The Whale Report
Monday, April 20th
Last week wildlife photographer & guide Akiya Tamba joined us for several different programs. Mr. Tamba has genorously allowed us to share some of the wonderful photographs taken on his trips with the crew at Remote Passages (click on each date to see the photos listed):
- Remote Passages's boathouse, as seen from 1st Street dock
- Spyhopping Gray Whales
- Harbour Seals
- Bald Eagle in spruce tree
- 'Swimming Eagle' - fishing, then eating his catch of the day
- River Otter at Tsapee Narrows
- Local beaches
- Gray Whales in Cow Bay -- 'skulling' fins at the surface, and rolling
- Pine Marten on Hot Springs Trail -- normally a very shy forest animal!
- Steller Sea Lions
- Killer Whales near Tofino
Although weather and sea conditions were somtimes challenging, Mr. Tamba's patient approach, together with good local knowledge on the part of his Remote Passages's guides, created some truly memorable wildlife portraits!
Thursday, April 9th
Yesterday (Wednesday, April 8th), guide Jay Feaver & his crew were unexpectedly delayed on their way to Hot Springs Cove. While watching a couple of elusive Gray Whales, one of the animals parked itself under their boat. Jay turned off the engine, and the crew waited patiently while the whale blew bubbles under the boat for about a half hour. Every day on the water is a different adventure!
The Gray Whales leading the migration in March are generally moving quickly, anxious to arrive at the Alaskan feeding grounds. Relaxed, playful behaviour among the whales can happen a little later in the migration, through April and May, when juveniles are travelling by.
Mid-April is also a time when we may see the first of the known coastal resident Gray Whales returning for the season -- so we will have sharp eyes on the water this long weekend!
Join us for a "Whale Watch Plus" or "Hot Springs Explorer" excursion for the best whale observation opportunities.
For those who prefer a calm-water experience, our "Coastal Bear Watch" is now launching daily -- guide Randy Frank has had success on every early-season bear watch so far this year! Sea kayaking day trips have also been popular on with the springtime weather finally here!
Cheers for now,
Don & Kati
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