Biggs Orcas T65B's near Lopez Ferry Landing

September 2, 2020 – As we left the harbor we had news that a family of orcas known as the T65B’s first reported near James Island had come in through Thatcher Pass and were northbound between the islands. We made haste catching the back eddy to Turn Island and caught the flood current in Upright Channel. Coming in close to the cliff face of Upright Head passing a couple nesting cormorants we looked up at the steep forested coastline. After rounding the point with the eagle’s nest we saw the orcas actively engaged in hunting a harbor seal. Prior to that we heard they were harassing a sea lion but let him go. There was lots of lunging, circling, and inverted tail lobs showcasing some big splashes. The ferry was forced to remain at the dock while they finished their meal.

We broke off to sail close hauled against the wind back down the channel. Nearing Pear Point we met them again in slow travel mode against the current. A sea lion was also traveling down the channel parallel to them quite close by. Coming about we sailed downwind to the harbor seals at Turn Island. Sailing and drifting through Turn Island Pass we returned to the harbor at sunset.