Biggs/Transient Orca T49A1 comes inter-island

Sept 17, 2025 – Today’s adventure began with fantastic views of an adorable sea otter resting in a kelp bed by Turn Rock. This little animal couldn’t be any cuter if he/she tried! After hearing a report of a lone male orca southbound on the east side of Orcas Island we picked a route inter-island with hopes to meet him. After hugging the coastline near Upright Head, Lopez Island, we crossed towards Peavine Pass. The male orca had been identified as T49A1 (born 2001) and he was southbound after milling near Pea Pod Rocks for awhile. Soon after we got on scene and had some great views as we sailed alongside. He decided to take the pass by Obstruction Island and travel inter-island back in the direction where we just came from conveniently taking us back towards Friday Harbor. At the bottom of Upright Channel he decided to go south and we decided to go north and cruse the coastline by Shaw Island spotting bald eagles, harbor seals, a great blue heron, common murres, and turkey vultures before crossing the channel back to the harbor.