Whales Before the Storm

Like usual September is playing with our emotions. It is a fickle month in regards to weather. At times we experience warm, sunny days like the one we enjoyed yesterday, but today is a completely different ‘kettle of fish’.  This morning we were welcomed by low clouds, the threat of rain in the surrounding hills and a strong southeast gale is forecasted to blow.

We decided to move our tour time to start a couple of hours earlier to beat the wind that was due to pick up this afternoon. In making this change we also avoided the rain that began just towards the end of our tour. Our guests were delighted with this change of plan, as it enhanced their experience and kept them dry for the majority of the tour.

At least fifteen Humpbacks were sighted today, making their rounds foraging, as tight balls of schooling fish were abundantly present. Tail slaps and breaches were seen in the distance. The loud explosive sound when the Humpback landed had the same sharp shot like a gun going off. The calmness enhanced the sound, as it traveled the distance to where we drifted in silence. The thousands of Sooty Shearwaters that have been in the area for over a month were still present, however soon they will head south to take advantage of the beginnings of the Australasian summer.

By now there must be over 200 male Stellar sea lions gathered, setting themselves up for the coming winter months. Cormorants shared their rock platforms with American Oyster catchers. Common Murres and Marble Murrelets settled on the smooth grey surface of the sea, taking a break from their extensive foraging. And the dim, overcast light created such great camouflage for the Harbour Seals, as their speckled grey coat blended well with the speckled, kelp covered rocks.

Despite the numerous feeding frenzies that were seen in every direction we looked, there was calmness to our morning. The sea was like glass and the visibility clear, allowing our guests to enjoy some of the intertidal life such as sea stars and anemones.

The narrow passageways we ventured through were peaceful and quiet even though the current was pushing us along at a decent speed. Everything seemed tranquil and right as nature took us on an adventure and revealed all her beauties in a single beautiful morning.