August 11, 2017 – Sailed the Orcas Island shoreline of Presidents Channel passing Parker Reef at low tide. Puffin Island we met the Transient/Biggs Orcas, T65As. Together we passed Sucia’s Fossil Bay and sailed Presidents Channel on the Waldron shoreline. They engaged in hunting at Cowlitz Bay. The surprise of the day was when they turned, passing under our boat, and stopped to talk into our hydrophone. A memorable summer day sail for sure.
Bald eagle
Harbor seals – Jones Island
Harbor seals – Jones Island
Forests on Orcas Island
Bald eagle – Parker Reef
Harbor seals – Parker Reef
Puffin Island
Puffin Island
Puffin Island
Harbor seals – Puffin Island
Transient orcas – T65As
Phalarope taking flight
Many shades of blue
Fall colors in summer
Orca passing next to our boat
T65As aiming for Presidents Channel
T65A2
T65A2 breaking the surface to breathe
T65As traveling along Waldron Island
T65As traveling along Waldron Island
Pt Disney – Waldron Island
Transient killer whales hunting in Cowlitz Bay
Transient killer whales hunting near Pt Disney
Transient killer whales finished eating and headed our way
Orca swimming under our boat
Orca swimming under our boat
Orca playing with hydrophone cord (T65A4?)
Orca watching us
Juvenile orca swimming away after playing with our hydrophone
T65As in the sunset
T65A2 spy hop
Harbor seals near White Rock
Sunset sail back to port