October 25, 2024 – Shortly after casting off we spotted a bald eagle being chased by a gull as it was circling over the water. The eagle swooped down quickly and grabbed a gull and flew back to the shoreline with his catch. We debated whether to go north or south but in the end decided southbound. Mt Baker, Mt Rainier and Olympic Mountains looked amazing today. After passing Cattle Pt Lighthouse we searched Salmon Bank and the top of MacArthur Bank and scanned surrounding areas for minkes and other whales, but no luck. We saw many varieties of birds and lots of bald eagles, though. Circled Long Island and stopped to see the Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks before returning back up San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor. A gorgeous October sail.
Route map 10/25/24
Mt Baker
Gull pursuing bald eagle as it swoops down to grab gull from the water
Bald eagle plucking feathers out of gull
Bald eagle taking his meal elsewhere
Another bald eagle flew in after the eagle took off with the gull
Bald eagle taking off to follow the other eagle into another tree
Harbor seal
Cormorants and harbor seal photobomb
Mt Rainier
Cattle Pt Lighthouse and Olympic Mountains
Bald eagle sitting atop of cormorant nests on Goose Island
Murrelets by Cattle Pt, San Juan Island
White-winged scoter
Olympic Mountains
Olympic Mountains
Active bait ball
Great blue heron standing on kelp forest
Steller sea lion swimming by with Olympic Mountain back drop
Bald eagle on Long Island, Washington
Harbor seal, Long Island, WA
Bald eagle nest on Long Island, Washington
Harlequin ducks by Long Island, Washington
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lion asleep with a bunch of cormorants at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks with Olympic Mountain back drop
Pair of bald eagles on Lopez Island
Another bald eagle on Lopez Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Bald eagle on Lopez Island