February 6, 2024

J Pod as they headed south in Admiralty Inlet - taken from the shore of Whidbey Island.

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, February 2, 2024

SUMMARY

Sightings through February 5 include:

Southern Residents - On January 30, K Pod was spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On February 2, J Pod was spotted heading south in Admiralty Inlet!

On February 3, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On February 4, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On February 5, J Pod made their way north out of inland Puget Sound and Admiralty Inlet.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On January 30, T002B & T109Bs minus T109B3 spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On February 1, T90s & others were spotted in the San Juans.

On February 3, Bigg's were spotted in Rosario Strait and another group in Haro Strait.

On February 4, T60D & T60E were spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Humpbacks - No reports.

Gray Whales - CRC53 Little Patch has been spending quite a bit of time in Saratoga Passage.

EVENTS:

Dreaming of warmer days, gray whale encounters, including beautiful evening walks shoreside where you can listen to grays under an ocean of stars? If so, we still have a couple of spaces for our early March trip to San Ignacio Lagoon. 

DETAILS: 5-day Gray Whale Trip 

DATES: March 3-7, 2024

LOCATION: San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja, Mexico

DETAILS & REGISTRATION: https://www.orcanetwork.org/events/baja5daygraywhaletrip

Filmmaker John Gussman joined Orca Network on our March 2020 excursion to visit the Gray whales on the southern end of their migration. 

San Ignacio Lagoon is one of three birthing mating lagoons for Gray whales in Baja, Mexico, and the local people there have created an amazing eco-tourism with the whales who come back each year. Beginning in the 1970s, the Gray whales in Baja began interacting with local fishermen, coming up to their small boats, or pangas. This behavior has continued, with Moms often bringing up their young calves to meet the humans in these little boats who come to visit them. We have never seen such an excellent example of well regulated and controlled whale watching - the entire lagoon is in a biosphere reserve, with only a portion of it open for boats of any kind, and whale watching only takes place in a very small portion of the lagoon, and each boat is timed as they enter and exit the whale watch area, to make sure they don't go over the allotted 90 minutes. The ecotourism helps the local economy, and the locals worked with environmental organizations to keep a large corporate salt mine from being developed in the lagoon. This is a very special place, and the encounters with the graceful gray whales in Baja is a life-changing experience. To learn more about Orca Network's annual trips to San Ignacio, email us at info@orcanetwork.org.

Mon, Feb 5 - North Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

J47 Notch on right

A few days ago, a friend and I watched a large group of whales approach from the north skirting down Whidbey Island! When I pulled up my first picture - it was clear that we had our endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales coming for a visit. A few more pictures clarified that it was J pod. Well, they went between central and north Puget Sound for a couple of days, then, they decided they had had enough of us, and they headed back up Admiralty to exit the sound. I caught them from Shore Meadows, then followed to Bush Point, Lagoon Point, and finally Fort Casey. I normally don't bother going to Casey in the winter. That bluff is COLD and WINDY. You can watch from the warmth of your cozy car if you park by the lighthouse. Guess what I did? We observed a common, but interesting behavior during this encounter - logging, AKA, napping! Orca never fully go to sleep. They are voluntary breathers, meaning they must make the decision to breathe. Because of this… half their brain stays active when they nap. Now, we had a group of four take a siesta about 75 yards off shore from us. The logging itself was fairly uneventful… I mean, it is napping, but they startled awake, flipped and sped off in a blink of an eye. Now that was interesting! In my pictures, when the whales are facing left, they are sleeping… right, they are awake. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, February 5, 2024

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From Bush Point earlier!

back of camera photos by Jami Cantrell, February 5, 2024

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16:54 - Mid channel viewing from Fort Ebey. Quite a few breaches, still headed north.

Bethani White

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16:31 - Jpod has cleared Casey and continued north! Fair and following!

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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16:25 - Continued north/northwest past Fort Casey Lighthouse.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:16 - Audible J pod calls on Port Townsend hydrophone. 

Orca Network

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16:15 - From Fort Casey, watching about 15 whales northbound - most on the east side of the tug boat, spread out but still distant.

Jill Hein

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16:14 - First clear SRKW call, an S01, on Port Townsend hydrophone via Orcasound - Listen for Whales app. 

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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16:09 - Spread, passing or past ferry lanes now.

16:04 - Groups spread from just south of Fort Casey to more midchannel nearing ferry lanes, northbound. We saw two whales spyhop in sync, soo pretty!

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:04 - Sighted mid channel straight out from Coupeville ferry terminal moving northbound.

Debi Smith Stapel

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15:50 - Possible faint calls on Port Townsend hydrophone.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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15:28 - Paula R. called to report watching at least some of pod pass by off Lagoon Point, and at least one group with large male have turned more towards Admiralty Bay after passing by. They’ve been down a few minutes so unsure which direction they are going at this point.

