What and How Humpback Whales Eat
Cover Image:
Humpback Whale with Pink Krill Blow
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales are baleen whales. Baleen, instead of teeth, is formed in fine strands from keratin. Keratin is the same substance your body uses to create fingernails, hair and even some of your skin. Like fingernails, baleen becomes flexible when wet allowing the whale to filter out the water while keeping food in its’ mouth. In addition to this Humpbacks have ventral pleats allowing the whale to expand its’ throat to accommodate many gallons/litres of water together with food. This combination allows the whale to gather many krill or fish in one mouthful and push the water past the baleen while keeping the krill or fish to swallow.
So what do they eat? Krill is a highly nutritious favourite, similar to shrimp or prawns, but tiny usually about 1 inch or 2.5 cm long. They tend to swarm giving the opportunity for the whale to take that large mouthful of food and water. Frequently we notice that the whale blow has a pink tinge that is not caused by the sun reflecting, but by the amount of pink coloured krill they’ve had. Even their poop is red, which sometimes startles people into thinking they are bleeding. Other foods Humpbacks eat include smaller fish such as caplin, pilchards and herring. These fish also eat krill, so one way or another Humpbacks have the nutritious benefit of krill.
Boaters, use caution on the water. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.
The Federal Government (DFO) has issued the following statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”
WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
Society News & Events
COVID-19 Updates:
We've all been hit hard during this pandemic and WOWs greatly appreciates your kind donations helping us maintain our society work. Eco tour and whale watching companies are operating at reduced capacity. As you can see from our reports, they are on the water, providing us with much needed sightings information. You might consider a trip with them during your local 'stay-cation'. Stay safe and healthy. Event schedules will be posted as they become available.
Our yearly Dwight Hall fundraising dinner, instrumental to maintain all of our basic programs and online presence, cancelled for 2020, is scheduled for April 24, 2021. We trust that by then we will be able to hold a successful event. Your donations are greatly needed and appreciated.
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Sightings Update
SIGHTINGS MAP – ISSUE: 2020-029
TRANSIENT BIGGS KILLER WHALES
Fri Sep 18 2020
–:– • Biggs Orca ◦T090s◦ heading south at Hoskyn Channel. Observed in the evening.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sat Sep 19 2020
15:05 • Biggs Orca by North Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
15:15 • Biggs Orca heading west at Florence Cove, Hole in the Wall.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Sep 20 2020
08:36 • 4 Biggs Orca in Deer Passage. Mid channel heading towards the north side of Raza Island.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:12 • Biggs Orca heading south-west, Raza Passage. On the Raza shoreline. ▫ Second Hand
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:03 • Biggs Orca just off Raza Point, Calm Channel.
12:49 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ below South Rendezvous Island heading towards Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
16:15 • est. 2 Biggs Orca breaching, heading north off Coal Point towards Moses Point, Saanich Inlet. Observed breaching several times. ▫ Observed from Shore
BD, Deep Cove, BC
Tue Sep 22 2020
14:55 • Biggs Orca ◦T002Cs,T090s◦ moving slowly, heading east near Upper Rapids, Okisollo Channel. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Okisollo Channel.
Tue, 22 Sep 2020 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales in Okisollo Channel.
Tue, 22 Sep 2020 – 8 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:45 • Biggs Orca heading east towards Hole in the Wall.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
Wed Sep 23 2020
06:35 • est. 4-6 Biggs Orca entering the east end of Sunderland Channel. One big fin. Coming from Wellbore Channel.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
10:49 • Biggs Orca between Thurston Bay and Johns Point, Nodales Channel.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Sep 25 2020
13:24 • 1 Biggs Orca moving slowly, heading west off Edith Point at the west end of East Thurlow Island, Johnstone Strait. Big fin (male).
