Biggs at Smith Island - T87, T90’s, T124A2’s

May 16, 2019 – Today was an epic full day adventure. North south east or west? After some deliberation we cast off and made the decision to go south against the flood tide out of Cattle Pass after hearing about an orca sighting. A group of Transient/Biggs orcas consisting of T87, T90’s, T124A2’s joined by the T123’s was found near Lawson Reef trending towards Smith Island.

Low tide revealed large concentrations of harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, and today we spotted another California sea lion swimming close to Cattle Pass. Goose Island was busy with nesting cormorants, Canada geese, and gulls.

Life on the Whale Rocks was also very active today with vocal steller sea lions and noisy black oyster catchers. We spotted a branded sea lion and a small pup beside a large male with entanglement wounds. Upon zooming in on the photos we found the injury looks to be healing. Hugging the shore of Long Island we spotted a bald eagle below his/her nest before proceeding out into the open waters to meet the orcas.

As we arrived near the scene the orcas appeared to change course passing by us fairly close in a large tight group. It was an incredible moment seeing these orca families – 12 animals total with several tiny calves and mature bulls.

After spending some time with the orcas we broke off to see if we could find the tufted puffins. Ahh, success! To our delight we found several pairs. Time was running out so we altered course for home. Dinner was served near Long Island followed by another peep at the sea lions resting on the rocks. Together we enjoyed a peaceful sail back to Friday Harbor.