animal turns out to be a "sprouter" soon. Perhaps we'll see him again in the future, leading his own family through T-14's old territory.
Transient Orca T-101b or "Risa"
A young member of the T-100 Clan and offspring of T-101 (Tallulah) this little whale was learning about the Strait of Juan de Fuca hunting grounds
from an old expert. T-14 (Pender) has been known in the inside waters for many many years and most likely has a lot to teach.
from an old expert. T-14 (Pender) has been known in the inside waters for many many years and most likely has a lot to teach.
Transient Orca T-93 or Ak# AH1 :People name "Bobbafett"
A full size mid life adult Killer whale. T-93 is typically associated with his Clan, the T-94 group. The elder matriarch is unknown. What this fellow is doing down here hanging out with a local like T-14 and a kid like T-101B is a bit of a mystery.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Oregon Gals meet Orca Guys!
These two bonded with the orca and were glad they decided to come along at the last minute. What an
experience. Transient Orca sightings make up less than 10% of out total trips each year. Those who actually observe a Transient Orca predation encounter are in even rarer company. Today we saw two Orca - Seal encounters with well fed Orca being the result.
experience. Transient Orca sightings make up less than 10% of out total trips each year. Those who actually observe a Transient Orca predation encounter are in even rarer company. Today we saw two Orca - Seal encounters with well fed Orca being the result.
Race Rocks and Strong Currents
Great trip today with Race Rocks, Steller sea lions and Transient Orca eating seals off Victoria harbour. After passing through Race Rocks, the Supercat encountered T-14 and friends just east of the lighthouse. I commented on how the sea lions were pretty relaxed considering that there were several Transient Orca just off-shore. It seemed unlikely to some that an orca could defeat and devour one of the 2000 pound Steller's. Soon we would see the Orca in action.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Joe from Toronto
Joe, very eager to see a whale was surprided and delighted when the animal came up and spouted.
Grey Whale?
We spotted this whale hanging out in the current of an flood tide exiting the east side of Baines Channel. The tide was pushing into a SE wind and made foe some tough spotting. We lost and found the animal several times but avoided approaching it as we thought the critter was engaged in some feeding activity.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)