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15:25 - They've passed Lagoon Point. Spread east to west. Northbound. This group logged facing south close to Lagoon Point, then suddenly woke up & continued north.

15:05 - Approaching Lagoon Point Whidbey side of midchannel northbound.

14:40 - Believe that was trailing group, all passed Bush Point now. Last group east of mid. Still northbound.

14:35 - J47 Notch in group passing Bush Point now.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:09 - I must have been catching them on the way away. One more faint call noted and now quiet for about fifteen minutes. I’ll take what I can get!

Marie Wils

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14:25 - Approaching Bush Point. Mid to other. Still northbound and now spread out.

13:56 - Seeing fins from Shore Meadow. Still south of Foulweather, west of mid. They seem to be grouping up. Still northbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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12:44 - Seeing fins midchannel between Point No Point and Double Bluff, multidirectional, looking like foraging.

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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12:42 - Some now in view from Sunlight Beach neighborhood. Some surface activity. Headed north. Approx. here [48.944886, -122.513967]? Hard to tell from where I'm at, weird perspective.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:05 - Passing Point No Point northbound.

David Michael

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11:34 - They were close by the barge. Thank you! And thanks again to the woman that lent me her binoculars.

Jen Holt

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11:00 - Have slowed a bit but still west side of channel moving towards Point No Point. Maybe a bit north of Eglon now and maybe a bit further east. Only able to see breaches now from Apple Tree Point.

10:35 - Continued steady northbound travel with surface activity. Well past the ferry now. West side of channel.

Sara Frey

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10:23 - Sara Frey called and updates a nice large group is more on the west side passing through Kingston/Edmonds ferry traffic lanes, with others still south of. While on the phone someone was porpoising/lunging, and someone else breached.

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10:25 - Seeing a couple of large splashes on the west side of the channel near Kingston northbound approaching the sailboat.

Brooke Thompson

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10:24 - Seeing at least one north of Edmonds ferry lanes, about midchannel, northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:18 - And seeing some just north of the ferry… adult male.

10:15 - Saw a breach around the ferry lane, west side of mid channel.

09:10 - Hearing many orca are northbound off President Point [Kingston].

Sara Frey 

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09:00 - Thank you to all who posted. I was on my sailboat off President Point this morning when we spotted them heading north. It was a great show, lots of breaching. Very impressive. One of the orca was noticeably smaller so I was curious how young it was? I only saw four orca and they seemed to be traveling in pairs. The larger pair were closer to us on the west side of shipping channel. The smaller pair were closer to mid-channel.

Sharons Husband

Sun, Feb 4 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

From J-Pod's visit in central Puget Sound. Link to more photos.

photos by Mike Maddox, February 4, 2024

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My flight to San Francisco was delayed five hours today. That gave me time to make a very brief 15-minute stop at West Point Lighthouse where I saw J Pod go from trending southbound to northbound, though some were "trending" skybound!

photos by Hongming Zheng, February 4, 2024

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22:13 - Calls Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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17:53 - Nice clear calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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17:39 - Calls on Sunset hydrophone.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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17:36 - Viewing from Sunset at Edmonds. Several big breaches northeast of Possession Point.

Linda Raines Tyner

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17:32 - Active loud calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Brooke Thompson

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17:30 - Here as the light fades. Had slowed with lots of surface activity.

17:00 - Line of sight Apple Tree Point towards Mukilteo. Still northbound but lots of breaches! Too early to tell if going into the triangle or committed to Admiralty.

Sara Frey

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17:04 - They seem to be milling around a bit. Lots of splashing!

16:55 - Just spotted orcas from Stamm Overlook they are mid channel.

Jess Beck

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J27 Blackberry

16:34 - [video in FB comments].

back of camera photo by April Janice Basham, February 4, 2024

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16:30 - Passing Apple Tree Point. West side shipping lanes with at least ten to twelve grouped up. Steady pace northbound.

Sara Frey

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16:22 - Only saw a few from the Edmonds to Kingston 15:55 ferry. Are they in multiple groups?

Tyan Schreck

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16:15 - From the Edmonds ferry.

photos by Peter Aikens, February 4, 2024

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16:03 - Lined up at surface north of Kingston ferry. They’re northbound in front of the ferry coming out of Kingston. Both ferries are traveling slowly, keeping space.

15:58 - A lot of surface activity and splashes. Spotted one dorsal with my binoculars. Still northbound.

15:52 - Viewing several splashes south of Edmonds fishing pier. Midchannel traveling northbound into ferry lane.

