Sailing with Biggs/Transient Orcas T49A's and T71's near Patos

March 19, 2020 – There was more wind than we expected as we cleared Friday Harbor. Close hauled crossing the channel we picked up a report of orcas near Blunden Island. Passing a steller sea lion at Yellow Island we braved the chilly wind until we reached Presidents Channel. Harbor porpoises were everywhere in tight spread out groups as we crossed towards Waldron Island. Harbor seals warmed up in the sunshine as we cruised the shoreline to Bare Island.

We met the Biggs/transient orcas known as the T49A’s (minus T49A1 and T49A2) and the T71’s as they traveled towards Patos Island. Reportedly the T71’s hadn’t been in our area since 2009 and we were excited to see them for our first time. The orcas were playfully socializing during our entire encounter. They passed close by a group of steller sea lions including one California sea lion as they rounded Alden Pt Lighthouse – one of which climbed up on the shoreline for safety.

We broke off from the orcas to check out the honeycomb sandstone coast of Sucia Island. A river otter scurried into the rocks and a beautiful pair of bald eagles watched us sail by. Throughout our sail we saw over 20+ bald eagles. We cut over to Pt Doughty and heard a Peregrine falcon, but couldn’t locate him. The forested Orcas shoreline was lit with warm late afternoon light as we enjoyed our supper in the company of harbor porpoise. Beautiful sunset, cups of tea and a birthday cake to finish off a fabulous day.