December 31, 2023

J Pod's newest baby J60 surrounded by his family - taken from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry.

photo by Hongming Zheng, December 28, 2023

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Precious new calf J60!

photo by Maya Sears taken under NMFS Permit 27052, December 26, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through December 29 include:

Southern Residents - On December 24, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound! K Pod was spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On December 25, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On December 26, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound and a new calf desginated as J60 was spotted - J60 has already been determined to be a boy!

On December 27, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On December 28, J Pod made their way north out of Admiralty Inlet, concluding their visit to inland Puget Sound.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On December 24, T99s were in Saratoga Passage and went into Holmes Harbor and eventually Penn Cove.

On December 25, T36, T36Bs & T124Ds were seen in Admiralty Inlet. Bigg's spotted in north Puget Sound.

On December 27, T36, T36Bs & T124Ds were spotted in Possession Sound.

Humpbacks - CRC-20899 continues to keep a presence in Dalco Passage.

Gray Whales - No reports.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

J40 Suttles & J60

EXCITING NEWS! New calf in J Pod! It's a boy!

The Center for Whale Research has received reports and photos from Puget Sound killer whale researchers Maya and Mark Sears of a new calf with J pod on December 26. The calf was not with the pod in recent CWR encounters, or when Mark and Maya saw the whales on the 23rd, making this calf just a few days old. The calf was primarily observed near adult female J40, who has not yet had a calf, as well as other J pod females. J40 seems to be the most likely mother, but we’ll try to confirm this in subsequent encounters. The calf’s sex is unknown. We hope to see lots more of this calf in the coming weeks and months, and that both the calf and its mother will be able to thrive.

Maya Sears shared a viewfinder photo with Dave Ellifrit of the underside of J60. Dave was able to confirm that J60 is a boy! We can't wait to see this new J Pod baby firsthand.

Center for Whale Research 

Photo credit Maya Sears NMFS Permit 27052.

EVENTS:

Registration is now open for our hybrid Ways of Whales workshop! 

The day includes a great line up of speakers and presentations, including:

Fred Sharpe - humpback whales

Jared Towers - Bigg's orcas

Toki's Legacy - Howard Garrett

Salmon recovery panel - Kayeloni Scott, Brad Hanson, Tara Galuska, Darren Croft

Check our website at www.orcanetwork.org for an updated agenda in January.

Register at https://orcanetwork.regfox.com/ways-of-whales-2024

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Keep up with The Pulse of the Salish Sea in 2024 with our "spring quarter" featuring 5 virtual lectures. We have learned so much from our presenters during the first two years of our program and we are looking forward to next year's line up! 

The Pulse is a continuing education series for adults interested in broadening their understanding of ecosystem-wide topics by learning directly from experts in their fields. Co-sponsored by Orca Behavior Institute, Orca Network, The Salish Sea School, and Whale Scout, program proceeds support all four regional non-profits.

Sign up for yourself or give the experience as a gift to a loved one! Learn more and enroll here:

www.thesalishseaschool.org/the-pulse

Thu, Dec 28 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

We spent the afternoon saying goodbye to J Pod as they exited Puget Sound with their new baby in tow. These calm moments were enjoyed as the kids breached and played amongst themselves. Thank you for this lovely evening, J Pod. Remember, these orcas are critically endangered. Moments like these are incredibly special. We want to make sure we can continue to enjoy these whales for many years to come. Please urge President Biden and other local government officials to breach the dams now! Protect the future of these whales. All shots were taken from shore with a Canon 90D 600mm lens. Link to FB video.

Kat Martin

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From Point No Point Beach.

On the way to airport on 12/28 I took a longer route via the ferry, hoping to see them on the ferry. The ferry was delayed, which was perfect timing. Shortly after departing Kingston, the ferry slowed & made “there’s orcas” announcement. I looked for the new baby J60 (no name yet, that’ll be in a year) & found him! His gender was revealed later that same day when a researcher/photographer saw him roll over. Then I watched for a bit from the beach as the pod made their way northwest.The Southern Resident Orcas are critically endangered (with this baby, the population is now 75), the population’s biggest threats are human caused lack of salmon (their primary food), toxic pollution, noise pollution, change in climate & dams.

photos by Hongming Zheng, December 28, 2023

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There was plenty of great action from a distance at Point No Point.

photos by Jim Pasola, December 28, 2023

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Earlier from Hansville, they were too far from us, but it was nice to see them again today.

photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, December 28, 2023

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18:52 - I am hearing distant S04 on Port Townsend hydrophone now. 

Jill Irene Freidberg

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18:45 - I agree with Jill Irene Freidberg about faint S04 calls on the Port Townsend Marine Science Center hydrophone. Here is an example clip tagged by an Orcasound - Listen for Whales listener. Link to sound clips.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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18:26 - Hearing a lot on Bush Point. Faint but seems to be getting louder.

Kyla Adams

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17:20 - S04 calls three times on Bush Point hydrophone thru tug boat noise.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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17:18 - Definitely clicks and some distant calls before the current vessel noise started.

Jill Irene Freidberg

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17:16 - Calls starting.

Breanne Denise Ward

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17:03 - The last time I saw them was at Shore Meadow - several had cleared Foulweather Bluff this was around 16:20. They all seemed still steady northbound still mid channel, some Whidbey side of mid. I never saw them from Bush Point. Lost light. No pictures to share. Fair and following, Jpod.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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17:02 - 90% sure I'm starting to hear slow echolocation clicks on the Bush Point hydrophone... Read through the real time annotations and replay 30+ second clips here.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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15:55 - Really far from shore from Robinson Beach in Freeland [approx. 47.9762332, -122.599414].

Amanda Grace

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15:38 - Straight out from Limpet, steady northbound, midchannel.

Donna George

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15:21 - From Shore Meadow, they are continuing northbound fast Whidbey side of mid. Spread a bit north to south.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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15:09 - Can only see one male that is approaching Mutiny Bay, still northbound. All the others are out of my sight, even with binoculars.

Ashley S Whitman

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15:07 - Leaders are getting close to the point of the bluff on the Whidbey side. Still trending northeast.

Kat Martin

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15:07 - I can see them from Shore Meadows. Looks like they are continuing northbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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14:58 - Some breaching action from about 20 minutes ago [video in FB comments].

14:55 - Viewing from Point No Point still. Still slowly trending northbound. They’re hugging the Whidbey side now [approx. 47.953471, -122.538350]. Some surface activity but it’s getting hard to see with even my 600mm lens.

Kat Martin

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14:53 - Group still trending north in front of Double Bluff, Whidbey side, barely visible in my binoculars. One or two milling behind the leaders.

Ashley S Whitman

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14:45 - Whales no longer visible with naked eye from Point No Point, trailing northeast.

Kalika CeCe

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14:33 - Viewing from Norwegian Point Park. I’m counting six. Still with research boat heading north.

Laura Rosman

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14:25 - Mid channel viewing from Point No Point, slowly trailing north in front of research boat!