Linda Raines Tyner

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15:55 - Seeing them from the fishing pier at Edmonds, definitely still far away and near the Kingston terminal.

Alexandra Dolak

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15:43 - Watching from Marina Beach Edmonds, northbound, east side of mid channel, still approaching line of sight with Kingston terminal. Group.

Michelle Goll

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15:40 - I saw them. Been following them from Kayu. There are at least two in front and one behind. Lots of blows and breaching. The splashes make them easy to see. I am using high power binoculars. They are northbound almost to Kingston ferry terminal. Kingston side.

Judie Menz McGee

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15:30 - Way east channel now, northbound approaching Kingston ferry terminal. Viewing from Kayu Kayu. Good luck!

Robyn Riley

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15:25 - Seeing them from ferry back to Edmonds from Kingston, at least one tight group. Mid channel, several miles south of ferry lanes still but traveling steadily north.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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15:22 - There headed for the Kingston ferry terminal now.

Robyn Riley

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15:21 - Viewing from Richmond Beach, still seeing them cruising northbound mid-channel just south of Kingston.

Cameron McNeil

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15:06 - Heading northbound fast, mid channel. Should be visible from Edmonds soon!

Holly Bailey Aprecio

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15:03 - Still seeing them from Richmond Beach but need binoculars or strong camera len. Still heading northbound.

Kobie O'Brian

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15:00 - Mid channel from Kayu Kayu northbound.

Robyn Riley

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14:53 - Several surfacing whales, just south of a line between Richmond Beach and Jefferson Point, mid channel, moving north.

Kara Mitchell

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14:38 - Visual from the Edmonds-Kingston ferry of breaching whales to the west of the channel marker (looking south from the ferry) - whales heading north though.

14:41 - And a line of blows east of the marker (just to get all the directions covered).

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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14:24 - Breaching from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park straight out from first lookout at the park still northbound.

Robyn Riley

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13:55 - Now viewing at a bearing of 220 from Richmond Beach, mid channel or west of, many blows and some breaches visible with the naked eye (better with binos).

13:35 - Viewing from Kayu Kayu looking south towards Fay Bainbridge line of ten or so blows mid-channel heading north. Well left of all the sailboats from our vantage.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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13:42 - Viewing from Fay Bainbridge, whales are very east of channel now. Active.

Kimberly Sylvester

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13:25 - Have started to work northbound in a couple groups.

Cameron McNeil

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13:13 - Still milling around same area. No real direction. Huge breaches!

13:02 - Viewing from Richmond Beach in Shoreline. Milling in west channel between Fay Bainbridge and Skiff Point. Some breaching! Can only see with binoculars.

Katie Jackson McNeil

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13:12 - So many boats converging with the whales… most whales north of Golden Gardens… lot of breaching!

13:00 - Lots of whales spread between Shilshole and Bainbridge Island, breaching and frolicking mid channel!

photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, February 4, 2024

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13:21 - Northbound, about halfway in the channel, would guess five plus. Lots of breaching for the last half hour!

12:50 - Seeing them from Sunset Hill!

Jacob Scobey

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12:40 - From West Point. I’m seeing a group of at least five (I think) traveling northbound with lots of breaches, etc.! Near the white sail boat right now.

12:20 - Viewing from West Point. After some breaches around green buoy, some started traveling northbound. North of yellow buoy now.

Fusako Nozaka

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12:15 - Looks like a flip northbound. Just south of yellow channel marker - surface activity.

12:03 - Viewing at least one orca milling/foraging off Skiff Point Bainbridge, west side of channel… and now a breach.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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11:35 - Seeing from West Point two fins traveling southwest. Hard to say but mid channel? Forgot to say they are still north of West Point.

Fusako Nozaka

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10:35 - Definitely exhalations of someone. Not tall like baleen so presume orca(s). No sense of numbers but not a lot as of yet anyhow. Southbound. Same general location, see map [approx. 47.700491 -122.473911].

10:25 - Would be too far for the Kingston whale and visibility is hazy across the Sound but spotted disturbance and what looked like possible blows transect Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and Fay Bainbridge closer west side of channel. Will keep trying to confirm. No boats in or near vicinity so would not be wake or vessel generated.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:50 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:51 to report: Captain [of KALEETAN] reports one orca SB near KING.

