July 22, 2025 – Southbound after leaving Friday Harbor we took the narrow pass around Turn Island State Park passing a bald eagle and harbor seals. We continued down San Juan Channel passing Goose Island with the nesting cormorants and newly hatched gull chicks. On Salmon Bank we spotted a familiar minke whale whom we’ve seen for years nicknamed “Dent”. Despite many active bait balls we didn’t observe any active foraging. The whale appeared to be traveling on the bank allowing us the opportunity to parallel for some gorgeous views. Another minke whale appeared who is nicknamed “Trotsky II”. As far as our recollection we haven’t seen this minke whale since 2022 on Salmon Bank. It was great to see her/him. Unfortunately, we noticed a very large bulge on the left side of the body below the dorsal fin. Unsure if this is an injury (orca attack/vessel strike/other?) or what this could be. Hopefully whatever happened can heal…. On our return we stopped by Whale Rocks to see the Steller sea lion colony before checking out the resting harbor seals by Deadman Island. Continued up San Juan Channel on the flooding current back to the harbor.
Trotsky II on Salmon Bank – look at that noticeable bulge ! Oh no!
Orca sea plane
Harbor seals by Turn Island / Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Harbor seals by Turn Island / Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Harbor seals by Turn Island / Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Harbor seals by Turn Island / Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Bald eagle, San Juan Island
Black oystercatcher chick flying with parents
Harbor seals lined up on Goose Island with Cattle Pt Lighthouse
Gulls with chicks on Goose Island
Gulls with chicks on Goose Island
Cormorants on Goose Island
Branded Steller sea lion on the green can of Salmon Bank (9629?)
Branded Steller sea lion on the green can of Salmon Bank (9629?)
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Bait ball
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
“Trotsky II” on Salmon Bank
“Trotsky II” on Salmon Bank
Active bait ball, Salmon Bank
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Sailing by Lopez Island
Bald eagle, Lopez Island
Route map 7/22/25