January 19, 2026

Gray whale CRC531 Gretchen feeding near shore of Camano Island as J Pod & K pods pass nearby as they headed north in Saratoga Passage.

photo by Serena Tierra, January 14, 2026

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J Pod & K Pod in Dalco Passage - taken from Dune Peninsula.

photo by Craig Craker, January 13, 2026

SUMMARY

Sightings through January 18 include:

Southern Residents - On January 13, J Pod & K Pod were in Puget Sound.

On January 14, J Pod & K Pod visited Saratoga Passage and briefly went into Holmes Harbor.

On January 15, J Pod exited Admiralty Inlet. K Pod went into Possession Sound & Saratoga Passage.

On January 16, K Pod was spotted in Dalco Passage before heading north in Puget Sound.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On January 13, T90s were in Saratoga Passage.

On January 16, T124A2s were seen in Puget Sound. T36A1s & T137s hunted near shore near Alki.

On January 17, T124A2s were in Admiralty Inlet. T36A1s & T137s were in South Puget Sound.

On January 18, T36A1s & T137s were in South Puget Sound.

Humpbacks - CRC-13718 Tempest, CRC-16548 Cirque, CRC-20232 Butterfly Wings in the San Juan Islands.

Gray Whales - CRC53 Little Patch, CRC531 Gretchen, & CRC2246 Azulão spotted this report. Sounders in inland Puget Sound currently: CRC53 Little Patch, CRC531 Gretchen, CRC2246 Azulão, CRC2440 Tahoma.

EVENT:

Ways of Whales Workshop

Saturday, January 24, 2026

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Join us for our annual Ways of Whales workshop in Coupeville! This will be a hybrid in-person/virtual event.

$50 or $40 for students/seniors

REGISTER HERE AT THIS LINK: https://givebutter.com/c/e8NM4k

Some full and partial scholarships are available. Please contact Cindy Hansen at cindy@orcanetwork.org for more information or with any questions.

Confirmed speakers and topics include:

• Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network - Toki's Legacy, Orca Network updates
• Rachel Haight, Serena Tierra and Nikol Damato, Orca Network - Whale Sighting Network
• Cindy Elliser - Harbor Porpoise
• Ted Cheeseman, Happy Whale - Humpback Whales, Bellweathers of Change
• Erin Gless, Pacific Whale Watch Association - Humpback Whales of the Salish Sea
• Salmon Success Stories - a series of short presentations followed by a panel discussion. Speakers and topics include Whitney Neugebauer from Whale Scout on the Former Wayne Golf Course, George Pess on the Elwha dams, and Stephanie Raymond on the Duwamish Waterway

Please check our website for updates on the agenda!  

Lunch:

• Lunch is a taco bar from Rocket Taco, with choices of fillings and toppings. The meat filling is ancho chicken and vegetarian/vegan options are cauliflower chickpea and sweet potato black bean. Gluten free available upon request.

Silent Auction:

• Our traditional Ways of Whales Silent Auction will take place online so virtual attendees can participate as well. Please check the auction tab soon to see available items ahead of time, and register to bid. The items will also be available to view in person during the workshop. The auction will open the morning of January 24th and close at the end of the afternoon break at Ways of Whales. 
• Auction Item Pickup and Shipping - Items will be available on Saturday January 24th at close of workshop. They will be either virtually deliverable, available for pickup at the workshop, shipped, or coordinated with the donor. If you need to make other arrangements, please contact jaelyn@orcanetwork.org.
• For our friends farther away, upon winning, please verify your shipping address and full name so you can receive your items. Shipping costs will be invoiced via email and charged separately. 

Webshop item: Whale Sighting Alerts Subscription 

Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network and Education Project is now offering our whale sightings phone/text alerts by annual subscription. 

Cost is $25.00 every 12 months. If finances is a hardship please email serena@orcanetwork.org.  

Real-time, or near real-time, call/text alerts create opportunities for people to connect with and observe the whales in their natural habitat from shorelines and other platforms around the Salish Sea. And for those who wish to contribute to Community Science you can report your sightings to our Whale Sighting Network team who vets, records, and disperses collected data to researchers, scientists, agencies, educators, public, etc. 

Fri, Jan 16 - Puget Sound (K Pod)

K20 Spock

First whales of 2026 for me - and it’s my first time seeing K pod, so double win! As they were exiting up Colvos Passage. Link to more photos.

photos by Jennifer Swenson, January 16, 2026

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K Pod in Colvos Passage. 

photos by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 16, 2026

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K-pod from Colvos with sweet little one keeping up like a champ.

photo by Becky Adams, January 16, 2026

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K Pod pass.

photo by Jasmine Speaks, January 16, 2026

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K Pod in Colvos Passage.

photos by Mollie Segall, January 16, 2026

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K pod unexpectedly showed up in Tacoma this morning and we all scrambled to catch them. This is their pass northbound Colvos Passage before exiting north into Seattle. Link to FB video.

April Basham

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K Pod coming out of Colvos Passage. Link to FB video.

Shannon Lynott

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K Pod arriving at Southworth today. Link to FB video.

Melissa Bird

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Earlier from Southworth through my spotting scope. Link to FB video.

Jared Leffner

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20:09 - Clear calls again on Sunset.

Tracey Carrillo

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20:08 - Calls on Sunset.

Manuela Manny Insixiengmay

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19:20 - Heard a few louder calls through the vessel noise.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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19:20 - Sounds like more than just Ks unless they’re making the call.

19:11 - K calls continuing on Sunset Bay under super wicked vessel noise.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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18:46 - Calls on Sunset Bay.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:40 - At least two trailers directly out from Golden Gardens, about mid, northbound with long down times.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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16:37 - Leaders north of Golden Gardens, with others very spread out south across channel all northbound.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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16:31 - Directly out from Golden Gardens northbound, way west side

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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16:16 - Huge spread as they pass West Point. Some more mid channel and others west. Decent spread north to south. I believe trailers are passing the lighthouse now. Still steady northbound.

Kas Alexis

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16:03 - Here's one by a sailboat 15 minutes ago as viewed from Magnolia Viewpoint. Link to FB video.

Jamin King

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15:45 - Spread out between Yeomalt Point Bainbridge Island and the northbound shipping lane, heading north quickly.

Brent Cullimore

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15:44 - At least one male north of Eagle Harbor - another group of 3-4 porpoising past Eagle Harbor mid/west side of channel. Northbound.

15:38 - Viewing from West Point - seeing splashes and surface activity - should be passing Eagle Harbor-ish but the glare makes it tough to tell exactly. Appear west of mid. Northbound.

Kas Alexis

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15:27 - Just saw some on the Bainbridge ferry. North of the ferry lane. Ferry slowed down for them to let them pass in front of us.

Janice Goode Gurry

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15:14 - Approaching Eagle Harbor as viewed from 64th Alki. Still steady northbound west of mid.

Steve Rice

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15:04 - Northbound approaching Blakely Rocks. Viewing Admiral Hill/West Seattle.

Diana Gragg

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15:04 - Passing Blakely Rock, west of mid.

Steve Rice

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14:39 - Somewhere in the highlighted area. Continuing north [approx. 47.565160, -122.470751]. 

Samiksha Gulrajani

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13:57 - Leaders passing east of Blake Island south end.

13:55 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz, group is still south of Blake Island but well north of Southworth dock.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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13:46 - Between Southworth and Blake aiming for the east side of Blake.

Mary Hartmann

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13:42 - On west side of that giant ship going through.

13:41 - Visible on Orca Conservancy live feed!

Amy FowIer

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13:34 - Looking like they'll continue northbound on the east side of Blake.

Melissa Bird

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13:32 - Way over on Kitsap side almost to Southworth dock northbound.

Mary Hartmann

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13:16 - Finally in view from Southworth coming around the corner real close to Kitsap shore!

Melissa Bird

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13:15 - See blows from 52nd and Oregon exiting Colvos northbound towards Southworth.

Mary Hartmann

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12:54 - Straight out from Fern Cove. Mainland side. 

Tiffany Russell

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12:43 - They are about a mile south of Southworth.

12:40 - Mid-channel, grouped up, between Peter Point and Driftwood Cove. Long down times.

Roxane Jackson Johnson

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12:32 - Approaching Fern Cove on Vashon. Northbound. 

Tiffany Russell

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12:27 - Just spotted 8–10 orca moving northeast through Colvos Passage just south of Southworth ferry terminal.

Josh Reiss

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12:13 - Still northbound Vashon side almost to Fragaria.

12:00 - Seeing blows at command point, northbound Vashon side.

Katie Apone

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12:00 - Seeing blows south of Driftwood Cove, more towards Kitsap side.

Roxane Jackson Johnson

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11:45 - Nearing Command Point.

Kathi Salmon

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11:23 - North of Olalla Bay now heading northbound.

Heather Cat

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11:12 - Olalla. Link to FB video.

Kris McNamar

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11:04 - Nearly to Ollala Bay Market. Traveling tightly grouped with long dives.

Mollie Segall

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11:00 - Just passed Lisabuela, still northbound.

Ashley S Whitman

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10:48 - Kpod, grouped up northbound just about to Lisabuela, island side of mid channel, long downtimes.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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10:43 - Steady northbound toward Olalla - lots of blows and some surface activity seem to be mid channel.

Andrea Facer

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10:42 - Seeing blows in the distant south from Olalla Bay Market.

Laura Walsh Stewart

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10:35 - Blows visible from Lisabuela, still grouped together in long downtimes heading north in Colvos.