Kalika CeCe

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14:09 - SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls faintly audible after ferry noise abates.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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14:08 - Five orcas with the research crew. Across channel east of Point No Point.

Laura Rosman

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14:00 - Slowly rounding Point No Point, likely mid channel. Spread out, however, there's one group in the lead.

Ashley S Whitman

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Ashley S Whitman, just met you at Point No Point. Thanks again SOOOO much again for sharing your binoculars! Hope to see you out there again someday.

Jane Shasky

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13:58 - Viewing many whales northbound - midchannel sight line Point No Point to Maxwelton.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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13:24 - Just left Eglon Beach, still viewing but they're more northwest now. 

Rubie H Baker

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13:08 - Watching them about where my original map was at 09:00. Looks like research boat with them now.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:45 - Well north of Apple Tree now. West side northbound steady travel towards Point No Point.

Sara Frey

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12:00 - Seeing blows and occasional disturbances mid channel between Apple Tree Point and South Edmonds. Whales do appear to be heading north. From long distance away at Kayu Kayu Ac Park.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:48 - Viewing from Marina Park - definitely north bound, saw splashes.

JoAnn Avanceña Wuitschick

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11:46 - North of Kingston at Apple Tree Point.

Brian Livingston

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11:38 - One male and at least three females seen just north west of ferry. They were milling between the lanes but heading south west slowly.

photo by Rubie H Baker, December 28, 2023

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11:33 - This group has flipped here now northwest bound.

Jim Pasola

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Cara Haskey

Date of Sighting: December 28, 2023

Time: 11:23 AM

Species seen: Orca J pod

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Ferry route Kingston

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed: Milling

If orcas, any males?: 4

Any unusual markings?: 0

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: That there near Edmonds coming around the shore

Photos available?: No

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11:19 - Viewing from the hill above the Kingston ferry they are right in the path of the Edmonds ferry bound for Kingston west of mid channel but not by a lot southbound. Incoming ferries been stopped right after I said that outgoing slowed and veered around them.

Jim Pasola

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11:07 - Now at the ferry still steady southbound west side of channel. Grouped up.

11:00 - Approaching Edmonds still steady southbound west side. More grouped up now. Some surface activity.

Sara Frey

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10:55 - Spotted from Kingston.

Rebecca Berger

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10:47 - Male dorsal seen twice, south of Eglon, southbound. Viewed through binoculars.

Ashley S Whitman

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10:45 - Fast travel now with some porpoising. Leaders approaching Haines Wharf to Apple Tree Point. Will be to the ferry route soon.

10:40 - Some also Apple Tree to Picnic Point. All west side of channel.

10:35 - Seeing spread out [approx. 47.854263, -122.460393]. Southbound Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay, then a male much farther west towards Eglon milling maybe.

Sara Frey

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10:17 - From Apple Tree Point multiple individuals southbound sightline to Maxwelton/Double Bluff maybe even with Eglon - breaching a lot!

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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10:21 - They’re definitely headed south at this point.

10:10 - A group of us formed on the Edmonds side by north Brackett's Landing. Can barely see them near the coast of Eglon/Kingston.

Jennifer Marx

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10:03 - At least five or six in the bunch I was viewing. Hard to see if baby was one of them.

09:57 - Passing Eglon, maybe towards Kingston - moving and cartwheeling, spy hopping and breaching all the way.

09:52 - Definitely south bound trending towards Eglon. Still a ways off shore.

09:39 - Breach fest again. Seem to be getting closer to Eglon. Freighter coming in. 

Rebecca Berger

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09:33 - They’re moving fast now. West side of triangle. Still southbound.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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09:31 - J pod calls audible on Sunset Bay hydrophone, faint but getting louder. 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:28 - Breachfest! Just saw six in a row! Looks steady heading south.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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09:22 - I see them splashing closer to shore on Maxwelton side - south-ish but not really moving. One big male for sure (viewing from Eglon).

Rebecca Berger

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09:15 - Kim Page called to report SOUTHBOUND whales between Pilot Point and Eglon. They first saw them northbound then they flipped. This group had male, female and active little one (not sure if new calf or an older youngster).

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09:08 - Another large male also facing south.

09:06 - Found another who is facing south. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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09:06 - Listening to them chat on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Jessica Huie

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09:05 - Faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Joe Dreimiller

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09:01 - Jason aboard Victoria Clipper V reports that Jpod was southbound from Point No Point about 9:05 this morning, mostly in the traffic separation zone. 

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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09:01 - I hear them again since the vessel passed!

08:59 - Their songs make my heart sing.

Christina Grossruck

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08:57 - Found them! Here going north [approx. 47.8812357, -122.456301]. Only one large male and one smaller at the moment.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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08:23 - Was just coming here to report activity on hydro.

Renee Chamberland

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08:23 - Rather chatty right now.

Kat Martin

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8:21 - Much louder calls now!

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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08:20 - Calls have been heard on the Sunset Bay (North Edmonds) hydrophone since at least 07:25 by staff Rachel and Serena. 

Wed, Dec 27 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

20:47 - Hearing nice loud calls on the Sunset Hydrophone.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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20:33 - Call on Sunset.

Breanne Denise Ward

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16:20 - Saw one dorsal not far from (about 10-15 minutes) the Kingston ferry dock from the ferry.

Tristan Van Horn

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16:08 - Seen grouped up just south of Apple Tree Point from the ferry.

Whitney Neugebauer

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16:00 - From Apple Tree Point pass. Not a great shot but… baby!

photo by Sara Frey, December 27, 2023

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15:55 - Just passed Apple Tree Point nearing Kingston ferry lanes spread north/south and east/west, baby still in cuddle puddle west side three males - approaching President Point.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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15:46 - Leaders are now moving south past Apple Tree Point. Midchannel to Kingston side slightly spread.

Candace Gavin

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15:25 - Lead group spread north to south approaching Edmonds ferry line west of midchannel, rear group with baby, line of sight Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay trending southwest.

15:04 - Coming into view Apple Tree Point.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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14:50 - Some have passed Eglon heading south far west in channel.

Jami Cantrell

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14:40 - On the Edmonds ferry and I'm pretty sure I saw this one and possibly two more, around 14:40 as we were headed back from Edmonds. Appeared headed northeast, but mostly north, in the direction of the Clinton ferry.

Kimberly Fritz

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14:09 - Lost the group with the baby as they trended south/southeast - one male still visible west of midchannel trailing southbound sloooowly, line of sight Point No Point to Picnic Point and to north Edmonds. Spread.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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14:03 - I’m hearing calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone! Watching from Sunset Ave in Edmonds now hoping to see them.

Brooke Thompson

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13:50 - I see she updated here as well, but the call is too precious! Long time sightings volunteer Donna Van Rensellar called from Point No Point to report: Sub group of J pod at least six to eight (mix of females/males) on the west side of channel between Point No Point and Scatchet Head/Possession Point logging and resting CUDDLED UP TOGETHER WITH THE BABY!What feels like is happening is resting to prepare to move south again when they are ready. They had been trending slowly south after trending north.

