April 13, 2024 - Curious Pinnipeds around the Southern Gulf Islands
The sun was once again shining as we started our quest for whales. We turned southwards to begin our adventure as we started going through the Southern Gulf Islands, down towards Active Pass.
After some searching, we took a couple of breaks to see some wildlife. Our first stop was to see sea lions inside Active Pass! Many of our sea lions were seen rafting or travelling very close together in the water. Rafting is important to help individuals thermoregulate. Thermoregulation is the process that the body uses to regulate its internal temperature. Sea lions can raft together to help conserve body heat, and keep themselves warmer. During the hot summer months, it is common to see sea lions slumbering on rocks or logs with just their flippers in the water to cool themselves down!
One sea lion seemed extra curious. We’ve included a video of him swimming over, looking at the boat, before going down for a dive. If you look carefully, you can see his fins spread out as he prepares to go down!
After leaving our swimming sea lions behind we continued onwards. At our next stop, we spotted a bob of Harbour seals sunbathing beside a marker. One little one, a fairly new-looking pup, watched us as we came over. Harbour seal pups rely on their mothers for milk to feed. Surprisingly, seal pups have a very short mother-child relationship. They are by their mother’s side for a mere 4-6 weeks before they are weaned and they begin living their own lives. During these first few weeks, the pups rapidly gain weight from their mother’s fat-heavy milk. They must get nice and plump to stay warm enough in our frigid waters. We hope this little one grows up big and strong just like its mother!
We headed very far south this trip, almost reaching the US-Canada border. This led to some great photo opportunities with the magnificent Mt. Baker in the background. Even though it is over 100 kilometres away, the giant snow-capped peak was still a beautiful sight to behold!
While we did cover a very large area in our search today, unfortunately, the whales still eluded us. However, every guest on board received a voucher to come out again with us at their leisure for another trip for free!
Photos by Maine Naturalist Vanessa Vereschahen.
Sea lions swimming along.
This sea lion basically spy hopped to look at us!
Sea lion whiskers are super long to help them navigate and find food in the murky depths.
A curious side-eye from some of the swimmers.
When sea lions swim together like this it is known as rafting.
Sea lions are surprisingly fluffy when they are dry!
Preparing to dive!
Sunbathing and looking majestic.
Snoozing sea lions with a snowy mountain backdrop.
Someone looks sleepy.
A Harbour seal pup looks out while surrounded by adults.
Isn’t this seal pup precious?
A pair of Bald Eagles squawking away.
A Turkey Vulture circling overhead.
A Bonaparte’s Gull in flight.
Not all Bonaparte’s Gulls have their full black head plumage - during these gulls’ first summer, their hood is more mottled like this individual.
A curious Cormorant rests on top of a marine marker.
Now that’s a lot of birds!
Mt.Baker in the background as a sailboat floats by.
Looking out towards the US-Canada border - Mt.Baker’s snow top visible.