Saturday, June 30, 2007

Pictures by Ron Bates, Marine Mammal Researcher.

Lighthouse at Trial Island
Lighthouse at Discovery Island
Jpod Breach

L Pod - L109



Mt Baker
Jpod
J1 "Ruffles"
Ruffles and family
Ruffles & family


These pictures were taken by Marine Mammal Researcher Ron Bates during our tours yesterday.

L's near Eagle Point, June 29th 2007.

Sunset over Victoria

Eagle in flight at Chain Island
Eagle on Cormorant Nest at Great Chain
Eagles at Chain Islands



Seals at Chain Islands.

Sailing Regatta near Trial Island


Lpod near Eagle Point

L41 "Mega"
L92 "Cruiser"

Lpod Breach
Here are a few Pictures from our tours on June 29th, 2007.
It was an excellent time on the water with lots of activity by L's and Jpod witnessed by our passengers.
We also got to see a number of Harbor Seals at Chain Islands, two Bald Eagles and a sailing Regatta near Trial Island. The day ended with another spectacular sunset over Victoria!
Please enjoy these pictures but remember they are zoomed in and appear closer than they are.




Thursday, June 28, 2007

SuperCat's 4 PM Trip - June 28






The SuperCat had a diverse trip in the late afternoon, encountering three Minke whales off the South Hein Bank marker. Also seen were several bait balls, with a variety of sea birds and several individual Harbour seals poking their heads up. The SuperCat encountered a large feeding group of Harbour porpoises prior to encountering the Minke whales. Here are some photos from that trip, including a Rhinocerus Auklet with a mustache of small bait fish (Sandlance). Note: All photos are zoomed in.

SuperCat's 12:30 PM Trip - June 28




The SuperCat re-encountered J and part of L pod between Henry and Stuart Island. The pods were inter-mixed with individuals socializing and traveling with members of the opposite pod. Here are some photos from the afternoon trip. Note: All photos are zoomed in.

SuperCat's 9 AM Trip - June 28





The SuperCat encountered J and part of L pod South of Discovery Island. Here are some photos from the mornings encounter, including a great matrilineal shot of J11 with her offspring. Note: All photos are zoomed in.

Jpod, Minke Whale, Harbor Porpoises and more during our tours on June 27th 2007!


J27 "Blackberry"
Jpod members playing around.
J2 "Granny"
J1 "Ruffles"
Tailslap

J Pod in Rosario Strait with Mt. Baker in the background.



Jpod Mini-spyhop.




Harbor Porpoises near Haro Strait.


Minke Whale near Hein Bank.


Can you spot the Harbor Seal in this picture of Fishermans Wharf?
This Great Blue Heron has been hanging around near Fishermans Wharf for a few days now.

What a day to be on the water! J Pod was in Rosario Strait today and our passengers aboard our boats had to travel a little further than usual but all agreed the trip was worthwhile. We a lot of playing, socializing and fishing during the day and got to see a number of spyhops and tailslaps.
During our 12.30pm tour we also saw a Minke Whale and a number of Harbor Porpoises. Then as we returned to the inner Harbor we passed by the famous Fishermans Wharf and I spotted a Harbor Seal near the house boats. I also spotted the Great Blue Heron that has been hanging around near the house boats for a few days now.
There is always something new to see during our tours, and no matter how many times you go out on the water you nearly always come back full of the wonders of mother nature.