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.

Friday, May 2, 2008 Transients, Transients...and more Transients!!

Friday, May 2, 2008 Trip to Race Rocks Marine Protected Area...Rudely Interrupted by sighting of up to 15 Transient Killer Whales!!!

Just when passengers on our Five Star Whale Watching Expedition Catamaran "Fast Cat" were settling into a relaxed afternoon at Race Rocks viewing Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals and Bald Eagles, we were alerted to approximately 15 Transient Killer Whales (Marine-Mammal Eating Orcas) about 8 miles (12 Kilometers) to the South East.

Ron Bates of the Marine Mammal Research Group (MMRG), whom we are lucky enough to have on many of our cruises, took these photographs.

Another day with a very pleasant surprise!!

T14 "Pender"! May 1st, 2008.

T14 "Pender"

T14 "Pender" with Beacon Hill Park in the background

This River Otter was really enjoying its food!

Coho Ferry withthe Olympic Mountains in the background.

Pigeon Guillemots

Steller Sealions and Harbor Seal at Race Rocks

Northern Elephant Seals

T14 "Pender" just off Victoria Waterfront!

Bald Eagle in flight with Float Plane in the distance.

This River Otter was spotted at Race Rocks feeding, probably on a Salmon.

Here are a few pictures from our May 1st trip and what a great start to the month of may! We set out this afternoon with the hopes of spotting Transient Orcas and we were not to be disappointed as we soon discovered T14 "Pender" a few miles south of Victoria:) Pender was observed hunting and finishing off his prey, possibly a Harbor Seal. He then moved across Victoria Water front.

At Race Rocks MPA our passenger observed Northern Elephant Seals, Steller & California Sealions and Harbor Seals. Race Rocks is one of the few locations in the world where you can see 4 species of Pinnipods in the same area.

We also saw a number of Bald Eagles and many Pigeon Guillemots. Near Race Rocks we spotted a River Otter feeding on possibly a Salmon. River Otters can easily be distinguished from Sea Otters by the colour of their heads and the fact that River Otters are sometimes seen on land, whereas Sea Otters spend all their time int he water.

Today was another memorable adventure for all of us aboard Fastcat!

Team Italia discover the wonders of the Salish Sea! April 28th, 2008.

Immature Bald Eagle at Race Rocks.

Adult and Immature Bald Eagles at Chain Islands.

Harbor Porpoise near Discovery Island

Bald Eagle takes flight.

Whimbrel near Trial island, a bird not often seen in the area

Team Italia enjoy the fun on board FastCat

Sealions and Elephant Seals at Race Rocks.

On a windy spring afternoon we set out for our 2.00pm trip with our guests that included the Italian Female Field Hockey Team ready for adventure!

We soon fulfilled their wishes with a visit to Race Rocks, Canada's oldest Marine Protected Area established in 1998. At Race Rocks we sighted several Steller Sealions, a few California Sealions and a number of Female Northern Elephant Seals. We also saw an Immature Bald Eagle perched on a nearby rock.

At Chain islands we saw several Harbor Seals and an Adult and Immature Bald Eagle. We also saw several Cormorants and Harlequin Ducks. We then went for a cruise around Chatham and Discovery Island and as we turned the corner at the southern end of Discovery Island we spotted several Harbor Porpoise.

On our way home we passed by Trial Island and saw more Harbor Seals, another Bald Eagle and a rare sighting of a Whimbrel. There is always something new to discover when cruising around the Salish Sea:)