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
Sat Sep 26 2020
10:35 • Biggs Orca at the Spoil Grounds, heading towards Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
11:15 • Biggs Orca milling and moving slowly, heading north, south of the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait. ▫ Leaving the Scene
13:20 • Biggs Orca on the ferry line between Rebecca Spit and Whaletown, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:20 • Biggs Orca milling and moving slowly, off Viner Point, headed towards Hoskyn Rock, Sutil Channel.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
16:36 • Biggs Orca heading south, 400m off the shore, coming up to Marina Island shack, Sutil Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
17:02 • 3 Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north through Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage. 2 males and 1 female seen. Seen after passing Campbell River on the ebb. ▫ Second Hand
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
18:25 • Biggs Orca ◦T101s◦ heading north by 45 Point, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. T102 not seen in the pod. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales on a Foggy Day
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales on a Foggy Day
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 7 items
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T101s with T102
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Transient Biggs Killer Whales
Transient Biggs Killer Whales – T101s with T102
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 2 items
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES
Wed Sep 23 2020
13:49 • Orca foraging at the east end of Chancellor Channel. Large pod, two big fins, very active. Possibly Resident Orca.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
HUMPBACK WHALES
Sat Sep 19 2020
10:40 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
15:05 • 2 Humpback Whales breaching, by Francisco Point, Quadra Island, Sutil Channel.
Radio, overheard or call out
Sun Sep 20 2020
07:30 • 3 Humpback Whales between Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:18 • 1 Humpback Whales in Raza Passage. ▫ Second Hand
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:08 • 1 Humpback Whales resting, at the bottom of Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
10:16 • 2 Humpback Whales resting, in Evans Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
10:21 • 2 Humpback Whales just off Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
10:26 • 1 Humpback Whales near Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
10:37 • 2 Humpback Whales ◦BCY T. Rex◦ bucking tide, near Cape Mudge, Georgia Strait. In the Cape mudge treadmill bucking the ebb.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
11:00 • 2 Humpback Whales in Raza Passage. Near the entrance of the passage hugging mainland
shore.
shore.
Quinn Kuschel-Ross, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west off Shoal Bay, East Thurlow Island, Cordero Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:51 • 1 Humpback Whales near the old Church House, Calm Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:10 • Humpback Whales near the shore of North Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage. Looped Rendezvous Islands.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
13:46 • 2 Humpback Whales resting in the middle of Calm Channel. Barely visible.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
13:52 • Humpback Whales by Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Radio, overheard or call out
14:28 • Humpback Whales ◦BCY0291 KC◦ heading north just off old Church House, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:45 • 2 Humpback Whales at Connis Point, Pryce Channel.
16:10 • 3 Humpback Whales near south Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
Mon Sep 21 2020
08:17 • 1 Humpback Whales in Evans Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
08:30 • 2 Humpback Whales heading north off Kinghorn Island, Lewis Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
09:20 • 1 Humpback Whales mid channel off the Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:30 • Humpback Whales breaching, off Brem Bay, Toba Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales in Toba Inlet
Mon, 21 Sep 2020 – 3 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales in Toba Inlet
Mon, 21 Sep 2020 – 3 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:11 • est. 3-4 Humpback Whales off Hill Island towards Evans Bay, Sutil Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:00 • Humpback Whales breaching, off Burdwood Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel. ▫ Second Hand
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:05 • Humpback Whales off Raza Point, Calm Channel.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
12:47 • 2 Humpback Whales foraging, off Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
12:55 • 2 Humpback Whales between Kinghorn Island and Sarah Point, Desolation Sound.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
13:00 • 2 Humpback Whales bucking tide, off North Bluff, Discovery Passage.
Bradden Kiley, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:35 • Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south at Ripple Rock, Discovery Passage. ▫ Second Hand
13:50 • Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
13:52 • 2 Humpback Whales at entrance to Okeover Inlet.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
14:40 • 2 Humpback Whales off Brem River, Toba Inlet. Mom and calf observed.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:50 • 2 Humpback Whales between Carrington Bay and Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Jos Krynen, Eagle Eye Adventures
15:30 • est. 2-3 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0785 Mathematician◦ at the south end of Whale Passage, Sutil Channel.
15:55 • 2 Humpback Whales at Evans Bay, Read Island, Sutil Channel.
16:41 • 3 Humpback Whales past the Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Two whales observed going southbound and one whale is heading northbound.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
18:20 • Humpback Whales at the mouth of Call Inlet.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Tue Sep 22 2020
10:20 • 3 Humpback Whales southwest of Savary Island, Georgia Strait.
10:40 • Humpback Whales north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:57 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south, south of Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Out and About
Tue, 22 Sep 2020 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales Out and About
Tue, 22 Sep 2020 – 4 items
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:19 • 3 Humpback Whales heading north abeam Cape Mudge Red Can Buoy.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
11:40 • Humpback Whales off Goliath Bay, Jervis Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:58 • 2 Humpback Whales heading west between Hill Island and Center Islet, Sutil Channel.
