Sept 8, 2025 – With the ebb current running we headed south today passing through Turn Island seeing harbor seals hauled out. Continuing on the ebb with some sailing on the wind approaching Cattle Pass and into toward Deadman Island. A nice view of more harbour seals, a great blue heron and a black oystercatcher. Out to Whale Rocks where the Steller sea lions were creating a ruckus play fighting with one another. Crossed Salmon Bank without making a sighting of minke or humpback whales so we continued to Hein Bank where we found two minke whales where waters were boiling with bait fish and a lot of common murres. We identified the minke whales as “Speckles” and “Razor”. Coming in toward False Bay we had distant views of two male Southern Resident orcas, J27 and J26. While drifting over 1/2 mile distance we heard some lovely calls on our hydrophone. Headed back over Salmon Bank and caught the flood current to return to Friday Harbor.
Minke whale “Speckles” on Hein Bank
Harbor seals hauled out near Turn Island
Harbor seals hauled out on the beach near Turn Island
Black oystercatcher
Great blue heron and harbor seals
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Cormorants
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions near Whale Rocks
Minke whale “Speckles” on Hein Bank
Minke whale “Razor” on Hein Bank
Minke whale “Razor” on Hein Bank
Minke whale “Razor” on Hein Bank
Minke whale “Razor” on Hein Bank
Common murres
Large bait ball
Common murres with large bait ball
Minke whale on Hein Bank
Southern Resident orca J27
Southern Resident orca J26
Southern Resident orca J27 with Cattle Pt Lighthouse
Bald eagle on Reid Rock Channel Marker
Route map 9/8/25