Sat, Feb 3 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

We spent the weekend looking for J-Pod in Puget Sound, and they did not make it very easy! Our best look came from the Edmonds-Kingston ferry crossing on Saturday when we caught up with our buddy J47 Notch, who seems to have grown a bit since we last got a good look at him three months ago. At 14 years old, he looks promising to fill out into a male with a pretty tall dorsal fin. Even though most of the whales were further away, the conditions and lighting were sublime to see them in. It originally looked like they might exit Puget Sound after just 24 hours, but we were glad they decided to stay, hopefully indicating they found something prey-wise worth sticking around for.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, February 3, 2024

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From Edmonds on Saturday with J pod.

photos by Janine Harles, February 3, 2024

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The Southern Resident Orcas visited central Puget Sound today. Here's a few pictures of these endangered orcas. Link to more photos.

photos by Mike Maddox, February 3, 2024

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Happy to see the residents today! Not a super close pass at the marina in Edmonds but still amazing to see them!

photos by Charvet Drucker, February 3, 2024

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J59 Sxwyeqόlh & J37 Hy'shqa

J56 Tofino

J56 Tofino

photos & IDs by K. B., February 3, 2024

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17:23 - Slow trend southbound, made very little progress. Long down times.

17:05 - They are continuing south, now seeing some southwest of Scatchet Head.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:29 - They’ve been committed southbound for a good twenty minutes, I’m at Dave Mackie and they’re about mid channel pretty much all grouped together.

Rose Caitlin

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15:30 - I was at Maxwelton Beach watching them with my binoculars since they were on the peninsula side. Frolicking north at a good pace but with lots of tail slapping & breaches, but then a cargo ship came behind them. I left there around 15:30.

Missy Main

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15:43 - Four to six more traveling northwest on Whidbey side.

15:24 - Two males were in the lead, two groups closer together: first group about four, second group about three. Really distant views, even with my binoculars, so difficult to tell exact numbers. Still northwest.

15:20 - Surface activity noted.

15:17 - Definitely appear more grouped up and still headed northwestbound. Approaching Cultus Bay.

15:14 - At least five or six, including two males, loosely grouped trending northwest closer to Whidbey side of channel and mid viewing from Point No Point. Too early to tell if they're committed to Admiralty or if they're just milling.

Ashley S Whitman

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15:13 - Several tight groups between Maxwelton and Point No Point steady northbound mid channel.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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15:04 - Definitely committed to Admiralty Inlet. They are closer to the Whidbey Island side headed northwest. I am viewing from Point No Point looking east northeast.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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15:04 - Group still in view from Scatchet Head, looking due west of here. Northbound. About midchannel, a few Whidbey side of.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:03 - Decent size group steady northbound again.

15:00 - Visual on a group south of Maxwelton, sight line to Eglon, milling - were trending north. Surface active.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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14:57 - Watching from between Point No Point and Eglon, seeing a single heading north circa Useless Bay and a second further south of the island more to the east side of the channel.

Juliana Tadano

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14:55 - Useless Bay area. Lots of splashing, play and blows.

photo by Slavica Frljanic, February 3, 2024

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14:51 - Looks like the front runners of the pod are going north west maybe. Where the red dot is [approx. 47.895217, -122.459793]. At least that’s what it looks like from Point No Point.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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14:49 - From a friend - they are northbound between Eglon and Point No Point, spread north/south and east/west.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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14:22 - Viewing them from Maxwelton just north of Eglon. Seems to be mid channel. Spread out. Northbound.

Kristin Mackenzie

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14:09 - Viewing from Eglon. Looks like eight to ten milling mid channel between Eglon Beach and Picnic Point.

Mike Maddox

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13:54 - Spread out and milling still off Eglon.

13:48 - Looks like they have flipped north again now.

13:34 - Just arrived at Eglon, looks like at least some have flipped southbound now, approx. in northbound shipping lanes.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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13:20 - Have maybe slowed but trending northbound still. Been a pleasure craft trailing them for a while. Still east of mid channel [approx. 47.878855, -122.445355]. Can only see blows from Kingston.

13:05 - Able to see males way out mid channel to east, around Eglon area. Northbound. Lots of debris in the water - big logs.

Sara Frey

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12:36 - Viewing from Edmonds - northbound and approaching Eglon. Spread midchannel. Long down times.

Jenny Klis

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12:15 - Equally as many Js keeping east of mid channel, some members are porpoising. Northbound.

12:08 - Large number of Js loosely grouped out from Edmonds, from Sunset Ave sightline north of Apple Tree Point. General location see map [approx. 47.819531, -122.442499]. Those we are seeing are north/northwest bound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:12 - Seeing them from Sunset Boulevard in Edmonds, continuing north, spread from mid channel to the west side.

Charvet Drucker

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12:06 - These the leaders or trailers that just passed?

Rachael Marion

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12:02 - We just saw them! They've passed the dog park still headed north.

Heather Alder

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12:00 - Just passed Marina Beach Park and continuing north.

Charvet Drucker

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11:58 - Large male directly across from Brackett's Landing north, way on the other side, still northbound.

