Humpback Known as Vanta

A Humpback known as Vanta, and an Alopecia Harbor Seal.

We saw some beautiful Salish Sea Birds today including Black Oystercatchers, Cormorants, Bald Eagles, Rhinoceros Auklets, Pigeon Guilemott, and more.

We also got to see Vanta the Humpback Whale. Soon after we left she crossed the border into Canada. I am looking forward to when this political standoff goes away and the USA and Canada learn to play nice again. This water border closure hurts us both. In all the years we have been doing the transboundary whale watching we have never had to touch land on the other side. It is just a political mess.

We saw an Alopecia Harbor Seal, which is one with a skin disorder. It has no fur, just wrinkly skin. A very unusual sight for us here.

We saw a Bald Eagle feeding on a Seal pup carcass. The eagles nab a few of the newborn pups while they are small enough to fly away with.

On my feature pic, you can see the Goose Barnacles attached to the fluke of Vanta. This is a common sight to see the goose barnacles on humpback whales.

I captured a few shots of the Mouflon Sheep on the waters edge eating kelp and seaweed. I know there are nutrients in the kelp, just not sure if that is why they are eating it or because they like the salty taste in their mouths.