Porpoise and Eagles, May 3rd 2008!

Harbor Porpoise

Rhinoceros Auklet

Steller Sealion

Eagles at Chain Islands

Harbor Seals

Harbor Porpoise

Eagles Nest

Passengers admiring the view from our spacious fore deck

Bundled up against the brisk weather, these passengers did not let the weather dampen their spirits.

Here passengers enjoy the spacious rear deck of Fastcat.

Passengers enjoy the warm of our heated cabin

Northern Elephant Seals

Immature Bald Eagles at Race Rocks.

Despite the chilly weather we had a fun group of adventurers (some as far away as Denmark) on board today and together we witnessed the many wonders of the Salish sea.

Our adventures began with a sighting of an Eagles nest just a few minutes into our journey. We then headed to Race Rocks to see several Elephant Seals showing signs of a "Catastrophic Molt", in which the entire layer of epidermis with the hairs attached is sloughed off in one concentrated time. The reason for this abrupt molt is that while at sea they spend most of their time in cold deep water. As part of the dive process the blood is diverted away from the skin. This helps them conserve energy and avoid losing body heat. By coming up on land to molt the blood can be circulated to the skin so a new layer of epidermis and hair can be grown.

Whilst at Race Rocks we also saw a number of harbor Seals and Steller Sealions (all of which seemed to be swimming in the water). We also noticed three Bald Eagles, a lone adult and 2 immature Eagles.

Our tour then took us to the Chain Islands where we counted at least 10 more Bald Eagles, more than I have ever seen in one place before, it was incredible! All but one of the Eagles were immature and had not yet grown the distinctive White head feather of the Bald Eagle (the name comes from the old English word for white).

We then pushed on into Haro Strait looking for more Marine Mammals and soon came across a large number of Harbor Porpoise.

On our way back to Victoria we stopped at the north end of Trial Island and saw another Eagle plus several more Harbor Seals. As we entered Victoria Harbor the sun poked its head out and provided the perfect end to the tour.