Robyn Riley

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11:52 - From Marina Beach Park [video in FB comments].

Bee Lorenzen McVicker

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11:40 - A handful are midchannel between Edmonds Marina Beach and Kingston, northbound.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:38 - Make that three - one large male? And two smaller one. About to be visible from Sunset in Edmonds.

11:35 - Just saw one dorsal northbound just south of the Edmonds ferry lane!

Heidi Winters

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11:30 - Quite a few Js still streaming by very close to Kayu Kayu northbound loose spread! Dang train coming thru at same time.

11:25 - J pod is wide spread in all directions. Trailers off Kayu Kayu includes mom/young one pair who have been slowly meandering north close in off the park with some direction changes, possible foraging. Have continued north. Can see others spread across the channel and more coming up off the park now too on the east side of channel in super calm seas in this stretch.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:32 - Spread out, some on west side, some on east side.

11:22 - Starting to see dorsal fins from Marina Beach Park in Edmonds. Northbound.

Charvet Drucker

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11:23 - Seeing at least four individuals off Richmond Beach, mid-channel.

Anastasia Nicolov

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11:22 - Heading north.

Jon Rosenberg

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11:18 - On the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston can see blows and fins south of ferry lanes. Still northbound.

Candace Gavin

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11:15 - We're seeing dorsal fins from Richmond Beach!

photo by Human Alicia, February 3, 2024

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11:10 - A trailing group of Js loosely grouped northbound east of the yellow mid channel buoy off Kayu Kayu Ac Park. Includes two males and a little one, probably J59.

11:00 - Lead J pod orcas approaching mid channel buoy off Richmond Beach/President Point spread singles to small groups northbound in calm seas.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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10:55 - Seeing them pass northbound past Jeff Head. Many have already passed. From Richmond Beach.

Whitney Neugebauer, Whale Scout

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10:48 - Loosely spread group northbound approaching Indianola yellow buoy mid channel.

Brooke Thompson

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10:30 - J pod generally spread Jefferson Head/Carkeek generally mid-channel. Lead group is west of mid, others more mid, and some east of mid. All steady northbound. And at least several dozen harbor porpoise close in offshore Carkeek Park [approx. 47.733717, -122.452653].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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10:26 - Viewing from Richmond and they are west side of channel approaching Fay Bainbridge northbound. Looks like seven of them grouped up and a male in there.

Brooke Thompson

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10:16 - Viewing from northernmost end of Golden Gardens, far on other side approaching green buoy northbound.

Robyn Riley

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10:15 - Seeing at least ten members of J pod loosely grouped sightline Carkeek to Fay Bainbridge steady northbound mid-channel.

10:10 - Harbor porpoise; while waiting at Carkeek for J pod we are seeing nice pod of at least dozen harbor porpoise milling around about quarter mile offshore southend of the park.

Alisa Lemire Brooks Orca Network

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10:11 - Orcas visible 306 degrees northwest of Golden Gardens.

Collin Gage

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10:00 - Watching them from Golden Gardens now but they are very far away on the other side of the water, still northbound.

Kate MC

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09:57 - Blows and dorsals visible from Golden Gardens, west side of the channel.

Josh Nutter

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Bill Van Buren

Date of Sighting: February 03, 2024

Time: 9:54 AM

Species seen: A group of orcas seen mid channel by Golden Gardens - presumably J Pod

Number of animals seen:

Where seen: Golden Gardens

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed:

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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09:47 - Orcas spread across channel, approaching Fay Bainbridge sight line, group of three and many singles.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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09:37 - Seeing distant blows and some dorsal fins as I look southeast through my telescope from the Indianola sandspit towards Elliott Bay and Alki. Sorry cannot be precise on location due to my angled vantage point, but look to be midchannel and heading north. Others can target that exact sweet spot!

Deanna Deery-Schmitt

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09:30 - Seeing a symphony of blows just north of West Point Lighthouse northbound. Mid-east of channel!

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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09:15 - Viewing from Discovery. Northbound spread out, around yellow buoy. Mid channel.

Fusako Nozaka

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09:12 - See them from Sunset Park. They are about mid channel heading north.

Tyan Schreck

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09:09 - Some approaching West Point spread northbound midchannel to east of.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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08:35 - Just got a report to Our Wild Puget Sound about orcas northbound off of Discovery Park. Not sure about more details yet.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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08:35 - We could see them behind the ferry en route to Seattle passing Eagle Harbor steady northbound.

Heather Paar

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08:15 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: TACOMA reports they have eyes on one Orca near Tango Bouy.

Fri, Feb 2 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

Admiralty Inlet - welcome back, Jpod. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, February 2, 2024

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20:43 - Heard a few faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Brooke Thompson

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18:59 - Loud and clear calls plus's echolocation clicks. And a train.

