July 28, 2024 – Distant hazy fog was in the air as we went south. Many harbor seals were hauled out during the low tide resting on the rocks. A bald eagle stood in the dead tree overlooking Deadman Island. An adorable sea otter was resting in the bull kelp forest at Whale Rocks. We’re noticing more male Steller sea lions are returning to Whale Rocks (typically we see them returning around September after their trip up north to mate with females). On Salmon Bank we found two minke whales (nicknamed “Dent” and “Stubbs”). In the distance we saw the gulls circling and watched as a minke whale came charging through the surface twice feeding on bait fish. After some good looks we checked out the nesting gulls and cormorants on Goose Island before making our way back up San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor.
Harbor seals south of Turn Island near Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Harbor seals south of Turn Island near Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Bald eagle, San Juan Islands
Great blue heron, San Juan Islands
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Bald eagle, Lopez Island
Sea otter by Whale Rocks resting in the kelp forest
Sea otter by Whale Rocks resting in the kelp forest
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (aka “Dent”)
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (aka “Dent”)
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (aka “Dent”)
Minke whale foraging on Salmon Bank (aka “Stubbs”)
Minke whale foraging on Salmon Bank (aka “Stubbs”)
Minke whale foraging on Salmon Bank (aka “Stubbs”)
Minke whale with American Camp in distance (aka “Stubbs”)
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (aka “Stubbs”)
Nesting cormorants on Goose Island
Double-Crested cormorants nesting on Goose Island
Gulls and chicks nesting on Goose Island
Harbor seals resting on Goose Island
Great blue heron, San Juan Islands
Harbor seals south of Turn Island near Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Sailng around Turn Island
Sailng around Turn Island
Route map 7/28/24