Coastal Rainforest Safaris

07/16/2024

Here is a trip report from our last Puffin and Seabird tour compiled by one of our guests.

This coming Saturday is our last scheduled Puffin and Seabird tour this year. A few spots are still available and can be booked online at https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/birding-tours/

https://ebird.org/tripreport/258997

08 Jul, 2024. Created by Liam Ragan

07/13/2024

07/04/2024

Living and working in rainforesty territory! The biodiversity of our area is beautiful that deserves our love and attention! If we look after the land and waters; the land and waters will look after us.

06/19/2024

It’s going to be humpback city pretty soon; there’s already been amazing sightings! Looking forward to hosting you all this season. 📸

06/14/2024

Sea wolves on northern Vancouver Island are a fascinating and unique population of coastal wolves that have adapted to a marine-based lifestyle. Unlike their inland counterparts, these sea wolves rely heavily on the ocean for their diet, feeding on a variety of marine species such as fish, seals, and even shellfish.

These wolves have a marine diet, with up to 90% of their food coming from the ocean. They hunt salmon, forage for barnacles, and scavenge on washed-up marine mammals. Sea wolves are also excellent swimmers, capable of traveling between islands and across coastal waters in search of food, and they have been observed swimming up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) in a single trip.

Their behavior is unique compared to inland wolves, as they exhibit coastal foraging and a more solitary hunting style. They are less likely to form large packs and often hunt alone or in small groups. Genetic studies have shown that sea wolves are genetically distinct from other wolf populations, having adapted specifically to their coastal environment over thousands of years.

Sea wolves hold a special place in the culture and stories of Indigenous communities on Vancouver Island. They are often featured in legends and are considered guardians of the coastal ecosystem. Protecting sea wolves is crucial not only for their survival but also for the health of the coastal ecosystems they inhabit. Efforts to conserve their habitat and prey species are vital to maintaining the delicate balance of these environments.

These coastal wolves of northern Vancouver Island are a testament to the incredible adaptability and resilience of wildlife in the face of changing environments.

06/09/2024

Today, we at Coastal Rainforest Safaris had the profound experience of visiting a sacred place that has belonged to the Nuwiti since the beginning of time. Nuwiti is comprised of three nations, the T̕łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la, Na̱ḵa̱mga̱lisa̱la, and the Yut̕łinux̱w. This land, rich with cultural and spiritual significance, was tragically taken away and repurposed by local governments. Being on the water there, we felt the weight of history and the injustices that have been inflicted upon these people.

Today marks a significant turning point. We are committing to the process of decolonization, supporting the nation’s rightful claim to their ancestral lands and waters. This is more than just a political act; it is a deeply emotional and spiritual journey towards healing and reconciliation.

By supporting these efforts, we acknowledge the importance of their traditions, their connection to the land, and their right to steward it as they have done for millennia. It is a step towards justice, a recognition of their sovereignty, and an affirmation of their enduring presence. This day symbolizes hope and a renewed commitment to building a future where these nations can thrive, reconnect, and heal on their own terms.

06/08/2024

Black bears on Northern Vancouver Island are an integral part of the region’s ecosystem. These bears thrive in the island’s diverse habitats, including coastal rainforests, alpine meadows, and dense woodlands. They primarily feed on berries, plants, and fish, particularly during the salmon runs. Human interactions are common due to increasing tourism and development, leading to initiatives focused on bear conservation and management. Local authorities emphasize the importance of bear awareness and safety to prevent conflicts. Despite these challenges, the black bear population remains robust, contributing to the island’s biodiversity and attracting wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. The Kwakwakawakw territories have vast wildlife and beautiful nature!

06/03/2024

During our first trip of the season yesterday we encountered humpback whale Nippy who is a regular in our area along with a brand new calf. We reported this siting to and here is what they had to say:

Another new baby!
Nippy’s little one was bouncing / breaching north of Port Hardy on June 1st.

When Andrew Jones of Coastal Rainforest Safaris messaged us that they were seeing a new calf, we suspected it might be Nippy (BCX1262). She has returned to that feeding area with such predictability and typically stays there for much of the summer / fall.

