December 26, 2022

T46E Thor passing Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island.

photo by Kat Martin, December 16, 2022

SUMMARY

Sightings through December 25 include:

Southern Residents - On December 17, J Pod was seen in the Strait of Georgia. On December 19, K & L Pods were heard on the Lime Kiln hydrophone. On December 21, J & L Pods were seen together in the Strait of Georgia.

Bigg's Killer Whales - T46s explore Saratoga Passage and Port Susan for a few more days before disappearing.

Humpbacks - Several sightings in the San Juan Islands, no confirmed IDs.

Gray Whales - CRC53 & CRC2440 feeding in Saratoga Passage. CRC2440 also spotted traveling in Admiralty Inlet as well as spending lots of time in Port Susan.

EVENTS/ARTICLES/ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Mystery of the Entangled Oregon Orca: "Over the next few weeks, the entangled orca became the focus of one of the most unusual searches ever undertaken in waters off Oregon. Biologists wanted to know more about the whale, why it died, and, most of all, where it came from..." Intensive search for killer whale carcass leads to an answer hidden in its DNA, article from NOAA Fisheries, read more here.

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Ways of Whales Workshop

Saturday, January 14th, 10:30 – 5:00

Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Workshop

Orca Network’s annual Ways of Whales workshop returns as an in-person event! The workshop will be held January 14th at the Coupeville Middle School Performing Arts Center, 501 S. Main St, Coupeville, Whidbey Island, WA.

The day will include:

- Update on Tokitae

- Keynote Presentation by Dr. John Ford 

- Panel on Southern Resident orca research, featuring:

• Deborah Giles, Wild Orca –Health Monitoring Program
• Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute – Habitat Use
• Michael Weiss, Center for Whale Research - Orca Survey and Aerial Observation
• Joe Gaydos, SeaDoc Society – Health Index
• Kim Parsons, NOAA - Genetics
• Linda Rhodes, NOAA – Microbiome Analysis
• Additional presenters and topics will be announced soon, so be sure to check back!

Teacher clock hours are available through The Heritage Institute. Please contact Cindy for more information.

In addition to these great informational presentations, you will have the opportunity to check out our Learning Lobby, where many of our Pod Partners will host displays and activities, along with a table from our Langley Whale Center Gift Shop, and the popular Silent Auction!

Not in the area, or not ready to attend an in-person event yet? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! The event will be held as a Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Workshop so you can watch from home. Make sure you choose virtual event when you register, and we will send you a link to join.

Cost of the workshop is $40 ($30 for Students/Seniors), and lunch is available for purchase for an additional $20. We realize times are hard and we want Ways of Whales to remain accessible and inclusive, so a limited number of Scholarships are available for those who need it. Please contact Cindy [email protected] to request a full or partial scholarship.

REGISTER HERE

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None of this is possible without all of your contributions. Make a donation here. We appreciate all your support!



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Whale Watching in San Ignacio Lagoon & Sea of Cortez Baja, Mexico

Baja California, Mexico

Join Orca Network on our NEW expanded eight day Expedition February 10 - 17, 2023 to Baja, Mexico!

FEB 10, 2023 AT 6 AM – FEB 17, 2023 AT 3 PM PST

"This year we offer an expanded guided trip with the best of both Baja coasts!

The trip begins in Loreto, Mexico, then travelling to the west side of the Baja Peninsula to visit the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon, one of their mating and birthing lagoons; then back to the Sea of Cortez side, to see blue and humpback whales, staying in luxury waterfront hotel accommodations in the quaint and historic town of Loreto. See and learn about these incredible whales, see dolphins and other marine mammals, and learn about the amazing ecosystems of the Baja Peninsula. This trip raises much needed funding for Orca Network while providing an amazing opportunity to learn about the gray whales on the southern end of their migration, and see the largest of all whales, the Blues!

Cost: $4105 (includes biosphere & airport fees, etc)

Trip begins in Loreto, Baja, Mexico (you are responsible for getting to and from Loreto via commercial airline or ground transportation). From Loreto the trip includes transportation from Loreto to Campo Cortez on San Ignacio Lagoon and back, hotel in Loreto and cabin at Campo Cortez, meals, Happy Hour and snacks, and whale watching twice daily (seven total Gray whale watches, two Blue/Humpback whale watches)."

