April 3, 2025 - Sleeping sea lions in the sunshine, and an extravaganza of sea birds
Another day of gorgeous sunshine led to much excitement as we hopped on board and started the day’s adventures! We pushed off the dock and started the journey out and along Gabriola’s coastline, eyes peeled for the telltale signs of whales.
We cruised over to Entrance Island for our first stop. Entrance Island is one of the last lighthouses along our coastline that is actively operated by live-in wickies, or lighthouse keepers. Most of the lighthouses are now automated and remain vacant unless they are in need of repairs or upgrades. Entrance Island’s lighthouse has been recognized by the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act as of 2015, protecting it and noting its important heritage as a landmark for the hundreds of years of ships that have come into Nanaimo’s harbour.
The shores of Entrance Island were covered in several slumbering Steller sea lions, with a handful of California sea lions cozied up on the outskirts as well. Harbour seals can also be found along the coast of the island, leading to this island being a delightful multi-species encounter. The pinnipeds (fin-footed mammals) were all busy snoozing away and enjoying the early season sunshine as we observed them - we don’t blame them, it was the perfect conditions for a nap!
Once we departed from Entrance Island we crossed the Strait of Georgia and headed north. We headed up into the stunning waters of the Malaspina Strait. We travelled along the coast of Texada Island, scanning and scanning and continuing the search. We made our way back across the strait, crossing the northern area of our range, scanning at all times as you never know what (and where) you will find new animals to watch!
Besides our pinnipeds, there were also tons of Black Oystercatchers around today, soaring overhead and waddling along the shores. Ironically, these heavy-set birds do not live up to their name - they rarely eat oysters! They generally feast on mussels, marine worms, limpets, and periwinkles. While their strong beaks can be used to pry mussels open, Oystercatchers are known to sneak up on mussels while they are open and poke their beaks between the shells to nab their meal.
We made our way back south along Vancouver Island’s coastline, continuing to search as we travelled. The tour route was stunning, visiting many of the spectacular coastal areas of the Strait of Georgia. The whales seemed to be elsewhere though, as we were unable to locate them during our trip. Not to worry though - every guest today was given a voucher which is good for another trip out with us for free!
Please enjoy the trip’s photos by Marine Naturalist Vanessa Vereschahen!
A very cute Steller sea lion posing as we snap a photo.
All the sea lions seemed ready for a nap today!
A California sea lion snoozing - the sagittal crest (blonde area on the top of the head) shows that this is a male.
A very large Steller sea lion male - here you can see the distinct ‘mane’ the males have to protect their throats during the breeding season.
The large male appears grumpy - did someone wake him from his slumber?
A male California sea lion scratching at his neck.
A small bob of Harbour seals in the shallows and along the edge of the water.
A male Common Merganser paddling along the surface of the water.
A flock of Black Oystercatchers flying overhead.
Black Oystercatchers sport a striking bright orange beak and eye ring, along with a piercing bright yellow eye!