Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Monday, July 27, 2020
Wildlife of the Week - Humpback Whales
©Five Star Whale Watching/Andrew Lees. A magnificent Humpback Whale breaches high out of the surface of the Salish Sea; these animals may weight between 30-40 tons.
Today we have a very exciting feature for our Wildlife of the Week; we have been eager to highlight this major species! Some of you may be able to discern the species from the photo already. This animal has become a more frequent visitor to the Salish Sea in the past few decades, and its population is on a steady recovery. Look at that breach! Have you ever seen a whale breach before?
Weighing between 30-40 tons, the Humpback Whale is a magnificent leviathan of the Salish Sea, cherished by many. Though all species are important to the ecosystem and food web dynamics, the Humpback admittedly has a special place in our hearts at Five Star! What do you know about Humpback Whales? Share in the comments below!
The Humpback is a large Baleen whale, belonging to the Rorqual family. This massive creature measures as an astonishing length of 16-18m, or 40-60 feet. The Humpback is one of the largest whales in the world!
The Humpback Whale has a small, triangular dorsal fin roughly ⅔ the way down its back, large pectoral flippers (about ⅓ of body length) as well as tubercles and barnacles that stud the rostrum of the animal. The Humpback Whale is typically a dark grey or black colour with a white belly and white sides (extent on sides often depends on population).
Humpback Whales are found in every ocean of the world and are seasonal migrators. They typically spend spring, summer (and even fall/ early winter) months in northern regions (temperate or polar) to feed. The species will migrate to tropical, warm and shallow areas to breed and calve, nursing their young until they are strong enough for the long journey.
Some individuals will even migrate over 8,000km (5,000 miles) between their grounds. Several distinct populations of Humpbacks have been distinguished; the Mexican, Central America, Hawaii and the Western North Pacific populations are officially recognized in the North Pacific, whereas several others exist in the North Atlantic and Southern Hemisphere.
Humpback Whales feed on a variety of small prey species. As Baleen whales, they do not have teeth and utilize baleen plates attached to their jaw; baleen is a hair-like, keratin composed substance capable of acting like a massive sieve, to separate prey from a mouthful of seawater. The seawater is expelled from the baleen, trapping the small creatures inside. These include schooling fishes such as Pacific herring, Pacific sardines, Sandlance, Eulachon and crustaceans, like krill.
The Humpback Whale has a large mouth and throat, the latter equipped with “ventral pleats” to help expansion when gulping huge volumes of seawater.
The Humpback Whale nearly went extinct in the height of commercial whaling in the 1900’s, but the population has rebounded extremely well.
We have witnessed several mothers bringing their calves into the Salish Sea to feed. Typically, a mother will have a calf every 2-4 years, each calf capable of measuring 10-15 feet at birth.
Who thinks they might be able to answer some Humpback Whale trivia? Try it out if you’re feeling knowledgeable about this creature!
- True or False? Humpback calves nurse for up to 3 years. (ANS: FALSE. Calves nurse for roughly 1 year).
- What is approximately the weight of a newborn Humpback Whale? (ANS: Up to a ton).
- Is it true that the Latin name for the Humpback Whale is derived from the shape of its tail? (ANS: No. The scientific Latin name refers to the large pectoral flippers of the Humpback Whale, and roughly translates to “big-winged whale”).
BONUS CHALLENGE: Humpback Whales are known for their beautiful, complicated and haunting ____. When huge numbers of people first heard these publicized on an album in the 1970’s known as ______, it drew attention and awareness to the creatures, promoting waves of conservation initiatives.
Songs.
Album: Songs of the Humpback Whale produced by Dr . Roger Payne.
These songs are believed to be used for communication and mating purposes.
To learn more, check out some of our References below!
“Humpback Whale.” 2018. American Cetacean Society. https://www.acsonline.org/humpback-whale.
“Humpback whale.” National Geographic. National Geographic Society. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/h/humpback-whale/.
“Humpback Whale.” National Marine MammaL Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Centre (NOAA Fisheries). https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/nmml/species/species_humpback.php.
“Humpback Whale.” NOAA Fisheries. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/humpback-whale#:~:text=%20At%20least%20four%20humpback%20whale%20populations%20occur,areas%20of%20Okinawa%2C%20Japan%2C%20and%20the…%20More%20.
O’Dell, Cary. 2010. “Songs of the Humpback Whale.” The National Registry. https://www.loc.gov/static/programs/national-recording-preservation-board/documents/humpback%20whales.pdf.
Orcas off Victoria on July 23rd!
On July 23rd a pod of Bigg's Killer Whales were spotted right off Victoria waterfront. The Orcas were identified as the T46B's, T68 & T68A.
Sunday, July 19, 2020
Wildlife of the Week!
