Newest K pod calf K45 next to mom K20
photo taken under permit by the Center for Whale Research, July 9, 2022
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ORCA NETWORK
WHALE SIGHTING REPORT
We are watching and visiting the whales in their home.
Please observe, love, and respect them from a distance.
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SUMMARY
Sightings through July 10th include:
Southern Residents - On July 9, members of all 3 pods were spotted headed eastbound off Race Rocks and headed north up Haro Strait, passing by SJI and giving us our first looks at new K pod baby designated as K45. The Center for Whale Research confirmed that the mother is K20 Spock.
According to Monika Wieland Shields from Orca Behavior Institute, about 60 whales came in! There were beautiful vocals on the hydrophones overnight as they traveled north headed for the Fraser River, where they spent most of the day July 10.
Bigg's Killer Whales - The unique mix of transients T34s without T34A1, T37s, T37A1, T65A5, and T72 kicked off the 4th of July in Penn Cove before spending the day traveling up and down Saratoga Passage with a quick visit to Holmes Harbor. They likely crossed under the Deception Pass bridge under darkness and were spotted the next morning close to shore off the westside of San Juan Island!
Meanwhile, the T65As and T77s spent a few more days roaming the south sound before exiting on July 7. Prior to their exit of Puget Sound, T65A3 broke off from the family and was spotted northbound in Admiralty Inlet on July 6, and was later spotted traveling with another male T49A2. T65A5 is also still traveling separate from the family.
The rest of the T65As and T77s must have really loved spending time in Puget Sound because on July 9, they were back in Admiralty Inlet southbound. The next day, July 10, they headed south through Puget Sound, opting to take Colvos Passage southbound past Vashon.
The T65Bs, T109s and T123s were also seen spotted further north outside of Puget Sound.
Humpbacks - What a thrill when once again at least one humpback was spotted in Saratoga Passage. One has been spotted close to the shores of both Whidbey and Camano Island at times. Lots of breaching and some lunge feeding has been observed. Several others have been observed in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the SJIs.
Gray Whales - Few sporadic sightings of CRC2440 and CRC2441 still. It will be interesting to see if they stay all summer.
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EVENTS & ARTICLES
Snake River dams may need to be removed to help salmon, White House says: "The Biden administration on Tuesday released two reports arguing that removing dams on the lower Snake River may be needed to restore salmon runs to historic levels. ” Read more [ here].
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Orca Network
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
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Meet K45! Newest K Pod Calf
From the Center for Whale Research: "On July 9, we met the newest member of K Pod, K45. We received word that Southern Resident orcas were inbound from the west side of Vancouver Island, and in the group were members of K Pod whom we had not seen since November 21, 2021." Read more [ here].
Sun, Jul 10
06:28 - [srkw] It’s sounding like they did continue north last night, likely heading for the Fraser [River] this morning.
00:25 - Great vocals starting on the Lime Kiln hydrophone - they’re busting out the full SRKW repertoire!
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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07-10-22 SRKWs, 60 orcas, Haro Strait, SJI
23:57 - 00:23, Just before midnight I heard an orca blow booming above the sound of the sea surging against the rocks. I went out to the shore to listen for direction and over the next 25 minutes heard 60 members of J-Pod, K-Pod and L-Pod traveling to the north. Their blows were every 1-4 seconds, some very close and some farther in the distance, a literal symphony of blows. I could see the orcas that were close to shore in the moonlight, estimating 300 yds from shore. Activity included many fluke lobs smacking the water and a few massive breaches. I stood at the edge, awestruck.
00:23 - 00:35, Beautiful and varied calls of the Southern Residents as they passed Lime Kiln Lighthouse.
Michelline Halliday
Sat, Jul 9
7-09-22: J-Pod, L-Pod and reportedly K-Pod, Haro Strait, SJI, 18:05 - 19:10
18:05 - J26 Mike was the first one that came into view. He was traveling north, 1/3 mile from shore and 1.5 miles south of Landbank Westside Preserve. He was joined by 4-5 others widely spaced apart and all traveled quickly, hardly surfacing. As J26 neared Point Edwards he turned south, milling in all directions over a 1/2 mile area.
18:37 - J16 Slick and another member milling farther out turned and headed back to the south. J26 continued fishing with a flurry of sideways circling activity which I hope means he caught a fish.
18:48 - J26 left the area, southbound. 5-6 more orcas were seen traveling south passing Point Edwards, a few as far out as one mile from shore. L55 Nugget and a few minutes later her son L109 Takoda were the trailing southbound orcas. Photographed from shore, cropped and enlarged.
Michelline Halliday
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L55 Nugget
photos and IDs by Michelline Halliday, July 9, 2022
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23:40 - [srkw] Hearing some intermittent high pitched calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout [WSSJI]
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20:00 - [srkw] Some have turned and are headed north from Eagle Point.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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19:15 - All whales appear to be southbound - early indications are at least some Js Ks and Ls
18:19 - Four-five whales [srkw] milling off Land Bank.
18:00 - [srkw] More coming across Haro, a couple angling towards Land Bank.
17:30 - [srkw] Wide spread, some aiming northeast, some southeast, towards San Juan. Lots of whales! Porpoising.
17:24 - [srkw] Confirmed whales crossing Haro heading east for San Juan
15:12 - SRKW eastbound from Race Rocks!
Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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On the evening of July 9th, J-Pod, K-Pod, and the L4 sub-group of L-Pod came into Haro Strait, spread out and milling. With the wind and waves and fading light, viewing conditions weren't ideal, but we stayed out there until after sunset, enjoying seeing whales we hadn't encountered yet in 2022. Just before it got completely dark, we lucked out and spotted little K45 tucked in next to mom, K20 Spock. Here are some of Jason's video highlights of the evening, including a few clips showing K45! Audio on to hear some amazing vocalizations from all three pods recorded a bit later when they all went north past Lime Kiln after midnight! [ Link to video]
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L91 Muncher and L122 Magic
photos and IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, July 9, 2022
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13:00 - Here come MANY residents! Off Sooke inbound.
Paul Pudwell
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
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Sun, Jul 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T65Bs)
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research... "Shortly after passing Otter Point, Gary spotted some activity to the south at 0647. As they closed the gap, it became clear that he had spied a juvenile killer whale with another rolling playfully alongside it! They quickly confirmed that the two animals were T065B1 and B2, and soon observed T065B travelling slowly just 300 metres southeast of them..." Read more [ here].
Sun, Jul 10 - Haro Strait (T49A2 and T65A3)
15:30 - Two Bigg's killer whales - T49A2 and T65A3 - heading south down the Canadian side of Haro Strait, currently approaching D'Arcy Island.
Orca Behavior Institute
Sun, Jul 10 - Puget Sound (T65A, 65A2, 65A4, 65A6 and T77, T77C, 77D, 77E)
20:53 - Still trending west. Mid-channel or so, maybe slightly more on the Vashon side. Grouped up. Long down times. One or two kind of looked like they were trending southwest, but still way too early to tell which direction they go.
Ashley Whitman
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20:44 - Crossing the south Vashon ferry lane now still trending west. Lots of down time.