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13:41 - West side of mid channel headed milling in front of Point No Point.

Jami Cantrell

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13:40 - Point No Point baby! In a bunch of six to eight tightly together off Point No Point sightline to Scatchet/Possession rest mode facing south.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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From Point No Point.

photos by Mollie Segall, December 27, 2023

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13:35 - Viewing from Maxwelton, saw a blow and a fin barely visible from here headed north, closer to west side of shipping channel.

Isaac Gibson

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13:03 - I had left, but returned from Scatchet Head, Whidbey, seeing very distant fins and blows, heading northbound. At least one nearly due west of Scatchet. Couldn't tell you if more are north or not, they're riding the line of just being too far for me to see.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:49 - Viewing from Eglon. Continuing northwest slowly, mid channel.

Mollie Segall

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12:15 - The ones we are seeing right now from Eglon are still northbound. They are closer to Whidbey, like five of them.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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12:10 - Viewing from a friend’s on Apple Tree Point they’re still north of here midchannel to west of mid seem to be trending southeast but they’re milling so it’s hard to tell.

Jami Cantrell

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12:07 - I can see from Eglon Beach some dorsal fins in the middle of the triangle, seems to be heading north and west.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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11:45 - Seeing west of mid channel line of sight Apple Tree Point to Maxwelton. Milling [approx. 47.862786, -122.469604].

Sara Frey

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11:27 - Viewed from south Whidbey, no longer seeing so they've gone south I assume.

11:07 - They have moved south but I *think* trended east a little or I don't think I'd be seeing them still, but very much west of midchannel still. Breach, spyhop, don't appear in a hurry.

11:01 - Still seeing them (distant from me) - possibly stalled. Seeing surface activity.

10:57 - The ones I was seeing appear to have gone back south.

10:53 - Spotted fins between Scatchet Head & Eglon. These do not look committed northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:53 - Kim Page called back to report these she is seeing are making directional changes, looks like they are foraging off area between Eglon and Pilot Point.

10:44 - Kim Page called back to report seeing more coming… this group further offshore, but still west of mid channel on Kitsap side. At least three close together, little one tucked in close to an adult. Also northbound.

10:37 - Kim Page called to report orcas close in to Kitsap side half way between Eglon Beach and Pilot Point hauling pretty fast northbound. So far a male and maybe three others.

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09:20 - Male surfacing, east side of the sound, on a line of sight from Edmonds to just south of Eglon.

Clint Jones

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09:12 - Three to four whales spread out closer to Kingston side. Saw them from ferry just now.

Casey Bizelli

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09:10 - Faint calls on Sunset Beach hydrophone.

09:04 - 09:06 - Faint calls on the hydrophone but soon drowned out by vessel/train noise. 

Rubie Baker

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09:06 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone!

Kaitlin Niclas

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09:05 - Sara Frey called to relay report from her neighbor who is on the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston (which is about mid run/channel) and is seeing orcas multi-directional. Not sure who, but presume J pod until confirmed otherwise.

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09:05 - Same - they’re coming through a bit louder and clearer than even ten to fifteen minutes ago.

Jennifer Hunt

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09:05 - Hearing faint calls on Sunset Beach right now.

Rubie H Baker

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09:05 - Faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone for the last two minutes. Also heard some around 8:55.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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09:03 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:15 to report: 0903hrs: Vessel [SPOKANE] reports via 800MHz they've spotted 10 orcas heading northbound mid-channel in the traffic lanes. 

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08:56 - Hearing faint calls on beach camp hydrophone.

Linda Aitkins

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04:21 - Calls getting louder.

04:02 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

Tue, Dec 26 - Puget Sound (J Pod) 

An incredible surprise seeing J-pod from Fay Bainbridge Park in the afternoon! Link to Tiktok video.

Erin Bryce Greager

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J60, J40 Suttles, J37 Hy'Shqa

J60 behind J40 Suttles & J37 Hy'Shqa

J47 Notch is male in the middle

From shore as the orcas moved out/off of Fay Bainbridge Park.  

photos & IDs by Sue Larkin, December 26, 2023

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New baby J60 spotted from Fay Bainbridge - taken from shore. Link to full report, beautiful video, and photos.

photos by Jami Cantrell, December 26, 2023

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J60, J40 Suttles, J37 Hy'shqa

Fortunate to be at Fay Bainbridge for J pod's close pass. And the discovery of the new calf. I wish I had known beforehand and would have been looking for it. Link to more photos.

photos by Jim Pasola, December 26, 2023

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We had quite a show today from our home above President Point to south of Kingston. A large group of orcas as many as ten or more past for about ten minutes and gave us this… Link to more photos.

photos by Tim Davis, December 26, 2023

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One of the J Pod males lined up perfectly with the rising Full Moon ("Cold Moon" - term for the last full moon of the year) tonight! Taken from the Creosote Park Bench looking northeast at 400mm zoom.

photo by Hongming Zheng, December 26, 2023

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Just a spectacular experience seeing this J pod in Puget Sound this evening! This was just off the Magnolia shoreline.

photos by Alan Amick, December 26, 2023

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23:54 - 23:55 - Orcasound - Listen for Whales listeners tag SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone! Link to sound clips.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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Orcas on the Bainbridge to Seattle ferry, I believe we were in Elliott Bay.

Rachel Biggers

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16:30 - What was amazing about the sighting I reported around 16:30 was that three of the five orcas (very close to shore rapidly moving south on east side of Bainbridge) surfaced, swimming side by side, in unison, three or four times as they passed. My neighbor stepped outside to witness and said she heard them emitting sounds. Wow! What a treat! Bainbridge Island close to east side of island. Heading south, swimming close to each other. Near Wing Point.

Jane Rein

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16:05 - At least six spread out continue very slow southbound travels probably a mile or so south of West Point outer northern Elliott Bay. This grouping is east side of the Sound. Includes a male [approx. 47.634439, -122.429773].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:01 - Three spotted just north of sailboat. East/mid channel. Just south of West Point.

Kayla Zabecki

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16:00 - Spotted at least two or three distant orcas from West Point southbound mid channel-ish. Had to run through Discovery Park to get here in time from the parking lot.

Connor O'Brien

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15:40 - Slow southbound travel, wide spread, several south of West Point, east side of channel. May be others ahead and west, I've only seen six total.

15:19 - Several on this side just south of West Point are slowing up making directional changes. Inverted rolls etc.

15:09 - Seeing several to the south of West Point, Discovery. Still stead southbound, but my friend Rachel said tide is turning so will be interesting to see what J pod does.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:53 - Viewing from Discovery Park Beach - male trending south at mid-channel lining up with yellow channel marker, and a smaller group further back on Bainbridge side. Fast ferry slowed on the way south a couple minutes ago. Six-ish blows so far on either side of channel marker, still making a southward trend at an average clip.

Amanda Marie

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Anyone know which whales were in the group besides J47? Looked like at least one young calf [at pass by Fay Bainbridge].