T.L. Stokes

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18:48 - Faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Eileen Soskin

Date of Sighting: February 02, 2024

Time: 5:05 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 8

Where seen: South of Bush Point

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed:

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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I was lucky enough to catch this spectacular pass at Bush Point on Whidbey Island, this evening. Looks like Jpod has come to visit. Link to FB video.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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17:00 - All orcas passed Bush Point, many many more than six. Southbound close to shore, spread out from. Bush Point to Shore Meadow.

Emily Wandres

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16:52 - Hearing orcas on Bush Point hydrophone.

T.L. Stokes

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16:51 - First human detection via Orcasound - Listen for Whales on Bush Point hydrophone definitely has SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls (& seagull cries!).

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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16:50 - Bush Point, from my front yard. Link to FB video.

Greg Roe

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16:48 - Spotted south of Bush Point, close to shore on Whidbey side, heading south quickly! Spotted three and heard blows, possibly one calf? Hard to say for sure.

Jen Wuest

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16:35 - Whales approaching Bush Point, Whidbey side and southbound.

16:15 - Viewing from the south end of Lagoon Point, whales on Whidbey side of mid - beautiful back lit blows as they continue to fight the tide south bound.

Emily Wandres

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15:50 - Just saw at Lagoon Point. North side of South Beach heading south. I think four.

Cheryl Connor

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15:47 - South of Fort Flagler State Park now.

15:35 - Viewing from north side Lagoon Point and six plus orcas (a few males) are southbound on the Marrowstone side of midchannel - seem to be fighting the tide [approx. 48.093601, -122.667044].

Emily Wandres

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Amelia Bates

Date of Sighting: February 02, 2024

Time: 12:10 PM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: North Beach, Port Townsend 48.142457, -122.782410

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: not sure

Any unusual markings?: n/a

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, Jan 30 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (K Pod) 

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #10:

“At 1010 as they were ~ 1 nm north east of Great Race a series of fins caught their attention ~ .5 nm southwest of Race Rocks. As they approached they were highly suspicious that they were Residents by the big spread and behaviour; they could see several breaching in the distance and the closest individual was tail lobbing in a tide line. Brendon was able to confirm K pod after taking distant photos of the closest whales K16 and K22. This marked CWR's first encounter with K pod in 2024.”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #10.

Sun, Feb 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T60D & T60E)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #12:

“They crossed the Victoria waterfront before coming to a stop ~ 2 nm south west of Seabird Point to conduct a scan of the area where the whales had last been seen. With no visual of the reported whales, the two continued ahead along a southeast course with a moderate north wind and two foot chop on their port quarter; at 1125 Mark detected an exhalation in his peripheral vision approximately a quarter mile south of the vessel’s position, signalling the beginning of the encounter ~ 3 nm south of Discovery Island. It wasn’t until several minutes later that the whales reappeared, this time slightly north of Mike 1. Mark turned the boat into the short, now increasing waves and gradually navigated towards their position. The first animal to be photographed was T060D, a 20-year-old bull who is most frequently accompanied by his younger brother, T060E. A few seconds later, the latter also surfaced, his tell-tale notches unmistakable...”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #12.

Sat, Feb 3 - Haro Strait

10:45 - Today, just north of Spieden. Eastbound.

William Westrem [WSSJI]

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08:46 - Four killer whales heading up island San Juan Island approaching Henry off Madrona. 500 feet from shore.

Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]

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08:27 - Three confirmed orcas off of San Juan County Park, one calf, traveling north. 

Cole Phillips

Sat, Feb 3 - Rosario Strait

09:00 - Just saw two orcas from the ferry in Rosario Strait, east of Thatcher Pass, northbound. One adult male.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Thu, Feb 1 - San Juans (T90s & others)

17:15 - Passing Point Caution northbound.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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17:00 - We saw one group with two males, two to three female/sub adult, headed towards Friday Harbor in Upright, a second group with one male, two to three female/sub adult and/or calf? Just outside Friday Harbor; second group milling outside Friday Harbor now.

Stephanie Reiss [WSSJI]

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17:05 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:14 to report: Second sighting: 1705hrs: SEALTH C/M reports an earlier sighting of 6 orca as they rounded the south end of Shaw Island. No particular direction of travel.  

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16:51 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:14 to report: Corrected time of sighting: 1651hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they have stopped at the entrance to Friday Harbor due to 7 orca in the approach to FHBR. No particular direction of travel.  

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15:00 - My mom reports many orcas southwest bound in Upright Channel viewed from the ferry.

Justine Buckmaster [WSSJI]

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10:34 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:37 to report: Captain [of ISSAQUAH] reports they have slowed in Rosario Strait for two Orca heading SB.