Candace Gavin
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19:30 - 20:30 - I got a ton of pictures of them in the Commencement Bay between the Ruston side and Brown's Point Lighthouse.
LeeAnn Wilson Cummins
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photos by LeeAnn Wilson Cummins, July 10, 2022
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20:25 - Westbound south end of Vashon near ferry lane.
Jason Cook
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19:30 - There are at least four in front of Tyee Marina, milling about, tail slapping and breaching.
Jenna Iams
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19:28 - Looks like 6 are done with their meal & westbound.
19:07 - They look to be hunting in the same area as my last posted location, just east of Brown's Point mid channel. Lots of breaching & tail slaps, direction changes. Total of 4 here at least.
18:58 - Two mid channel but more on Brown's Point side, just east of Brown's Point, they were westbound but have flipped & are milling [approx. 47.289238, -122.431295].
18:46 - At least 2 up against Marine View Drive approaching Brown's Point.
18:41 - At least 1 off Brown's Point mid channel but closer to Brown's Point looks to be northbound.
18:31 - At least 3 including bull up against Marine View Drive east of the marina, westbound towards Brown's Point.
18:28 - The two that were off the grainery are now deep in Commencement off the Simpson Mill. There's a male in this group.
18:21 - At least 2 right off the grainery dock!
18:18 - All grouped up mid channel off the grainery, angling back towards Brown's Point. Bull was last seen separately still angling towards the marina.
18:10 - Bull off the grainery heading across the bay (north) towards Marine View Drive.
18:01 - Passing army ships still eastbound.
17:48 - Off Dukes mid channel heading east into the port.
Melissa Bird
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18:11 - Four seen right in the port! Viewing from Reconciliation Park.
Allie Brown
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18:01 - At least 3-4 steadily heading east towards [the] port; viewed from Ruston Way near Reconciliation Park.
Blake Koehn
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18:03 - Almost to the large blue and white container ship all the way in port. Eastbound.
17:54 - Seeing them mid channel from Northern Fish. Still look to be trending towards the port.
Candace Gavin
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17:38 - Only one so far.
Pat Maricle
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17:44 - Headed into Commencement Bay now, looks like about 3?
17:37 - Lots of activity right off Dune Peninsula right now! I see the male headed east toward Commencement/Federal Way and the couple others are trailing behind him.
Caro Lew
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17:25 - One headed east towards Tacoma, watching from Owen Beach.
Jessica Taylor
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17:25 - One male just passed Owen Beach headed east.
Jenelle Walter
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16:58 - They are right off Vashon headed east toward Tacoma.
Joel DeWitt
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Jul 10 16:55:54 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.35396,-122.53112 [southern Colvos Pass]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Ryan
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16:16 - Current location for T65A2, T77, and T77E who are the trailers in the group. The leaders are about a mile ahead now SB. [approx. 47.411980, -122.522557].
Bart Rulon, PSE
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16:04 - Passed Olalla southbound. Two or three closer to Gig [Harbor] side, the rest grouped up east of mid channel.
Ashley Whitman
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16:11 - Christiansen Cove.
Charlotte Ness-Hale
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25:53 - Mid channel Colvos Passage, across from Olalla, soon to pass Al's/Olalla Bay Market. Southbound at a good pace.
Amanda Herberger
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15:58 - Update southbound.[approx 47.423854, -122.517552].
15:51 - All 8 orcas are together now, loosely that is. T65A, A4, and A6 are in the lead mid channel. T77C and 77D are behind them. T65A2, T77, and T77E are hugging the western shoreline of Vashon Island. Still southbound.
15:37 - T65As and T77s are still southbound on the east side of Colvos passage from my mark on the map [approx. 47.465358, -122.525948].
Bart Rulon, PSE
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15:15 - Heading south,, just north of Fern Cove, mid channel.
Roxane Jackson Johnson
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15:06 - Headed south past Southworth.
Andrew Pilloud
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14:50 - Spotted from boat, the group was heading southwest [approx. 47.525067, -122.503407].
Darcey Dee
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14:30 - West side Blake Island southbound at Southworth now. ~5 orcas.
Tim Ferris
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14:00 - My location/direction/long dives/big direction changes [approx. 47.555036, -122.483936].
David Scott
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13:40 - Just north of Manchester fuel depot milling Kitsap side.
Mary Hartmann
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13:07 - Saw fins further west sightline Restoration Point (from Elliott Bay Marina) group was continuing southwesterly.
12:55 - Looks like families have regrouped. Seeing at least 7-8 orcas grouped southbound south of Seattle/Bainbridge ferry traffic lanes more west than previous sighting.
12:45- Seeing at least three mid channel grouped steady southbound out from just north of Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge. Transect and Viewing From Elliott Bay Marina.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:11 - Just now heading southbound just west of the green buoy off Discovery Point.
Leslie Goodman
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Jul 10 11:43:47 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.69397,-122.45319 [off Golden Gardens]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Emily
Whale Alert App
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11:29 - Update for T77, 77E and T65A2 still southbound [approx. 47.685666, -122.457310].
11:12 - So far we still only see the 3 animals I reported earlier. They are pretty spread out hunting right now.
10:52 - T77, T77E, T65A2 only so far from my last post.
10:45 - We spotted them southbound from my map post [approx. 47.740431, -122.441124].
Bart Rulon, PSE
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maria Steinbeisser
Date of Sighting: 6/10/2022
Time: 8:15:0 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Point No Point
Direction of travel : South, traveling slowly
Behaviors observed: Lots of Tail lobbing, think they are hunting
If orcas, any males?: At least 2
Any unusual markings?: Too far to tell even with binos12x42
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Still see them at 8,40 AM. They haven't traveled too far south since we started watching them at 815. Water is like glass. We think there might be a young one because of fluke size and swimming close to a female. Such a treat!
Photos available?: No
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Jul 10 8:32:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.90838,-122.51711 [just S of Point No Point, Kitsap]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Mary
Whale Alert App
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joe Savarese
Date of Sighting: 7/10/2022
Time: 6:35:0 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: 47.922360, -122.555872 In front of NE Twin Spits Road, Hansville. Skunk Bay
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: seemed to be hunting, milling for about10 minutes same location
If orcas, any males?: 1 or 2
Any unusual markings?: nick in fin and a couple had white stripe on fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I sent pictures by email.
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photos by Joe Savarese, July 10, 2022
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Sat, Jul 9 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca (T123s)
Incredible day with Bigg's/transient killer whales (T123's) off Victoria.
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photo by Paul Pudwell, July 9, 2022
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Sat, Jul 9 - Admiralty Inlet (T65A, T65A2, T65A4, and T65A6 with T77, T77C, T77D, and T77E)
20:00 - This group was off Point Hudson. Not sure who they were but there were approximately 8 in the pod.
Katie Day Arbuckle
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photo by Katie Day Arbuckle, July 9, 2022
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At 20:00. Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Salish Master reports a small pod of orca (4) 1 mile off Pt. Hudson- no direction.