Neil Emery

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14:52 - Incredible close pass by Fay Bainbridge at 14:45ish… J47 in the group. Research vessel still heading southbound with this group.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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14:39 - They flipped and are heading back north unknown if committed or milling.

Jami Cantrell

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14:35 - Close pass at Fay Bainbridge now heading offshore bit research boat with them.

Jim Pasola

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From the afternoon Fay Bainbridge pass [video in FB comments].

Neil Emery

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14:30 - Maybe leaders? At least one female mid channel out from Shilshole Bay Marina, with small group, including male, due west on Kitsap side slow southbound. Others spread back northwest to Fay Bainbridge, with some still very much hugging Kitsap [approx. 47.694158, -122.443567]. Research skiff back with them.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:15 - Lead group is just passing west of mid-channel.

Jim Pasola

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14:15 - Seeing orcas spread from at least as far south as out from Fay Bainbridge and back to at least outer edge of mid/south Port Madison, all west side of channel some hugging Kitsap. Slow southbound travels in singles to small groups. Wide spread in glassy calm seas. From Ballard above Shilshole.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:50 - There's another group more like mid-channel.

13:35 - Viewing from Fay Bainbridge they have rounded Point Jefferson and into Port Madison I don't know how many I've seen just a few and the research boat.

Jim Pasola

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This afternoon, photo taken from the Indianola Dock, some of the whales in the distance, with the research boat, headed southwest towards Bainbridge!

photo by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, December 26, 2023

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13:33 - Absolutely freaking beautiful pass at Point Jefferson headed south. Fay Bainbridge should get a good pass. 

Jami Cantrell

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13:20 - We were treated to quite the display when going from Edmonds to Kingston one of the larger pods were playing in the sound and they all went under the ferry. What a fabulous Christmas gift.

Kelli Newman Hartline

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13:18 - At least four to five leaders spread to the south of those groups (13:15) mid channel, south end Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

13:15 - At least two groups just cleared Jefferson Head now just to the south of. Each has a male in it. West of mid channel close but short distance apart from one another. Others trailing but coming up on Jefferson Head (research skiff back with them).

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:14 - Viewing from Richmond Beach and seeing three small groups south of the research vessel; first group has four to five individuals with one adult male and is just passing south of the pier at Point Jefferson from about midchannel; two smaller groups with no males are at least a mile and a half ahead of them, midchannel trending southwest. Leisurely pace, some splashing but mostly seeing a few blows from this distance.

Amanda Marie

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13:06 - Still with research boat. Approaching Jefferson Head.

Vanessa Franz

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13:00 - Leaders behind trees to me, but of trailing groups (at least three to four sub groups) lead group now approaching mid channel buoy President Point/Richmond Beach west of mid to west side of channel. Overall J pod in at least six groups from singles, three’s and one up to about six. Slow steady southbound. Some appear in resting mode.

12:44 - Leaders now south of yellow mid channel buoy (see previous update), male approaching and large trailing group has slowed and loosened up, no longer in tight group. Someone just breached. So lovely.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:43 - Seeing fins and splashing here.

Corah Whipple

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12:38 - All have passed Kingston ferry lanes headed south. Big spread.

Jami Cantrell

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12:35 - Who think lead whales three to five loosely grouped approaching yellow mid channel buoy President Point/Richmond Beach between mid channel and Kitsap. Male trailing mid channel. Large group of at least dozen trailing them back between mid channel buoy and Kingston, west/Kitsap side of channel (research skiff in close with this group). All steady southbound [approx. 47.759987, -122.454758].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:21 - Mid channel, southbound and closer to Kingston ferry terminal. 

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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12:20 - Sub group now south of Apple Tree Point west side traveling southbound medium/quick pace toward Kingston terminal. Research skiff tailing this group. Think I just spotted another lead group down south off Kingston more mid channel.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:14 - J [pod] has flipped southbound spread west side.

Jaymi Garvett

Text-em-all msg

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12:11 - Group of three to four approaching ferry lanes midchannel southbound.

Jami Cantrell

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12:00 - Whales southbound mid to west shipping lanes, straight out from Apple Tree Point!

Sara Frey

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11:52 - Viewing from Sunset Ave Edmonds. See at least one male flipped direction southbound near orange research boat.

11:32 - From Kingston-Edmonds ferry spotted small group still headed northbound to Point No Point very west of mid.

Vanessa Franz

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11:32 - They were getting closer to Eglon at one point, but then turned around, went southbound but milling in the ferry lanes, more on the east side.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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11:20 - At least four orcas off Eglon. No direction.

Per Whale Alert app

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10:50 - Kitsap close-in family group breached and tail slapped their way past Apple Tree Point and now approaching Eglon, periodically milling but trending northbound at least two males two females with young ones.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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10:45 - At least six were very close to the Kitsap side. Approaching Eglon. Lots and lots of youngster breaches. At least one male. Others remain spread out. Seem committed to Admiralty.

Sara Frey

-

10:42 - Hearing calls on the hydrophone.

Jami Cantrell

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From the 10:30 pass by Apple Tree Point.

photo by Sara Frey, December 26, 2023

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photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, December 26, 2023

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10:15 - 10:20 - Sara Frey called to report the lead whales are well north of ferry line. Lost a bunch of them who maybe headed more east? Sara and Donna now have another group in, or south of, the ferry traffic lanes, in the shipping lanes on Kitsap side. Line of sight from Apple Tree Point to Edmonds marina (so still south of Edmonds ferry terminal from their perspective). This group, includes males and females and youngster. They are foraging with some milling about by tug that’s out there. Entire pod is pretty spread out in all direction.

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10:05 - Faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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10:00 - Lost the large male that was in the lead. Some ahead of the ferry route, others approaching. Steady travel northbound and seem to be trending east as well. Triangle?

Sara Frey

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09:54 - They are north of the ferry line now. On the Kitsap side.

Trish Moylan Davis

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09:50 - Two males so far visible from Apple Tree Point in ferry lanes northbound steady west of midchannel (edit: plus female with leader at south end marina and more blows behind them to the south).

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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09:43 - SPOKANE W/H reports orcas, about 12, are about 1 mile south of the E/K [Edmonds/Kingston] ferry lanes heading NNE [north/northeast].

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09:39 - Seeing blows. Still south of ferry lanes headed north.

Katie Puckly

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09:21 - Off President Point, Kitsap side, heading north. 

photo by Joanne Graves, December 26, 2023

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09:05 - I believe they are [J Pod, based on] how spread out they are, more going by now, a couple males and a whole bunch more.

09:00 - There are orcas off of Jefferson Beach in Kingston heading north, quite a few of them on the Kingston side but also spread out across the sound.

Corrie

Mon, Dec 25 - Puget Sound (J Pod) 

16:15 - They’ve passed a friends house near Rolling Bay headed south.

Jami Cantrell

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15:40 - Christmas Day about twenty headed south past Fay Bainbridge Park.

Michele Wyzga

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15:39 - HOLY POINT ROBINSON TYPE OF CLOSE PASS AT FAY! They seem to be heading south now quickly.

