Hornby Ocean Kayaks, Wildlife

Wildlife

One of the great joys of Ocean Kayaking is viewing a diverse range of wild life in a natural setting. We realize that there are important responsibilities associated with taking care of wild animals and beautiful sites. The first responsibility is to behave in as predictable fashion and to make sure that kayakers do not enter into the discomfort zone of any animal species. The second major responsibility is to ensure that no trace of the kayak group is left and to ensure no damage occurs to fragile ecosystems. This includes making sure that wild life do not have access to food or garbage and making sure that sensitive plants are not trompled. We always endeavor to leave beaches in better shape by removing garbage to the local recycling depot. Our wild life interaction policies are based on years of guiding experience, on information from conservation groups and by taking related courses in environmental studies. We would be happy to share our knowledge of the wild life found around our island.

Some of the animal life you will see includes, sea mammals (the most spectacular) inter-tidal life (the strangest animal adaptations that you will find) and a wide variey of sea birds (including residents and migatory visitors).

The sea mammals found around Hornby include predominatly harbour seals and sea lions. River otter families are also common. Mink are often seen foraging along the shore or swimming from rock to rock. Whales are not as common but we do have the occasional sighting of Orca's. We also see Minke Whales and the ocassional stray Grey Whale.

The inter-tidal zone is a world of brilliant colours and spectacular adaptations to a very interesting ecological niche. You will be impressed by the beautiful green sea anenome that looks like a beautiful flower but is in fact and animal with stinging cells that can trap unsuspecting prey. As well, the green sea anenome has green plankton that live symbiotically in the cell walls of the sea anenome producing some food in exchange for a place to live. There are dozens of other fascinating creatures that dwell in the inter- tidal zone. Kayaks are a perfect way to explore a variety of inter-tidal zones. In your kayak you can drift slowly over the tide pools, watching the diversity of life below.

The bird life around Hornby includes the resident birds and the migratory birds. An example of a year round resident is the bald headed eagle. These birds are often seen sitting in old fir trees or soaring on cliff side updrafts. Fortunate kayakers will see the perilous mating ritual of these majestic birds. A famous migrant is the Harlequin Duck. This spectacular but senstive bird is found on wave washed rocky shores. We treat this bird as with all wild life with great respect. There are many other exotic and interesting birds found around Hornby island. Please feel free to ask us about them.