Richard Swanston Delta , B. C. Canada
A late response to a inquiry about the use of fast running narrows by
Loons and other Diving species.
A similar occurrence happens this time of year in Active Pass Between
Mayne Island and Galiano Island in Canada's Southern Gulf Islands as
with other fast running tidal Narrows on the West Coast . The only
difference in Active Pass. Is that Bald Eagles benefit from a unique
natural die off
During the Spring large schools of HAKE move
through are Coastal waters . Some accumulate in a
deep hole on the South side of Active Pass . [ the Vancouver Island side
] When a tide event occurres with a large tidal range a very low [ 5
feet > ] to [13 feet + ] approximately . Tidal currents run at 4 to
6 Knots . As Hake are thought
not to be the world's most powerful swimmers . They are flushed out of
the HOLE and forced to the surface there swim bladder's can not
contend with the rapid rise. And the bloated fish float to the surface .
There Eagles , Sea lions , Seals await
an easy lunch other birds profit from this natural die off . Although
loons will find Hake a little to largea mouthfull.
If one wishes to see the spectacle watch the
tide charts for a good tidal range . And hop the Ferry from Tsawwassen
allowing 45' to run till the middle of the tide range use the Point
Atkinson tide prediction , or better still the current prediction for
Active Pass . Check out the tree's as the Ferry enters the Pass . 75 Or
more Bald eagles can be seen .Look in the tide rip's and upwellings at
the South end for the hake as they are forced to the surface. They are
hard to pick out .
Or better still come out early about 2 to 3
miles from the Pass and look carefully for Porpoise , groups
of 30 to 40 can be seen at times on the northern entrance to the Pass [
Tsawwassen side ] . Loons , Cormorants , Pigeon
Guillemonts , Murre , Long Tail ducks and Mureletts are commonly seen
on these crossings . This time of year is the best
as there are large schools of herring moving through the area
.. Richard at rickswan at netcom.ca

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