Jami Cantrell

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12:46 - A pod just passed President Point (south of Kingston) heading south with much tail slapping and breaching. Probably Jefferson Point now.

Joanne Graves

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12:28 - Pod spotted heading south, just off of Kingston. 

Jon S.

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12:19 - Beautiful pass on the ferry. Jpod is tightly grouped circling around not seeming to want to leave the Kingston ferry lanes. Kitsap side.

Jami Cantrell

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12:05 - Headed back to Kingston [video in FB comments]!

Laura Rosman 

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11:55 - Ferry out of Kingston WSF shared over loudspeaker that there were two pods to our north. I saw two whales mid channel and four to the west of mid channel appeared pretty much stationary yet hard to tell from moving vessel.

Cindy Sheff

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Merry Christmas! Rode the jackpot ferry of the day from Edmonds to Kingston [video in FB comments].

11:35 - They were mid channel heading east, but every time I looked they would change directions. Definitely mid channel between Edmonds and Kingston right now.

11:26 - Visible from ferry!

Laura Rosman

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11:40 - Large group seen from Edmonds - Kingston ferry Christmas day.

Jill Crary

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Ricardo Perez

Date of Sighting: December 25, 2023

Time: 11:20 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Edmonds-Kingston Ferry Route

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Jumping and traveling

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?: Unknown

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:

Photos available?: No

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11:06 - Same lack of a sight from Edmonds marina but still hearing distant calls on Sunset Bay - maybe in the triangle?

Ashley Johnson

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10:30 - Pod(s) just kept making directional changes, it was really cool. They’d surface one way all together, surface few times in one direction, dive then surface facing the other direction. Possibly foraging or a greeting or? Anyhow I had eyes off for a bit doing other tasks and rain squall came in. I don’t see any orcas south of last update (south of Kingston) and visibility at my distance is difficult to the north but ferry went through at full speed so wondering if they may have made progress north.

09:56 - They keep making directional changes but as a tight groups, not making progress anywhere. Now facing south again.

09:54 - Large groups have flipped currently facing northbound south of Apple Tree Point Kingston little more loosely grouped. Is so beautiful!

09:46 - Orcas are southbound.

09:40 - I actually was seeing two groups close together looked to be at least couple dozen orcas if not more southbound but now appears they all swung together and possibly turned northbound closer to Kingston side. South of Apple Tree Point but in that area. Eastbound ferry has slowed to 4.5 knots, now stopped.

09:25 - Large group, at least dozen or more, south of Apple Tree Point, Kingston mid channel to slightly west of heading southbound tightly grouped.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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Shelagh Bundshuh was aboard the ferry that stopped and sent us this stunning video of the residents [video in FB comments].

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These are a couple videos that my husband took on 12/25. We were on the Kingston ferry and I think it was around 09:45 when we were blessed to see a large pod of whales. It was recommended that I share them with you folks, I hope you find them helpful.

Shala Myhill

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These videos [in FB comments] were taken from the Kingston ferry around 09:45 on Christmas Day.

photo by Molly Jessup, December 25, 2023

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09:35 - On the 9:35 ferry crossing massive pod.

Ashlie Crossfield

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Saw a whole bunch of orcas from the Edmonds-Kingston ferry this morning, looking south. They got quite close to the boat.

Brad Srebnik

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07:45 - Listening, hearing squeaks and grunts. 

Sarah Crumb

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07:45 - Singing a carol of echolocations.

Marie Wils

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07:05 - More calls. Some vessel noise now too.

03:02 - More calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

01:13 - Calls starting again after a short pause.

00:50 - Just happened to wake up and check the hydrophone and am hearing beautiful loud calls!

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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00:52 - Nice holiday present from the SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales — some of the clearest orca sounds yet recorded on the Sunset Bay hydrophone! Link to clips.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

Sun, Dec 24 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

17:53 - The calls are very loud right now.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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17:50 - Nice loud vocals on hydrophone.

17:29 - Calls still going, a bit louder now.

17:15 - Just started listening to the Sunset Bay hydrophone again and am now hearing clear calls, still distant. No vessel noise right now.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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16:42 - SRKW calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone clearer now.

Jill Irene Freidberg

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15:57 - I hear some now!

Francie L Dailer

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15:44 - [hearing calls].

Heather Domenico

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15:39 - Louder calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone now with less vessel noise.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:32 - Can hear faint calls now and then from Sunset Bay.

Joe Dreimiller

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15:00 - From Apple Tree Point, two males in lead heading northwest sightline to Cultus Bay, others still back quite aways and farther east.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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14:55 - Male in the lead is now past the gap and aiming towards Admiralty. Others in the Possession triangle but still trending northwest. Can only see blows from others.

14:50 - Males are here [approx. 47.860393, -122.421087]. Rest of pod seeing some blows east of midchannel. Slow and steady northbound but can’t tell if committed one way or another.

Sara Frey

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14:30 - Well past ferry slowed down, for sure three possibly four males in proximity, other blows behind them, sightline Apple Tree Point to Haines Wharf leisurely but steady travel northbound with two males west of mid and others farther east.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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14:20 - Viewing from Kitsap side, they are very midchannel. One male more west. Steady northbound with breaches. Close to ferry route.

Sara Frey

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14:01 - Heading north. Just south of Edmonds ferry terminal.

Jan Pierce

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13:51 - Approaching Kingston ferry terminal.

13:46 - Still northbound, lots of splashing and breaching.

13:24 - Viewing from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, looks like they are heading north back towards Kingston.

Valerie Unger

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From ferry. Thank you Orca Network!

back of camera photo by Deb Cronheim, December 24, 2023

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12:11 - John Miller WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:20 to report: 1211hrs: Vessel SPOKANE reports 6 orca moving in a southbound direction, 1 mile east off of KING. 

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12:14 - [J Pod] They are in front of the Kingston ferry terminal now, still southbound.

12:02 - [J Pod] I saw some breaches, north of Kingston ferry terminal, southbound.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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11:50 - The large male that was close to the Kitsap side headed south towards the Edmonds/Kingston ferry route.

11:45 - Off Apple Tree Point - large male, southbound or milling?

photo by Sara Frey, December 24, 2023

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11:30 - Hard to tell, they seemed to be milling. They are still about in the same area, only a few individuals.

11:07 - Some blows and breaching straight out from Edmonds fishing pier close to the Kingston side.

Arial Brewer

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09:26 - Close to Kitsap side of the water.

09:15 - I just watched four or five orcas pass Pilot Point heading north.

Austin Iles

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Lisa Mahendran

Date of Sighting: December 24, 2023

Time: 8:40 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Picnic Point

Direction of travel : South - leisurely

Behaviors observed: Traveling and milling

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I just want to say thank you. I got the message that they were heard on the under water microphones, and I ran outside to see them!

Photos available?: No

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07:54 - Hearing them now. Thank you!

Heather Berry

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07:37 - Vessel noise is quieting down, some louder calls now.