Wed, Dec 21 - Strait of Georgia (J & L Pod)

13:00 - Large pod of orca reported earlier in Lambert Channel. Update: confirmed as endangered Southern Residents, northbound, pod includes members of J and L pod. Approx. 30 members present.

Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings FB Page

Mon, Dec 19 - Haro Strait (K & L Pod)

After dark: K and L pods were very vocal over the Lime Kiln hydrophones. 

Jeanne Hyde 

Sat, Dec 17 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod)

14:53 - SRKW spread out from Kitty Coleman and Singing Sands, southbound.

Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings FB Page

Mon, Dec 19 - Saratoga Passage (T46s)

14:51 - Two orcas heading north mid-channel near Onamac Point off Camano! 

Whitney Dock

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13:32 - My daughter and her friends reports 4+ orcas traveling northwest observed from Camano Island State Park. 

screen grab of video by friend of daughter of Scott Veirs, December 19, 2022

Sun, Dec 18 - Haro Strait

12-18-22 Orca Sighting, Haro Strait

16:14, Four orcas traveling slowly up island to the north less than 1/4 mile from shore, long dives. It was too dark to make a positive ID. The group included a large male and a youngster. I saw them as they were approaching the south side of Point Edwards, just south of Landbank, viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve

Michelline Halliday, SJI

photo by Michelline Halliday, December 18, 2022

Sun, Dec 18 - Possession Sound (T46s)

09:31 - Orcas heading south west side of [Hat] Island close to shore. After scrolling my photos, it appears there were two. Any idea who the smaller is despite the tough photo? [Possibly T122 - Alisa Lemire Brooks]

Roy Short [HIWW]

T46D Strider

back of camera photos by Roy Short, December 18, 2022

Sat, Dec 17 - Port Susan (T46s)

15:27 - All deep into Port Susan, T46 and F just finished a meal, T46D still mid channel, west of the family, T46E and 122 are leading, very far away in north [approx. 48.132887, -122.392896].

Ling's Cetacean Photos

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14:52 - Pod definitely committed to Port Susan at this time. Steady northbound north of [approx. 48.072417, -122.319795]. Eagles soaring all around. Stunning place we live.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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15:03 - Whole family here, T46 and F trailing, T46D is a little far away.

14:54 - Both T46D and E.

14:51 - One male here northbound [approx. 48.078038, -122.320346].

Ling's Cetacean Photos

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14:44 - Spotted at least 3-4 together just at entrance to Port Susan northbound towards Tulalip Shores. Another member is trailing 1/4-1/2 mile, also northbound [approx. 48.072417, -122.319795]. 

14:35 - From elevation on Whidbey, I just spotted a bull over just north of Tulalip Bay facing northbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:53 - Two seen by an Islander, one male for sure.

12:33 - Several orcas passing the west side of Hat Island closer to Whidbey northbound.

Lori Christopher

Fri, Dec 16 - Saratoga Passage (T46s)

This is Thor, T46E, a member of the T46s. The T46s are a special pod because the matriarch, T46 (Wake) was one of the Budd Inlet 6. Six whales were taken captive in Budd Inlet back in 1976. They were to be put on display in aquatic parks. Public outcry regarding the capture eventually led to the release of all of the whales. This was the last of the captures in Washington. Wake went on to have SEVEN children, 4 of whom we saw today. It was a real blessing to see T46 today.

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 16, 2022

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T46E Thor

T122 Centeki & T46E Thor

First caught distant looks of the T46 pod (Matriarch Wake, T46, b. 1966, T122 Centeki, b. 1982, T46D Strider, b. 2000, T46E Thor, b. 2003, and T46F, Loki, b. 2012) from Long Point, then caught up with them further south and closer to Whidbey side as they cruised down Saratoga Passage in beautiful light and smooth water!  Good to see a lot of fellow orca watchers!

photos by Bonnie Gretz, December 16, 2022

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15:50 - Family is spread wide. T46D Strider is midway/Camano side between Elger Bay and East Point, T46E Thor is 1/2 mile ahead of him mid channel zig zagging, the others are southeast of Thor by about 1/2 mile mid channel slow southbound pace by all. Super long down times.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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T46E Thor

photo by Kat Martin, December 16, 2022

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15:03 - They are passing Hidden Beach southbound mid channel with some closer to Camano side.

