Kelly | M/V Kestrel | Monday, June 9th 2025 | 2:00 PM
Whales were reported not too far away from us at the mouth of East Sound on Orcas Island. We quickly made our way in that direction, stopping for looks at a bald eagle. We watched as the powerful bird of prey pulled his talons out, dived toward the water and scooped up a small fish. A successful hunt! A rare sight, bald eagles are known for mostly scavenging here in the San Juan's. We made our way on scene with a group of 4 killer whales known as the T75B's, made up of:
- T75B Pebbles 1994 F
- T75B2 Jasper 2015
- T75B3 Rubble 2017
- T75B4 Petra 2021
The 4 were engaging in what appeared to be hunting behavior. Milling in the same area, moving fast at the surface, and arching dramatically. A few times we were treated to tail slaps from both T75B and her youngest calf T75B4!
After awesome looks at the family of 4, we made our way over to Salmon Bank. This gorgeous shallow bank was flat calm, the Olympic mountain range loomed in the distance blending seamlessly with the glassy water around us. So many great birding moments here watching Rhinoceros auklets, common murres, glaucous-wing gulls, cormorants, and a stunning pacific loon! At trip south is never complete without a stop at the infamous Whale Rocks. The massive Steller sea lions up to their usual shenanigan's that include fighting, belching and napping. On our way back to Friday harbor we were treated to some quick looks at harbor porpoise foraging in the open water outside Griffin Bay.