07:21 - Lots of vessel noise but still hearing calls.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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07:09 - Nice calls!

Rachel Haight, Orca Network 

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07:06 - Js on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network 

Sat, Dec 23 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

We went to Edmonds for lunch on the boat with a guest, so I left my camera at home. We heard about the J-Pod whales between Edmonds and Kingston, so we took a short detour. Taken from a great distance with an iPhone. 

photos by Tom Frenock, December 23, 2023

Fri, Dec 22 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Tori Main

Date of Sighting: December 22, 2023

Time: 2:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: 47.8123476, -122.3838061, Edmonds, midchannel

Direction of travel : South, leisurely, cruising along

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 2 females and a third smaller dorsal fin

Any unusual markings?: Not visible from where we were

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 3 orcas total. At least 2 curved female dorsal fins. One dorsal fin of the trio was much smaller than the other 2 dorsal fins.

Photos available?: No

Wed, Dec 27 - North Puget Sound (T36, T36Bs, T124Ds)

15:59 - Westbound now from Possession Point tight to shore.

Trevor Tillman

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T124D Field

T124D3

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

15:30 - From Possession by the boat dock.

photos by Donna George, December 27, 2023

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15:45 - Rounding the corner from Possession Point State Park, between Whidbey and the green buoy - PSE following far behind.

15:30 - Slowly south bound travel now past Possession.

15:25 - Hunting/directional changes right south of Possession Park boat launch, very much on Whidbey side. Spy hop!

Emily Wandres

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15:08 - Cindi Crowder Rausch has IDed them as 36/36Bs, southbound past Glendale, Whidbey side of midchannel.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:07- We saw four [orcas] from Clinton ferry landing traveling fast northbound. They may have flipped to the south. 

photo by Carsi Staldman, December 27, 2023

Tue, Dec 26 - Admiralty Inlet

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Joanne Weldon

Date of Sighting: December 26, 2023

Time: 11:30 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Point Hudson heading for Fort Worden

Direction of travel : North... diving and coming up but moving along steadily

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:

Photos available?: No

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09:30 - Orcas (three it looked like) passed close to Marrowstone Island this morning, heading north.

Debbie Maley Williams 

Mon, Dec 25 - Admiralty Inlet (T36, T36Bs, & T124Ds)

T36B Tattertip

T36 and T36Bs just came down Admiralty Inlet. They were moving FAST, and I just made it to Bush Point as they were arriving. Bundle up if you are going out to view today. We have the trifecta, cold, wet and windy! Merry Christmas! I’m amending - the 124Ds were with them. Knew there were more, just not sure who.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 25, 2023

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Got a lucky pass at Bush Point with my Dad visiting from Maryland and Cindi! Grateful for the initial sighting and Rachel alerting us. Merry Christmas! [video in FB comments shows about seven whales present].

Emily Wandres

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We saw them at Bush Point [video in FB comments].

Jen Marquett Mostafavinassab

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12:57 - Friend reports they are here approx. [48.003045, -122.603527] still southbound. I reviewed some photos & video, unfortunately they pushed out before good ID photos but think 36/36Bs are present (believe T36B Tattertip in photos), however, I also believe there was at least six whales in the video, and friends believe a sprouter male is with then, so maybe two matrilines together.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:54 - Seeing them mid-channel south of Bush Point, before Mutiny Bay. But now I’ve lost them. Still southbound at a fast pace.

Heidi Bruns Shank

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12:40 - Friends report: five to six, including a possible sprouter male, past Bush Point, pushed off more midchannel.

12:34 - Friends report orcas very close to shore approaching Bush Point porpoising.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:12 - Four to six orca southbound close in Lagoon Point 100 yards from shore moving very fast! 

Bill Setter

Mon, Dec 25 - Puget Sound

16:01 - Viewing from just north of KVI, milling mainland side of channel. Too far to get a solid idea of numbers but looks like four to five through binoculars.

Ellen Weir

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13:30 - Three large orcas viewed from Constellation [Park, West Seattle]. Headed south slowly Mid channel.

Patti Waterfall

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12:01 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:02 to report: Captain [of TACOMA] reports 4 Orcas near Elliott Bay and Duwamish Head. 

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A friend saw [orca] pod on Christmas Day in Kingston. She was on 09:00 or so ferry heading to Edmonds. Captain stopped. 

Sally James

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08:55 - Southbound from Point Edwards, milled around a few minutes, then continued south. Very close to the Edmonds shoreline.

Steve Marczewski

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08:50 - Captain reports 4 Orca traveling SB [southbound] in the North traffic lanes.

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08:30 - [orca] Seen from the Edmonds ferry terminal/Brackett’s Landing traveling south. Two or three? Close enough to see without binoculars. I’m not a great judge of distance. Saw a couple sprays.

Hannah Bailey

Sun, Dec 24 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (T99s)

T99D Puck & T99 Bella

T99C Barakat

photos by Jill Hein, December 24, 2023

16:45 - Passed Coupeville wharf heading east out of Penn Cove.

Caitlyn Blair

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15:55 - Nearing area of Rolling Hills dock still westbound.

15:47 - Westbound approx [48.233270, -122.694644].

 Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:41 - Heading west on north side. Just passed Monroe.

Tiffany Jo Cheyann Waldner

15:45 - Heading west still, kind of slow still hugging north side.

15:37 - Seeing at Monroe now!

Caitlyn Blair

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15:05 - Appear to be just out from Monroe Landing closer to north shore westbound.

15:00 - Viewing from Long Point, they are westbound into Penn Cove, near the yellow buoy.

14:06 - Nearing Race Lagoon moving quickly Whidbey side, northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:49 - Directly across from Camano City Whidbey side. Headed north quickly.

Patricia Phillips

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13:35 - Northbound quickly past Hidden Beach mid channel.

Ryan Babler

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12:45 - Northbound now north of Honeymoon Bay.

12:30 - Seemed to have went north out of sight from golf course in Holmes Harbor.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:15 - Still south of Honeymoon Bay on the west side of the harbor. A small silver boat is nearby observing and a lot of birds flying overhead.

12:06 - Pod surfaces and splashes for a bit and then seems to be moving slowly north closer to the west side of the harbor.

Cindi Bowen

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11:50 - Deep in Holmes Harbor.

Kayla Phillips

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11:50 - Pod is heading deeper into Holmes Harbor. Almost to golf course mid channel.

Cindi Bowen

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11:20 - Viewing from Rainbow Lane, Holmes Harbor and they are spread out from mid channel to Beverly Beach side, slowly heading deeper into Holmes Harbor.

Emily Wandres

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10:53 - T99s southbound into Holmes Harbor.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:43 - Just north of Baby Island, northbound in Whidbey side. One male, looks good for T99s but too distant to confirm.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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10:31 - Passed Bells Beach now, still heading north, on the Whidbey side.

Charvet Drucker

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10:25 - Hunting just north of the houses by Fox Spit [approx. 48.101980, -122.505179].

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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10:15 - Hugging the Whidbey side now, northbound, near Bells Beach.