April Basham

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14:58 - They are straight out from Hidden Beach heading south at a very leisurely swim. I have seen 3 fins so far. One fin is very small.

Nancy Culp Zaretzke

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T46E Thor on right.

T46E Thor

T122 Centeki

T46E Thor

14:20 - 4 miles north of Hidden Beach. Southbound Whidbey side.

photos by Rachel Haight, December 16, 2022

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14:14 - Southbound towards Hidden Beach Whidbey side!

Bonnie Gretz

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13:17 - Looks like at least 4 total moving southeast towards Saratoga. Viewing from Long Point.

Candace Gavin

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13:15 - They trended back east after a likely hunt. 95% sure we spotted a 5th whale coming to join them in the distance, that would be T46D.

12:50 - 4 including T46E just east of Monroe Landing.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:38 - Seeing 2 closer to Long Point. Seem to be westerly.

12:24 - Just saw a big fin from Long Point way across but heading toward Oak Harbor.

Bonnie Gretz

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12:30 - Westbound approaching Scenic Heights.

12:05 - Look to be continuing westbound, maybe a mile east of Maylor Point?

11:50 - They've gone west. Out of my view behind Polnell. Possible trend into Crescent Harbor.

11:25 - There's two or three whales. So far away but male resembles T46E. Stalled well mostly south(east) of Polnell Point.

11:20 - Lone male charging eastward about 1 mile south of Polnell Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:00 - One male orca northbound, mid-channel/slightly on Whidbey side. Line of sight from Whidbey just north of Race Lagoon towards Rockaway Beach on Camano. Possibly two, too far to ID though.

Jill Hein, Orca Network

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09:30 - Orcas present at Crescent Harbor per husband. No binoculars so hard to tell direction. Lots of fins visible, he said maybe 6, not sure about males. He said they were moving towards Polnell Point and he eventually lost sight of them.

Anya Sika

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09:30 - Two orcas slowly heading north, close to shore just south of Cama Beach. Male and female.

Devin Darst [CWW]

Thu, Dec 15 - Possession Sound (T46s) 

12:26 - Group of 4-5 orca in Possession Sound going towards Saratoga Passage. Only saw them for about one minute. They were right in front of the [Snohomish] river delta and we then lost them. My wife was able to get some distant footage. Very cool experience; we have seen orcas five times since May, fantastic.  

screen grab from video by Steve Von Herdringen, December 15, 2022

Fri, Dec 23 - Boundary Pass

Belated report of an active group of orcas heading west down Boundary Pass this afternoon.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Tue, Dec 20 - Puget Sound (Possible T46s)

12:17 - Just spotted a small group of orcas just off of Apple Cove Point. Saw as many as three surface at a time, at least one big male.

Mike Poole

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12:22 - Sara Frey called to report orcas in the Kingston area, two males now south of Apple Tree Point (north of the ferry terminal) heading southbound. So far have not seen others, viewing conditions not great.

Fri, Dec 16 - Admiralty Inlet

11:44 - Virgina W. called reporting large group orcas (at least 7-8) off Keystone, where Coupeville/PT ferry departs. She reported appears they are hunting, a lot of jumping around, surface activity.

Sat, Dec 17 - California Coast

Scott Mercer asked that I report this to you.

Just south of Elk, Mendocino County California - two of us observed a pod of six to eight orca about 2-3 miles offshore. Most of them were in a tight group moving together, going north; they would surface almost simultaneously and very close together, which made it difficult to get an accurate count. These appeared to be all females and/or calves. There was also one (possibly two, but I think only one) very large male with an enormous dorsal fin, who seemed to be roaming around up to a few hundred yards away from the main group. While they were heading northward, he would run off in different directions and then circle back to them. The size difference in that dorsal fin was amazing. When I first saw them I was using binoculars and looking for birds; the splashing caught my attention. I then got the scope on them and had great if distant views for a couple of minutes before they went out of sight behind some trees.

