September 30, 2019 – Mt Baker looks like its accumulating more snow as the season turns to fall. As we sailed slowly north against the ebb current we spotted a bald eagle near Pt Caution. In the distance we could see two more bald eagles perched on the signs on Low Island.
Winds increased slightly as we neared the Wasp Islands allowing us to sail in quietly for a closer look at the harbor seals and one of the bald eagles who was still perched on the island. Many ancient murrelet pairs swam around with an occasional common murre. A nice group of harlequin ducks flew by followed by a group of common mergansers – pretty cool to note as its our first sighting this season. Its always fun to see the different bird species passing through as winter approaches.
We found several groups of harbor porpoise and didn’t realize at first, but also photographed our first sighting of Dall’s porpoise this year close to Friday Harbor. Neato! Ben took us home back to the harbor sailing beautifully downwind wing on wing. A peaceful short sail and a beautiful day.
Route Map 9-30-19
WA State Ferry and Mt Baker
Bald eagle in Pacific Madrone tree
Ferry with Turtleback Mountain
Harbor seals hauled out
Bald eagle on Low Island
Harbor porpoise
Harlequin ducks
Common mergansers
Sailing through the islands
Enjoying the view
Dalls porpoise