Ashley S Whitman

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10:35 - Island side of mid now, approaching Lisabuela, northbound, long downtimes.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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10:30 - Lots of blows and some surface activity. Counted 4-5. Still northbound Colvos mid channel approaching Olalla. 

Lynne Hanson

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10:29 - Correction blows seen from Olalla Bay, but they’re south still.

10:25 - Blows seen at Olalla Bay.

Heather Cat

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10:28 - Approaching Ollala, just south of Lisabuela, mid channel, long downtimes, northbound.

10:14 - Now just north of point Richmond, mid to west in channel, northbound.

10:03 - Almost to Point Richmond now, island side of mid channel, northbound, long down times.

09:46 - Nearing Point Richmond, island side still, northbound.

09:35 - Seeing lots of blows in the distance, south of Point Richmond in Colvos Passage, island side of channel.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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09:25 - Heading northbound up Colvos hugging Vashon side.

Lainey B Seims

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09:22 - Out of sight from the south end. Vashon ferry still trending north. Aiming towards Colvos. Can't tell from my vantage if they're in Colvos proper yet.

09:18 - More grouped up and trending northwest. West of ferry lanes.

Ashley S Whitman

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09:12 - Many orcas west of ferry lanes, westbound mid channel, angling northwest-ish.

09:14 - Look to be angling towards Colvos.

09:03 - Spread out orcas westbound, some Point Defiance side west of ferry.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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09:10 - See a handful of orcas west in Dalco heading Northwest, not committed.

08:50 - Open saddle! Taken from the Point Defiance ferry.

08:45 - There was a small group westbound past the ferry. Spread out a bit.

Ashley S Whitman

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08:51 - They're moving eastbound, again.They're still some trailers coming back from the Commencement Bay area.Some have already passed through the ferry lane summer still heading towards the ferry land and the other trailing group is pulling up behind him.

08:41 - A group of orca down here off Dune Peninsula, heading towards Commencement Bay.

photos by David Bennett, January 16, 2026

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08:25 - Several orcas in Dalco passage. Ferry slowed for them. Two or three to the east of ferry Lanes one or two to the west trending east.

Ashley Whitman

Thu, Jan 15 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

21:48 - 21:58 - After exiting Admiralty Inlet, they were audible on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone around 21:48. More clearly heard at 21:58.

OrcaOwl [SSCH]

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17:00 - Relaying report many orcas, lots of surface activity, appear to be northbound currently.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:56 - Holy moly I was watching the ferry for a bit out our windows because I thought they had slowed!! I must have seen the last trailers of the group. Might be visible with binoculars from either Ebey’s or Fort Worden. They were roughly here when I saw them briefly: [approx. 48.124683, -122.720436].

16:35 - Just saw maybe 3 orcas - at least one adult male- headed north in Admiralty about mid channel. I’m wondering if the people on the Coupeville to Port Townsend ferry saw them. Could maybe see them from Fort Casey here soon (with binoculars.)

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

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16:28 - The WSF just reported orcas between Keystone and Port Townsend. About 20 to 30 whales.

Julia Christopherson

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16:26 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:37 to report: 1626hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports they've slowed to maintain a safe distance from a pod of 20-30 orcas heading in a southerly direction, located mid-channel in the traffic separation scheme

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13:15 - Went back and saw them on Skunk Bay cam.

Samiksha Gulrajani

Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage (K Pod)

A sunny Thursday afternoon with K pod. All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos.

photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January 15, 2026

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16:46 - Lead approaching Onamac Camano side.

Aaron Gill

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16:30 - Northbound passed Hidden Beach. Mid-channel to Camano side. Spread out.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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16:24 - Seen one heading northbound in front of Cama Beach.

Aaron Gill

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16:03 - I think they have all passed the Camano Island State Park boat launch northbound.

15:42 - Spread out northbound north of Baby Island. Some Camano side of midchannel, others closer to Whidbey. I'm not seeing any more to the south.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:30 - A few are moving west/northwest, northwest of East Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:27 - Leaders northbound between the south end of Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:25 - Fins coming into view from Camano Island State Park. Northbound.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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15:19 - Northbound south of East Point, Whidbey side of midchannel.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:07 - Watching group of orcas midchannel Mabana.

Duane Beekly

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14:53 - Spread out north to south, most are midchannel between Mabana and Bells Beach.

14:46 - Northbound midchannel to Whidbey side off Mabana, just north of the boat launch.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:39 - More passing Saratoga woods, northbound. They may be getting closer together.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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14:30 - 4 northbound Whidbey side of mid near Saratoga Woods.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:28 - At least six northbound midchannel off Summerland.

14:18 - More coming now, line of sight to the north end of Langley from Summerland bluff.

14:13 - At least one northbound midchannel off Summerland.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:05 - Another group of 6-ish came around Sandy Point, look to be more Ks, guessing only K pod is here from what I'm seeing.

13:53 - I just arrived to Sandy Point, whales are super spread in singles. Cindi has photos of K pod, unsure if Js are here yet.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:37 - Can confirm open saddles. Big spread northbound from Sandy Point.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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13:25 - Mid channel northbound between Whidbey and top of Hat.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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12:43 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:49 to report: 1243hrs: [KITSAP] Captain reports 6 orca northbound, spread out through the channel, at the Mukilteo>Clinton ferry route crossing.  

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12:17 - Closer to Whidbey side.

12:15 - Two or more orcas mid channel at the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry crossing heading north.

Denny

Wed, Jan 14 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (J Pod & K Pod)

A foggy Wednesday morning with Js, Ks, and gray CRC531 Gretchen. All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos.

photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January 14, 2026

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J & K pods of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, had us humans on Whidbey scrambling at every turn. The best part of the day was when the 42 orcas were in Holmes Harbor. Link to more photos.

photos by Sarah Geist, January 14, 2026

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For brief moments this evening, sun came out over Saratoga Passage. Photographed from various spots on east side of Whidbey, J & K Pod. Link to more photos.

photos by Hongming Zheng, January 14, 2026

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K20 Spock

What an amazing day when Js and Ks visited Saratoga Passage with a short pit stop in Holmes Harbor. The setting is what I always dream of, glassy calm waters, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. It was also lovely to have a close pass from one of my favorites, K20 Spock. Link to more photos. Link to FB videos.

photos by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, January 14, 2026

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Absolute serenity with J and K pods in Holmes Harbor. Everything was silent except their breath and echoing percussive. Bliss. Serene bliss. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 14, 2026

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Taken from the bluff in Saratoga Beach neighborhood noon-ish. They were headed back out of Holmes Harbor. Link to more photos.

photos by Lori Christian, January 14, 2026

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J and K pod up and about early... ran down to Hidden Beach, missed them, went further north, they flipped, then to Holmes Harbor/Freeland Park, distant views of large groups of blows, finally got a decent look at Baby Island, then back to Hidden Beach, with two large groups going by about mid-channel... so lovely!

photos by Bonnie Gretz, January 14, 2026

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After a foggy start, perfect lighting conditions and calm seas prevailed enabling whale watchers to enjoy to the full a majestic procession of members of J and K pods (endangered Southern Residents) in and around the waters of Saratoga Passage and Holmes Harbor. Their charismatic presence was heightened by the sound of their distinct exhalations as this often tightly grouped unique population of whales traversed the inland waters, spreading their special magic to admiring spectators on shore 

Sandy Pollard

photos by Richard Snowberger, January 14, 2026

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This year, we’re working on a new viewing platform from Meerkerk Gardens to look out at Holmes Harbor and Baby Island at observe the scenic beauty and marine life. K and J pods said hello! Link to FB video. 

Meerkerk Gardens

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Jpod & Kpod exiting Holmes Harbor Whidbey Island. Link to FB video.

Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen

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From this morning at Camano Island State Park. Link to FB video.

Thomas McKane

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18:46 - I hear them heading I think south 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach hear lots of breaths and some splashing. Link to FB video.

Aaron Gill

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16:30 - Very spread out, multidirectional in the area between the Camano Island Yacht Club, Penn Cove, and Crescent Harbor. 

16:13 - A group was briefly porpoising northbound, midchannel north of Camano Island Yacht Club.

15:58 - Northbound again off the yacht club, midchannel.

15:48 - Southbound now, the group I'm watching is Whidbey side of midchannel south of Long Point. Can still hear blows and surface activity from Camano.

15:41 - They seem to be trending west towards Whidbey, maybe southwest, across from Camano Island Yacht Club.

15:16 - Hearing lots of blows and some breaches off Camano Island Yacht Club, the ones I'm watching seem to still be milling.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:09 - Leaders appear to be slowly flipping southbound midchannel and some milling or spreading into Skagit Bay. 

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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15:02 - Slowly northbound midchannel, north of Camano Island Yacht Club.

14:44 - Trailing group is northbound midchannel just south of Camano Island Yacht Club.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:36 - Seeing a few pass Jill's house mid channel. A bit south of Long Point.

Bonnie Gretz

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14:26 - Trailing group is south of the yacht club, grouped up northbound midchannel. Beautiful glassy water, can hear blows from both groups.

14:23 - Some are still milling/foraging off Camano Island Yacht Club, spread out.

14:11 - Seem to just be foraging, slow trend north.

14:09 - More are surfacing facing south, Camano side of midchannel.

14:05 - Two males off Camano Island Yacht Club, possibly foraging. One facing southwest, the other facing northeast.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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13:44 - Link to FB video.