©Five Star Whale Watching/ Andrew Lees. A Common Murre in immature or non-breeding (adult) plumage is seen drifting on the surface of the Salish Sea.
Every Salish Sea species is important no matter how small, and that’s why we’ve decided to highlight a favourite seabird of ours for this “Wildlife of the Week.” Has anyone heard of the Common Murre before? Relatives of the Common Murre include other Murres as well as Auks and Puffins. They are a medium sized seabird that depends on the ocean for their survival, capable of diving great depths. Did you know that Common Murres can be found on both the West and East Coasts of Canada?
If you know any interesting facts about the Common Murre, share them below!
The Common Murre is roughly the size of a crow, and both males and females measure 38-43 cm long and weigh in around 800-1125 g. The penguin-like seabird has a pointed bill that is relatively slender. The colour morphs of the species vary depending on whether the bird is an adult or immature, and also whether it is within its breeding plumage.
When young (or outside of breeding), the bird has more of a mottled appearance in terms of its plumage (see above). As an adult in breeding, the bird will have a dark brown head and back with a uniform white underside and neck. Some variations of the species have a white eye-ring.
The Common Murre frequents both the West and East coasts of North America from Alaska to California (typically further north on the East Coast), and the species does appear to show variations in habitat distributions (e.g. breeding/ non-breeding, year-round sites).
This Murre depends on nesting locations that are close to the sea, forming colonies on rocky cliffs, ledges and flat rock areas. No building of a nest is involved, and care involves feeding from both parents to the one offspring that is laid and hatched. The offspring is estimated to fly at 50-70 days, and is incubated for 26-39 days.
The Common Murre is a diving bird, capable of achieving depths to 150 feet in order to locate prey. The species feeds on invertebrates like crustaceans and squid, as well as fish (e.g. herring, sandlance). The bird uses its powerful wings in order to propel it through the sea once it has left the surface.
An interesting quality regarding the eggs of this Murre is that they are highly variable in colour and are all a distinct shape. The variations of colours such as green, tan, white and black on the eggs might assist parents in telling their own egg apart. Common Murre eggs are designed to roll in a circle (pointed at an end), thus possibly preventing them from rolling off their nest at heights.
The Common Murre, as many seabirds are, is at risk when faced with environmental contamination such as oil spills, as well as gill-net fishing and climate change. The species has become diminished slightly on the West Coast, but the Common Murre still appears to be a successful and abundant seabird.
If you are feeling like a Murre expert, check out this trivia below and test your knowledge!
- True or False? A Common Murre was recorded to be 27 years old. (ANS: TRUE).
- True or False? The Common Murre can stand as soon as it has hatched. (ANS: FALSE. The hatchling will stand at a day old).
- The Common Murre has a mating display. (ANS: TRUE. Before mating, the pair will exercise a display that follows; pointing bills upward, bowing deeply, clashing open bills, preening and an offering of fish (usually by the female).
BONUS CHALLENGE: Name one (or a few) relative (s) of the Common Murre (i.e. in Family Alcidae).
e.g. Dovekie, Thick-Billed Murre, Razorbill, Black Guillemot, and others.
See our References to learn even more about this seabird!
“Common Murre.” Guide to North American Birds. Audubon. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/common-murre.
“Common Murre.” The Cornell Lab. Cornell University. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Murre/overview.
Whale Tails
Is anybody here a whale tail expert? Why are whale tails important for identification (I.D.)?
They can help us to I.D. not only the species of cetacean we are looking at, but in many cases, the individual as well.
In this example, can you identify which tails belong to a “Humpback Whale” or a “Killer Whale”?
What can we look for to identify species, and even individuals, from a whale’s tail?
You can lookfor differences in;
•Size and shape, including unique features such as nicks and scarring.
• Colour and patterning (Humpback Whales have unique patterns, like a fingerprint).
•Other life (such as barnacles that only grow on some species’ tails).
•Behaviour. How a whale raises it’s fluke, and how often, can also help us to differentiate species. #welikeourwhaleswild
They can help us to I.D. not only the species of cetacean we are looking at, but in many cases, the individual as well.
In this example, can you identify which tails belong to a “Humpback Whale” or a “Killer Whale”?
What can we look for to identify species, and even individuals, from a whale’s tail?
You can lookfor differences in;
•Size and shape, including unique features such as nicks and scarring.
• Colour and patterning (Humpback Whales have unique patterns, like a fingerprint).
•Other life (such as barnacles that only grow on some species’ tails).
•Behaviour. How a whale raises it’s fluke, and how often, can also help us to differentiate species. #welikeourwhaleswild
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Wildlife of the Week!
Wildlife of the Week!
