Scruffy the Bald Eagle
Steller & California Sealions. Steller Sealions can reach up to 11' long and weigh 2500lbs. California Sealions are much smaller growing up to 8' long and weighing only 860lbs.
Harbor Seals resting on rocks. These Pinnipeds can grow up to 6' and weigh about 300-400lbs.
Harlequin Duck
Rhinoceros Auklet
Cormorants
Harlequin Ducks
Juvenile Bald Eagle
Trial Island Lighthouse above and below with Mt. Baker.
Harbor Porpoise
Passengers kept warm with our cruiser jackets throughout the trip
Mt. Olympus
Race Rocks Lighthouse undergoing restoration
Today was another excellent day for viewing the abundance and diversity of marine wildlife that can be found in the waters off Victoria!
Our first stop on todays adventure was at Albert Head where we observed the large Bald Eagle nest and adult Bald Eagle perched in the tree. Bald Eagles get there name from the old English word Bald, which means white. An adult Bald Eagle has 7000 feathers!
Next we made our way over to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve where we observed several Stellar & California Sealions as well as a couple of large Northern Elephant Seals. The male Northern Elephant Seal can grow between 12-13ft long and weight up to 4000lbs!
From Race Rocks we ventured deeper into the straight of Juan De Fuca and soon spotted a number of Harbor Porpoise. These little Cetaceans grow to only 6 1/2' long and weigh about 150lbs. We saw the Harbor Porpoise popping up in all directions as we sat West of Constance Bank.
We then traveled to Trial Island where we saw a Juvenile Bald Eagle, yet to grow its distinctive white head feathers. At the Chain Islets we saw a large number of Harbor Seals as well as Cormorants, Harlequin Ducks and another Bald Eagle. This time it was an adult know as Scruffy, due to its appearance.
As we arrived back in Victoria we reflected on a very beautiful, if a little chilly, day to have spent on the water:) This was my first trip since returning from 5 1/2 months in Belize and it was good to be back on the water!
No comments:
Post a Comment