Tim Bray

Fri, Dec 23 - Rosario Strait

09:42 - Donna Sanders, Marine WSF Ops, emailed to report: SAMISH@0941 - Captain reports two Humpback whales SB in Rosario Strait near Thatcher Pass. 

Wed, Dec 21 - Haro Strait

07:46 - 2 humpbacks headed north toward Snug [Harbor] about 100 yards from shore.

April Van Deventer, Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]

Wed, Dec 21 - San Juans

13:22 - Two humpbacks milling around near Whale Rock.

Peggy Schellen [WSSJI]

Tue, Dec 20 - Haro Strait

13:05 - Two humpbacks at mouth of Open Bay.

M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]

Tue, Dec 20 - San Juan Channel

08:57 - Two humpbacks passing Mineral Point heading north.

Dan Shelley [WSSJI]

Mon, Dec 19 - Haro Strait

10:41 - Small humpback heading north very close to shore on westside San Juan Island about 1/2 mile south of Mitchell Bay.

M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]

Sat, Dec 17 - Haro Strait

13:05 - Two humpbacks close in at Lime Kiln travelling north.

Dori Dace [WSSJI]

Fri, Dec 16 - Haro Strait 

15:30 - Humpback. Passing Hannah Heights (west side of SJI), heading up-island, very close to shore.

Michael Noonan [WSSJI]

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09:22 - Humpback northbound approaching Henry Island. 1/4 mile offshore west side San Juan Island.

Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]

Thu, Dec 22 - Saratoga Passage

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Peg Boley

Date of Sighting: 12/22/2022

Time: 2:20 PM

Species seen: Gray Whale

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Camano Island, Saratoga Passage just south of Summerland

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Moving slowly, blows often, leaving circles on the water's surface, moved out of view

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I managed a couple photos and cropped them, but they are very blurry. Markings might be possible to see.

Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to [email protected]

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13:40 - A gray whale just passed us headed towards Summerland (north).

Peg Boley

photos by Peg Boley, December 22, 2022

Thu, Dec 22 - Port Susan (CRC2440)

08:40 - CRC2440 has been at Tulalip Shores. His year round diet and low exercise routine has him looking "extremely well nourished”.

John C. Storbeck

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I have video of CRC2440 the last two days (12/21, 12/20) at Tulalip Shores in the evening. Same spotters are reporting him back this morning as well. Three days in a row now. Feeding along the shore at Tulalip Shores and he did head a bit up toward Spee-bi-Dah. Gray whales with snow on the beach!

John C. Storbeck

Wed, Dec 21 - Port Susan (CRC2440)

I have video of CRC2440 at Tulalip Shores in the evening. 

John C. Storbeck

Tue, Dec 20 - Port Susan (CRC2440)

08:40 - CRC2440 has been at Tulalip shores this morning, feeding along the shore.

John C. Storbeck 

Sat, Dec 17 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC2440)

12:55 - MV Swiftsure is leaving CRC2440 northbound along the shore of Whidbey from the south end of Admiralty Bay.

Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express

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11:05 - Baleen whale (probably gray). 100 yds off Bush Point heading northbound. Surfaced a few times then stayed under. Heard and saw it surface twice. I didn’t see a dorsal fin; looked more like the ridge of a gray.

Gregory Roeben

Sat, Dec 17 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53)

14:49 - He's in maybe 10 feet of water.

Smith Siromaskul

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14:35 - Eastbound CRC53 [approx. 48.068769, -122.397189].

Ling's Cetacean Photos

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13:38 - Still between Langley and Sandy Point but much farther offshore now. 

Smith Siromaskul

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13:28 - I’m watching a gray whale at Edgecliff.

Marly Eugenio

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12:46 - He’s right in front of the bluff near Edgecliff.

Luanne Seymour

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12:45 - Little Patch is still between Sandy Point and Langley Marina circle out and circle back inshore where he feeds for several minutes and repeats. Currently offshore, will update if he continues northwest or circles back (Which looks like he might be doing, circling back inshore that is).

