Biggs/Transient Orcas T35A's and T38A's plus a Sea Otter at Bird Rocks

October 11, 2023 – We had a nice sail out of Friday Harbor and then picked up a report of orcas near the Lopez Ferry Landing, so we picked up the pace and headed that direction. The orcas were identified as Biggs/Transient orcas T35A’s and T38A’s, and after they finished milling near Humphrey Head they headed away from us towards Thatcher Pass. We hugged the coastline up to Upright Head enjoying the beautiful scenery, and then crossed to Blakely Island to hug that coastline down to Thatcher Pass. Winds were moderately strong and we had a great motor sail with lots of heeling while enroute. The orcas stopped to hunt again outside Thatcher Pass enabling us to catch up. We arrived just as they were finishing their meal before moving southeast towards Burrows Island. Stunning views with backlit blows of the orcas were enjoyed by all. Following our encounter we checked out Bird Rocks where we were excited to find the sea otter who’s been hanging here most of the year, several Steller sea lions, harbor seals, black oystercatchers, and cormorants. Riding the flooding current we went north up Rosario Strait and hugged the east side of Blakely Island spotting a great blue heron and many harbor porpoise along the way, and scanning as we went for anything else that may be out there. In through Peavine Pass and a nice sail back through the islands returning to Friday Harbor.