Aaron Gill

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13:53 - Northbound spread out from midchannel to Camano side, some are straight out from Camano Island Yacht Club.

13:38 - Northbound midchannel south of Camano Island Yacht Club.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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13:05 - They are approaching Onamac Point, midchannel.

Berna Avunca

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12:50 - Two large groups passing Hidden Beach more Camano side but beautifully visible northbound.

Bonnie Gretz

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12:38 - Big group is passing Hidden Beach northbound.

12:19 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - two groups one is milling about between Baby Island and Hidden Beach and the the is approaching Hidden Beach.

Linda Aitkins

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12:00 - Exited Holmes Harbor passed Baby Island appearing to head north?

Marilyn Armbruster

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12:00 - Leaving the harbor headed north. They’re together now. The calf sure is cute.

11:55 - They look to be angling toward Wonn at the moment.

Dan Gulden

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11:51 - Almost to entrance of Holmes Harbor.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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11:51 - Approaching Baby Island from the south side just inside Holmes Harbor northbound. Link to FB video.

Marilyn Armbruster

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11:46 - Eyes on them from Mohawk!

Fell Cheston

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11:45 - Lead group is just south of Saratoga Beach northbound.

11:38 - Mid harbor… just north of Dines. So much surface action! Incredible.

Dan Gulden

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11:30 - Northbound about mid nearing Dines Point.

11:24 - Made it to near Honeymoon Bay then flipped northbound in Holmes Harbor.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:24 - So many Orca in Holmes Harbor right now. Heading south.

Lori Christian

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: William Schafer

Date of Sighting: January 14, 2026

Time: 11:10 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 15

Where seen: Holmes Harbor

Direction of travel : south then north

Behaviors observed: traveling, spy hopping, surface activity (hunting?)

If orcas, any males?: 1 -2 mature males

Any unusual markings?: too far away

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

Photos available?: No

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11:07 - Seeing fins from Freeland Park southbound.

Bonnie Gretz

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11:03 - Beautiful looks southbound past Dines Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:58 - Spread out from nearly Dines Point to south of Baby Island. Ton of surface action!

10:52 - Spread out mid harbor heading south. Maybe 7?

Dan Gulden

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10:45 - Southern Residents heading into Holmes Harbor, background of video is Greenbank. Link to FB video.

Marilyn Armbruster

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10.38 - Just south of Baby Island at least four southbound, mid channelish.

Sandy Pollard

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10:47 - Entering the harbor. Very spread out. Difficult to get a count.

Dan Gulden

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10:47 - Orca spotted off Baby Island.

Alexis Lynn

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10:40 - Appears to be up to 10 orcas spread out between Baby Island and Greenbank shoreline, and also spread out north to south. All seem to be heading slowly south into Holmes Harbor.

Martha Poppy Sinclair

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10:36 - From the bluff at Camano Island State Park, I can see one male southbound north of Baby Island. Looks like he's aiming more towards Saratoga than Holmes Harbor

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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10:35 - Relaying reports they're southbound entering Holmes Harbor.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:23 - Viewing from the Greenbank Farm they are moving with purpose south.

10:10 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. Baby baby K47!

Liam Doucet

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09:55 - One passed on Whidbey side northwestbound. Viewed from high bank Baby Island Heights. Link to FB video.

Marilyn Armbruster

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09:45 - This morning saw them about 100 meters or so off shore from Camano Island State Park. There were sea lions swimming near by.

Eric Moss

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09:46 - Possible trailer passing now Camano side of midchannel, I don't hear any other south of us.

09:41 - Still steadily streaming past the state park, another pair came in close, others midchannel, all northbound.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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09:40 - Still seeing fins north of East Point, northbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Janett Wingett

Date of Sighting: January 14, 2026

Time: 9:36 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Saratoga off Breezy Point

Direction of travel : Nb

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?: Travelling

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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09:30 - Trailers past East Point. Slow northbound with a 3+ mile spread north/south/east/west.

Sarah Geist

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09:28 - Spread out group passing the south end of Camano Island State Park, can hear blows in all directions. Mostly northbound, a few have surfaced facing south.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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09:17 - Leads just passed Camano Island State Park Camano side. Headed north fast.

Berna Avunca

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09:07 - Small group just passed the south end of Camano Island State Park close in, others passing now midchannel, hearing surface activity south of us too

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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09:05 - Passing East Point in singles/pair. K20 & K45 close to Whidbey, all still northbound, verrrry spread out.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mike Brady

Date of Sighting: [corrected date January 14, 2026]

Time: 9:00 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 10

Where seen: Camano state park. Camano Island, Washington

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1 for sure, Very large dorsal fin and close to the shore line

Any unusual markings?: didn't see any.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The group was dispersed some. Some close to shore, while others were 200 yards out in Saratoga strait.

The group was about 200 yards around each other, with the large male closest to the shore and me,

Photos available?: No

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08:58 - Approaching Camano Island State Park northbound on Camano side.

08:38 - A few passed after my last update, still northbound.

08:30 - All the orcas I can see have passed Mabana northbound, mostly midchannel. Fog is rolling in.

08:20 - Some are mid to Camano side a bit south of Mabana. Others were further out in line with Langley Marina.

08:09 - Orcas visible from Mabana, between Summerland and Pebble Beach from my perspective. Also a gray feeding off Mabana.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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07:56 - Passing Langley marina. Still northbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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07:54 - There's a few off Summerland, northbound Camano side of midchannel.

07:50 - Seeing some northbound between Sandy Point and Pebble Beach. Hearing blows from others that sound closer to me.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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07:49 - Group of 6 just came by more Whidbey side, big breaches near Camano Head, large spread. All northbound still in Saratoga Passage now north of Sandy Point/Camano Head.

07:40 - Seeing them now, seems like leaders more Camano side, seeing some more Whidbey side near Sandy Point, all northbound. Many, many whales!

07:34 - Sound spread out, some north, some across, some south. Saw some splashed but not quite light enough for me to see clearly.

07:32 - Hearing many blows in Saratoga Passage from Sandy Point.

04:15 - Last heard calls/echolocation around this time. There was lots of echolocation and intermittent calls, sometimes loud, in the hour or two prior. 

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

04:18 - First time hearing them!

Ernie Yip

-

04:07 - More calls.

Mary Hartmann

-

04:00 - Loud calls.

Kimberly Fritz

-

03:57 - Some loud calls.

03:53 - Still hearing some echolocation, some calls.

03:38 - Possibly hearing echolocation still.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

03:00 - Beach camp is going nuts! Crazy vocals. Nice and loud.

Linda Hahn

Tue, Jan 13 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)

Calf is J63

Went to bed last night thinking of all the adulting I was going to get done today, and woke up to start my shift with the news of surprise Southern Resident orcas in the neighborhood! Link to more photos.

photos by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 13, 2026

-

Some J & K Pod moments. Link to more photos. 

photos by Jasmine Speaks, January 13, 2026

-

Taken from shore at Lisabuela - J & K Pod. Link to more photos.

photos by Hannah Marie Munro, January 13, 2026

-

Southern Residents pass in Tacoma WA. Link to FB video and more photos. 

photos by Donnie James Gagldari, January 13, 2026

-

Orcas in Colvos Passage today. Passing by Lisabeula Park, Vashon Island. Link to FB video.

Richard Rogers

-

Videos from Southworth. Southern Residents J & K - any time with them is precious. Was grateful to see them pass by. Link to FB video.

Kristen George

-

K pod serving spy hopping at Alki. Link to FB reel.

Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen

-

23:34 - Calls getting louder again.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

-

23:07 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay, I assume K pod because my cat is very interested in the sounds!

Amy FowIer

-

23:02 - Train and orcas [on Sunset Bay hydrophone]!!

Bernadette Ireland

-

22:48 - Nice clear calls now.

22:26 - Still hearing them on Sunset Bay.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

-

22:00 - More frequent and louder calls now. 

21:32 - Boat noise has gone down so can hear more calls now. 

Joe Dreimiller

-

21:25 - A few louder calls now.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

-

21:08 - [Orcas on Sunset Bay] Right now.

Breezie Gibbens

-

20:46 - Calls and echolocation clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

-

20:45 - Calls audible on Sunset Bay the past ten minutes.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

-

20:44 - Faint call at Sunset.

Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen

-

17:15 - Watching from Alki, the 2nd group is northeast bound south of the Bainbridge Seattle ferry lanes. I’m looking out from Alki and they are in line with the West Point lighthouse.

Sean DeLellis

-

17:08 - Right outside the ferry entrance moving more quickly north still.

17:06 - Getting close to the ferry entrance/exit.

16:58 - Still northbound close to Bainbridge.

16:51 - Big group found northbound off of Alki right in front of fast ferry [approx. 47.573449, -122.469266].

Clare Glo

-

16:50 - Traveling northbound along east side of Bainbridge. way west channel.

16:22 - 16:25 - Lots of fins, northbound travel. huge breach at the end!! research boat still tagging along.

Taylor White

-

16:22 - Orcas off the portside from Seattle to Southworth on the fast ferry!! We are at a crawl. Closer to West Seattle.

Marcy Goldstone

-

16:21 - A few SRKWs passed through the Kitsap fast ferry lanes heading towards Alki. The captain did a phenomenal job following the laws and guidelines

Mollie Segall

-

16:14 - Tail lobs just ahead of research boat. Viewing from Myrtle Edwards.

Taylor White

-

16:06 - Leaders south of Alki heading northbound.

