Haleigh | M/V Kestrel | July 31, 2021 | 10:00am
Being one of the first vessels out on the water is an incredible feeling. We began our Saturday morning trip searching through the quiet islands. The water around us was still glassy and the last of the lingering fog was lifting up towards the tips of the islands. Being one of the first boats on the water meant we were actively scanning to discover wildlife tucked in the channels.
We moved interisland, wrapping around the east side of Orcas islands. In the Rosario Strait we came across Peapod Rocks where we found some Harbor Seals hauled out along the shoreline of this tiny wildlife refuge. They curiously lifted their heads as we neared and watched as we drifted by. Soon after, we continued north where we started spotting Bald Eagles all around us. By the time we were navigating around the North end of Orcas Island, we had seen 15 Bald Eagles! Seeing an abundance of a previously endangered animal, like Bald Eagles, is a testament to conservation work, like the banning of the pesticide DDT that would hinder the Bald Eagles’ ability to lay eggs.
We neared a rocky reef to find a group of Bigg’s Killer Whales feeding on some harbor seals. Their criss-crossing pattern of motion indicated they were likely hunting, and eventually feeding. A large male, known as Ooxja (T65A2) was hunting with his youngest sister, Callisto (T65A5), while their other sibling was hunting about 50 yards away. During the time we watched them feast, we were mugged twice by the younger brother-older sister pair and saw them even play in the kelp forest! Hearing their deep exhales startled everyone on our little zodiac, seeing as our boat is slightly larger than a grown male killer whale.
After watching the three Bigg’s Killer Whales link up with their mom, Artemis (T65A), and other siblings, we reentered San Juan Channel to head back home. By the time we reached Friday Harbor, we had seen a few more pairs of Bald eagles, bringing our total to 24 Bald Eagles in one day! It was a spectacular morning on the water.