Humpbacks generally return to very specific areas where they know how to get fat fast.

Andrew’s photos confirmed - Nippy has a new baby! This is her 5th known calf. Her breeding ground is not known.

We are sharing these baby announcements to increase understanding and care about why there are Humpbacks off our coast. They are here to feed, to grow, to play, to care for babies, and to learn. Humpback calves only spend about 1 year with their mothers.

Their movements can be very unpredictable and very unexpected. They can suddenly surface after a long dive, be resting or nursing just below the surface, or suddenly become acrobatic. They are often not moving in a straight line but rather often stay in one area and move in the same sort of seemingly random patterns as you in your home. 🙂

As stated in our previous baby post: May knowing about far-travelled, hungry whale mothers and their thirsty, naïve calves motivate greater care for the whales. Boater vigilance is needed year-round to do the right thing to reduce noise and the risk of collision. See www.SeeABlowGoSlow.org.
______________

05/23/2024

Sea lions and sacred Mountain, priceless! We are getting very close and looking forward to hosting you all for 2024! Give us a call and book your experience:)

04/26/2024

Getting anxious to see how many new pups there are this year in the territory. Sea otters typically give birth once a year, although this can vary depending on environmental conditions and the health of the otter. Each pregnancy results in the birth of usually one pup, and occasionally twins. The reproductive cycle for sea otters includes a gestation period of about six months, but they can delay implantation of the embryo, extending the gestation period up to a year in some cases.

03/17/2024

The coastal rainforest of British Columbia, particularly on Vancouver Island, is a lush and biodiverse ecosystem teeming with life. Characterized by towering ancient trees, including Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, and Western red cedar, this rainforest is a vital habitat for numerous species of plants and animals. The mild, wet climate supports the growth of dense vegetation, from ferns and mosses to unique fungi and lichens. It’s also home to iconic wildlife such as black bears, cougars, bald eagles, and salmon, which rely on the rich resources provided by the forest and nearby ocean. The Indigenous peoples of the region, the Kwakwaka’wakw, have inhabited and stewarded these lands for thousands of years, with deep cultural connections to the rainforest and its resources. Despite facing threats from logging, urbanization, and climate change, efforts to conserve and protect this valuable ecosystem are ongoing, recognizing its ecological importance and intrinsic beauty.

03/14/2024

Humpback whales, renowned for their majestic presence in the world’s oceans, exhibit fascinating social behaviors that highlight their affinity for companionship and connection. These charismatic giants are known to form intricate social structures, often congregating in groups to engage in various activities and interactions.

One remarkable aspect of humpback whale socialization is their tendency to form alliances and friendships within their pods. These pods, typically consisting of individuals with familial ties, provide a supportive environment where whales can forge bonds through communication, play, and cooperative behaviors.

During the breeding season, male humpback whales are particularly social, competing for the attention of females through elaborate displays of acrobatics and vocalizations. These competitive yet cooperative interactions emphasize the dynamic nature of humpback whale societies, where individuals collaborate and compete for reproductive success.

Beyond breeding activities, humpback whales also engage in communal behaviors such as feeding cooperatively using bubble-net feeding techniques. This cooperative feeding strategy involves a group of whales working together to corral and trap prey within a bubble net, allowing them to efficiently harvest vast quantities of food.

Furthermore, humpback whales are known for their captivating songs, which play a crucial role in socializing and communicating within their populations. These intricate vocalizations are thought to serve various functions, including mate attraction, navigation, and maintaining social bonds within pods.

Overall, the social lives of humpback whales offer a glimpse into the complex and interconnected nature of marine mammal societies. Through their shared experiences, cooperative behaviors, and expressive communication, humpback whales exemplify the importance of social bonds in the vast blue expanse they call home.

03/03/2024

🦅 Majestic Bald Eagles 🦅 Did you know that bald eagles are not actually bald? Their name comes from the Old English word “balde,” meaning white, referring to the bird’s striking white head. These magnificent creatures are not only a symbol of strength and freedom but also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Let’s celebrate the beauty and resilience of these incredible birds! 🌿

02/11/2024

🌊🐺 Dive into the fascinating world of sea wolves with these fun facts! 🌟 Did you know...