Lainey B Seims

-

16:05 - From Emma Schmitz Park, northernmost group is passing Manchester with research boat(?) following. Second group moving north from south end of Blake Island, closer to shipping lanes.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

-

16:04 - Wow! Massive double breach on north side of Blake! 

Colleen Paul

-

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Josh Reiss

Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Just east of Blake Island

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?: Could not tell.

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Spotted from Alki beach with binocs. 8-10 people there with binocs and telephoto lenses. At least two fins possible more seen just off the east part of Blake Island.

Photos available?: No

-

15:39 - Several visible on Orca Conservancy camera! Love having this feed to watch while I’m stuck in the office.

Amy FowIer

-

15:38 - Viewing from Vashon/Fauntleroy ferry, northbound east side of Blake.

15:31 - Viewing from docked ferry at north Vashon. Visible in line with Blake Island, and Ks still south of Blake. Northbound.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mary Thornton

Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026

Time: 3:32 PM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 11

Where seen: North end of Colvos Passage heading north

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?: 4 to 5 smaller orcas, juveniles some with 2-3 , my guess

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

-

15:31 - On Orca Conservancy livestream now.

Sophia Newton

-

15:26 - Viewing from the terminal first group trending northbound east side of Blake.

15:21 - Leaders exiting Colvos viewing from Vashon terminal.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

15:14 - Spread two groups approx. [47.509042, -122.486664]. Northbound. Trail group more west side of channel.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

15:10 - At least 6 orcas headed north down Colvos Pass (mid passage) almost to the Southworth Vashon ferry route.

Colby Nicole Gateman

-

15:01 - Tight group of Ks just north of Fern Cove, steady northbound, k47 clearly visible. Research boat following.

14:56 - Another tight group northbound past Fern Cove, looks like Ks.

14:51 - At least one smaller group tightly grouped up, northbound past Fern Cove, can hear their breaths across the water! About mid.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

-

14:51 - North of Fern Cove now, Vashon side.

14:50 - Passing Peter Point, Vashon side.

Roxane Jackson Johnson

-

14:45 - First group visible from Fern Cove, south of cove, mid to island side, at least two males in group, northbound.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

-

14:37 - Sightings northwest Vashon Island, about 7+!

Heather Chavez

-

14:33 - Just passed Olala on Vashon side. Two small groups [approx. 47.457697, -122.519781].

Tammi Pickett

-

14:09- Both groups directly out from Anderson now, 2nd group is travelling very tightly.

14:02 - First group directly out from Anderson Point, vashon side of mid. 2nd group out from Prospect still. Longer downtimes, moving slowly

13:49 - Almost directly out from Prospect Point (private beach) Vashon side of channel, research boat travelling with.

Jolena Tagg

-

13:39 - Orcas now north of Lisabuela, island side of mid channel, headed northbound.

13:25 - Passing Lisabuela now, northbound in two groups, members of Js closer in the Island side, members of Ks closer to mid.

13:03 - Two groups slowly northbound now just south of Lisabuela, mid channel to island side of for the first group, second group more mid

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

12:55 - They are passing Point Richmond Drive Gig Harbor now, northbound.

Steve Mccann

-

12:53 - Viewing near Ollala Bay Market and approaching slowly mid channel.

Colleen Henckel

-

12:52 - Group now past Point Richmond, some foraging with directional changes but mostly northbound mid channel.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

12:42 - Viewing from a pull off on a hill past Ollala can see blows here next to what seems to two vessels heading north [approx. 47.383829, -122.537316]. Not sure if one is research vessel or not.

Jami Cantrell

-

12:22 - Two groups, approaching Point Richmond, mid to island side of channel, slowly northbound, research boat is with the whales.

12:10 - Seeing a group south of Point Richmond, east of mid, northbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

11:44 - Viewing from Gig Harbor old ferry dock, group is at the last house and looks to be committed north into Colvos. Slightly spread. Roughly here [approx. 47.333760, -122.529585].

Jolena Tagg

-

11:40 - Still viewing from the ferry lead group pointed towards Colvos, second group trailing.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

11:37 - More orcas spotted at Point Defiance Park now. Link to FB video. 

Tatiana Mendoza

-

11:33 - Pointed toward Gig/Colvos, steady travel in at least two groups. Several deep dives.

Morgan Dale

-

11:32 - Now headed towards Colvos.

Dallas Braham

-

11:30 - Young orca peaking out off Vashon.

photo by Ryan Dicks, January 13, 2026

-

11:29 - All groups now past ferry lanes, steady westbound.

11:17 - First group now in the ferry lanes, mid channel, steady westbound, second group passing Dune, also westbound, island side of mid channel.

11:11 - Second group behind first group, more island side of mid, westbound now just past Quartermaster Harbor. 1st group now mid channel approaching the ferry lanes

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

11:15 - Orcas near Owen Beach. 4+ orcas headed west.

Peter Hapeman

-

11:11 - J & K Pod, Vashon Island/Point Defiance. Link to FB video.

Rebecca Searcy

-

11:10 - Large tight group drifting west in front of Quartermaster Harbor.

11:05 - Group of ~8 approaching Quartermaster Harbor westbound.

Jill Clogston

-

11:05 - Large group north of large barge off of Dune, grouped up headed westbound.

Orca Network

-

Seeing 11 of them bunched together from Dune Peninsula earlier was awesome!

Craig Craker

-

11:03 - There are [some out from] Quartermaster Harbor.

photo by Dallas Braham, January 13, 2026

-

10:59 - Seeing many spread out groups just east of ferry lanes in Dalco Passage, some foraging with trend west.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

10:50 - Leaders near ferry terminal.

Oscar Brown

-

10:45 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula, several including male grouped, moving westbound. Pretty far out still.

Jill Clogston

-

10:43 - Seeing them from Tahlequah ferry terminal beginning to enter Dalco. Vashon side of channel.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

10:42 - Starting to become visible to naked eye from Dune to the left of yellow marker.

SummerLee Blankenship

-

10:39 - Spotted from Browns Point lighthouse, about midchannel. Look pretty committed southbound, headed to Dune to catch them there.

Morgan Dale

-

10:35 - Sight from Dash Point Lighthouse across to Maury Island 8 of them.

Mike Savoia

-

10:30 - Orcas passing yellow channel marker near Quartermaster Harbor.

Oscar Brown

-

10:25 - A second group now at the south tip of Maury. Southbound. Close to island side.

10:25 - Viewing from Woodmont, just north of Redondo. Southbound.

10:15 - I see a group at the south tip of Maury Island.

Ali Saccone

-

09:40 - Members of Kpod in here too!

09:35 - Members of Jpod at least! Others with them, need to review photos, beautiful pass at Point Robinson, close in to island side, southbound, spread in 4-5 groups.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

09:35 - Calls on MaST now.

Tracey Carrillo

-

09:18 - At least 8 approaching Point Robinson, very vashon side, just about to us.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

09:12 - I can see dorsal fins from Des Moines Marina.

Bridget Gallagher

-

09:11 - Some very island side, south of KVI approaching Point Robinson.

09:07 - Some surface activity, seeing at least 8 very spread out east to west just north of KVI, mid channel to Vashon side of, southbound.

09:05 - Others near yellow channel buoy which is just north of KVI, mid channel, trending southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

09:00 - Past Three Tree Point heading towards Point Robinson lighthouse.

Danielle Casalett Dewey

-

08:59 - Seeing at least 2 steady southbound, south of Three Tree Point, east of mid.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

08:58 - 2 whales seen from 3 Tree Point behind/on side of boat heading towards lighthouse. One big with a small one. 

Danielle Casalett Dewey

-

08:55 - Southbound seeing 5 orcas spread out. Tow boat in area just starting to pass them. More mid channel.

08:52 - Southbound 2 orcas adult and juvenile closer to Three Tree Point southside.

Sandhya Ballal

-

08:42 - Three whales off south west tip of Three Tree Point heading toward Vashon.

Kathryn Boris-Brown

-

08:41 - About 10 orcas 3 Tree Point area closer to Vashon heading south very spread out water very calm

Teresa Ann Wright

-

08:20 - Hearing from friends viewing at the north end of Vashon, they are very spread out headed southbound passing south of Glen Acres, some on the Vashon side, some closer to Three Tree, southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

08:05 - See some dorsals on cam.

Jct Guarnes

-

08:00 - Those are orca dorsals in the water

07:57 - I think stragglers might be visible on Orca Conservancy live stream?

Sophia Newton

-

02:37 - They are chatty!!

Katie West

-

02:44 - Seas have gone quiet, calls are still faint.

02:34 - Vessel noise significantly decreased, hearing clear calls & echolocation again.

02:30 - Vessel noise continues but maybe slowly decreasing finally... hearing faint calls still.

02:19 - Faint call amidst the loud vessel transiting through currently.

02:08 - Vessel noise now, calls more intermittent.

02:00 - Background noise has quieted, many calls loud & clear, chatty!

01:57 - Louder calls.

01:49 - Calls & echolocation continue.

01:43 - Maybe Ks? Hearing some echolocation as well.

01:42 - Calls getting louder. Sounds like SRKWs.

01:37 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Wed, Jan 7 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) 

K37 Rainshadow

J44 Moby

Critically endangered J and K pods snuck into Puget Sound. Link to more photos.

photos by Ashley Whitman, January 7, 2026

Sun, Jan 18 - South Puget Sound (T36A1s & T137s)

The video I took in Purdy Bay. Link to FB video.

