July 7, 2023 – While sailing the coastline of Shaw Island photographing bald eagles we picked up a report of orcas traveling southeast through Pole Pass. We met the family of Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T65B’s just as they exited Cayou Channel and entered East Sound, Orcas Island. Harbor seals were hauled out seemingly pretty relaxed as the orcas went by while black oystercatchers were on high alert with a pair of bald eagles perched above. We sailed alongside the orcas as they moved up the inlet. As we turned to come home the orcas became very active presumably hunting with many tail slaps, some spy hops and several breaches. As the activity subsided we continued tacking down the channel with strong winds and white caps. We returned via Upright Channel with a fast sail on the flood current into Friday Harbor.
Bald eagle coming in for a landing fast!
Bald eagle landing on Shaw Island
Bald eagle flying off after grabbing something off the rocks
Bald eagle nest on Shaw Island
Harbor seals on Tift Rocks
Canada Geese by Tift Rocks
Bald eagle on Orcas Island
Bald eagle on Orcas Island
Black oystercatcher flying by
Pair of black oystercatchers
Black oystercatcher
Harbor seals hauled out on Twin Rocks at the bottom of East Sound
Black oystercatcher
Harbor seals hauled out on Twin Rocks at the bottom of East Sound
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s passing Rosario Resort, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Family sailing adventure in the San Juan Islands sailing with orcas
T65B’s tail slapping
Orca calf breaching
Orca calf breaching
Orca calf breaching
Orca calf breaching
Orca calf breaching
Orca calf breaching
T65B’s tail slapping
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Orca calf breaching
Orca calf spy hop
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s in East Sound, Orcas Island
T65B’s tail slapping
T65B’s tail slapping
Harbor seals hauled out on Twin Rocks at the bottom of East Sound
Pacific Madrone tree on Shaw Island
Juniper tree on Shaw Island
Route map 7/7/23