A Few Gray (Grey) Whale Sightings and Last Minute Orca Update
After posting this we got word of some Orca, so here’s the report:
Unidentified Orca
March 24:
Hi there,Tracked two killer whales heading south off Rathtrevor Beach this afternoon – between 3:15 and 4:30. Appeared to be a mom and baby as the little one still had some pink. They were very slow – perhaps feeding as they would stay in one area for a while, there wold be lots of splashing and commotion and then they would move on. At one point the adult appeared to be chasing something through the water as it was moving very fast. It was an amazing experience! Thanks
Jill
Sightings are very few…odd for this time of year. But between the rough weather on the west coast of Vancouver Island, there are some Grey Whales showing up for the Pacific Rim Grey Whale Festival in the Tofino – Ucluelet area; see reports below. There are also a few Greys showing up just South of Vancouver Island around Whidbey Island and Transient Bigg’s Killer Whales also in the US San Juan Island area. No word on where those Pacific White Sided Dolphins got to. They may still be in the Sechelt – Jervis Inlet area. Keep your eyes open – there must be more whales, dolphins or porpoise out there.
To report your sighting, call our new toll free hotline: 1-877-323-9776
Susan MacKay, Whales and Dolphins BC
Gray (or Grey) Whales
Gray Whale blows are low and heart shaped.
Feeding in shallow water, they are easy to watch from shore.
Susan MacKay, SG Images
March 23:
I didn’t give a report yesterday because it was practically the same as Thursday. (rough on the water).
Today was different, we were off Salmon Beach watching two, likely male, Grey’s rolling in shallow water close to the shore. They were having a great time, not sure if they were eating much or just having fun. No herring here yet so not likely that they were eating that much.
Today was different, we were off Salmon Beach watching two, likely male, Grey’s rolling in shallow water close to the shore. They were having a great time, not sure if they were eating much or just having fun. No herring here yet so not likely that they were eating that much.
Don McBain, visiting Ucluelet
March 21:
5 greys making their way west from Sail Rock towards Mara Rock about 1:30. Mainly just backs but one tail, and fairly close to the “Lady Selkirk”. More tomorrow I hope.
Don McBain, visiting Ucluelet
Don McBain, visiting Ucluelet
Gray Whale back
Blotchy patches of pigment, barnacles and mites,
the orange coloured spots, cover the whole whale.
Susan MacKay, SG Images
LINK
Zoom Sunshine Coast Magazine Spring 2013 issue just out and in digital version too. Whales and Dolphins BC has a piece in it with a few photos:
Gray Whale head
Their head shape gives them a prehistoric appearance.
Susan MacKay, SG Images
Toll Free Sightings Hotline: 1-877-323-9776