Lauren Nelson

-

17:13 - Big bull entering the Purdy Bay northbound.

17:01 - They’re in Purdy Bay northbound.

Robyn Riley

-

17:02 - Coming into view and to the left of the floating dock.

16:54 - Viewing with binos from Purdy. Seeing distant blows from Jack coming into view. North in Henderson Bay.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

16;53 - Viewing from Purdy Spit. Still headed into the bay. Out toward mid channel from where they were near Minter. Key Peninsula side.

Torry Chamberlayne

-

16:49 - I was on kayak at Minter the one I saw was headed away from me toward Kopachuck.

16:36 - Middle of bay headed toward Kopachuck.

Claudia Marsh

-

16:35 - Viewing from Minter side. Past mouth of Minter. Middle of channel heading north time.

Alexa Mercurio

-

16:25 - Had one pop up just south of Minter Creek in Henderson Bay headed north. Hasn't popped up again.

Randy Witter

-

16:04 - Still viewing from Kopachuck. Orcas are trending near North Bay. Northbound. 1 boat following.

15:51 - Viewing from Kopachuck they are spread out in the inlet. Northbound.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

15:44 - Moving northbound in Carr toward Cutts Island. Already past the entrance to Horsehead Bay.

Deanna Foster Goldberg

-

15:27 - Heading toward Kopachuck but Key Peninsula side. Just seeing Jack.

15:13 - Northbound spread out at the mouth of Lakebay.

15:01 - Northbound toward Lakebay.

14:51 - They are milling north of Pitt Passage. Jack has rejoined the others. They are kind of by Delano Bay? I’m unfamiliar with the area. Look for the 3 boats.

14:42 - Viewing from a private residence on Fox Island they are on the Key Peninsula side hunting. Trending toward McNeil. 3-4 boats following.

Lainey B Seims

-

14:23 - Only saw 2 as they passed Horsehead Bay.

Jennifer Swenson

-

14:20 - Seeing one large orca among 4-5 boats [approx. 47.267961, -122.716757].

Amelia Heagerty

-

14:20 - Another group of three is following the first group. Just north of Pitt Passage traveling south.

Ariana S Huffmyer

-

14:17 - Now far further south mid channel.

14:11 - Not sure if same spot but kind of between McNeil and Fox... not sure how many are there.

Dave Smith

-

14:05 - Moving south in front of Pitt Passage approaching McNeil Island on Key Peninsula side.

Ariana S Huffmyer

-

14:04 - Surfacing mid channel between Green Point and Penrose.

Gillian Baldwin

-

13:37 - Still slowly moving southbound, closer to KP (Key Peninsula) side of mid-channel. Two boats in the area (at a respectful distance, just flagging because it helps me spot them).

Deanna Foster Goldberg

-

13:31 - Seeing everyone past Glen Cove a bit. Still steady southbound. Still Key Peninsula side.

13:11 - Just past Glen Cove hugging Key Peninsula side southbound.

Lainey B Seims

-

13:02 - Viewing from Kopachuck. There are two for sure swimming south.

Rich Kuras

-

12:59 - Approaching Raft Island, mid channel

12:56 - Have them moving south. Closer to Gig Harbor side. Approaching Allen Point. 

Gary Furuheim

-

12:33 - Visible from Purdy Spit far out toward Minter.

Robyn Riley

-

T137B Tempest & T36A1 Tierna

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

12:28 - Seeing them from along the Purdy Spit looks like they're heading out of Henderson.

photo by SummerLee Blankenship, January 18, 2026

-

12:01 - Still in Henderson Bay as of noon. Over on the west side between Cutts and Minter, heading north. One very large bull seen from a distance.

David Paly

-

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Maureen Mayo

Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026

Time: 10:30 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Carr Inlet: abeam Horsehead Bay, 200 feet from shoreline

Direction of travel : Northbound

Behaviors observed: Looked to be hunting

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

-

07:15 - I'm guessing the T137s stayed in Carr Inlet/Henderson Bay overnight. My neighbor heard and recorded breathing and surface activity in the fog just south of Minter Creek on the Key Peninsula side. No direction or counts to provide.

Randy Witter

Sat, Jan 17 - Admiralty Inlet (T124A2s)

T124A2s heading north past Point Wilson. Link to more photos.

photos by Danielle Lanxon, January 17, 2026

-

15:17 - West of Point Wilson now trending Northwest. Got three fast glimpses, and they went down.

Joe Griffin-Harte

-

15:00 - East of Point Wilson. Heading northbound.

Danielle Lanxon

-

14:58 - Viewing from Fort Casey looking at Fort Worden lighthouse. Saw blows with binoculars. Seems like they may have moved even more west.

Brad Dufour

-

15:30 - They are still headed northbound more west of mid now.

14:55 - Viewing with binoculars from Fort Ebey, still northbound west of mid, lots of big bows around them.

Kim Parry

-

14:48 - Here [approx. 48.138928, -122.733448], heading north. What a beautiful day! 

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

-

14:42 - Same pace; long down times: still west of mid.

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

-

14:48 - Last view was still South of Fort Worden State Park.

14:34 - Viewing from Fort Casey looking towards Port Townsend. Heading northbound . Can see blows without binoculars. Can see their bodies with binoculars.

Brad Dufour

-

14:25 - Still casually headed north bound about west of mid channel [approx. 48.127675, -122.719054].

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

-

13:50 - Close pass off Flagler Point.

Susan John

-

13:53 - Still northbound between Fort Flagler and Fort Casey, west of midchannel. Grouped up and casually traveling.

13:32 - They’re still northbound, still south of Fort Flagler on the west side of the channel. Downtimes are a couple of minutes. 

13:08 - Northbound here-ish [approx. 48.095275, -122.677930]. Seeing 5-7 blows at a time.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

-

T124A2A Agafia

13:00 - From Fort Flagler overlook. They are south of here and very much on the west side of the channel, slowly northbound.

12:30 - Passed East Beach, northbound. Private boat following.

back of camera photo by Susan John, January 17, 2026

-

12:30 - Northbound between Lagoon Point and East Beach Marrowstone. West of mid.

Sarah Geist

-

10:30 - Seeing blows, south of Double Bluff from my perspective.

Susan John

-

09:21 - Heading north, north of Norwegian Point.

09:15 - North of Point No Point now. At least four.

09:00 - Orcas southeast of Point No Point lighthouse.

Danielle Lanxon

Sat, Jan 17 - South Puget Sound (T36A1s & T137s)

T36A1A Drift

T137A Jack

This was our show from the ferry dock on Anderson Island on Saturday visit from the T137s and T36A1s. Link to more photos.

photos by Belen Bilgic Schneider, January 17, 2026

-

T36A1A Drift, T137B Tempest, T36A1 Tierna, T137 Loon

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

A brief sighting of the T137’s early this morning as they left Carr Inlet, then a lovely close pass along Horsehead Bay this afternoon as they headed back up northbound in the Carr Inlet. Heard soft blows after sunset off Horsehead Bay again this evening as they headed southbound out of Carr Inlet. Link to more photos.

photos by Jennifer Swenson, January 17, 2026

-

T137B Tempest & T137 Loon

T36A1A Drift, T36A1 Tierna, T137 Loon

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

T137s & T36A1s as they made a very quick appearance Henderson Bay in Purdy this morning!

photos by SummerLee Blankenship, January 17, 2026

-

18:24 - Horsehead Bay southbound. Link to FB video.

18:21 - Can hear lots of blows in the dark as they pass Horsehead Bay southbound. Sound close to shore on this side, slowly exciting Carr Inlet. Still audible at time of writing.

Jennifer Swenson

-

17:13 - Seems like both pods are headed toward Glen Cove after hanging near Deadman’s for a while (where I think they had dinner).

Ashley Beatty

-

16:54 - They seem to have found dinner a few minutes ago.

photo by Stacy Sanders Richens, January 17, 2026

-

16:54 - Lots of tail slaps. Same spot. 

16:50 - Surface activity from 2 fairly stationary individuals between Deadman’s and Minter Creek.

Ashley Beatty

-

16:44 - At least 2 visible from Purdy Spit - at a distance closer to the hill where sun is setting. In front of the buoys. 

Buddy Earhust

-

We were out on the kayaks. 3 females traveled separately and towards the Purdy Sandspit, a large male (with a female?) were moving separately, not going in as far. They were so amazing! Amazing tail slaps and blow sounds. At one point it felt like they were doing circles around us.

Claudia Marsh

-

16:23 - We saw them in Henderson Bay ahead of the people in kayaks.

Amanda Chamberlain

-

16:26 - Close to Minter.

16:19 - Viewing from Purdy Spit they’re pretty far out but headed this way, near a boat. Pin is a guess [approx. 47.354745, -122.674073].

Jenny Walsh

-

16:15 - Long down times. Just popped up north of Allen Point. Should be visible from Purdy Spit with binoculars. Gig Harbor side.

16:05 - Just north of Raft Island continuing north.

Randy Witter

-

15:57 - Approaching Allen Point.

Janet Christensen Small

-

15:46 - Viewing from Kopachuck State Park - grouped up traveling east of mid channel northbound into Henderson, we found them from the sound of their blows.

Andrea Facer

-

15:37 - They seem to be headed farther up into Carr Inlet.

Betsy Thomas

-

15:33 - Northbound in Carr, headed toward Kopachuck State Park.

Deanna Foster Goldberg

-

15:22 - Just saw a big dorsal‘s viewing point Penrose State Park.