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19:09 - Northbound rounding Point Hudson
Jesse Avery
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19:04 - Off the wharf in Port Townsend today. 4 orcas, at least 1 was for sure a baby/juvenile.
Jaymie C-g
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photos by Jaymie C-g, July 9, 2022
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16:36 - Looks like they may be heading into Port Townsend Bay.
Erin Merklein
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17:25 - We are slowly leaving the scene with T65As (minus A3, A5) and T77s (minus 77B) southbound aiming towards the Hadlock Cut. They are spreading out looking for prey [approx. 48.062110, -122.769322].
17:00 - T77C is definitely with them now also, so we’ve got 8 orcas T65A, 65A2, 65A4, 65A6 and T77, T77C, 77D, 77E. (No T77B). Viewing from MV Saratoga Puget Sound Express. [approx. 48.087509, -122.750723].
16:45 - We came back after visiting Protection Island and the killer whales have now entered Port Townsend Bay.
15:45 - They just passed very close to Point Wilson southeastbound. Lots of playing.
Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Wendy Feltham
Date of Sighting: 7/9/2022
Time: 3:39:0 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: swimming past Pt. Wilson in Ft. Worden
Direction of travel : traveling toward Port Townsend, I think that would be east, at a good pace
Behaviors observed: traveling in a pod, surfacing to breathe and diving again, sometimes more than one was at the surface
If orcas, any males?: It looked like one was quite tall
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I guessed at six because a number was required, but I'm not sure, because I was far away, walking at North Beach. I saw the whale watching boat and two or three smaller private vessels, so I walked a little closer to Pt. Wilson. These photos are from far away with a zoom lens.
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photos by Wendy Feltham, July 9, 2022
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15:17 - Ebey's Landing, slowly heading south.
Cyrilla Cook
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15:10 - I’m at Ebey's Landing. They are waaay out and north of Point Wilson. But it looks like they are still headed towards Admiralty.
Sarah Geist
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11:45 - T65As (minus A3, and A5) plus T77, T77D and T77E southbound from my map. Viewing from MV Saratoga. Puget Sound Express [approx. 48.309191, -122.727943].
Bart Rulon, PSE
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11:55 - Looked like five orcas heading southwest.
11:36 - At west beach Joseph Whidbey State Park, saw 2 fins.
Tami Kannenberg
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photo by Tami Kannenberg, July 9, 2022
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11:23 - Directly out from Rocky Beach picnic area. Southbound.
Nerell Edwards
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10:35 - They are currently following Whidbey shoreline steady southbound. Passing Moran County Beach Park now. Barely visible without binos. It is T65As and T77s. Sounds like T65A3 (who I never saw) and T65A5 not there.
09:50 - Resumed travel southwest.
09:24 - Currently they’re on a meal looks like. They were aiming southwest before stopping. Off Sharpe Park, not super close but easy to see without binoculars.
09:15 - guessing these are same whales [spotted earlier off Anacortes terminal] just off Sares Head, just came up in beautiful group surfacing, sometimes all facing different ways. Super cool. About 7, including one male. Little too far for ID but beautiful views on glassy waters. Viewing from Sharpe Park. Male looks like T65A2.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
Fri, Jul 8 - Haro Strait (T65As - without T65A3 and T65A5 - and T77s)
7-08-22 Bigg's Transients, Haro Strait, SJI
08:47 - 08:52, The T65As and T77s traveled very quickly northbound 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. Traveling close together in a loose group, they were like thoroughbreds racing for the finish line making a short pause long enough for me to take a couple of photos. 100 yards from shore as they approached they moved farther out making their way around Point Edwards. Photographed from shore, cropped and enlarged.
Michelline Halliday
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T65A2 Ooxjaa
photos and IDs by Michelline Halliday, July 8, 2022
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Fri, Jul 8 - N Rosario Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Jul 8 17:11:24 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.67217,-122.74332 [N of Lawrence Pt, Orcas Isl]
Number Sighted: 5
Submitter Name: Bethany Devine
Whale Alert App
Thu, Jul 7 - N Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (T65A, T65A2, T65A4, and T65A6 with T77, T77C, T77D, and T77E)
17:51 - Pointing towards Smith Island off of Hastie Lake.
17:17 - Moving north at Point Partridge, bit off shore.
Trevor Derie
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T065A2, T077, T065A, T65A4, & T65A6
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“...were lucky to find the T65As and their good friends, the T77s, heading north along Whidbey shoreline – very close to shore. WOW. Spectacular conditions, mirror like water, the sun was out, no wind, and active whales!”
Jill Hein, Orca Network
photos and ID by Jill Hein, July 7, 2022
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"Just off Ebey’s Landing we encountered the T65a’s with and some T77’s and got spectacular sights of lots of beautiful surface activity including breaching, tail slaps, rolls and just breath-taking formation swimming."
Jeanne Hamilton, Orca Network
photos by Jeanne Hamilton, July 7, 2022
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"By far one of the best days ever for my soul!"
photos by April Basham, July 7, 2022
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T077D Alcyon & T077E Misneach
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T065A Artemis, T077C Neftali, T077 Asja, & T065A2 Ooxjaa
photos and IDs by Sara Montour Lewis, July 7, 2022
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"We caught up with them at Sierra/Fort Ebey and followed them north, in flat glass water with beautiful reflections. They were very active, with breaches and tail slaps, rolling around, but most beautiful were the moments when they surfaced in a tight group, breathing together in the warm afternoon sunshine."
photos by Bonnie Gretz, July 7, 2022
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16:10 - We just saw three of them (T65A, A4, and A6) break off and hunt a Harbor Porpoise off Admiralty head. They turned back south afterwards, presumably to share with the others!
Justine Buckmaster, PSE
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15:03 - Now at Lagoon Point.
Trevor Tillman
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14:25 - At least 3 about a mile South of Bush Point, heading quickly north. Now just behind the USS Nimitz which is cruising by.
Mike Meyer
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13:15 - Saw 3 Biggs passing Point No Point heading north.
Carol DeRusha
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12:50 - Report from Puget Sound Orcas they are mid-channel just north of Edmonds.
Joe Dreimiller
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11:43 - Brian, SV Bearcat sent message of who sounds like would be 2nd pod heading up Possession Sound at 11:43 last seen heading towards Mukilteo lighthouse around 13:00. [follow up sounds like viewing same pod].
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11:30 - Biggs’s just passed in front of Kingston ferry terminal loosely grouped steady northbound at good pace. Very close to Kitsap side. Is going to be nice pass for those at Apple Tree Point if they keep course. Viewing from across the Sound at Kayu Kayu Ac park, Richmond Beach.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:15 - Just past President Point heading north toward Kingston.
Joanne Graves
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10:55 - MV Saratoga has them still off Jefferson Head apparently feeding, now northbound! Part of the T65As are here with others. We have 8 whales here! T65A, T65A2, T65A4, and T65A6 with T77, T77C, T77D, and T77E!
Justine Buckmaster, PSE
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Per Stephanie Raymond Victoria Clipper got a call around 07:15 of orcas off Shilshole, they didn't see them but with later Kingston report presume travel to be northbound.