©Five Star Whale Watching/ Andrew Lees. A River Otter lounges on a dock in Victoria, B.C. River Otters are much smaller than Sea Otters while also having more mobility and agility on land.
Who is ready to test their otter knowledge? Continuing on the trend from our last Wildlife of the Week, we are going to discuss another important non-cetacean mammal that can be found in the Salish Sea. Past features of ours have focused on the Sea Otter and the Harbour Seal, both important pinnipeds in the Salish Sea. Our next highlight is not a pinniped as these two species are, however it is also not a cetacean. The animal may also be confused with the Sea Otter.
If you’re thinking this Wildlife of the Week is a River Otter (Lutra canadensis), then you are correct! Have you seen a River Otter before? Share the location in the comments below!
The River Otter is an interesting and charming creature that can often be spotted along Salish Sea shorelines and in waterways. Measuring a maximum length of about 1.4m (~4 ½ feet) with its long tail, the animal is definitely not one of the largest aquatic mammals on the coast. This otter is much smaller than, say, a Sea Otter or Sea Lion. Contrary to the fact that they are both “Otters”, the River Otter and Sea Otter are different in several respects. Although they are both “mustelids” (includes animals such as otters, badgers, weasels, martens), they grow to different sizes, have variability in their mobility on land, swimming style and habitats.
Adult River Otter males typically weigh in at a maximum at 30 pounds, whereas females may be found weighing within the 10-20 pound range. They are usually a fairly uniform dark brown colour with a lighter underside; their fur is sleek and water-repellent.
The name “River Otter” can be coined as a slight misnomer in some of their range, as they can often be spotted in other freshwater sources as well as saltwater, unlike the Sea Otter which is only found in the latter. Their habitat can include coasts as well as inland regions (e.g. freshwater bodies like lakes, marshes and rivers) throughout North America. They are much more mobile on land (even with webbed feet) and can be seen spending elapsed amounts of time out of the water (e.g. sleeping, travelling, playing), unlike their Sea Otter relatives who rarely leave the sea.
The River Otter is especially tied to terrestrial habitats in that they create land-based burrows near water, which also means that they give birth on land, unlike Sea Otters. River Otters also depend on an effective coat to keep them warm both in and out of water.
River Otters will forage for a variety of prey types which includes shellfish and other invertebrates (e.g. clams, insects), birds, fish and even amphibians. Prey-finding is helped along by the use of their sensitive whiskers.
The creature is not born knowing how to swim, and must learn this skill from its mother; a River Otter may dive for up to eight minutes maximum. The species does not hibernate and can even be found staying active under ice cover by breathing through small imperfections. They live about five years and reproduce typically every other year after maturity between 2 and 3 years old.
Both varieties of otters have predators and the River Otter has to be wary of such creatures like bears, owls and coyotes. River Otters are also vulnerable to habitat loss and related issues like pollution, thus a healthy habitat has been recorded to strongly affect their population.
Did you know these facts already? Do you know even more about the River Otter? Try out your knowledge with some trivia below!
- What is the offspring of a female River Otter called? (ANS: a “kit”).
- True or False? The River Otter has 3 layers of fur to help with water repellency and warmth. (ANS: FALSE: This Otter has TWO layers, for the respective reasons above).
- The River Otter has the longest-lasting fur of any otter or weasel. (ANS: TRUE).
BONUS CHALLENGE: Between a Sea Otter and a River Otter, which species has a larger litter of offspring?
ANSWER: River Otters have more pups, usually about 2-3/litter in contrast to the Sea Otter’s 1/ litter.
If you would like to gain some more knowledge on these adorable and fascinating creatures, check out our References below!
Hogge,Katie. 2019. “How to Tell the Difference Between Sea Otters and River Otters.” Ocean Conservancy. https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/01/30/tell-difference-sea-otters-river-otters/
Langlois, Annie. “Sea Otter.” Hinterland Who’s Who. Environment and Climate Change Canada and Canadian Wildlife Federation. https://www.hww.ca/en/wildlife/mammals/sea-otter.html.
“River Otter.” 2020. Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC). https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/what-we-do/resource-centre/featured-species/mammals/river-otter.html.
“RIVER OTTER.” Sierra Club BC. https://sierraclub.bc.ca/river-otter/.
World Orca Day July 14th
On July 14th we celebrate World Orca Day!
We are lucky in the Salish Sea to encounter two eco-types of Orcas, Resident (fish eating) and Bigg's (marine mammal eating) Orcas.
Sunday, July 05, 2020
Wildlife of the Week!
What is a pinniped? Well, pinnipeds include true seals, Sea lions and walruses. Can you think of any pinnipeds that we have on the West Coast of B.C.? This Wildlife of the Week focuses on one known as the Harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). This is a charismatic and adorable species that frequents these shorelines. Have you seen a Harbour seal before? Share where you’ve spotted this species in the comments below!