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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Little Patch’s cute lunging face.

back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 17, 2022

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12:34 - [video of] CRC53 Little Patch feeding below the bluff between Sandy Point and Langley Marina.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network 

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12:27 - Back and forth. 

photos by Jason Cook, December 17, 2022

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12:21 - He’s moved close to the bluff again just north of Sandy Point.

Luanne Seymour

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11:57 - He's moving back to where he was before. Next to the wreck on the beach.

Smith Siromaskul

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11:56 - LP (CRC53) moved offshore and bit north but now he’s circling back towards shore same area. As before. Listening to him and the seabirds is heavenly.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:53 - Gray is headed toward mid channel due north toward Camano but not in a hurry. Still closer to Whidbey side of Saratoga Passage.

11:30 - Gray spotted just a bit northwest of Sandy Point headed in the direction of Langley Harbor.

Luanne Seymour

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11:48 - [video of] Lovely Little Patch same general area.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:15 - Can confirm CRC53 Little Patch circling around feeding same general area.

10:45 - Gray whale feeding between Sandy Point and Langley Marina close in shore [approx. 48.035052, -122.385972].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network and Marilyn Armbruster

back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 17, 2022

Fri, Dec 16 - Possession Sound

07:37 - Gray heading west north end Hat Island, couple hundred yards offshore. 

Grey Bonn [HIWS]

Fri, Dec 16 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 & CRC2440)

Well, CRC53, affectionately known as Little Patch is quite a character. He certainly approaches feeding with gusto! Here are a few pictures of our encounter with one of our most beloved Sounders (Gray whale that returns annually to the Puget Sound).

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 16, 2022

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I'm currently not there but what his pattern and behavior has pretty much been, years before too, is: he feeds in a general area for quite some time, he fills belly, heads out about 300 yds or so to burp (ok, I call it burp). He then does his lunge, and then soon right after, surfaces his body out like he's going to fluke, then starts making his turn back into his feeding pit. Repeats over and over. He generally stays for 3-4 hours. He's quite the dude. Little Pig. Hope that doesn't offend anyone but he sure is. I just love him so much. Friend/ neighbor says he just tears the beach up out in front of his place. With huge clams strewn all over the beach. I would love to have my own personal clam digger.

Marilyn Armbruster

Fluke tip of CRC53 Little Patch just off north end Langley.

Back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 16, 2022

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12:35 - He did a big loop and came back to his original spot, still feeding, just north of Langley Seawall.

11:59 - Langley Whale Center staff are watching from the Whale Bell, looks like he is heading southwest now.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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11:03 - We’re with a feeding gray just north of the sea wall in Langley. The one I saw from the overlook was 2440, but we think this one is Little Patch. [Does match the pattern on 53's face. - Alisa Lemire Brooks].

back of camera photo by Sara Montour Lewis, December 16, 2022

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10:40 - Thank you Sara; feeding just north of Langley.

Marilyn Armbruster

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09:40 - Gray whale CRC2440 is in Saratoga Passage, passing Langley boatyard, heading north, probably 100 yards offshore. 

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

Sun, Dec 18 - Admiralty Inlet

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Cathy Wagner

Date of Sighting: 12/18/2022

Time: 1:30 PM

Species seen: Grey

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Breached along side ferry boat traveling from Coupeville to Port Townsend.

Direction of travel : I believe it was traveling same direction as ferry heading towards Port Townsend

Behaviors observed: very close to ferry. Its back came up along side the boat and people on boat were taking pictures.

If orcas, any males?: It was too big to be a orca

Any unusual markings?: Lots of birds, maybe 30 approx sea gulls were trying to land on it or feed off of it. It may have had some "cling on" food for the birds. Hard to see for all the birds

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The weather was very windy, seas very rough. It was announced that future ferry schedules were being canceled due to high seas. I had come up from the car deck to use the facilities and heard some one yell "Look over there!" and there it was, right along side of the boat. Very big The water was so rough with white caps, everyone had to hold on to something.

Photos available?: No