Wed, Jul 6 - N Puget Sound
Apparently T65A3 was picked up in Admiralty Inlet headed north this afternoon.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bryce Barich
Date of Sighting: 7/6/2022
Time: 9:50:0 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 47.7926416, -122.4594045
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to alisa@orcanetwork.org
Wed, Jul 6 - South Puget Sound (T65As - without T65A3 and T65A5 - and T77s )
21:52 - We just heard them go past Salmon Beach Gig Harbor side.
Gill Chard
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21:45 - Northbound Gig Harbor side of the Narrows. Midway to Point Defiance. Long down times.
Teri Fields Mattsen
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21:18 - Just saw the orcas cruise past Narrows Bridge.
Kristen Talmadge
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21:08 - Currently heading north under the Narrows bridge.
Colleen Henckel
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20:32 - Slowly heading south to Point Fosdick, mid channel.
20:22 - Mouth of Wollochet, breaching and slapping after hunt.
20:15 - Hunting seal right off Cromwell.
20:10 - Heading south in Hales passage mid channel, nearing Wollochet Bay.
Kimberly Wenner
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19:44 - Near Fox Island Bridge now.
Kathy Kaminoff Weymiller
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18:33 - Still in the same general area. Lots of back and forth but still no commitment in direction
17:18 - Seeing blows and dorsal between Fox and McNeil headed north. Closer to McNeil side. Almost to the tip of McNeil.
Candace Gavin
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photos by Lance Lloyd, July 6, 2022
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16:52 - Heading into Carr Inlet between McNeil and Fox Islands.
16:33 - On the southeast side of McNeil heading north.
Jessi Clifton
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16:38 - Just past McNeil Prison heading north viewing from Salter’s Point.
16:26 - Crossing over in front of Eagle Island.
16:15 - Approaching Anderson ferry terminal viewing from Salter’s Point.
Cherie StOurs
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16:11 - On the northeast side of Anderson.
Taleen Venesky
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16:11 - Just sighted near Anderson/Steilacoom Ferry.
Grant Hill
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16:10 - From the Anderson Island ferry, they are nearing the north end of Ketron still northbound toward the narrows [approx. 47.170694, -122.641116].
Belen Bilgic Schneider
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15:36 - Just passed/passing Anderson Island Riviera Marina. 4. moving quickly north-east bound.
Kelly Hallock
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15:29 - They’ve picked up the pace, hugging Anderson Island side heading north. Nearing Ketron area.
15:18 - North by southern end of Anderson, heading toward Ketron.
15:12 - Long down times in front of east Oro Bay, still northbound.
Allison Cameron
14:47 - traveling south, close to Anderson island Rounded southern Anderson island now headed north
Kimberly Wenner
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14:57 - They're just milling around southeast side of Anderson, staying close to it.
14:40 - Straight out from Nisqually Reach, along south tip of Anderson Island.
Dalton Folkema
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14:36 - I see them! [approx. 47.117313, -122.721025].
Stephanie Brooke
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14:11 - In Drayton Passage headed east towards Balco Passage. They turned headed south towards Tolmie hugging south Anderson Island.
Lorrie Dozier Hall
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13:46 - Passing Taylor Bay.
13:24 - Looks like they are committing and going into Nisqually Reach.
13:05 - Watching from Joemma State Park. Southbound.
Tedra Hett
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12:35 - Southbound Fudge Point mid inlet.
Doug Olson
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11:07 - A group of six orcas just left Vaughn Bay, off Case Inlet. Two big guys, one with a notch cut in the back of his dorsal fin. Two moms, two youngsters.
Mike Shaffer
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11:05 - We saw several Orca in Case Inlet south of Vaughn Bay, heading south.
Leslie Hanks
Tue, Jul 5 - Strait Juan de Fuca (T109As)
These Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T109a's) were hunting seals and porpoise all day in our local waters. Special to see the new calf!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photos by Paul Pudwell, July 5, 2022
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Tue, Jul 5 - Haro Strait
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research... "We got on scene about a half mile east of D’Arcy Island at 1041. The whales were in two groups heading north and taking long dives. T34A, T37B, T37B1, T37A1, and T65A5 were in one group while T34, T34B, T37, and T72 were paralleling them a few hundred meters to the west..." Read more [ here].
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This turned out to be an eclectic group of nine whales that had been in Puget Sound over the last few days: T34s (without T34A1), T37, T37A1, T37Bs, T65A5, and T72. Thanks to friends on the water for the IDs!
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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09:31 - We just had orcas off Lime Kiln. 300-500 yds off-shore. Heading north.
Kate Laboda [WSSJI]
Tue, Jul 5 - South Puget Sound
20:00 - We saw a single orca just offshore swimming to the north almost to the Fox Island sand spit.
Lance Lloyd
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18:38 - Lone bull orca Toliva Shoal, heading south.
Rory Macomber
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17:26 - One is still near Eagle heading east but lost sight of him. Near Otso point.
Lane Sample
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16:45 - T77B was by himself porpoising back and forth along the shore of Eagle Island. He doesn’t appear to be hunting so perhaps looking for the rest of the group? Update: couldn't confirm ID.
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12:30 - Lone orca just off Otso point west and south into the passage.
Audrey ML
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photo by Audrey ML, July 5, 2022
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10:47 - Single Orca heading out of Quartermaster Harbor. Moving fast toward Commencement Bay. Saw it three times and then it breached in open water. Another resident on Manzanita beach posted it on our neighborhood group too. He saw it going into the harbor and I saw it going out.
Vawn Parker
Tue, Jul 5 - South Puget Sound (T65As and T77s)
21:21 - Midchannel north of Reach and Stretch Island. Look to be milling back and forth. Small white boat trailing them from a good distance. Viewing from East Highlander drive area.
Candace Gavin
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20:00 - They looked to be heading south in Case [Inlet], after they rounded Dougall Point.
Liz Wolk
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rowan Ellington
Date of Sighting: 7/5/2022
Time: 7:20:0 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: (47.2870121,-122.8826589) [N Pickering Pass]
Direction of travel : 57 degrees NE
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: NA
Any unusual markings?: NA
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Viewed from Shoreline on Northwest Side of Channel
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19:10 - Pod of orcas at least 6 of them headed north viewing from Jarrell Cove. Moving towards Harstine Point.
April Basham
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photos by April Basham, July 5, 2022
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18:50 - 5 orcas headed north in Pickering Passage passing Jarrell Cove.
Jacob Virnig
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 5 18:32:55 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.28439,-122.92409 [Pickering Pass]
Number Sighted: 5
Submitter Name: Patty
Whale Alert App
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18:17 - Northbound in Pickering, I think they’re over by Walker’s Landing right now, probably heading toward Jarrell Cove area
Megan Gene Carlson
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17:30 - At least 5 of them in Peale Passage now, northbound, near north end of Squaxin Island now, closer to the Squaxin side, moving slowly north.
Katie Remine
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photo by Katie Remine, July 5, 2022
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16:56 - It looks like one went north towards Hope Island.
