July 18, 2019 – What an adventurous sail going almost to Point Roberts to have an epic encounter with two Biggs/Transient orca families known as the T65A’s and the T77’s. It was a chore trying to catch up, but our timing couldn’t have been more perfect as the orcas changed course hunting harbor porpoise in our direction. Sadly, we photographed a porpoise being tossed a couple times, but understand its the circle of life. It was an opportunity to witness an apex predator in action. Occasional vocals were picked up on our hydrophone.
As we continued our journey back in the direction of home we stopped by some of our favorite National Wildlife Refuges, Skipjack Island, White Rock, and Flattop. Bald eagles called to one another on White Rock as distant rain storms and dark clouds threatened the nearby skies making for dramatic photography. We’re witnessing many newly born harbor seal pups – some resting on the rocks beside mom and others learning the ropes in the ocean. As if our day couldn’t get any better, we were treated to a delightful sunset. Every trip is different!
Route Map 7-18-19
Harbor seals hauled out resting
Bald eagle
Harbor seal mom and pup
Bald eagle
Harbor seals
Harbor seal mom and pup
Black vultures?
Great blue heron
Sucia Island
Pigeon guillemot with fish
Honeycomb sandstone on Sucia Island
Honeycomb sandstone on Sucia Island
Purple Ochre sea stars
Transient orca and Pt Roberts
Orcas engaged in hunting
Ramming a harbor porpoise
Ramming a harbor porpoise
Orca spy hop
Chasing after a porpoise
Orcas hunting
T77B and the Coal Docks
T77B with younger sibling
Orcas hunting
Orcas hunting
Orcas hunting
Orcas circling lined up side by side
A look at Turtleback Mountain
Rain showers
Canadian Gulf Islands
Skipjack Island
Black oystercatchers
Harbor seal mom and pup
Harbor seal and Skipjack Island
Harbor seal mom and pup
Harbor seal mom and pup
Harbor seal mom and pup
Juvenile bald eagle
Distant rain and spectacular clouds
Pt Disney cliff face, Waldron Island
Distant rain
Bald eagles calling on White Rock
Bald eagles calling on White Rock
Juvenile bald eagle
Juvenile bald eagle
Black oystercatchers
Harbor seal mom and pup
Beginning of the sunset
Sunset over Yellow Island Madrone Tree
Distant Humpback whale exhale
Pink sky at night – sailors delight
Goodnight