Logan Stecker | M/V Kestrel | July 20th 2025 | 10:00 am
A great day exploring the San Juan Islands – today went North - South - and all over!
Stop 1: Spieden Island
Going across the South side of Spieden, we spotted 4 Bald Eagles! These glorious birds have made a tremendous recovery after herbicide pollution (DDT) led to their endangered status in years past. Now they are doing well and, in this area, now they have the densest population in the lower 48 states at the San Juan Islands. We also got to see Moufflon Sheep (an exotic population released on Spieden) near the shore including one male!
We then went to watch seals hauled out and being super cute before getting a call about excitement back near our start point…
Stop 2: San Juan Channel
We arrive on scene, right past Friday Harbor, and get to watch a matriline of killer whales exploring the coast! This group was identified as the T036As led by the mother, Leland, and included her kids and even 1 grandkid T036A1A, Drift. We spent most of our day enjoying time with this group as they made their way through the busy channel.
Stop 3: Salmon Bank and Whale Rocks
After our time with the orcas, we followed down south. We popped over to Salmon Bank, a shallow area extending past Cattle Point, to explore a nutrient rich area full of birds, fish, and Minke whales. We tried watching a couple of Minke whales with medium success as they were all over the place and not predictable. This find was especially exciting because Minke are typically solitary. To end our trip, we went to Whale Rocks and watched Sea Lions lazing about and seeing a huge male make his way up to the top. This group was Steller’s Sea Lion, the largest species of sea lions, which are always a treat to see.
What a great day out on the water!