July 5, 2023 – On our evening sail we headed south to see what cool wildlife we could find. There were many harbor seals swimming in the narrow channel by Turn Island. More seals were hauled out on Goose Island while cormorants were guarding their nests. There were may active bait balls on Salmon Bank, but we didn’t find any minke whales today. Steller sea lions were very active at Whale Rocks and black oystercatcher were standing by preparing to roost for the night. A bald eagle banded at the ankle who had been perched on Whale Rocks took off to catch some dinner – a spiny dogfish shark. He/she flew to Deadman Island to enjoy the fresh catch. We had a great sail back up the channel and a beautiful sunset as we rounded the corner to Friday Harbor.
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Harbor seal swimming by
Harbor seal swimming by
Harbor seal resting on Goose Island. Cattle Pt Lighthouse in the background
Cormorants on Goose Island
Steller sea lions on the Salmon Bank marker
Gorgeous conditions on Salmon Bank
Active group of birds feeding on bait fish
Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks
Bald eagle at Whale Rocks – notice the band around ankle
Steller sea lions socializing at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions and bald eagle at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions socializing at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions socializing at Whale Rocks
Black oystercatchers at Whale Rocks ready to roost for the night
Bald eagle flying with spiny dogfish shark
Bald eagle flying with spiny dogfish shark
Black oystercatcher harassing bald eagle
Bald eagle flying by
Bald eagle calling out
Pair of bald eagles
Bald eagle inspecting the spiny dogfish shark he/she just caught
Bald eagle with spiny dogfish shark he/she just caught
Bald eagle overlooking Deadman Island
Sailing along Lopez Island
Black oystercatchers
Looking towards Orcas Island and Lopez Island from San Juan Channel
Sunset sailing charter from Friday Harbor
Sunset sailing charter from Friday Harbor
Sunset sailing charter from Friday Harbor
Sailing wing on wing
Sunset sailing charter from Friday Harbor
Sunset sailing charter from Friday Harbor
Route map 7/5/23 pm