12:35 • 2 Humpback Whales between Viner Point and Center Islet, Sutil Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
14:40 • 3 Humpback Whales off Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
15:33 • 1 Humpback Whales heading north at Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
10:59 • 2 Humpback Whales off Hardinge Island, Nodales Channel. One very young calf with mother.
Eliot Richter, Blind Channel Resort
16:30 • Humpback Whales north of George Head, Ramsay Arm.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Thu Sep 24 2020
08:24 • 1 Humpback Whales heading south by Black (Albion) Point, Malaspina Strait. Small one.
Nina Falls, Powell River, BC
09:15 • 2 Humpback Whales active at Racine Creek, Toba Inlet.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:30 • Humpback Whales in Calm Channel.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales in Calm Channel
Thu, 24 Sep 2020 – 2 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales in Calm Channel
Thu, 24 Sep 2020 – 2 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:59 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCZ Guardian◦ heading north at Copper Bluffs, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage.
14:37 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Raza Island and South Rendezvous Island, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
15:08 • 1 Humpback Whales mid channel between Church House and Bernard Point, Calm Channel.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south between Bartlett Islet and Maurelle Island, Calm Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
Fri Sep 25 2020
09:59 • Humpback Whales 1/4 way to Harwood Island from Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near the beach in Powell River
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near the beach in Powell River
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 6 items
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
09:59 • 2 Humpback Whales out from Powell River Viewpoint, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
10:10 • Humpback Whales in front of the south harbour in Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Leigh Nelson, Adventure Quest Tours
11:04 • Humpback Whales between Grief Point and Van Anda, Malaspina Strait. Possibly entangled whale.
Susan MacKay, Wild Ocean Whale Society
11:50 • 1 Humpback Whales tight to the shore on the south tip of South Rendezvous Island, Drew Passage.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
14:30 • Humpback Whales bottom of the Quadra Island Scallop Farm south of Heriot Bay, Sutil Channel.
15:47 • Humpback Whales out by the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy, Georgia Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
17:00 • Humpback Whales heading west by Double Island, Pryce Channel.
17:15 • Humpback Whales heading east at Connis Point, West Redonda Island, Pryce Channel.
Garry Henkel, Aboriginal Journeys Whale and Grizzly Bear Tours
17:24 • Humpback Whales to the south and north of Rebecca Rocks, Malaspina Strait.
17:24 • Humpback Whales off Powell River, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
Sat Sep 26 2020
–:– • est. 12+ Humpback Whales by Hornby Island, Georgia Strait. Humpback whales were in 3-4 groups. Observed in the morning. ▫ Second Hand
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
07:53 • 1 Humpback Whales just south of Cape Mudge Lighthouse on Quadra Island, Georgia Strait.
Tyler Bruce, Campbell River Whale Watching
09:10 • est. 7 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading south-east, 500-1000m off shore at Grassy Point Community Park at the north-east tip of Hornby Island, Georgia Strait. Two pods separated by about 500m. Front pod with 2 adults and 1 juvenile. Frequent flipper slapping by rear pod. ▫ Observed from Shore
Rick Bennett, Hornby Island, BC
10:10 • 2 Humpback Whales close to shore at Dog Bay, Hernando Island, Malaspina Strait. Mom and calf observed.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
10:26 • 2 Humpback Whales heading east, east of Hill Island, Sutil Channel.
Jerry Weldon, Campbell River
10:30 • Humpback Whales at Shearwater Passage, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
11:09 • 1 Humpback Whales at Wilby Shoals, Georgia Strait.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
11:20 • 2 Humpback Whales tight to shore, between Stillwater Bay and Frolander Bay, Malaspina Strait.
11:55 • Humpback Whales at Killam Bay, Jervis Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
12:12 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0409 Yogi◦ heading south, inside the Penn Islands, Sutil Channel.
12:50 • 1 Humpback Whales ◦BCY0409 Yogi◦ heading south, 300m south of the Penn Islands.
12:59 • 2 Humpback Whales between Hill Island and Centre Islet, Sutil Channel. Leaving the scene at 13:16 – the whales were a half-mile north of Subtle Islands still heading southward.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
13:50 • Humpback Whales off Sinclair Bank, Malaspina Strait.
14:25 • 2 Humpback Whales heading south, between Powell River Mill (Pulp & Paper) and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
14:37 • est. 3+ Humpback Whales spread out, between Rebecca Rocks and Harwood Island, Malaspina Strait.
