May 29, 2023 - A day with the Gentle Giants of the Pacific Northwest
We have been exceptionally lucky with our Humpback sightings recently. At this time of year, we usually see only a handful of Humpbacks in our area. However, many of our recent tours have been extra lucky, just like this one. We have been able to identify at least 9 different individuals from this one tour alone!
Humpback whales are one of the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring creatures of the Pacific Northwest. Known for their long pectoral fins, distinctive knobbly head, and haunting songs, they are truly the gentle giants of the sea. Humpbacks are a common sight on our tours between May and December, as they migrate to their summer feeding grounds in our area from their winter breeding grounds in Hawaii and/or Mexico. Watching these majestic creatures raise their massive tails as they dive in search of food is an unforgettable experience.
Here are all the Humpbacks we saw during the tour, with links to their Happywhale profiles:
Anvil (BCZ0410), BCX1275, Cirque (BCY1059), Dandelion (BCY1107), Graphite (KEX0059), Kelpie (KEZ0009), KEY0046, Lorax(BCX1602), and Prowler (BCX1660)!
We provide links to our whale’s Happywhale profiles to help further educate our guests. Happywhale is a website that allows people to contribute to the conservation and protection of marine mammals worldwide. The platform works by collecting photos and sighting information on whales and dolphins from citizen scientists, researchers, and photographers. By submitting this information, Happywhale's AI technology can identify individual whales and dolphins and contribute to a global database, tracking their movements, and monitoring their populations. Users can also view their own personal whale catalogue, track the individuals they have contributed sightings to, and learn about their conservation status. Overall, Happywhale provides an engaging and educational way for people to participate in marine mammal conservation efforts.
After departing our Humpbacks we had a couple of other wildlife pitstops before we headed back to the harbour. Our Harbour seals were quite sleepy, snoozing away on some rocks as we cruised by. They gave us a curious glance before continuing with their sunbathing sessions. Our Cormorants are busily nesting and raising chicks along the Gabriola Bluffs. Today our sea lions were snoozing on the log booms by the Harmac pulp mill. Most of our sea lions have already departed for their summer breeding grounds, but there are still a couple of stragglers hanging around. We also spotted a flock of Surf scoters surfing the waves before they took flight and headed off to their next destination.
We were also very lucky to spot an active Bald Eagle nest during our tour! There is at least one happy little eaglet in this nest. We are so excited to see this little one grow and fledge!
Photos were taken by Marine Naturalist Des Poier.
Kelpie (KEZ0009).
Prowler (BCX1660).
BCX1275.
Prowler (BCX1660).
Time to dive!
KEY0046.
Kelpie (KEZ0009) and a friend.
Kelpie (KEZ0009).
Kelpie (KEZ0009).
Graphite (BCX1210's calf 2019).
Dandelion (BCY1107).
Dandelion (BCY1107).
Can you spot this Humpback’s nostrils?
From nose to dorsal!
Look at those gorgeous flukes!
Anvil (BCZ0410).
Anvil (BCZ0410).
Anvil (BCZ0410).
Anvil (BCZ0410).
Anvil’s top fluke.
A flock of Surf Scoters.
A herd of Harbour seals.
Entrance Island, with the mainland of British Columbia in the background.
Cuddle puddle.
Big yawn!
Proud parent! Can you spot the eaglet?
Parent and child.
Happy little Pigeon Guillemot.
Cormorants nesting on the Gabriola Bluffs.
Look at those stunning iridescent feathers!
A juvenile amongst the adults - juvenile Cormorants have a dusty brown plumage instead of a silky black plumage.
Fluffy little Gull.