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16:47 - They just passed Brisco Point! Looked like 6, they are going towards Boston Harbor, so south.
Liliana Mar
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16:30 - T77b alone at the Anderson Island ferry terminal. Eastbound. We left him going back west at Eagle Island.
Trevor Tillman
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16:02 - A large pod of orcas are moving south in Case Inlet, south of Fudge point. At least 7, including a small calf.
Pam Helbling
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tyler Wiederien
Date of Sighting: 7/5/2022
Time: 2:50:0 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: East side of Harstine Island
Direction of travel : S
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13:30 - About 4 of them were making their way north in Case Inlet, passing by Stretch Island.
Marty Wolk
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12:10 - Four to six [orcas] just south of Herron Island, Case Inlet, milling mid channel next to Herron Island.
Christie Shane Zakem
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11:44 - Just watched the group go north along Harstine Island, then they dove and I lost them. Looks like they were heading up into Case Inlet.
T.j. Smith
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11:28 - We watched 5 orcas come from Devil's Head traveling toward Johnson Point. They are currently off Johnson Point.
Joan Ahre
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11:00 - Group of at least 5 by Zittles Marina.
Angela Scarpellini Roy
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9:45 - 5-6 orcas in that group.
Lee Ellen Bell
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09:38 - 3-4 orcas just in front of Eagle Island heading west.
Lisa Elliott
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09:23 - Last seen between McNeil island (where the prison building is on the south side) heading south toward the east side of Anderson (about 20 mins ago). Viewing from Chambers Bay with binoculars.
Charlie Skinner
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09:30 - A different Anderson Island friend alerted me that they were south past McNeil and heading to Eagle Island.
09:02 - Report from an Anderson Island friend: On the ferry. Orca pod is heading toward Fox/McNeil right now.
Belen Bilgic Schneider
08:45 - The male is heading west past McNeil.
Kirsten Vacura
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07:44 - Single male orca in Carr Inlet heading toward [Tacoma] Narrows. Currently between Fox Island and McNeil. Taking deep dives mid channel.
Blake-Linda Worland Little
Mon Jul 4 - Saratoga Passage (T34s - without T34A1 - T37s, T37A1, T65A5, and T72)
Here is another video from Independence Day Weekend showing the whole mixed group of T34s/T37s-T37Bs/T72/T37A1/T65A5 traveling closely together in Crescent Bay on the morning of July 4. The day after T37A1 picked up T65A5 and brought him into the mix. [ Link to video]
Bart Rulon, PSE
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4th July: A real mixed bag of Bigg's orcas (T65A5, T37A1, T37-T37Bs/T34s and the distinctive T72 - Captain Hook aka Young), in all their splendor, added to the holiday mood as they gathered together along Whidbey and Camano Island shores. An early foray into Penn Cove led to a later visit to Holmes Harbor, followed by a return north in Saratoga Passage past Hidden Beach and beyond. With perfect viewing conditions, whale watchers were treated to a truly memorable day as the orcas showed their strength, versatility and grace as they traveled, alternately hunting and resting along the way.
Sandy Pollard
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photos by Sandy Pollard, July 4, 2022
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21:30 - A group of at least 6 orcas just passed by Mariners' Cove just north of Oak Harbor/east side of Whidbey, heading north. Quite a sight with the fireworks on Camano in the background.
Marianne Parry
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19:29 - Just spotted the by the buoy near Scenic Heights [approx. 48.276123, -122.605048].
Terra Parham
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18:59 - Viewing from Scenic Heights Road, they are at the mouth of Penn Cove, I can’t tell what direction they are going from where I am.
Shelby Nicole
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18:15 - They are now approaching Penn Cove, still on the Whidbey side.
17:55 - Back in front of Onomac, but far over on the Whidbey side.
Kristina Trowbridge
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17:30 - Heading north, north of Cama mid channelish.
Aaron Gill
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photos by Aaron Gill, July 4, 2022
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16:45 - Past Hidden Beach, still slowly trending north.
16:35 - Slowly trending north from Hidden Beach.
Dori Dace
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photos by Dori Dace, July 4, 2022
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photos by Donna George, July 4, 2022
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17:30 - As we pass by at a distance we see the orcas still northbound from the spot on my map on the Whidbey side [approx. 48.166987, -122.563606].
16:28 - We’ve left the orcas but they are still barely north of my last map post. Very slow pace for our whole visit.
16:12 - Update getting closer to shore near Hidden Beach northbound [approx. 48.118927, -122.553523].
15:56 - Northbound from my map after an amazing social session [approx. 48.110479, -122.553532].
Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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15:48 - Watching from Hidden Beach, at the entrance to Holmes Harbor.
Bonnie Gretz
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photos by Bonnie Gretz, July 4, 2022
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photos by Jeanne Hamilton, July 4, 2022
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14:57 - Really surface active right now. Several breaches, pec slaps and tail slaps.
14:50 - Got them just north of Dines Point. Viewing from Saratoga Beach. Northbound midchannel.
Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network
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13:53 - They’re headed into Holmes Harbor now.
Tami Sandygren
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13:18 - Still on the Whidbey side trending south. Passing a stretch of homes.
12:50 - I’m on the shoreline at Cama State Park and the pod of Orca’s is directly in front of me on the Whidbey side
Linda Aitkins, Orca Network
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12:31 - Pod heading south 2 miles north of Cama Beach mid channelish.
Aaron Gill
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12:24 - We are not on scene anymore but I see that another whale watch boat had them off Onamac Point southbound, mid-channel.
Bart Rulon, PSE
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11:50 - Pod of 5 in Saratoga Passage near Penn Cove. Individual with bent dorsal fin with them.
Lucienne Miodonski
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photo by Lucienne Miodonski, July 4, 2022
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12:23 - I've been watching from Eagle Crest; they're southbound on the Whidbey side of the passage just out from Onomac Point.
Kristina Trowbridge
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12:18 - Viewing just north from Camano Island Inn on Camano. They are on Whidbey side. At least 5 including the male with bent dorsal. Heading south steadily.
Shelly Greybeck
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11:27 - Update still southbound. Watching from MV Saratoga, Puget Sound Express. [Approx. 48.218547, -122.572609].
11:19 - They seemed to be grouped up napping right now.
11:10 - Update still southbound [approx. 48.240965, -122.584419]. T65A5 (Elsie) is still with T37A1/T37-T37Bs/ T34s and T72 up here (9 orcas).
10:39 - Westbound from the blue spot on my map [approx. 48.871763, -122.577220]. They are now southbound from my map spot.
Bart Rulon, PSE
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photos and IDs by Bart Rulon, July 4, 2022
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back of camera photo by Kirsten Tucker, July 4, 2022
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10:37 - Heading south along Camano Island, leaving Crescent Harbor.
10:24 - Near Polnell Point to the left of the tree line.
09:40 - Deep in Crescent Harbor
08:54 - Looks to be heading towards Maylor point, crescent harbor area. Maybe 8-9 with beautiful T72.
Anya Sika
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09:12 - Grouped up steady travel east passing Maylor Point.
09:04 - Viewing from the hill above Oak Harbor Walmart, eastbound still.
