July 29, 2026 – Today we headed south with a pit stop to see the sea otter who was sleeping at Turn Rock before continuing on to Deadman Island. A bald eagle was perched on top overlooking Cattle Pass. Steller sea lions were engaged in rambunctious play at Whale Rocks. With a report of Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T75B’s heading towards Smith Island we knew they may be there for some time so we headed that way also. As we arrived on scene at Smith Island we saw the orcas pacing in the shallows between Smith and Minor Islands. They rounded Minor Island where we noticed many white pelicans gathered on the shore – a rare sighting and a first for us. In addition to the pelicans there were a great many gulls and cormorants nesting as well. The orcas rounded Smith Island where we found tufted puffins who also nest on Smith Island. After some great wildlife viewing we headed back for home.