Tue, Jan 30 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T002B & T109Bs minus T109B3)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #11:

“The encounter began at 1238 off Sheringham Point. The first whale to surface was T109B4, a distinctly-marked whale with a noticeable notch along its spine. Shortly after, T109B and T109B5 surfaced in unison, accompanied by another sizable female identified by Brendon as T002B, a satellite female known for moving between various pods, including the T109Bs. Coincidentally, T002B was last observed off Sooke on August 30th, 2023, also in the company of the T109Bs. Notably absent during this encounter, however, was 11-year-old female T109B3, present in the August sighting.”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #11.

Sun, Feb 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

09:49 - Was able to see them from a couple different locations and elevations seem to be moving fairly quickly based on that.

09:46 - Possible group of orcas spread out heading north/northwest north of Smith and Minor heading towards Lopez or San Juan? Visible from Deception Pass Bridge but very far out and not very visible for someone not experienced in looking.

Silver Hubble

Sun, Jan 28 - Ucluelet Inlet

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Chloe Sandahl

Date of Sighting: January 28, 2024

Time: 4:15 PM

Species seen: Baby Orca

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Entrance of Ucluelet Inlet

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Surfaced with head, tail flipped away

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?: No

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We were under sail on a sailboat, it was stormy, the small orca surfaced 3m from the boat. We were accompanied by 1 biologist, and 2 professional whale watching guides.

Photos available?: No

Mon, Feb 5 - Saratoga Passage

14:55 - Still roughly the same area. Has pushed west a bit more but still generally midchannel.

14:23 - It’s still hanging out in the same place, maybe more in line with Summerland. Hard to tell exact location from where I am viewing.

14:04 - Found it again from the state park, mid channel, at or a little north of Mabana. Appears to be going northbound. 

Charvet Drucker

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10:12 - Spotted a gray whale blow south of the Summerland neighborhood a little while ago from the state park. 

Charvet Drucker [CWW]

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08:49 - Seeing a blow south of Mabana on the Camano side. Presumed gray whale. Viewing from Camano Island State Park. Unable to tell direction of travel. Might be northbound.

Linda Aitkins

Sat, Feb 3 - Possession Sound

08:31 - Gray [whale] off of Tulalip Bay this morning. Pretty close to shore here.

Jaime McBroom

Sat, Feb 3 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)

An amazing wonderful morning with Little Patch CRC53 in the hood. I love this boy. First saw him around 10:30 between Fox Spit and Bells Beach/Whidbey Island. He stayed in that general area feeding at high tide for about three hours. He was a joy to watch… it was a serene and calm morning. Even with my hearing disability, I could hear his soothing exhalations. Most photos zoomed and many cropped. Link to more photos.

photos by Marilyn Armbruster, February 3, 2024

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13:15 - He is done feeding and has head out from shore about mid channel aimed south but moving slow (full belly). Line of sight would be north end of Bells Beach and heart of Elger Bay. I hope you'll see his blows out there on this beautiful calm day.

12:40 - Still in same general area, in between Fox and Bells. It is Little Patch. Hoping he is getting lots of eats. Tide is starting to go out.

11:30 - Still in same area but has gone out from shore lunging, I say burping, which Little Patch does. I can't say for sure it is Little Patch as I have not been able to view left side or tail/pec fins.

10:30 - Grey whale in between Fox Spit and Bells Beach feeding.

Marilyn Armbruster

Fri, Feb 2 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)

CRC53 Little Patch

back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, February 2, 2024

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15:32 - Northbound midchannel off north end of Camano Island State Park, south of Hidden Beach [approx. 48.124944, -122.530907].

15:12 - Traveling north/northwest slowly off Camano Island State Park boat launch.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:03 - Just saw blowhole from Greenbank mid channel.

Kate Sullivan

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14:47 - Continuing northbound midchannel between Camano Island State Park and entrance to Holmes Harbor.

14:35 - Gray continuing northbound midchannel. Between Camano Island State Park and just south of Baby Island.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:30 - Line of sight, mid Baby Island Heights and Camano Island State Park, mid channel northwesterly bound.

Marilyn Armbruster

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14:01 - Gray northwestbound between Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit, Whidbey side of midchannel.

13:31 - Gray is milling around the same area as earlier sighting [approx. 48.101044, -122.467917].

13:09 - Gray continuing northbound midchannel, now (edit) east of East Point, Whidbey. Viewing from bluff at Camano Island State Park.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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12:45 - Between Fox Spit point and northside of Mabana. And yes, Serena he is coming northwest bound.

Marilyn Armbruster

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12:25 - Continuing northbound slowly and I think trending west [approx. 48.093842, -122.460090].