Michelle Pennell, Powell River, BC
14:41 • 3 Humpback Whales heading south at Myrtle Point, Malaspina Strait. 2 seen on the Texada side of the point, 1 on the mainland side.
Jim Southern, Powell River, BC
14:56 • 2 Humpback Whales moving slowly, heading north, mid-channel abeam the Cape Mudge Green Can Buoy and Francisco Point, Georgia Strait. Mother and calf observed.
Dean Parsonage, 50 North Adventures
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Mitlenatch Island
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 2 items
Emily Browne, Savary Island, BC
SPECIES SUPPLEMENT
Humpback Whales
Humpback Whales near Mitlenatch Island
Fri, 25 Sep 2020 – 2 items
Emily Browne, Savary Island, BC
MINKE WHALES
Tue Sep 22 2020
10:00 • 1 Minke Whales travelling, heading south, Sarah Point, Desolation Sound. ▫ From Power or Sail Boat
JR, Powell River, BC
PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS
Sat Sep 19 2020
13:00 • PWS Dolphins near Kanish Bay.
Radio, overheard or call out
Thu Sep 24 2020
10:55 • PWS Dolphins heading west off Hardwicke Point, Hardwicke Island, Johnstone Strait. Small pod.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
Fri Sep 25 2020
11:00 • est. 30 PWS Dolphins behind Okis Islands, Okisollo Channel.
Robin Pears, Campbell River Whale Watching
DALLS PORPOISE
Wed Sep 23 2020
10:00 • Dalls Porpoise below Arran Rapids.
10:00 • Dalls Porpoise off Jimmy Judd Island, Yuculta Rapids.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Thu Sep 24 2020
07:28 • Dalls Porpoise playing, close to shore at No Name Creek, Discovery Passage.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
10:30 • Dalls Porpoise in Deepwater Bay, Quadra Island, Discovery Passage. Playful porpoises. ▫ Leaving the Scene
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Dalls Porpoise
Playful Dalls Porpoise in Deepwater Bay
Thu, 24 Sep 2020 – 1 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
Dalls Porpoise
Playful Dalls Porpoise in Deepwater Bay
Thu, 24 Sep 2020 – 1 items
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
16:15 • Dalls Porpoise playing, in Seymour Narrows, Discovery Passage.
Stephen Gabrysh, Campbell River Whale Watching
15:50 • Dalls Porpoise very active, at Mayne Point, East Thurlow Island, Mayne Passage.
Jess Cavanagh, Blind Channel Resort
HARBOUR PORPOISE
Tue Sep 22 2020
12:15 • est. 6 Harbour Porpoise off Nine Mile Point, Salmon Inlet.
Wayne Wright, Campbell River
SPECIES UNSURE
Sun Sep 20 2020
14:03 • 8 Species Unsure between Mermaid Bay and Jimmy Judd Island, Dent Rapids. 8 mini whales with one calf.
Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale and Bear Excursions
Tue Sep 22 2020
09:00 • 4 Species Unsure heading west amongst Hodgson Islands near Nelson Island, Malaspina Strait. To far to see what it is.
Reuben Buerge, Eagle Eye Adventures
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The Magazine
REGIONAL & NATIONAL
The Seattle TImes
For nearly a month the team has been at sea, marveling at the prowess of southern and northern resident killer whales as they follow the orcas’ foraging rounds, using a drone and stick-on cameras to record the daily lives of orcas, even underwater.
The surprises keep coming: How far the orcas, especially the southern residents, travel in their hunt for salmon. How affectionate the orca families are with one another, constantly touching. And their incredible athleticism, as orcas hunt down and kill their prey….
read on
SPECIAL SIGHTINGS
CTV News
OAK BAY — Before they went paddleboarding in the afternoon, Emma and Kyle spent the morning whale-watching with Kyle’s visiting parents.
"It was the first time we ever saw an actual orca in real life," Kyle smiles, before showing me a photograph of a whale tale rising out of the ocean, framed by Mt. Baker in the distance.
Although they were 200 metres away from the orcas, their size was still daunting….
read on
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
The Guardian (UK)
Rescuers shepherded a pod of three northern bottlenose whales from a Scottish loch on Thursday before a major international military exercise.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue group said a first group of boats had begun "gently moving" the deep-diving mammals from Loch Long towards the mouth of the River Clyde….
read on