Haleigh | M/V Kestrel | May 27, 2022 | 2:00 pm
Humpback Whale season is in full swing with many of these migratory animals returning to the Salish Sea! For our Friday Morning trip, we departed the harbor heading northbound in search of a Humpback sighting. We stopped along the way at a haul out of Steller’s Sea Lions. These enormous males were some of the largest I have seen around here. With each weighing approximately 2000 lbs, we watched them brawling along the rocky shoreline at Green Point, and then quickly assuming a statuesque position posed like lions with their heads held high. The neighboring shoulder of rock held one California Sea Lion who appeared much smaller than the Steller’s and was barking like a dog.
Shortly after departing, we had our first glances of this Humpback Whale traveling west through Boundary Pass. As we approached slowly, we recognized the whale was traversing across the channel from the North end to the South. We were able to spend a great deal of time with this Humpback and due to the calm seas had clear views during each surfacing and blows. There were even instances of this whale’s breath wafting through our vessel, evoking the scent of dirty socks or rotten fish. The whale was identified as Divot based on the large knick in her fluke and the patterning on the underside of that tail.
To wrap up our tour, we cruised along Spieden island and saw herds of Mouflon Sheep grazing the south side of the island. Bald Eagles soared over the treetops while Canada Geese were seen waddling near the shoreline. All in all, we had a full wildlife experience today, getting a good taste of the many animals the Salish Sea has to offer!