September 17, 2024 – Our sail began with a sea otter near Turn Rock. Changed course to head north to check out wildlife at some of our favorite National Wildlife Refuges: Flattop, White Rock, Skipjack and Bare Islands. Many harbor seals were hauled out warming up and getting some rest. At Skipjack Island we spotted a familiar face – the “black matte naked harbor seal” as we call it due to missing pelage. It’s one we’ve seen here before over the years (July 2019) and previously first seen 2017 near Flattop Island. We wrapped around Waldron Island and hugged the gorgeous Orcas Island coastline down to Spring Pass before weaving our way through the Wasp Islands and back to Friday Harbor. Other wildlife highlights include bald eagles, black oystercatchers, Bonaparte’s gulls, and a (red tailed?) hawk.
Route map 9/17/24
Sea otter by Turn Rock
Sea otter by Turn Rock
Sea otter by Turn Rock
Harbor seals on rocks
Harbor seals on rocks and a black oystercatcher there too
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Harbor seal on Flattop Island
Bald eagle nest on Flattop Island
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Harbor seal with Pt Disney backdrop
Harbor seals on White Rock with Pt Disney backdrop
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Black matte naked harbor seal on Skipjack Island
Black matte naked harbor seal on Skipjack Island
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Harbor seal on Skipjack Island
Harbor seal on Skipjack Island
Bonaparte’s gulls
Skipjack Island
Harbor seals on Bare Island
Pacific Madrone tree, Waldron Island
Bald eagle on dead tree, Waldron Island
Orcas Island
Orcas Island
Historic Lime Kiln on Orcas Island
Pacific Madrone trees, Orcas Island