Charvet Drucker

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09:00 - Summerland, Pebble Beach [Camano Island], pod of five or six headed your way [northbound].  

Mike Moberly [CWW]

Fri, Dec 29 - Spieden Channel

13:45 - A humpback came through twice at Spieden Channel and put on quite a show breaching three or four times in a row. We didn’t get those on camera but it was a sight to see!

photo by Sarabeth Levine, December 29, 2023

Fri, Dec 29 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899)

16:11 - Hugging the Gig Harbor side. Fluked towards Gig Harbor shoreline [approx. 47329596, -122.562101].

Jason Cook

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15:55 - About ten minutes ago he either did a huge slap or breached two times right off the point of Point Defiance and made a HUGE splash each time. He was headed south it seemed.

Angela Walle

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15:45 - This is the closest I've ever come to a whale sighting so far! From Sunrise Beach facing Point Defiance area.

Zanaida Zee

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Erin Schlueter

Date Time: 11:30 am - 3:00 p.m. 12/29/23

Humpback

Between Owen's Beach and Vashon Island

Direction of travel: unknown, moving between Vashon and Tacoma

Speed of Travel: slow 

photos by Erin Schlueter, December 29, 2023

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14:51 - Ditto [also saw fluke].

Callie Stoker-Graham

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14:50 - Just saw a tail flap in this area [approx. 47.343555, -122.551339].

Julia Damey Brewer

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14:22 - Still out there. Between Owen Beach and Vashon. Mostly staying west of ferry lane.

Karen Boyle

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Photos taken between 12:30 - 14:00.

photos by Edie Baker, December 29, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Geoff Jackson

Date of Sighting: December 29, 2023

Time: 1:05 PM

Species seen: Best guess is gray. I've seen orcas and humpbacks. Didn't have an obviously curved dorsal fin [likely humpback CRC-20899 who was in the area all day].

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Dalco Pass. N 47 19.520 W 122 32.134

Direction of travel : South. Slowly breaking the surface a few times.

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:

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13:02 - Surfaced several times before doing a deep dive and showing us its tail. It was north northwest of Point Defiance, perhaps moving more towards mid channel and Gig Harbor. Observed from the Tahlequah-bound ferry.

Glenn E. Johnson

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12:20 - It’s moving west in between Vashon and Tacoma a bit northwest of Owen Beach - just saw it.

photo by Lindsay Morgan Tracy, December 29, 2023

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11:58 - Saw their tail! Viewing from Owen Beach.

Annie Evans

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11:44 - Viewing from Sunrise Beach with binoculars. Just fluked between Owen Beach and Dune. No direction. Been in the same area for thirty minutes.

Brittany Hays

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10:14 - In Dalco milling viewing from Owen Beach.

Cherie StOurs

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09:47 - Humpback eastbound to Owen's [Beach], slow pace.

KitKat Whales

Thu, Dec 28 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899)

The young humpback whale CRC-20899 has been in the Owen Beach area for about two weeks now! CRC 20899, approximately 2 year old, sex unknown, Mother [is] Smiley ID CRC-17358. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, December 28, 2023

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From today of the humpback (CRC-20899) that's been hanging out in Tacoma.

photos by Alisa Miller, December 28, 2023

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15:19 - [video in comments].

Brianna Aratin

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15:13 - Penny Bowles called to report the humpback is still milling about between Point Defiance and Vashon near ferry lane, hanging out in that general area mid channel. Viewing from Old Ferry Landing Beach, Gig Harbor.

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14:45 - A humpback has been off Point Defiance for days and is still around.

George Holland

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14:13 - Just off the Dalco Passage viewpoint on 5 Mile [Drive]. Close enough to hear the blows.

Corey Bartlett

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13:40 - Fluke & dive aimed northerly [approx. 47.331825, -122.541448]. 

David Bennett

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12:43 - Heading east again from southwest tip of Vashon viewing from point of Point Defiance.

Cherie StOurs

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11:39 - Same spot still [approx. 47.341903, -122.549366].

Vic Hannah

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10:55 - Just south of Sunrise [approx. 47.338716, -122.554358].

Alisa Miller

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10:45 - Dalco/Narrows facing north Gig Harbor side south of Sunrise Beach. Viewing from point of Point Defiance.

09:50 - Heading slowly west past ferry lane Vashon side viewing from Owen Beach.

Cherie StOurs

-

photo by Laura Iannacone Casey, December 28, 2023

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09:00 - Full breach right off ferry lane.

Kyle Anderson

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08:39 - [humpback] Logging mid-channel west of the ferry lane.

08:01 - Humpback spotted in Dalco Passage mid channel off of Point Defiance. Just now. Hard to tell what direction he is traveling in at this point.

Stephanie Morris

Wed, Dec 27 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899) 

As long as this beautiful humpback CRC-20899 stays around the South Sound I’ll be out to see it! The cloud cover held in the sound of his blows making so magical to be on the beach! Yes, we're blessed in the northwest. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, December 27, 2023

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16:40 - Old Ferry Landing in Gig Harbor. Seen through binoculars surfacing two times and then showed his fluke. Too far to see with the naked eye, especially in the twilight. It appeared straight across seemingly in front of the three bright lights.

Olivia d'Arezzo

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16:35 - As viewed from Dune Peninsula, several fluke dives and hanging around closer to Gig Harbor side of Dalco.

Kristofer Nystrom

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15:12 - At Dalco Passage overlook.

Mark Goddard

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13:42 - Whale vessel in close proximity, slowly moving south towards Point Defiance.

Charlene Engelland

-

13:26 - Still off Point Defiance.

Steve Fogard

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12:36 - Humpback seen from Owen Beach!

Ariel Ohashi

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12:09 - I’m seeing one - just fluked in between Gig Harbor and southwest tip Vashon mid channel viewing from Owen Beach.

Kirstyn Hughes

-

11:30 - 11:45 - Taken from our boat.

photo by Marie Bagdanov, December 27, 2023

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11:27 - Mid mouth of Colvos, traveling west toward Gig Harbor shore.

Ashley S Whitman

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10:51 - Crossing southwest tip of Vashon traveling west. Viewing from the point at Owen Beach.

10:07 - East of Sunrise mid channel just fluked viewing from Owen Beach.

Cherie StOurs

-

09:12 - Headed south. 

09:00 - Full body breach Between Point Defiance and western Vashon.

Laura Iannacone Casey

-

08:00 - Humpback in west Dalco [approx. 47.326676, -122.537332].

David Michael

Tue, Dec 26 - Spieden Channel

14:14 - Humpback whale in the Speiden Channel - going up and down in front of Spieden Island. About 10 minutes now. Seems to be heading towards Davidson Head.

Sarabeth Levine [WSSJI]

Tue, Dec 26 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899)

Such a gorgeous day at Owen Beach watching this beautiful humpback CRC-20899. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, December 26, 2023

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Juvenile humpback whale a few days ago Dune Peninsula Park, close to the beach line, it traveled south to Point Ruston down the whole waterfront to the port of Tacoma cranes came back and danced around Dune Peninsula Park a second time for a bit. Note: it's been hanging out in this area between Dune Peninsula/Point Ruston, Southwest Vashon and the tip of Point Defiance.

photos by Chris Alcantar, December 26, 2023

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16:11 - Just saw from Dune Park! Way out in the passage!

