April 19th - Pinnipeds Galore
The skies weren’t sure what they wanted to do today as we got ready to head out to the boat for the tour. Rain would start and 10 minutes, later the skies were blue. Thankfully the wildlife doesn’t seem to care if it’s raining or sunny, so Kula headed out of the harbour eager to see what was hanging around the Gulf Islands.
We looped out to scan the shores of Pipers Lagoon and Snake Island before heading in towards Dodd Narrows.
We travel through Dodd Narrows on nearly every tour we do, seeing the little whirlpools and the sea lions fishing in the currents is a great way to start any trip.
We continued south through Stuart Channel, between Thetis and Penelakut Islands and Vancouver Island. The Mountains were a spectacular sight, the snow was falling on the tops, and we could see rain clouds looming ahead over Salt Spring Island. We decided to try and avoid the rain, zigzagging through the gulf islands. We stopped briefly at a few small islets to see some Harbour Seals hauled out. It’s a bit early in the season but we’re already starting to see some Harbour Seal pups popping up here and there. Watching the next generation of Harbour Seals join the population is always exciting. They have such cute little faces. Harbour Seals are doing very well in our waters, number nearly 105,000 animals. In the 1970’s a cull was done on seals and sea lions in BC and the Harbour Seal population was estimated to have dropped as low as 10,000 individuals. These animals are crucial to our marine ecosystem, like everything else that shares our waters. They are a vital source of food for our Bigg’s Orca, and an important predator that helps control fish populations. They also feed on cephalopods like squid and octopus, as well as crustaceans. They aren’t picky eaters, and are incredible hunters, able to use their very sensitive whiskers to locate their prey under water. In fact, they rely more on their whiskers than their eyes under water. Blind Harbour Seals have been found to be completely healthy, showing they can still hunt and avoid predators without the use of their eyes.
After leaving our seals we continued to Trincomali Channel and headed south towards Active Pass. The waters in Active Pass were swirling but calm and the sea birds were flocking in, feeding on the fish that live in the pass. Seals dotted the shoreline and a few bald eagles circled above looking for their own lunch.
After leaving Active pass we continued south, scanning the shores, and making our way to a small cluster of rocks off Samuel Island where Stellar Sea lions were hauled out, lounging about, and enjoying the sunshine. A juvenile Bald Eagle was perched on the rocks, watching, and waiting. The Steller Sea Lions were upwind from us, so we got to enjoy their lovely aroma of sea lion. We watched as the barked and argued with each other, young ones crawling over their moms and other adults, a few large males lifting their heads high and showing off their impressive manes. We watched as one of last years pups followed their mom through the crowd, climbing over the other sleeping pinnipeds.
After waving goodbye to our sea lions, we began the journey back towards Nanaimo, scanning the Eastern Shores of Galiano, Valdez and Gabriola Island. We stopped once more at the bluffs of Gabriola to see Cormorants rebuilding their nests and preparing for the chicks that should be arriving shortly. The Pelagic Cormorants were sporting their breeding plumage, which includes long white whisker-like feathers on their necks called filoplumes.
We left our birds to build their nests and headed back to the Harbour. Sadly, there were no whales on our tour today, but as per our guarantee our guests received vouchers to come out again whenever they want, a trip on us to make sure they get to see some BC whales.
Below are some photos taken during the tour by Marine Naturalist Rebeka Pirker
Snow capped mountains seen from outside Ladysmith. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
A nervous Harbour seal watching our every move. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
Eyes closed, head empty. That’s one happy harbour seal. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
“If I don’t move, they won’t know I’m here.” A great blue heron stalking its prey in the shallows. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
Harbour seal pups are starting to dot our coast line. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
These 2 seemed very curious about us. Remember to leave lone seal pups alone! Mom knows where they are, and she will return for them when it’s safe.
Steller sea lions are still plentiful at the “stinky rocks”. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
“But mom! All the other kids got to go!” Steller sea lion pups can spend over a year with their mom before going off on their own. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
Nanaimo harbour with snowy Mt. Benson. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
Pelagic cormorants peaking out of their cliffside resort. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
Double crested cormorants. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
Purple sea star party! Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
"“It’s been 25 days. They still think I’m one of them.” Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
The Gabriola bluffs, home to our cormorants. Photo by Rebeka Pirker.
In total we traveled 99 miles on our trip today, and we were in communication with other whale watching companies the whole time. We were not the only ones who didn’t find whales today, as sometimes happens, but it’s not for lack of trying. We search high and low for our wildlife and have extensive resources. Some days the whales just don’t want to be found.
Our tours depart from the downtown Nanaimo harbour every day at noon! We have 2 different boats, a semi-covered vessel and an open zodiac, so there is something for everyone. All our boats also have a bathroom on board.
We are starting our double tours early this year, on May 15th we begin offering a 10:30am tour and a 3:30pm tour. Each tour is 3-4 hrs on average, but some run up to 5 hrs depending on where we travel to in our search.
To book your Salish Sea adventure you can call our office, visit our staff at unit 5 - 90 Front Street, or book directly online.