Krystina Douglass

-

15:20 - Saw them right here from Bella Bella heading around the west side of Green Point. Saw at least three fins, maybe four. [approx. 47.280750, -122.697522].

Jenny Walsh

-

15:15 - 2 lead and 4 following into Carr.

Troy Mead

-

14:55 - Briefly spotted 3 fins mid-channel Carr Inlet between Fox Island and McNeil, about a half mile south of Bella Bella, heading north. Fox Island, McNeil-facing side, half mile south of Bella Bella.

photo by Michelle Anderson Khuon, January 17, 2026

-

14:09 - Second McNeil pass today! [approx. 47.212646, -122.639276].

Laura Kozar Batanian

-

14:05 - Northbound [approx. 47.203376, -122.638023].

Julia Footh

-

14:00 - They are headed north now. Right in front of McNeil prison.

Paul Davis

-

13:49 - What an amazing day! I couldn’t even post updates because once we saw them from the Anderson Island ferry dock, they have been on one hunt after another, very surface active and I have 14k shots to sort through. We definitely had a little one and I believe 6 total. They are mid water right note and continue to be in no hurry to go anywhere.

Belen Bilgic Schneider

-

13:40 - Just saw T137s STILL at Anderson Island ferry. Milling. 

Lisa Wood

-

13:39 - On hunting [approx. 47.172195, -122.668533].

Paul Davis

-

13:37 - Tail slaps spotted off Anderson island ferry dock viewing from Steilacoom.

Mitchell Ehmann

-

13:05 - Surface active just south of Anderson Island ferry terminal - can't tell how many from Chambers.

Lisa Wood

-

12:41 - Just saw 4 to 5 swimming southbound at Hyde Point on McNeil. One had a massive dorsal fin! They dove down north of the ferry dock.

Lisa Barrett Morgan

-

12:45 - Look to now be heading west between McNeil and Anderson.

12:35 - Just cleared the east end of McNeil heading southeast.

Laura Kozar Batanian

-

12:28 - Look to be headed south out of Carr Inlet [approx. 47.204926, -122.633360].

Hannah Marie Munro

-

12:22 - They are passing by Gertrude Island! Heading south.

Hannah Stoner

-

11:18 - 3 smaller passed Penrose.

11:08 - Today was something I will not forget. I was alone and finally spotted the T137s far in the distance around 11:08. I get the distant mirage video of them heading my way.... who knew ~10min they would pop up in front of me. I was unprepared since I had not spotted them since they were in the mirage. They were gone as fast as they appeared. Link to FB videos.

photos by Kristen George, January 17, 2026

-

11:17 - Seeing blows near Penrose, they look to be closer to the other side. Nearly out of view from Bella Bella.

10:54 - Seeing fins across from Bella Bella. Closer to the Maple Hollow Park side. Continuing south.

Mollie Segall

-

10:44 - Still in front of Maple Hollow, milling.

Duffy Lord

-

10:43 - Mid channel by the weather buoy headed toward Fox island. South of Kopachuck State Park.

Justin Foster

-

10:34 - Spouting in front of Maple Hollow Park, Key Peninsula.

Gillian Baldwin

-

10:09 - Straight out from Kopachuck, mid channel heading south.

Brooke Casanova

-

09:55 - Definitely spread out. One is mid channel and one near Key Peninsula side approaching Glen Cove headed south.

Randy Witter

-

09:54 - Just saw Jack on the north side of Deadman’s Island from Kopachuck.

Andrea Reinicke

-

09:54 - We saw him [Jack] around the same time (viewing from Wauna), but it seemed like they were just kind of hanging out there. Haven’t seen them for a while now though, so they must have moved one way or another after they dived.

09:38 - Saw one surface 3 times between Deadman’s Island and Minter Creek. Seemed to be headed into Henderson Bay.

Ashley Beatty

-

09:12 - Still viewing from Purdy Spit, they appear to be headed back out of the bay. Have only put eyes on two of them one appearing to be Jack.

09:03 - Viewing from Purdy Spit, they are deep in the bay past the floating dock.

Torry Chamberlayne

-

09:20 - They made it to the floating platform and then they turned around and went back out looking like they were heading around the corner.

09:19 - Right along Henderson in Purdy.

09:12 - They are heading out.

09:00 - I see three or four of them.

SummerLee Blankenship

-

08:30 - Henderson Bay at Minter. Moving north. Saturday long down times.

Gary Furuheim

Fri, Jan 16 - Saratoga Passage

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Laurie Ho

Date of Sighting: January 16, 2026

Time: 3:50 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Saratoga Passage

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Maybe 1

Any unusual markings?: No seen

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

Photos available?: No

Fri, Jan 16 - Puget Sound (T36A1s & T137s)

My first time seeing them! I hiked up Titlow Beach and they were in front of Narrows Park closer to the Gig Harbor side! I’m so excited!

photo by Atlas Unmapped, January 16, 2026

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T137A Jack

From Titlow today.

photo by Sharon Predoehl, January 16, 2026

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T137A Jack

Got to experience a successful hunt by the T137s. Jack gave a little show to celebrate. Link to more photos.

photos by Daniel Walsh, January 16, 2026

-

T36A1 Tierna

T137B Tempest

As they passed by Point Robinson.

photos & IDs by Marla Smith, Orca Network, January 16, 2026

-

Today was something else! I had been feeling a little under the weather at the start of this morning. I was able to muster the strength to get out to go see if I could find the whales. Unfortunately, I spent nearly 8-9 hours always being two steps behind the whales and missing them. Never, in my entire history of chasing whales, have I ever struggled so much keeping up. I finally ended my search at the Fox Island bridge. We waited and waited while we lost light. As I was ready to call it quits and walk away, my friend turned me around because T137A and his sister (most likely) were trailing behind the main group. They passed under the bridge and I caught a very very dark video of it. Link to FB video.

Kat Martin

-

T137s pass by Point Robinson! I wasn’t expecting such a close pass by and it was an incredible treat! Link to FB videos.

Olive Tabbs

-

Off Alki. Link to FB video. 

Fei Cheng

-

Dream shot with The T137s. Link to FB video.

Duangjai Vasantana-Berntsen

-

17:32 - Tough to see but Jack finally passed under Fox Island Bridge. Viewing from the bridge. Link to FB video.

Torry Chamberlayne

-

17:27 - Viewing from Cromwell heading toward Fox Island Bridge.

17:08 - Exiting Wollochet Bay hugging the Cromwell side toward Fox Island. Link to FB video.

17:00 - This was Jack and his companion hunting a seal at in Wollochet Bay today. Link to FB video. 

Lainey B Seims

-

16:44 - They’re headed westbound just past Wollochet Bay. On the Gig Harbor side.

Justin Foster

-

16:35 - Definitely out of sight from Titlow, saw Jack and one other going up past Point Fosdick [approx. 47.251296, -122.596233].

Morgan Dale

-

16:30 - Seems they’re heading into Hale Passage toward Fox Island Bridge - trending west near Wollochet.

Andrea Facer

-

16:27 - They are headed south towards Fox Island Pier.

Paul Davis

-

16:16 - Looks like they are heading toward the Fox Island bridge. They are not to watch it quite yet.

Barb Pritchard Hulbert

-

16:15 - Milling about just south of the bridge, Gig Harbor side.

Steve Gardner

-

16:08 - On they are just both of Titlow heading south.

Paul Davis

-

16:05 - Jack and one other is about a half mile behind further east. Almost to Titlow.

Ashley Fry

-

15:57 - Four traveling together south mid channel in front of Narrows Park.

Colleen Henckel

-

15:51 - Just northeast of the east “Tacoma side” tower of the Narrows Bridge.

Jason Cook

-

15:51 - Passing under the bridge now.

Steve Gardner

-

15:48 - Viewing from Narrows Park approaching the bridge southbound seems mid-ish but maybe east of mid.

Andrea Facer

-

15:40 - We can see them mid channel southbound towards the bridge. Viewing Hidden Beach-Titlow.

Jason Cook

-

15:30 - Appears to have resumed southbound towards the Narrows. Approx. 2 miles to the bridge. On Gig Harbor side.

Olivier Maltais

-

15:14 - They are milling in front of us at the Five Mile Bridge Viewpoint.

Paul Davis

-

15:14 - Perfect viewing from bridge viewing point in park.

Andrew Soberman

-

14:53 - Hugging Point Defiance heading southbound into Narrows about halfway to Salmon Beach.

Lainey B Seims

-

14:38 - Close to shore at tip of Point Defiance trending toward Narrows.

14:36 - Longer down times. heading west mid channel. Viewing from Owen.

Taryn Hensley

-

14:38 - Anthony’s but they are fast and went south. I think I saw 3.

14:29 - They are at Point Defiance right now.

Ste Sta

-

14:22 - Sighted at Dune Peninsula. 

Mark Causby

-

14:22 - Seeing them at Dune Peninsula now.

Bevan Kloppel

-

14:21 - Two traveling directly in front of Dune heading west.

Colleen Henckel

-

14:21 - At Dune. They are near us moving west.

Paul Davis

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: lex barnard

Date of Sighting: January 16, 2026

Time: 2:15 PM

Species seen: orcas

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Dalco Passage 47°18′24″ N 122°30′38″ W

Direction of travel : 355 degrees NW, brisk pace

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: unknown

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Biggs, likely the T137s and T361As traveling towards Colvos Passage and Narrows from Point Robinson direction unknown.