Harbour seals typically measure between 3-6 feet and weigh up to 285 pounds, but some subspecies may be larger or smaller than others. Harbour seals do not have large fore-flippers unlike their Sea lion relatives.
They range in colour from grey, silver, tan and brown. This species of seal is usually dark with light rings or light with dark spots.
Harbour seals are found in many northern and temperate oceans around the world, but different subspecies are believed to exist (i.e. at least five). They can be distributed along the Eastern and Western coastlines of North America, the Bering Sea and northern seas of Asia and Europe.
Harbour seals have even been seen to frequent or remain in freshwater areas.
Harbour seals are carnivores, preying on a multitude of seafood items. Their prey includes fishes (e.g. rockfish, hake), crustaceans (e.g. crabs) and molluscs (e.g. squid, octopus). They forage and hunt underwater. They can dive for up to 30-40 minutes and to maximum depths of 400m.
Harbour seals stay warm due to a thick layer of blubber (fat) that shields them from the cool ocean, and even glacial ice. They “haul out” on shorelines, rocky outcroppings and ice in order to rest, thermoregulate, molt, give birth and nurse and escape from predators.
Harbour seals are important members of the food web, contributing to the survival of several predators, most namely Bigg’s Killer Whales in the Salish Sea.
How much do you know about Harbour seals? Here are a few trivia questions to test your knowledge!
- True or False? The Harbour seal is the most widespread pinniped in the world. (ANS: TRUE).
- True or False? Harbour seals have been seen to react differently to Killer Whale calls based on the ecotype of Killer Whale being heard. (ANS: TRUE. Not all Killer Whale types hunt seals, and Harbour seals appear to understand this).
- True or False? Harbour seals cannot swim at birth. (ANS: FALSE. Harbour seals can swim as soon as they are born).
BONUS CHALLENGE: What are the main differences between a true seal (like a Harbour seal) and a Sea Lion?
ANS: True seals have no external ear flaps, have shorter front flippers and cannot move their back flippers in the forward direction.
Learn more about Harbour seals from the References below:
Deecke, V., Slater, P. & Ford, J. Selective habituation shapes acoustic predator recognition in harbour seals. Nature 420, 171–173 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01030
“Harbour Seals.” Capital Regional District. https://www.crd.bc.ca/education/our-environment/wildlife-plants/marine-species/harbour-seals.
“Harbor Seal.” NOAA Fisheries. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. U.S. Department of Commerce. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/harbor-seal.
WCA article!
An Update On Five Star Whale Watching Regarding The Recent Pandemic
Words: Five Star Whale Watching
Through the challenging months of the pandemic, Five Star has remained committed to providing educational tools, advocacy resources and hope through nature to the community. Through our willingness to preserve, remain strong and support our friends and partners, we have accomplished resiliency and adaptation in the last months.
As always, our commitment to educate and foster love for the marine environment remains at the core of our business – from celebrating World Oceans Day, World Environment Day and Earth Day digitally, to sharing our past experiences on the water with the public, we recognise just how special it is to have the involvement with the marine environment which we do. To our excitement, a photo of ours was featured in a CTV News Article discussing ocean recovery. Five Star was also thrilled and humbled to welcome an award for “Leading Pioneers for Marine Eco-Tourism-British Colombia” from Business Excellence Awards this June. We remain committed to respecting our fellow neighbours and citizens of this planet, and vow to promote kindness and inclusion in all that we do.
This month is Orca month, and we’ve been active with promoting actions from organisations such as the Centre for Whale Research. They are continuing important work in their fight for the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the recovery of their prey, Chinook Salmon.
As we have not been able to physically explore our beautiful marine environments, we have been helping our digital community to explore and learn about these areas and species virtually with an active social media presence. With virtual wildlife clips and weekly social media events such as #WhaleWednesday and #WildlifeoftheWeek, we are constantly evolving to provide interesting and educational content in our missions to help the ocean. We ourselves have been active with following sightings reports (although limited for all right now) to stay informed and bring the current state of wildlife to eager listeners.
Addressing threats to local eco-systems
Issues in our region threaten the well-being of our natural environments. We recently voiced concern over the proposed extension of the Deltaport in the heart of the Fraser River estuary, that would hinder an already at-risk ecosystem. We remain passionate about educating others in the reality and benefits of educational and respectful whale-watching. We remain focused on promoting facts regarding the current status of the Southern Resident Killer Whales and the contrast between them and the thriving Biggs’ Killer Whales and Humpback Whales. We look forward to operating again on the water and work to grow our educational and conservation message through the evolution of all means listed above.
Find out more about Five Star Whale Watching on their website: https://www.5starwhales.com/
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