February 17th is International Whale Day, a perfect time to celebrate the giants of the Salish Sea! Once nearly wiped out by industrial whaling, humpback whales are making a remarkable comeback along our coasts. These majestic creatures, known for their haunting songs and dramatic breaches, were absent from local waters for much of the 20th century. Over the past two decades, sightings have surged – an encouraging sign of resilience.
If you have been watching the @hollyhocklife Instagram stories lately, you may have noticed we have spotted humpbacks from the Hollyhock beach throughout January and February. Typically, humpbacks migrate thousands of kilometers to their breeding grounds in Hawaii and Mexico, and return to the nutrient-rich waters of the Salish Sea, where they feast on krill and small fish for the summer and fall months.
Unlike resident orcas, who travel in tight family pods, humpbacks are more solitary, though they sometimes form brief feeding alliances (such patterns have been spotted off of Hollyhock’s beach!). As we celebrate these gentle giants, let’s remember our role in protecting their home. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, give them space, reduce boat speed, and always report sightings to local whale monitoring organizations.
Here’s to the return of the humpbacks and the health of our shared waters!
Photo courtesy of Wild Waterways Adventures; taken by photographer, Blair Denman.
Explore the shared waters of these extraordinary mammals with Hollyhock’s local partners, locally owned and operated businesses with expert guides who are committed to conservation and responsible wildlife viewing:
Cortes Kayaks
Wild Waterways Adventures
Misty Isles Adventures
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