Photos available?: No

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13:29 - They came through pretty fast around the point. They're mid channel southbound, south of Point Robinson, they're kinda split into 2 groups. It looks like 2 are off to the right closer to Vashon and 3 or 4 to the left more mid channel.

David Bennett

-

13:25 - About 3 or 4 [approx. 47.378881, -122.372577].

Brian Stevens

-

13:22 - Beautiful pass at Point Robinson, very close in to shore, loosely grouped, southbound.

13:13 - Just about to Point Robinson, close in, southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

12:35 - Seeing them north of KVI Beach, southbound Vashon side of channel.

Ellen Weir

-

11:37 - Seeing distant blows from Emma Schmitz. Trending southwest towards Vashon. In line with the Vashon terminal. Traveling in East Passage. 

11:29 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz. The 137s have pushed more mid channel in line with the south end of Blake. Quickly traveling south.

11:24 - Viewing from Constellation. Traveling sb. East of mid channel.

11:17 - Beginning to travel towards Lighthouse and Constellation.

11:09 - Still milling about at Alki. 137s have moved down the beach slightly. Viewing from 64th and Alki.

Hannah Marie Munro

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T137A Jack

T137B Tempest, T36A1 Tierna, T137 Loon, T137A Jack

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

11:22 - T137s passing Constellation Park.

photos by Robin Sinner, January 16, 2026

-

10:43 - Milling.

Izzy Edwards

-

10:39 - They’re at Alki right now.

Chris Huynh

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10:25 - Still milling viewing from Alki. This looks like Jack and the 137s.

Hannah Marie Munro

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10:15 - Still viewing from main Alki Beach. Milling. Amazing breaches about 20 minutes ago from Jack! My first time seeing him, thanks for the ID!

Izzy Edwards

-

10:12 - Still milling about after a hunt. Viewing from Alki Beach.

10:01 - This group is milling (maybe even hunting) very close to shore at Alki Beach.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

09:49 - Ashley called to report 4 orcas hunting near northside Alki Point, reporting breach after breach while on the phone.

-

09:07 - Still between Alki and Blakely Rocks. Incredible spy hopping. East side.

Diana Gragg

-

09:05 - ~5 orcas were feeding outside of Alki Beach/s of ferry lanes for about 15 minutes.

Jennie Tang

-

08:58 - watching from the Inn at the Market above Pike Street and swing lots of breaches just off Alki, must be a great show if I can see it from here!

Michael Rodenbaugh

-

08:56 - Southworth fast ferry just passed them. They're off Alki Point hanging to the southbound side of the two tugs. [approx. 47.580472, -122.427896].

Troy Victor Violette

-

08:30 - Southbound approaching Eagle Harbor viewing from top of Bonaire Drive.

Diana Gragg

-

08:17 - There are still a couple orcas between Magnolia Viewpoint and Wing Point, right in the ferry lane right now.

Jamin King

Fri, Jan 16 - Puget Sound (T124A2s)

10:49 - Continuing southbound midchannel. Passing Maury Island. Have only spotted 2 at a time so far.

10:37 - Southbound from south side of Three Tree Point.

10:25 - Past Three Tree Point. Southbound. Mid channel.

Daria Etchings

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09:45 - Still headed South, off Seola Beach.

Ron Cage Billiet

-

09:30 - Passed closely by 98th St end.

Steve Rice

-

09:17 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. This group is east of mid channel and is at Fauntleroy ferry terminal. Southbound in East Passage.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

08:59 - Lowman Beach. They appeared to be hunting for a minute.

Daniel Walsh

-

08:55 - Seeing blows north/beginning to approach Lincoln Park. East of mid. Viewing from Lincoln Park.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

08:32 - Just watched 3-4 orcas, no males, southbound well east of traffic lanes at Emma Schmitz viewpoint.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

-

08:31 - Seeing fins from Emma Schmitz sb east of mid channel. Traveling.

Hannah Marie Munro

-

07:47 - single orca reported as viewed from Duwamish Head, Elliott Bay. No direction or specific location of the orca.  

[WA app]

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: John Barrickman

Date of Sighting: January 16, 2026

Time: 7:40 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Elliott Bay, 200 yards off W Seattle boat launch

Direction of travel : W until they got to the green channel bouy, then they turned south…

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Don’t think so

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, Jan 13 - Haro Strait (T49A2 & T87)

10:30 - Two male orcas are eastbound from the Canadian side/Baynes Channel.

Christin Carruthers [WSSJI]

Tue, Jan 13 - Saratoga Passage (T90s)

T90D Kanga & T90 Eagle

T90B Piglet & T90 Eagle

T90s in Saratoga Passage. Link to more photos.

photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, January 13, 2026

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T90D Kanga, T90B Piglet, T90 Eagle, T90C Tigger

T90B Piglet & T90C Tigger

What a beautiful moment today in Saratoga Passage with this awesome group of transient orcas the T90s. Link to more photos. 

photos by Kim Parry, January 13, 2026

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15:22 - They are north of there now. 

15:07 - We’ve got ‘em at Davis Landing. Close to shore, still northbound.

Wendy Custer Chambers

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13:54 - May be east bound.

13:47 - Still hanging out in the Saratoga triangle. No direction. Not really visible from anywhere public. 

13:10 - Pointed towards Crescent Harbor. Seriously, so slow. Loooong downs.

13:00 - They’ve moved out a bit. Harrington Lagoon. Still slow northbound. LONG downs.

Sarah Geist

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12:25 - Relaying report they are close to Whidbey still northbound near Race Lagoon.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

11:50 - Heading north closer to Camano mile or so north of Cama.

photo by Aaron Gill, January 13, 2026

-

11:50 - See at least 3 northbound - way north of Hidden Beach - under water swimming.

11:44 - Seeing orca northbound north of Hidden Beach.

Linda Aitkins

-

11:25 - Between Hidden Beach and Cama cabins. Long downs.

11:13 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. They’re Camano side of mid. Almost to the houses north of Camano Island State Park. Can hear their blows in the quiet. Slow northbound.

11:00 - They have moved back to Camano side. Approaching Camano Island State Park.

Sarah Geist

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10:47 - 3 females northbound north of Baby Island, not sure where the male went. 

10:40 - 3-4 orcas now Whidbey side of midchannel north of Fox Spit, still northbound

10:22 - At least two orcas, including a male, northbound Camano side of midchannel south of Camano Island State Park.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Kelli Mazur

Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026

Time: 9:30 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: (48.0895686, -122.4229972)

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

Mon, Jan 12 - Discovery Bay (T49A2 & T87)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Lori Fehrs-Grey

Date of Sighting: January 12, 2026

Time: 4:30 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: 48°06'27.1"N 122°53'45.7"W (Discovery Bay just southeast if Protection Island at the tip of Cape George jetty)

Direction of travel : Traveling south into Discovery Bay

Behaviors observed: breaching and milling for 5-10 minutes, then submerged and presumably continued south into the bay.

If orcas, any males?: Both males.

Any unusual markings?: Didn't see them well enough.

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

Photos available?: No

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Darrell and Lorna Smith

Date of Sighting: January 12, 2026

Time: 4:10 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Location: entrance to Discovery Bay, observed from the Cape George Marina about 400 yards offshore between the Marina and Protection Island.

Direction of travel : Traveling together S at speed of about 3-5 knots

Behaviors observed: Appeared to be hunting.

If orcas, any males?: 2 males

Any unusual markings?: From the distance, through binoculars, we could see grayish saddle patches, and noted that the large prominent dorsal fins of both individuals appeared slightly rounded only because the fin tips nodded slightly sideways, apparently to opposite sides.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Lorna and I (Darrell) are fish and wildlife bios with a great interest in marine mammals, but not specialists. Lorna is a current WDFW Commissioner. We were equipped with binoculars and only our cell phones. Video was taken with an Apple 16 Pro Max cell phone at 15x digital. ). See video I've forwarded. --Two apparent males about same size with long prominent dorsals which appear a little more rounded because the fin tips were bent slightly to the side. One with tip bent to the right, and the other appeared bent in opposite direction - to left. -- Notable behavior: About 15 minutes prior to our Orca sightings, we had first noticed an unusual grouping of 6 nearby harbor seals in a rocky area just off the Cape George beach with their heads out of the water milling around in 10-25 ft of water (not a haul-out area). Several minutes later we noticed the 2 Orcas 300-400 meters distant from us milling around and deep-diving over a small area 300-350 ft depths between the Cape George Marina and Protection Island. Ten minutes later, they began swimming southerly towards Beckett Point at a pace of 3-5 knots (see video I've emailed). After a few minutes they dove and abruptly disappeared from our view but surfaced much closer, to "within 100 meters" from to the Cape George shoreline south of the Marina and again "disappeared" as noted by other shoreside observers we talked to a few minutes after these events. None of us noted any unusual splashing or other more active behavior.

Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

T49A2 Jude & T87 Harbeson

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photo by Darrell and Lorna Smith, January 12, 2026

Wed, Jan 7 - Puget Sound (T36/T36Bs, T37/T37Bs, T37As) 

T37A1 Inyo

T37B1 Lance

Ts passing Point Robinson. Link to more photos. 

photos by Ashley Whitman, January 7, 2026

Sun, Jan 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sarah Canepa

Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026

Time: 4:35 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Shipwreck Point [Strait of Juan de Fuca - video shows a small calf present]

Direction of travel : E

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

Adult dorsal next to very small calf breaching

screengrab from video by Sarah Canepa, January 18, 2026

Tue, Jan 13 - Central Puget Sound 

[Js & Ks were much further north at this point, it’s possible the calls carried that far or perhaps another group of orca were around; I heard calls but couldn’t confirm ecotype -RH].

