August 24, 2025 – With news of Biggs/Transient orcas T63 “Chainsaw” and mom T65 coming down President Channel we sailed north. We came through the Wasp Islands and Spring Pass and close to shore of Orcas Island up President Channel. The orcas had been hunting in Lovers Cove but when we were a mile out they took off to the north at speed. We met them as they approached Pt Hammond on Waldron Island and after two sets of surfacings they began hunting a harbor seal. Long dives with Chainsaw down for an extended time before lunges at the surface. Backwards swimming indicated success. We continued to Bare Island and Skipjack Island as the orcas continued west. The harbor seals on Skipjack were clearly aware of their presence. We returned by way of White Rock and the west side of Jones Island through sunset.
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Sailing
Sailing
Great blue heron
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw” with Mt Baker
Biggs/Transient orca T65
Marbled murrelets
Biggs/Transient orca T65
Biggs/Transient orca T65
Biggs/Transient orca T65
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Biggs/Transient orca T65 hunting
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Biggs/Transient orca T65
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw” hunting
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Biggs/Transient orca T63 “Chainsaw”
Cormorants on Bare Island
Skipjack Island
Skipjack Island
Watchful harbor seal at Skipjack Island as orcas go by
Watchful harbor seals at Skipjack Island as orcas go by
Skipjack Island
Black turnstones on White Rock National Wildlife Refuge
Harbor seals in warm evening light
Harbor seal in warm evening light on White Rock
Harbor seals in warm evening light on White Rock
Harbor seals in warm evening light on White Rock
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Bald eagle in sunset light
Sunset
Friday Harbor after sundown
Route map 8/24/25 pm