August 3, 2017 – Another day with interesting lighting from the BC fires up north. We exited Cattle Pass to visit Goose Island – a large bird rookery south of San Juan Island. Around the corner we arrived on scene with L pod as they were heading our direction in loose groups slapping tails -presumably in communication. We saw everyone except the L54’s with L88 and L84 and the L12’s. Lots of breaching and above water behaviors – and non-stop vocalization. Incredible. We sailed with them until Iceberg Pt where we enjoyed our bbq dinner and said goodbye for now. Spectacular sunset on our ride home with hot chocolate.
Harbor seals
Brandt’s and Double Crested Cormorants – Goose Island
Pelagic Cormorants – Goose Island
Rhinoceros Auklet with fish
Whale watching sailing
Whale watching sailing
Playful orcas
We think this may be L106
Orca tail lob
Orca tail lob
L92 aka Crewser
Playful orcas
Playful orcas
Playful orcas
Orca breach – Cattle Point Lighthouse in the distance
Orca breach
Orca approaches
Orca breach
L91 with calf L122
Male orca breaching
Surf scoter fly by
L pod passing Lopez Island
Orca spy hop
Orca tail lob
Harbor seals
Harbor seals in the sunset
Gulls and seals watching the sun set
Cattle Point Lighthouse in the sunset
Bald eagle
Steller Sea Lions
Steller Sea Lions and Harbor Seals – Whale Rocks
Black Oyster Catchers
Sailing at sunset back to Friday Harbor
Immature Bald Eagle
Great Blue Heron
Pink sunset