Logan Stecker | M/V Kestrel | August 9th 2025 | 2:00 pm
Great viewing out on the water today! Our groups had a great time in between stops competing to find harbor porpoise swimming along us which was fun. We also go to see a lot of seals hauled out on Sentinel rocks which was great foreshadowing to the seal hunting by killer whales out by Sidney spit.
This groups of three orcas we got to watch were the T019s—a mother (Nootka) and two very large adult sons (Galiano and Spouter). After getting to the scene, we had ample time hanging out with them and getting to observe so many behaviors including circling rocks and kelp fields to potentially scare out prey as well as tail slaps. We followed them as they went along shorelines and as they presumably made and shared a kill.
On our way back we followed Spieden Island where we got to see Sika Deer in the woods. This island used to be an exotic hunting attraction and Sika deer are a remaining part of that history that were brought over from Asia. Of the species of ungulates (hooved animals) left on Spieden, this is one I have not had a chance to see yet. Shortly after we followed an eagle diving into the water and pulling out a Pink Salmon. We watched it carry the salmon up on the rocks and begin eating and sharing with another eagle that came to join (likely a mate pair).
Such an exciting trip observing wildlife in these waters! Every trip we get to see something new!