08:45 - Stealth mode with incredibly long downtimes. Seemingly hugging the north shore of Penn Cove still eastbound.
08:35 - Flipped east, T72 with them.
08:30 - At least 6 at the wharf now, still heading westbound.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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08:15 - Penn Cove, Coupeville. They [orcas] were headed inward toward mussel rafts. We were at the boat ramp in Coupeville.
Mandi Black
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08:25 Anya Sika called to report at least 2-3 killer whales in Penn Cove, now approaching the Coupeville wharf, traveling nice and slow, still heading westbound.
Mon, Jul 4 - South Sound (T65As - without T65A5 - and T77s)
21:10 - Just saw 4 due north of Boston Harbor.
Miles Rozatti
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20:47 - Four in Dana passage milling about, due south of Squaxin Island.
Tim B. Smith
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20:40 - Headed south into Budd or towards Eld Inlet.
20:27 - Orcas at Dana Passage now.
Nicole Seeley Link
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20:32 - At least two headed west toward Cooper Point.
Tim B. Smith
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20:25 - Saw 6 come through Dana Passage heading west.
Cole Baldino
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19:45 - I see at least two moving south along Harstine Island towards Johnson Point. Viewing from Taylor Bay.
T.j. Smith
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19:30 - Headed north along western side of Devils head, saw with binoculars from Johnson Point.
Bethany Haywood
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19:10 - Watched them turn south into Dana Passage, just around Johnson Point.
Angie Johnson Vandeberg
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18:31 - We received a message from Julia Sweeny: Orcas near Tolmie State Park and Harstine Island today. Looks like four.
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18:22 - Spotted two groups from Tolmie State Park, heading west, up the Nisqually Reach.
Sofia Jauregui
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18:08 - South side of Anderson Island heading west.
Jeffrey Collins
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17:18 - Between Anderson and Ketron [Islands].
Barbie Gonzalez
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17:13 - They have moved closer to mid channel and swimming in all directions at the moment.
17:00 - Southbound along Anderson [Island].
16:52 - Nearing the northeast side of Anderson. Hugging the shore.
16:42 - Continuing east between Anderson and McNeil hugging Anderson.
Jason Cook
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17:35 - I just watched them round the corner south toward Oro Bay. 5-6 individuals including a big male - are headed south on the east side of Anderson Island toward Nisqually.
17:24 - Popped up past the south end of Ketron, moving at a steady pace toward Nisqually.
17:18 - From the Riv Marina on Anderson Island, still seem southbound but not fast [approx. 47.167618, -122.654753].
17:04 - It seems like they are committed to southbound between Anderson and Ketron.
16:44 - Gorgeous close pass on Anderson Island! Baby flukes and playing in the riptides and eddies. Heading toward Chambers Bay right now.
16:33 - Big male is just north of Eagle Island heading east between Anderson Island and McNeill. Rest are trailing.
16:00 - I just got a text from a friend on the west side of Anderson Island saying they are heading north past Devil's Head toward McNeil.
Belen Bilgic Schneider
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photos by Belen Bilgic Schneider, July 4, 2022
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15:53 - Around the red buoy in Drayton Passage headed north towards south McNeil Island.
Lorrie Dozier Hall
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photos by Lorrie Dozier Hall, July 4, 2022
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16:30 - Orcas headed east towards Eagle Island. I think they made a kill up near McNeil about 10-15 minutes ago. There were tons of swarming seagulls overhead.
16:01 - Going north up Drayton. Hugging Longbranch side. Close to the big pier.
15:21 - They are now heading south on the east side of Johnson’s Point. Putting on a show/tail slaps.
15:00 - I see them between Johnson’s Point and Devil’s Head. Heading north, I think.
Angie Johnson Vandeberg
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14:30 - We saw them down here in Taylor Bay Longbranch.
Leiann Moselle
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14:05 - I'm on Harstine Island and I just saw the transients from my kayak on Peale Passage! Holy orca! It was an amazing sight! We got to see them hunting seals! We were SO fortunate - we got to hear them breathing, which I will never forget.
Shane Farnor
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14:00 - Whales were heading east up Dana Passage - after having left Pickering Passage and the Hope/Steamboat/Squaxin islands area. The southeast corner of Harstine Island is on the left - Dana Passage to the right.
Kim Merriman
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13:35 - Moving slowly southbound off the Teamsters Recreational Property on Harstine Island. Heading south towards Briscoe Point.
Heather Jamesson
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14:28 - They came straight around Harstine and went back east/north again.
13:31 - Waiting on Peale side of Briscoe Point, can see them just south of the shellfish plant.
Andrew Leisner
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andy Appleby
Date of Sighting: 7/4/2022
Time: 12:10:0 PM
Species seen: Otca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Pickering passage , South Puget Sound, WA
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling, with fluke and fin slaps
If orcas, any males?: Yes, 1
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Neighbors report orcas at north end of Harstine Island For several days prior.
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12:03 - Should be close to Harstine Bridge southbound.
Megan Gene Carlson
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12:03 - They put on a beautiful show. So many tail slaps and breaches! Heading south in Pickering Passage - almost to the bridge now.
Michelle Louie
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tim Thomsen
Date of Sighting: 7/4/2022
Time: 12:0:0 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Pickering Passage, Puget Sound, North of Harstine Island Bridge
Direction of travel : South bound
Behaviors observed: Traveling and surface behavior
If orcas, any males?: At least one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Same group seen on 7/3/22 in same location, but traveling in the opposite direction and engaging in surface behaviors including tail slapping, tail lobs, rolling, etc.
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11:31 - They are headed south in Pickering passage toward the bridge.
Teresa Saunders Westcoat
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11:16 - Heading south to Harstine Bridge in the north end of the Pickering Passage.
Erin Waller
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photos by Leslie Blaisdell, July 4, 2022
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09:02 - Orca pod currently in Case Inlet south of Heron Island off Fudge Point, heading north. At least 5, some appear to be juvenile in size.
Pam Helbling
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Mon, Jul 4 - OR Coast
4-5 orca mingling with grays off Yachats, OR. This morning for an hour just offshore of Yachats were four gray whales. Gray whales are often seen here. A red tide lasting several days had cleared up, and in between the grays were four to five orca, hardly ever seen here. For the hour I watched they were intermingling. Were the Orca trying to separate out a young Gray so they could kill him? I have never read, seen, or heard of an account of Grays and Orca intermingling that long, less than 200 yards off shore in shallow water. I am astounded.
John Marshall
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Sun, Jul 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
We had the pleasure to encounter 20+ Humpbacks off Sooke in flat calm waters! Pictures don't explain the amazing experience, whales everywhere!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photos by Paul Pudwell, July 10, 2022
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Sun, Jul 10 - Puget Sound
16:10 - Humpback seen between Kingston and Edmonds.
Sarah Sarah
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11:16 - Humpback 30 feet off shore at Point Defiance headed towards the narrows. Surfaced twice and gone. Heard the blow before I saw it!
Kimberly Wenner
Sat, Jul 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Incredible day with a friendly humpback playing with a log.