1. Sea wolves are coastal specialists, uniquely adapted to thrive in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. 🏞️

2. Unlike their inland relatives, sea wolves are exceptional swimmers, often traversing between islands in search of prey. 🏊‍♂️🐟

3. Their fur is lighter in color, providing perfect camouflage against the coastal rocks and cliffs. 🌿🌊

4. These coastal predators play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling prey populations. 🦌🐬

5. While they face challenges like habitat loss, efforts are underway to study and conserve these majestic creatures for generations to come. 🌎💙

📸 - Taylor Burk

Join us in celebrating the beauty and importance of sea wolves in our coastal ecosystems! 🌟🐺 🌊🐾

02/08/2024

View our latest newsletter announcing some exciting wildlife photography tour partnerships - https://mailchi.mp/c6a4d91f167e/whales-otters-and-grizzly-bears-newsletter

01/25/2024

1. Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals and are known for their playful behavior.

2. They have the densest fur of any animal, with up to 1 million hairs per square inch, providing excellent insulation.

3. Sea otters use tools, such as rocks, to crack open shellfish, making them one of the few non-human animals to use tools.

4. Unlike other marine mammals, sea otters don’t have a layer of blubber to keep them warm; instead, they rely on their fur and a high metabolism.

5. Sea otters are often seen floating on their backs, using their chest as a table for eating and grooming.

6. They have a “pocket” in their armpits where they store their favorite rocks or snacks.

7. Sea otters hold hands while floating in groups, called a “raft,” to stay together and prevent drifting apart.

8. Mothers often carry their pups on their chests, using kelp to anchor them in place while they hunt.

9. The sea otter’s gestation period is about six months, and they give birth to one pup at a time.

10. Sea otters are considered a keystone species, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of the kelp forest ecosystem by controlling sea urchin populations.

01/18/2024

Sitting there with authority waiting for the right moment. Watching every movement of salmon swimming by making their way up to spawn!

01/03/2024

Witnessing the untamed beauty of the ocean is truly a privilege, and this past summer, we were incredibly fortunate to be part of a very special encounter with a group of Biggs orcas.⁠
⁠
At first, these majestic creatures eluded us with their deep dives, making the anticipation grow. Suddenly, the ocean erupted as they surged forward in pursuit of Dall's porpoises, creating a spectacle of nature's raw power.⁠
⁠
In a display of teamwork, a couple of the orcas chased the speedy porpoises towards their waiting companions. Although the initial chase proved unsuccessful, the relentless pursuit unfolded for over 15 minutes, leaving us on the edge of our seats.⁠
⁠
It was a captivating sight to witness T002B, a female born in 1979, leading the charge. Joining her in the pursuit were T109B, and her offspring T109B3, T109B4, and T109B5.⁠
⁠
In a sheer sprint, the speedy Dall's porpoises would outpace the orcas every time. However, the orcas' success lies in their cooperative hunting strategy, allowing these intelligent predators to improve their chances of securing a meal.⁠
⁠
Swipe through these extraordinary snapshots to catch a glimpse of T002B in action and the coordinated effort of this group of orcas during an unforgettable hunt.⁠
⁠
I forgot my camera this day, and these photos were graciously provided by our guests. 🙏📸⁠

To learn more about our tours visit https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/

12/25/2023

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year from our team! Looking forward to meeting and greeting you in 2024. Happy holidays! 🎄

11/27/2023

Many great sightings of whales, while on our safaris. If you’d like to check out our website, please click the link in the bio!

10/28/2023

🐋🦦🐻 Exciting News! 🐻🦦🐋

Our much-anticipated "Whales, Otter, and Grizzly Bears" package for the 2024 season is now available to book online! 🌟 Get ready to embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure like never before.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of nature as you encounter majestic whales, playful otters, and awe-inspiring grizzly bears in their natural habitat.

🗓️ Book your spot now. Spaces are limited, so don't wait too long!

https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/whales-otters-and-grizzly-bears/

10/14/2023

Kwikw - bald eagle. Did you know that there are many traditional governances amongst the First Nations, on the BC Coast, that attribute to the iconic bald eagle?

