Our first vessel out today was instrumental in finding both a Humpback Whale and Transient Orcas today, with Ron Bates of the Marine Mammal Research Group, coordinating the search as usual.
As we headed out on our 10 am tour we first encountered a large Humpback Whale 3 miles to the east of Race Rocks. The Humpback was in a resting behavior as we arrived and was seen at the surface for most of our time with this large Baleen Whale.
We then headed to Race Rocks to observe the countless Harbor Seals, Northern Elephant Seals, Stellar and California Sealions at Canada's oldest Marine Protected Area. Not far from Race Rocks we first encountered the T30 group of Transient Orcas moving along the coastline. We observed a kill underwater, possibly a seal, and then a number of Spy Hops as the pod moved towards Victoria.
In the afternoon the Orcas had moved a few miles off Victoria Waterfront and were in resting formation. They then began to wake up and pick up speed and headed in a southerly direction. We followed the T40's for a while before heading to the Humpback Whale that had moved closer to Race Rocks. As we observed the Humpback we witnessed a number of impressive tailflukes. The tail flukes of a Humpback Whale can measure almost 18' from tip to tip!!
After another visit to Race Rocks we encountered the T40 group again and at one time thought they were about to take out a California Sealion that was fishing nearby. However, they did not seem interested in the Sealion and continued in their southerly movement.
Whilst we were on the water today the sea was like glass for the entire day and we could see hundreds if not thousands of sea birds all over the Strait of Juan De Fuca!
1 comment:
Absolutely STUNNING! They are gorgeous creatures.
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