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photos by Paul Pudwell, July 9, 2022
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Sat Jul 9 - W Entrance J de F
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Jul 9 15:08:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.46129,-124.66958
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: 1st officer navigation norwegian encore
Submitted by a Trusted Observer
Sat Jul 9 - J de F (SW of Race Rocks)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Jul 9 18:19:25 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.26745,-123.59282
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Rebecca Reuter
Sat, Jul 9 - Saratoga Passage
19:50 - 20:50 - Observed one [humpback] whale for about one hour that traveled around Baby Island. I saw a distinctive curved dorsal fin. I saw blows. Once when it partially breached I observed white on its pectoral fins.
Martha Poppy Sinclair
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20:00 - [humpback] Rounded Baby Island southeast again.
19:30 - [humpback] Been milling around Baby Island back and forth just last seen west of Baby Island. A few times in between green channel marker and Baby Island. That's not very deep.
19:00 - [humpback] Just rounded Baby Island and now southbound out of Holmes Harbor.
Marilyn Armbruster
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photos by Marilyn Armbruster, July 9, 2022
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18:30 - Humpback breaching in Holmes Harbor east of Greenbank, midchannel.
Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network
Fri, Jul 8 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
What another great adventure with humpback whales breaching, tail slapping, and lunge feeding east of Sooke, B.C. Vancouver Island! "Oracle" was very active today, tail slapping and breaching!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photos by Paul Pudwell, July 8, 2022
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Fri, Jul 8 - Saratoga Passage
19:45 -20:00 - Observed what appeared to be one humpback whale. North of Baby Island in Saratoga Passage, west of Camano Island State Park beach area, traveling north. Observed three spectacular full body breaches.
17:40 - 18:40 - Observed what appeared to be one humpback whale. First spotted west of Baby Island traveling northwest. It spent about 20 minutes around the navigational buoy north of Baby Island lunge feeding/breaching, then traveled back towards Baby Island. It then spent about 20 minutes around the west side of Baby Island lunge feeding/breaching. It then traveled back towards the navigational buoy for a few minutes, then turned and traveled southeast into Saratoga Passage.
Martha Poppy Sinclair
Thu, Jul 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
We had the pleasure to visit 6 of the 12+ Humpbacks scattered off Port Angeles today!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photos by Paul Pudwell, July 7, 2022
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Thu, Jul 7 - Saratoga Passage
19:15 - Humpback 1 mile north of Hidden Beach appears to be making its way south.
Aaron Gill
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photo by Aaron Gill, July 7, 2022
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At 16:26 Jill Hein messaged to relay report Clarence Hein has a humpback in Saratoga Passage at Race Lagoon, 100 yards off shore southbound at 16:15.
Wed, Jul 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Today's adventure took us out east to encounter 10+ humpbacks spread out feeding.
Sooke Coastal Explorations
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photos by Paul Pudwell, July 6, 2022
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Wed, Jul 6 - Haro Strait
BCX1782 "Flier" just off Land Bank.
Michelline Halliday
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photos by Michelline Halliday, July 6, 2022
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Wed, Jul 6 - N Saratoga Passage
21:00 - I think a humpback just passed Mariners' Cove/NE of Oak Harbor/Whidbey, southbound. It just surfaced briefly to breath and moved on. From email: “It’s possible/likely that the same whale went by northbound around 5-5:30pm. We saw something large and black way out between Mariners’ Cove and Brown Point, heading north. It was just a black blob that appeared twice, but we didn’t know there was a humpback spotted down by Onamac earlier, so we chalked it up to being a porpoise. Now that I saw the whale here just now, I’m pretty sure it looked the same.”
Marianne Parry
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photo by Marianne Parry, July 6, 2022
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13:50 - [Took] Video of one of the [humpback] breaches just north of Onamac.
Matt Henning
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13:25 - Humpback whale hugging Camano shoreline, about a mile north of Onamac, back and forth so no solid direction of travel. I've seen 2 breaches, but no pics.
Jill Hein, Orca Network
Tue, Jul 5 - Saratoga Passage
Name: Kevin English
Date of Sighting: 7/5/2022
Time: 7:0:0 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Utsalady Bay, Camano Island
Direction of travel : Traveled east from the Saratoga passage into the bay then back to the west
Behaviors observed: Feeding on schools of fish in shallow water.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: First time seeing one in Utsalady Bay for us.
Tue Jul 5 - Central Puget Sound
14:50 - At 20:32- John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Southworth Humpback Report 7/5/2022 1450hrs: Terminal personnel report 1 humpback whale, SB, just east of the terminal, headed into Colvos Passage.
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12:20 - Humpback was just off Gig Harbor shore just before the opening to the harbor and moved out into the narrows headed towards bridge at 12:20pm.
Michele Riley Campbell
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08:08 - Polly Middleton Brown reported in PSWS a Humpback mid Commencement Bay making for the Port. [Tacoma. SE bound]
Mon, Jul 4 - Deception Pass
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Natasha Dillinger
Date of Sighting: 7/4/2022
Time: 1:9:0 PM
Species seen: Believe humpback based on dorsal fin shape. Gray in color and close to shore so at first we thought gray whale.
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Cornet Bay near Deception Pass. Coordinates from Google Photos: 48.4082000, -122.6150000
Direction of travel : Unsure. Short surface time facing towards Cornet Bay boat ramp
Behaviors observed: Probably fishing. Surface was short and very close to shore (30-40 feet).
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes
EMAIL FOLLOW UP W/PHOTOS: I submitted a sighting report on the website, but am sending along a couple of cellphone photos we managed to get. The whale's surfacing was brief and there were a lot of power boats nearby so we never saw them resurface. We were sad to miss the orcas near Penn Cove today, so were beyond thrilled to have even a brief bonus sighting of this whale. Thanks for all you do tracking our beautiful neighbors!
Natasha Dillinger
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photo by Natasha Dillinger, July 4, 2022
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Mon, Jul 4 - Central Puget Sound
11:16 - We saw him [humpback] an hour ago in the middle of Elliot Bay. Popped up less than 50' from our boat!
Lars Goble
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Jul 4 8:30:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.53036,-122.40133
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Carl Furfaro
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Sun, Jul 10 - Possession Sound
11:34 - Gray heading toward Mukilteo Lighthouse (north), very close to the Mukilteo shore. Approx. across from Glendale.
Jodi Krause Poissant
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photo by Jodi Krause Poissant, July 10, 2022
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10:00 - A gray right now, southbound in Saratoga Passage, about 200 yards off our place south end of Camano, looks like it rounded the head of Camano, maybe towards Port Susan.
Mike Moberly
[PSWS]
Sun, Jul 10 - Puget Sound
12:13 - Southbound from Titlow. Gray whale swimming fast.
Jason Cook
Sat Jul 9 - WA Coast
19:00 - Gray whale? Literally feet from Rialto Beach shoreline [Video shared].
Kristen Alvarez
Sat, Jul 9 - Saratoga Passage/Possession Sound
At 14:35 Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Suquamish Master reports one gray whale in Clinton Beach area feeding.