09/14/2023

Sunset viewing, a rare but amazing experience! Paying tribute to what brings us life, the T̕łisa̱la.

08/05/2023

08/02/2023

Great capturing the moment by our good friend ! Sea lion haul outs are plenty in the Port Hardy area. T̕łix̱a̱n is the traditional name the local First Nations call them: the play a big role amongst the people.

07/11/2023

Great day yesterday! After a morning of viewing sea otters, sea lions and humpaback whales, we found about 15 Northern Resident Killer Whales just before noon. The A23 matriline was present along with another unidentified group.

In addition to the orcas, the afternoon had some very active humpback whales doing a lot of tail-lobbing. Four of the ID'd humpbacks included Cosmo, Nippy, Tag, and Stripe.

To learn more about our tours, visit https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/

07/05/2023

Today's Sea Otter and Whale Watching tour encountered about 40 Northern Resident Killer Whales to the west of Port Hardy. There were members of the I13, I19, I22, I40, D11 and D13 matrilines. According to a researcher friend, it's the first time since 2009 that the I19s, I22s and I40s have been seen off northeastern Vancouver Island.

We have encountered Bigg's Orcas (marine mammal eaters) on the occasional tour during June, but this is the first time this season for the resident (fish eating) orcas. Hopefully they find lots of salmon to keep them in the area.

To learn more about our tours, visit https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/

07/02/2023

Check out a recent review of our Puffins and Seabirds tour by Liam Ragan. Photos are also from Liam.

We have three more of these special public tours scheduled for this summer - July 15, 22, and 29. Additional dates are available for private charters

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g184839-d19101242-r899010918-Coastal_Rainforest_Safaris-Port_Hardy_Vancouver_Island_British_Columbia.html

07/02/2023

T̕ła'yi lax̱a T̕ła̱ma'is. 7 facts about black bears
* Black bears are masters of adaptation. ...
* Black bears have few predators. ...
* Black bears are about the size of humans. ...
* Bears are solitary animals. ...
* Bears give birth before emerging from hibernation. ...
* Bears lose half their body fat while hibernating. ...
Bears rarely turn down a snack.

06/27/2023

A few photos from our Puffin and Seabird tour from last Saturday through the traditional territories of the T̓łat̕ła̱sikwa̱la First Nation. The remote islands we visit, whose traditional names include Wa̱di and Hiładi, have the highest concentration of breeding seabirds on Canada’s west coast.

In total, 38 species were identified with highlights including 7 Horned Puffins, along with huge numbers of Tufted Puffins and Common Murres. We had a great look at a Peregrine Falcon as it flew around the boat and of a Northern Fulmar that approached the boat.

All photos were photographed with a large zoom lens and cropped.

Visit our website to learn more about these special tours -
https://coastalrainforestsafaris.com/birding-tours/

Below is a compilation of 8 separate lists created throughout the trip by guest Liam Ragan.

2 Canada Goose
170 Surf Scoter
28 White-winged Scoter
11 Black Oystercatcher
2 Black Turnstone
1 Red-necked Phalarope
659 Pigeon Guillemot
9581 Common Murre
174 Marbled Murrelet
4 Ancient Murrelet
2610 Rhinoceros Auklet
59 Cassin’s Auklet
7 Horned Puffin
908 Tufted Puffin
2 Leach’s Storm-Petrel
49 Sooty Shearwater
1 Northern Fulmar
26 Short-billed Gull
48 California Gull
1188 Glaucous-winged Gull
23 Pacific Loon
4 Common Loon
120 Brandt's Cormorant
513 Pelagic Cormorant
2 Double-crested Cormorant
23 Bald Eagle
1 Red-tailed Hawk
1 Peregrine Falcon (Peale's)
1 Pacific-slope Flycatcher
18 American Crow
1 Brown Creeper
4 Pacific Wren
4 Swainson's Thrush
4 Hermit Thrush
1 American Robin
1 Dark-eyed Junco
4 Song Sparrow
3 Fox Sparrow (Sooty)