September 29, 2022 – We had a nice sail across the channel towards Shaw Island and hugged the coastline up to Shirt Tail Reef. Many harbor seals were snoozing on Low Island. Continued north along the west side of Jones Island and checked out the wildlife on Flattop Island National Wildlife Refuge. As we scanned to the north we spotted a minke whale lunging while feeding amongst a large gathering of birds. This is an area commonly referred to as “Minke Lake”, because it is a historical feeding area for minke whales. We had some great views of the minke whale as it traveled the deep basin following bait balls lunge feeding as it went. Other birds species spotted were gulls, common murres and loons. Next we made our way through the pass by Ripple Island and explored the beauty in New Channel. More harbor seals, harlequin ducks, bald eagles and Steller sea lions near Green Pt were swimming together.
WA State Ferry
Harbor seals on Low Island
Bald eagle on the sign on Low Island
Harbor seals on Low Island
Harbor seals on Low Island
Sailing up the coast of Shaw Island
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Minke whale by Minke Lake
Minke whale by Minke Lake
Pacific Loon
Minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Sailing whale watching
Skye resting on the bean bag
Foraging minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Gull flying with fish in bill
Bait ball at the surface
Minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Foraging minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Minke whale off Sandy Pt, Waldron
Common Murres
Minke whale lunging in bait ball
Heading to New Channel
Scenes from New Channel
Harbor seals on the rocks in New Channel
Harlequin ducks on Ripple Island
Bull kelp forest and the Cactus Islands
Scenes from New Channel
Sailing in New Channel towards Spieden Island
Bald eagle on Spieden Island
Bald eagle on Spieden Island
Steller sea lions at Green Pt, Spieden Island
Steller sea lions at Green Pt, Spieden Island
Route Map 9-29-22