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12:45 - Gray? Inside buoys across from Brighton Beach Boardwalk. Spending a lot of time apparently feeding.
Claire Tuohy-Morgan
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09:45 - Gray whale off Bells Beach at 9:45am this morning. Heading towards Langley.
Rick Lessley
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09:20 - Single Gray Whale off Fox Spit heading south towards Bells Beach at 9:20am.
Michelle Sterett Bernson
Fri, Jul 8 - Port Susan
17:58 - Gray Whale in Port Susan feeding along the Stilly River delta drop-off west of Warm Beach.
John C Storbeck
Fri, Jul 8 - Holmes Harbor
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Jul 8 12:18:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.04050,-122.53309 [S of Honeymoon Bay]
Number Sighted: 4 [probably just the one - alb]
Submitter Name: David Acton
Whale Alert App
Thu, Jul 7 - Holmes Harbor
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Jul 7 19:52:32 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.05628,-122.54867 [Honeymoon Bay]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Brooke Payne
Whale Alert App
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16:25 - Judy Moore just called to report a gray whale off Greenbank at entrance to Holmes Harbor heading southbound into the harbor.
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14:30 - Solo gray heading south 1 mile north of Hidden Beach in Whidbey Shore. Feeding along the way.
Aaron Gill
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photo by Aaron Gill, July 7, 2022
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12:07 - We saw it [gray] too. We were just floating, no engine running, & it was right off our bow. Sure was a beautiful surprise.
Seaneen Hummel-Kardly
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photos by Seaneen Hummel-Kardly, July 7, 2022
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Wed, Jul 6 - Saratoga Passage
19:45 - 20:15 - Appeared to be one gray whale. First spotted west of Baby Island, appeared to be traveling out of Holmes Harbor. Heading north towards Saratoga Passage. Observed about 10 blows during this time.
Martha Poppy Sinclair
Tue, Jul 5 - Holmes Harbor
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Garber
Date of Sighting: 7/5/2022
Time: 2:30:0 PM
Species seen: Gray Whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Holmes Harbor heading into harbor.
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Slow swimming close to surface.
Photos available?: No
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08:50 - Baleen whale [confirmed gray -alb] in Holmes Harbor, south of Baby Island [Whidbey Island] heading into the harbor. Cruising back and forth eating I think!
Alyce Dreewes
Mon, Jul 4 - Admiralty Inlet
Bill Setter emailed: Lone gray whale southbound off Lagoon Point 8:30 AM 7-4-22. Moving slowly 400 yards off south of Lagoon Point.
Mon, Jul 4 - Saratoga Passage
20:29 - Gray whale came into Penn Cove while we were waiting for the orcas.
Sarah Geist
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photo by Sarah Geist, July 4, 2022
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2441
photos and ID by Jill Hein, July 4, 2022
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17:00 - It's [gray] just north of Onomac Point.
Kristina Trowbridge
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16:52 - Gray whale northbound. [approx. 48.176377, -122.554940]. CRC2440 per Bart Rulon.
Trevor Tillman
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16:45 - Gray whale spotted near PSE WW boat north from Camano Island Inn on Whidbey side mid-channel.
Shelly Greybeck
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14:59 - Volunteer Heather Anson called to report a whale, thought possibly gray and sounds like it from all description. Whale was 2 miles north of Hidden Beach on Whidbey side. Whale was hugging inshore, at times ~ 50 feet from shore in low tide Behavior described sounds like gray feeding behavior (water boiling, whale moving along inshore) Whale was moving southbound.
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14:40 - Single gray whale headed steady south close to shore [approx. 48.150283, -122.564370].
13:01 - Gray whale just off shore Harrington Lagoon headed south.
Erik Anderson
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14:30 - Gray heading south a mile north of Hidden Beach. Right off Whidbey shore.
Aaron Gill
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photo by Aaron Gill, July 4, 2022
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07:00 - Been watching a gray whale heading north as he feeds about a mile & a half north of Hidden Beach.
Marie Gill
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photos by Aaron Gill, July 4, 2022
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Thu, Jul 7
18:30 - We saw a whale on the ferry between Orcas Island and Anacortes tonight [in Rosario Strait], we originally thought it was a humpback but now that I have loaded my photos I'm curious if it is a minke whale?
Megan Jefferies
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photo by Megan Jefferies, July 7, 2022
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Tue, Jul 5
20:27 - I didn’t get a good photo but I just saw a minke whale (I think) from Pier 62 in Seattle.
Eric Logue
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES
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Wed, Jul 6 - Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Jul 6 9:36:20 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.22223,-122.53236 [NW Camano]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Don’t have pictures just a video. It breached a few times and then was gone.
Submitter Name: Lindsay
Whale Alert App
Mon, Jul 4 - Elliott Bay
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Jul 4 16:07:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.61380,-122.36812
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Nate
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Sun, Jul 10
10:30 - 2 common dolphins southbound off Lagoon Point. Moving fast 100 yards off shore. We are on the beach within 25' of Admiralty Inlet and watch the harbor porpoise every day. These ones were moving 6-8 knots southbound and surfacing 2 times every 10-15 seconds. One was lighter colors of brown with a very pointy dorsal fin of maybe 6-12" tall.. I estimate the total length at 6-8 feet. The other breached lower in the water as it traveled and was much more dark in color. They were moving fast, unlike harbor porpoise feeding here.
Bill Setter
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ABOUT ORCA NETWORK/QUICK LINKS
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Orca Network is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats.
Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network involves citizens in helping researchers track the movement of whales, and encourages people to observe whales from their homes, businesses, ferries, and shorelines.
Whale reports are sent in to our Sighting Network and emailed out to researchers, agencies, and citizens on our network, and posted on our website (MAP of sightings also on website) and social media pages. Whale reports and observations are sent in by a variety of sources, and while we do our best to obtain accurate species and individual IDs, Orca Network does not guarantee the accuracy of any report or whale identification.
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Report Sightings to Orca Network:
- Call 1-866-ORCANET (1-866-672-2639)
- Email info@orcanetwork.org
- Post to our Facebook page
- Please include: Date/Time - Species (describe if unknown) - # of Animals - Location of Cetacean(s) - Direction of Travel - Behaviors
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Visit Orca Network's Langley Whale Center - Whidbey Island:
- Location: 105 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260
- Telephone: 1-360-221-7505
- Hours: Please call for weekly days/hours during the pandemic.
- Museum: Exhibits - Specimens - Educational Materials - Lending Library - Movies to view
- Gift Shop: Books - DVDs & CDs - Field Guides - Clothing - Jewelry & more
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Be Whale Wise:
All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Killer whales have special protection in Canadian and U.S. waters. Be sure to educate yourself about current protections, including regulations with specific distances and recommendations for viewing killer whales. The rules apply to all types of watercraft, including motor boats, sail boats, kayaks, and paddle boards in Washington State.
Report Harassment of Whales:
- In WA/US waters call NOAA Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964
- In CANADIAN waters call DFO Violations Hotline: 1-800-465-4336
(Include watercraft name, registration #, description, and photos/video when possible)
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