Mitlenatch Island is a bird sanctuary located near the north end of the Strait of Georgia. There are only temporary day anchorages available – the holding ground and lack of swinging room means that spending the night at anchor is only possible in the calmest of conditions.
Temporary anchorage
We sailed out to the island on the recommendation of some friends. Since the small cove felt too small for us, we anchored about a third of a mile of the shoreline on a small shoal – it felt like we were anchored in the middle of open water.
Glaucous-winged gull
The birds and other wildlife viewing made it worthwhile. We saw many glaucous-winged gulls, black oystercatchers, and cormorants. There were also numerous haulaouts for harbor seals and Steller sea lions.
A great stop!
Cormorants drying their wings on the rocks
Harbor seal convention
Warm rocks make for a nice nap spot
Juvenile gulls – before they’ve developed their distinctive coloring
