June 23, 2017 – New Moon – Big tides, minus 3 feet rises in one fell swoop to close to 9’ . Harbor seals warming in the sun appreciate the 12 foot tide. We watched a small steller sea successfully crawl up onto the green can at Salmon Bank after many leaping attempts. Onward to Hein Bank where we found 2 minke whales. Many diving birds – rhinoceros auklets, common murres, and gulls.
Washington State Ferry and Mt Baker
Downwind sailing around Turn Island
Many harbor seals hauled out at low tide
A resting line of harbor seals
Harbor seal laying in eel grass
One steller sea lion bull on Whale Rocks. Lots of seals taking their place.
Harbor seals – Whale Rocks
Bald eagle
Sea lion trying to jump up onto the Salmon bank marker to join the others – cormorants nesting up top
Minke whale
Minke whale and harbor seal head
Minke whale
Line of rhinoceros auklets
Minke whale watching aboard Peniel in paradise
Dragonfly who joined the sail back to Long Island
Cormorants
Bald eagle perched in tree
Two bald eagle chicks in the nest
Kelp strands
Sailing in strong currents
Sea lions hanging out in the water
Young sea lion and many harbor seals
Cormorant colony on Goose Island
Cattle Point Lighthouse