Grizzly

We knew the Grizzlies were coming across Johnstone Straight by swimming from small island to island. If that was the case if we just might be lucky enough to find one which we did from my friend Anthony's boat. We didn't get too close for obvious reasons a big crop on this shot.

Running at us?

A heart stopping moment when we saw what was my first Grizzly on Vancouver Island. It came out of a ditch and started running in our direction I'm thinking at that moment would bear spray stop this big fella? Turns out there was a black bear cub it had in its sights, not interested in us ...whew. We yelled at it and it reluctantly departed, the bear cub stayed near us for the remainder of our time there it knew it was safer with us than without.

Little Sprout

This energetic baby whale belongs to A Pod it traveled with the Matriarch.

A Pod Northern Residence

We had a fantastic day with members from A, D, I, and G pods. A61 Serge was present I'll be posting photos of him soon.

T-58 and the Gang celebrating the kill.

I spent many. many hours on the water this summer with my good friend Anthony. I thought I had seen Orca action until the Transient Pod showed up OMG they are high speed killers, nothing like the Northern Residents. This is minutes after T-58 took a Dall's Porpoise absolutely the most amazing hunt and kill you will ever see.

The last seconds of life.

The Dall's Porpoise is one of the fastest moving mammals in the sea a Bigg's Whale (Transient Killer Whale) cannot catch the porpoise unless it throws itself into the air with less resistance it actually gains on its prey. I missed the shot of the whale in the air as naturalist with us was screaming, bloodcurdling screams and she kept on screaming. Porpoise on the right, whale setting up for the jump behind.

A61 Serge

I believe he is 26 years old perhaps half life for a Northern Resident male, really a magnificent sight when that dosal fin is travelling high above the surface of the water.

Waiting.

She spends hours waiting for a salmon to run past her, I spend hours waiting for her to catch one.

Juvenile Eagle

Out of the nest for approximately one month it discovers the world around it perched on a snag by the river. The parents are positioned above watching.

Walking the line.

We found this bear while cruising in the boat it was flipping rocks to find crabs and other edibles.

Sea Otter

A female rolls towards the camera, a better look for both of us :)

Sea Otter female

I don't think I will ever get tired of photography Sea Otters they are so fuzzy and cute.

Georgina on a rainy afternoon.

Anyone that knows me or follows my photo adventures will recognize Georgina my favourite bear, she is Miss Personality.

Deep in thought.