Emma Kelly

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15:30 - Watched from a distance at Dune for half hour, was not far from Owen Beach. So fun!

Nicole Wilcox

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13:30 - 15:30 - The humpback circled not far out Dalco viewpoint. Three to five slow surfaces in a row, not moving very far and almost floating, then a fluke, under for a little while, repeat.

Ashley S Whitman

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15:15 - Been milling out front of Point Defiance mid channel for last 30 minutes.

Jasmine Myers

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14:50 - Saw fluke west of Point Defiance.

Paul Davis

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13:53 - Still milling and making directional changes out from Point Defiance, dove around 13:50 near the sail boat out there.

Brooke Casanova

-

13:43 - Another fluke dive off Point Defiance.

Kristofer Nystrom

-

13:28 - Saw a fluke dive off of Point Defiance, mid channel-ish in the Narrows. Direction looked north - viewing from Dune Peninsula.

Brooke Casanova

-

13:25 - Whale sighted still near Gig Harbor side in the quiet water. Whale watch boat is moving away heading towards the Narrows.

Kristofer Nystrom

-

12:54 - Center of Dalco south of vessel.

Charlene Engelland

-

12:37 - Watching him dive from Gig Harbor.

Jen Clark

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12:16 - Now mid channel between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor facing southwest. Milling.

11:54 - Crc-20899 slowly heading east off south side of Vashon. Seen from Owen Beach.

Kyle Anderson

-

11:15 - Still milling back and forth in front of Sunrise. Viewing from Owen Beach.

Cherie StOurs

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11:07 - Still mid channel between southwest tip of Vashon and Gig Harbor.

Kyle Anderson

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10:51 - Seems to be milling out between Sunrise and Vashon, view from Owens Beach.

10:42 - Viewing from Owen Beach humpback is out by Sunrise, mid channel facing south.

Cherie StOurs

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10:40 - Mid channel between Owen and Sunrise.

Kyle Anderson

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10:27 - Lingering. Could be visible from Sunrise.

10:10 - Headed north off of Point Defiance. Seen from Dune Peninsula. Mid channel.

Ryan Spence

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10:12 - Reports from people on the beach who saw it breach said that it it was heading west around the tip of Point Defiance.

Joli LaBissoniere

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09:57 - Multiple accounts of a breach that I missed near tip of Point Defiance.

09:37 - Humpback closer to Owen Beach than Dune Park.

Ryan Dicks

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08:34 - Humpback in the Point Defiance ferry lanes logging.

Jami Cantrell

Mon, Dec 25 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899)

16:07 - Beautiful humpback blows in the rain, watching from promenade near Owen Beach. Milling [approx. 47.325160, -122.551745].

Jason Cook

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13:00 - I think this is a humpback? A little far but saw this at Owen Beach.

Julia Krause

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11:18 - It’s going back and forth I think. Just swam over toward Owen Beach, then turned and headed back toward Dune.

10:20 - Just spotted it from Dune Peninsula looking toward Vashon. Closer to Dune side. 

Pamela Reitsma Knapp

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09:37 - Just saw it dive. Beautiful tail. Halfway between Dash Point and Owen Beach.

Katryn Wiese

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09:05 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:10 to report: Captain [of CHETZEMOKA] reports one Humpback hanging in the vicinity. 

Sun, Dec 24 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899)

16:18 - Just resurfaced, seen at Owen.

Erin Watlington

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16:00 - Off Vashon ferry.

photos by Ryan Dicks, December 24, 2023

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photo by Jason Cook, December 24, 2023

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15:15 - Just made a quick stop at Dune and saw the humpback. Looking towards Gig Harbor he was moving around different directions spending a lot of time at the surface.

Jim Pasola

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15:13 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:22 to report: 1513hrs: Vessel [CHETZEMOKA] reports 1 humpback orbiting to the west, just north of Point Defiance.

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15:24 - Seems to be swimming laps in that area, was getting closer to Tacoma before we left.

14:57 - Visible from Owen closer to Gig Harbor.

Mary Anne Patton

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14:43 - Visible with binoculars from Old Ferry Landing in Gig Harbor.

Olivia d'Arezzo

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14:17 - Still milling west Dalco between point and Sunrise. Viewing from Owen Beach.

Dena Paris

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11:49 - This whale is so cool! Two hours since I saw it last and still here showing off! 

Melissa Kegler

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11:52 - Hugging Vashon. Went through a bait ball near last house [approx. 47.331951, -122.520424].

11:34 - Same area between Sunrise & Vashon.

11:01 - Eastbound towards Vashon.

10:45 - Still in front of Sunrise.

10:26 - Slowly passing Sunrise northbound. Porpoises interrupted the nap.

10:14 - Closer to Sunrise now. Head facing north but drifting southbound in the current. Some porpoises have gone over to visit.

10:01 - Still logging [approx. 47.333718, -122.531058]. Head is facing eastbound. But floating backwards westbound.

09:50 - Logging just west of last house along southwest end of Vashon.

Jason Cook

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09:38 - Just saw the whale south of Colvos, appeared to be heading north.

Melissa Kegler

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09:26 - Now back west bound towards Sunrise. But appears to be swimming usual laps back & forth.

09:06 - Tacoma humpback was logging in Dalco. West of ferry lanes. Just woke up and fluked [approx. 47.324849, -122.514722].

Jason Cook

Sat, Dec 23 - Puget Sound (CRC-20899)

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sat Dec 23 14:23:52 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.31700,-122.49500

Number Sighted: 1

Submitted Comments: Saw humpback between Point Defiance and Vashon Island yesterday [23rd]. Pretty unusual to see humpbacks in Puget Sound this time of year so I thought it worthy of reporting. It was a smaller whale. 

Submitter Name: John Rosendahl

Whale Alert App

Sat, Dec 16 - BC

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sat Dec 16 7:45:30 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.79673,-123.00476

Number Sighted: 3

Submitted Comments: Large whales running off the point of Tumbo Island. One in particular is very big. 

Submitter Name: James Michael

Whale Alert App 

Wed, Dec 13 - BC

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Wed Dec 13 9:48:41 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.79673,-123.04476 [Tumbo Isl, BC]

Number Sighted: 2

Submitter Name: James Michael

Whale Alert App 

Tue, Dec 26 - Puget Sound

12:39 - Have been watching looking south past Lisabuela for about an hour now. Earlier had thought possibly orcas with surface activity but couldn’t confirm species as what I was seeing was deep in the mirage line. 

11:37 - Maybe on a hunt, am seeing what I think are breaches. Almost positive I'm seeing surface activity just south of Point Richmond but they are right at the mirage.

11:29 - Possibly spotted some orcas, deep in the mirage line.

Marla Smith, Orca Network