12:05 - Slowly northbound midchannel, just north of earlier location.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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12:25 - Photo taken towards north side of Summerland and south side of Mabana.

12:00 - Now about mid channel between Fox Spit and mid Mabana & Summerland. Just can't tell direction again.

Marilyn Armbruster

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11:59 - Another blow in the same spot as earlier, in line with the north end of houses at Bells Beach.

11:48 - Saw a blow just north of Mabana boat launch. Closer to Camano than Whidbey but still far away [approx. 48.089217, -122438818].

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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11:45 - I think it is one. Caught me off guard with two blows back to back. I have not seen that again. Appeared to be milling back and forth but is south a bit more [approx. 48.081029, -122.420725].

11:25 - Appears to be moving out from shore same area and guessing s/he is about quarter mid channel from Camano side. Possibly a tad northbound [approx. 48.088195, -122.410723].

Marilyn Armbruster

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11:15 - Marilyn Armbruster messaged to report seeing blows of presumed gray whale in Saratoga Passage on Camano side, just south of Mabana.

Thu, Feb 1 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Riley Logan

Date of Sighting: February 01, 2024

Time: 10:10 AM

Species seen: (Presumed) Gray

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Off the west coast of Whidbey, approx. (48.3480972, -122.6941997). My depth perception isn't good so they could've been farther out

Direction of travel : SW

Behaviors observed: traveling/milling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: If you would like the short videos I have, I can email them but they're nothing special. Please email me if you'd like them!

Photos available?: No, Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

Thu, Feb 1 - Saratoga Passage

13:55 - Gray is still off the boat launch. Possibly trending north but very slow. Has been going back and forth between midchannel and Whidbey side. Last update from me.

13:43 - Drifting west, still off Mabana boat launch.

13:24 - Straight out from Mabana boat launch, around midchannel.

13:01 - Gray has trended northeast, now closer to midchannel. Still south of Mabana.

12:48 - Still milling around here [approx. 48.072963, -122.438148].

12:41 - Whale has drifted a bit south of earlier position. Far away from me, still only seeing blows.

12:34 - Blow visible just south of Mabana, Whidbey side of Saratoga. Also saw a blow at 12:31 just south of current location, so whale is continuing northbound.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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11:56 - Last spotted heading north and further east. Closer to Camano than Whidbey.

11:41 - Viewing from Whale Bell Park - gray has moved east in the channel and moved south of the location I saw them when I arrived.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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11:11 - Langley Whale Center staff watching from Langley sea wall one gray is feeding milling in this area about 100 feet offshore.

Christina Lee

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10:40 - Jacqueline Walisser called to really a report from her friend who says there is a gray whale hanging around the seawall off downtown Langley. 

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10:30 - Relayed from a friend: gray whale seen milling off Seawall Park, between Boatyard Inn and Langley Pizzeria, slowly traveling north.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Thu, Feb 1 - Possession Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mina Douglas

Date of Sighting: February 01, 2024

Time: 4:40 PM

Species seen: Unsure if Gray or Humpback

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Possession Sound between Hat and Tulalip, heading east

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?: no

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I saw one tail between Hat and Tulalip, it dove deep then surfaced again with a blow. It continued in that pattern heading towards Everett. It looked like there were potentially 2 whales or the same one quickly surfacing.

Photos available?: No

Mon, Jan 29 - Possession Sound

16:34 - Alice Moyal reported seeing a gray whale between Hat Island and about mid Jetty Island heading eastbound toward Everett.

[HIWS]

Mon, Jan 29 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch)

17:20 - Getting dark now, last update from me. He is still off Mabana, currently trending south on Camano side of Saratoga. Goodnight Little Patch.

16:58 - CRC53 Little Patch now feeding on Camano side of Saratoga off Mabana.

16:45 - Whale still milling off Mabana, now Camano side of midchannel.

16:23 - Whale hasn't moved north or south at all. Guessing he is just hanging out waiting for the tide to get higher. Still Whidbey side of midchannel off Mabana.

16:05 - Another blow in the same area, seems to be trending west [approx. 48.076735, -122.434279].

16:00 - Just happened to turn west and saw a blow straight out from me! Near the sun glare so tricky to see right now. Saw another at 16:02 as I was typing, midchannel or west of, can't tell direction of travel.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

back of camera photo by Serena Tierra, January 29, 2024

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14:15 - J David Adams shared on Camano group secondhand report of a whale south of Summerland, Camano Island (southern end between Mabana & Pebble Beach).

Tue, Jan 30 - Hood Canal

11:00 - There was a minke just south of Lilliwaup. It was moving west to east, saw it rise four or five times, then disappeared. About a quarter mile away.

Steve Illman