-

07:30 - Listening to them on MAST for the past 15 minutes or so. 

Ashley S Whitman

-

06:37 - Hearing calls on MAST.

Sarah Geist

Sun, Jan 18 - Oregon Coast (T234/CA277, T234A/CA277A, T236/CA276, T308/CA278)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mark Ludwick

Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026

Time: 2:05 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: 13 miles west of Newport

Direction of travel : Probably west

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: I don't know

Any unusual markings?: I didn't see any

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was on a fishing boat heading into Newport the whales appeared to be going the opposite way. Only observe for a minute or two.

Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

T308/CA278

T236/CA276

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network & Ling Yifan

photos by Mark Ludwick, January 18, 2026

Sun, Jan 18 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen & CRC2246 Azulão)

18:50 - Two whales 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, I can tell by the separate blows it’s two. Link to FB video.

Aaron Gill

-

CRC2246 Azulão

16:45 - Out from Hidden Beach. CRC2246 Azulão one of them! [Other looked to be CRC531 Gretchen]

photo & ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, January 18, 2026

-

16:45 - The two grays, Az being one, are off Hidden Beach parking lot heading north. Link to FB video.

15:45 - Continuing towards Holmes Harbor. Sightline from Hidden Beach they are west of Baby Island, that side of mid channel. [approx. 48.099418, -122.535410].

15:25 - Spotted the two whales, they are grays. Currently westbound angling more Holmes Harbor at the moment. Sightline Baby Island Heights from Hidden Beach.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

-

14:45 - Two humpbacks [grays] traveling north. Viewing from Camano Island State Park mid-channel. Looks like they're turning west.

Shelly Greybeck

Sun, Jan 18 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (CRC53 Little Patch)

CRC-53 Little Patch, Sunday afternoon, Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island. Link to more photos.

photos by Jason Cook, January 18, 2026

-

Link to FB video.

photo by MdcQueen Dinero, January 18, 2026

-

13:40 - Little Patch is still within sight but at north end of the cove north of Hidden Beach. Thinking/hoping he’ll circle back as tide continues to come in.

13:00 - Little Patch has moved into cove north of parking lot and is feeding. Buddy head lunging by Marilyn Armbruster

Alisa Lemire Brooks

-

13:00 - Directly in front of Hidden Beach cove… kayak photographer in the area. Looks like he’s coming in to feed.

Janet Moody

-

12:52 - Gray has stalled out from the parking lot at Hidden. Circling around bobbing to the surface. Slowly drifting inshore and north.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

-

12:44 - Directly in front of Hidden Beach. Northbound.

Jason Cook

-

12:30 - Gray whale is in sight from Hidden, they have rounded the bend, heading northwest towards Hidden Beach.

Alisa, Marilyn & Jason

-

12:03 - Gray still traveling north, just north of and hugging Greenbank, seemingly heading to Hidden Beach as viewed from Wonn road. 

11:56 - We stayed to watch it surface a few more times to ensure it was committed. It appeared so. We are relocating.

Alisa Lemire Brooks & Marilyn Armbruster

-

11:25 - Gray whale northbound Holmes Harbor between Dines Point and Greenbank on Greenbank side.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

-

11:06 - Just saw what we thought was a humpback in Holmes Harbor.

Dasha Berry

Sat, Jan 17 - Saratoga Passage

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Hannah Fisker-Andersen

Date of Sighting: January 17, 2026

Time: 1:40 PM

Species seen: Humpback [confirmed gray -RH]

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Langley

Direction of travel : N

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

Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage

16:13 - Gray north of Baby Island, looks like it's heading into Holmes Harbor.

15:27 - Gray northbound between Fox Spit and Baby Island, midchannel.

15:18 - Gray midchannel between Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit, I think northbound.

14:56 - Gray midchannel off Fox Spit.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)

14:00 - Last seen from Mabana going northwest. Lost visual.

Linda Raines Tyner

-

13:12 - Still feeding just south of Mabana boat launch.

12:50 - Gretchen still feeding, now south of Mabana boat launch.

12:18 - Offshore whale is moving south, just north of Mabana now.

12:10 - Just saw a blow from a second gray midchannel looking north. Line of sight to Hidden Beach but the whale is much closer than that.

12:05 - 531 feeding north of Mabana boat launch. Link to more photos.

photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January 15, 2026

-

11:40 - Gray whale is still feeding off Mabana boat launch.

Linda Aitkins

-

10:09 - Gray [whale] feeding off the Mabana boat launch again.

Gary Leonard

Thu, Jan 15 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) 

14:40 - Right out front of Langley Seawall.

photo by Kim Parry, January 15, 2026

-

09:00 - 09:40 - Little Patch feeding and has moved on northbound from Fox Spit. Out from the Whidbey shore possibly heading towards Baby Island. Link to FB video.

Marilyn Armbruster

Wed, Jan 14 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen)

08:38 - Still feeding off Mabana. 

08:05 - CRC531 feeding off Mabana boat launch. Link to more photos.

photo by Serena Tierra, Orca Network, January, 14, 2026

Wed, Jan 14 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)

15:00 - Milling back and forth [approx. 48.101509, -122.512547]. It’s so calm out. Many of you know I am hard of hearing but I hear him. Link to FB video.

Marilyn Armbruster

-

13:30 - He is off Whidbey Shores heading north up towards Baby Island.

Sommer Bowlin

-

08:50 - CRC53 Little Patch feeding south of East Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

08:28 - I’ve got a gray just south of East Point! Very close to shore.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

Tue, Jan 13 - Saratoga Passage

11:11 - This whale may have moved deeper into Elger Bay. I've been scanning from the state park for about 20 minutes and haven't seen anything.

10:18 - This was a gray, saw a blow just south of Elger Bay.

10:10 - I heard a few blows from the bluff at Camano Island State Park, not sure if it was an orca or gray.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

Tue, Jan 13 - Saratoga Passage

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Luanne Seymour

Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026

Time: 9:16 AM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Sandy Point near Whidbey side

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Milling and diving

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, Jan 13 - Possession Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Beverly Yoshioka

Date of Sighting: January 13, 2026

Time: 11:06 AM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Off Witter Beach south of Sandy Point headed north/milling

Direction of travel : NE

Behaviors observed: Traveling/ milling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, Jan 13 - Possession Sound

14:53 - West of the Snohomish River mouth. Lots of birds with it. Legion Park would be a good viewing spot. I'm on Rucker Hill looking north.

14:30 - Possession Sound – Single large cetacean, likely gray whale, feeding. Fluke and pec visible.

Amy Willoughby

Sun, Jan 18 - San Juans 

12:01 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Two Humpback heading towards Cape George near Friday Harbor.

12:00 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Tillikum just reported a gray whale milling near Friday Harbor, no specific direction.

Sat, Jan 17 - San Juan Channel (CRC-13718 Tempest, CRC-16548 Cirque, CRC-20232 Butterfly Wings)

CRC-20232 Butterfly Wings

Once the octopus succumbed to Its fate, we hurried away. By the end of the day, we had rounded back towards Cattle Point, and the same humpback whales we initially met up with rejoined by our side. The sunlit whales’ breaths were practically dancing in the rare Washington sun. We all took in the beauty of these goliath creatures, as they traveled west out into the sunset and towards Canada. With one final fluke up dive, we said goodbye and raced back to port. By the time we had tied back up at the dock, the sun had taken its leave. It was a great way to end this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Link to more photos.

photos by Kat Martin, January 17, 2026

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CRC-13718 Tempest

We saw three humpbacks. BCX0837 Tempest, BCY1059 Cirque and Butterfly Wings who has a really gnarly fluke injury that is new this [past] year. We also ran into a Steller's sea lion who was finishing his dinner of Pacific giant octopus. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, Janaury 17, 2026

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16:12 - At Salmon Bank off Cattle Point now.

David Robison

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10:33 - Two humpbacks in San Juan Channel headed south almost to Mineral Point now.

Melanie Nakashima [WSSJI]

Fri, Jan 16 - San Juans

09:54 - Humpback off northern most point of Orcas Island headed west!

Megan L Patton [WSSJI]

Sun, Jan 18 - Dalco Passage

14:10 - Our boat passed within 100 yds of a whale. West bound just north of Point Defiance. Solo and too big for a pacific porpoise. Much too small for a humpback. I am guessing a minke whale.

Stace Gordon

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sandy Karwhite

Date of Sighting: January 18, 2026

Time: 11:47 AM

Species seen: Unknown, only one seen surfacing at any time

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Dalco Passage, Vashon side, near Tahlequah ferry dock

Direction of travel : Unknown - seems to be staying in general area, have seen surface in general area a number of times in last 10 minutes

Behaviors observed: Milling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Sat, Jan 17 - Tacoma Narrows/Dalco Passage

12:22 - Several made a quick pass through Dalco Passage heading towards Robinson Point 15 minutes ago. Might be 3 [approx. 47.316284, -122.554813].

Rae Yang

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11:59 - Just crossed the Narrows and saw what looked like a fin surfacing just south of the bridge mid channel, looked to be heading north. I saw it twice, unsure of species but feel like a porpoise fin maybe wouldn’t be that easy to spot from that distance. I know there’s more whales that were around yesterday so thought I’d pass this along just in case. North of Titlow but still south of the Narrows.

Brooke Casanova