Members of the T65A and T77 group in South Puget Sound.
"My mom caught this pic as they moved south through Dana Passage"
photo by Lorri Muhr Norberg, courtesy of Sam Norberg, July 21, 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 21 include:
Southern Residents - July 11 and 12 encounter reports from the Center for Whale Research.
Bigg's Killer Whales - T34s, T37s, T37As, T49A2, T60s, T65As, T77
Humpbacks - Streaming in all big and beautiful through out the Salish Sea. Individuals include:
BCX0915 Fallen Knight, BCX1747 Delta; BCX1772 Valiant; BCX1876 Zillion; BCX1737 Alpaca; BCZ0469 Spindrift; BCZ1053 Cascade; BCZ0395
Gray Whales - CRC2440, the 2022 Newbie who to date is over-summering, has been leaving people breathless (and some of us holding our breath) while traveling back and for the all day, everyday close inshore in the stretch from Mukilteo to Everett which is a high traffic area. 2440 kept up this routine from July 10-21!
And a sweet lovely Sea otter in South Puget Sound...
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EVENTS/ARTICLES/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Event:
Share the Water Webinar #5: Whale-Safe Boating in South Puget Sound
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
7:00-8:00 (PDT) on Zoom
In our ongoing commitment and efforts to educate boaters Orca Network staff will be holding the 5th in our series of webinars focused on how to safely Share the Water and Be Whale Wise when operating any type vessel; and where/when to report if you observe others not following the laws and guidelines in place to protect the whales and all marine mammals.
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Media:
Reporter Matthew Smith did an excellent job on this informative piece told from Dave Ellifrit’s 30 years of continual detailed analysis of every member of every pod and matriline, explaining how Southern Resident orcas (fish-eating type) need more healthy reproductive females or eventually they’ll fade away. Those females need abundant Chinook salmon to bring forth healthy babies.
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Your support enables Orca Network to continue our work to connect people & whales, educate & inspire people to take action, and collect & disseminate data for research & education.
With Gratitude!
Orca Network
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FOR REAL-TIME WHALE SIGHTINGS FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE ~
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)
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Tue, Jul 12 (Js)
Except from Encounter #40:
J19 was the first whale to pass us and the J41s porpoised past Turn Point nearer to the rocks. It took us another ten minutes or so to find our next whale. This was J47 and he was traveling quickly west along Stuart Island’s north shoreline near the west end of Prevost Harbor. J46 also appeared closer to shore and she stopped and milled briefly before continuing west. Several minutes later we found J42 heading southwest down Boundary by herself ...
Mon, Jul 11 (J, K, & Ls)
Except from Encounter #39:
The first group we saw included the K16s, J45, and L106 and they were heading southwest toward Turn Point but then took a hard left and headed toward the north shoreline of Stuart Island. Behind this group we found another large group of J pod whales that included all the J16s, J22s, J37s, plus J46 and J53. This group was very active as they headed southwest toward Turn Pt. and there were several breaches (one by J38) and cartwheels along with other splashy behavior. ...
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)
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Thu, Jul 21 - Saratoga Passage (possible split from morning group?)
18:15 - Georgia Gardner called saying she saw orca off Race Lagoon, Saratoga Passage. Only one [orca], although there were three further north in the afternoon. We saw the one frolicking in the water as they do. A small motor boat came after it and pulled up along side. We did not see the orca again after that. We don't know if it was blocked by the boat so we couldn't see it or if it was under water. The boat drifted slowly south out of our vision. (maybe splitoffs from the morning group that included 34s & 37s? - alb)
Thu, Jul 21 - North Puget Sound ( T34s, T37s, and T60s )
17:45 - we have the T37 and T34s that grouped up with the T60s between Sierra alpha and Point Wilson heading towards Admiralty Inlet. They're doing about five knots, they should be at the point in a half an hour.
Christoper Lewman
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11:00 - T37s and T34s. Chilkat Express found them north of Hoipus Point heading west and followed them through Deception Pass westbound in the fog.
Christopher Lewman
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Name: Diane Christman
Date of Sighting: 7/21/2022
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: orcas (most likely Bigg's)
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Skagit Bay, west of Hoypus Point, east of Ben Ure Island. 48.41359* N, 122.62175* w
Direction of travel : west, moderate pace, lots of breaths
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One boat LITERALLY went right over them. I yelled at another boat that was watching the whales to take a picture of the boat that went right over them. I don't have a long enough lens to capture the renegade boat.
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frame grab from video by Diane Christman, July 21, 202
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08:31- [orca] they keep changing directions. Headed west then switched east. Last I heard they were mid-Hope Island.
Diane Christman
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10:58 - [orca] Just crossed Deception in solid fog here but it was clear from Dewey Beach.
08:08 - Five orca by Kiket and Skagit Island. They were swimming around and 1 breached twice, they headed back in, then 1 I saw headed toward Ala Spit, lost sight with the fog rolling in….they were headed South I assume, at least the last one I saw so maybe Saratoga direction
Steve Perea
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11:00 - Sammye Kempbell called back to report just 3 orcas (incl. male) traveling westbound under the Deception Pass Bridge.
(unconfirmed, but presume same earlier group, or some if group split? -alb)
At 07:40 Sammye Kempbell called to report 5 orcas (includes one male) off Miller Bay (east of Deception Pass) heading inbound/eastbound towards Saratoga Passage.
Thu, Jul 21 - South Puget Sound (Members of T65As and T77s )
20:53 - [orca] Still in the same general area north of West Bay Marina at 8:53.
20:30 - [orca] Distant puffs seen from North Point, Olympia, west side of inlet. Can't tell direction.
Gayle Swigart
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T65As & T77s Budd Inlet from North Point, Olympia
photos by Gayle Swigart, July 21, 2022
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20:37 - [orca] Heading south now Budd Inlet. Stopped for a meal near the Olympia country club. West side.
Brad Stephens
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19:46 - [orca] Past Burfoot heading south (toward Priest Point/the Capital), they were moving quickly.
19:39 - [orca] In Budd Inlet heading toward Burfoot Park.
Katie Christensen
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19:45 - update from Kim Merriman: Orcas were heading south at Boston Harbor and took a long dive. Popped up still heading south at Burfoot Park. Another long dives and then some more surface activity and another long dive. I have lost them heading into and south of Gull Harbor. Sun lit blows and dark black fins are breathtaking. Truly.
19:09 - Kim Merriman messaged she is seeing the orcas and reports they are very surface active on the south side of Harstine. Heading east toward Boston Harbor and Budd Inlet.
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19:18 - T65As & T77s further south in Budd Inlet with Gull Harbor in background
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19:15 - T65As & T77s Budd Inlet, taken from Kim's deck on Eld Inlet.
photos by Kim Merriman, July 21, 2022
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18:45 - [orca] Just went through Dana passage headed west at 18:45.
Cole Baldino
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18:40 - We just saw them [orca] in the Dana Passage, heading towards Boston Harbor around 6:40 pm.
Cinder Hill Delgado
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18:34 - They [orca] were so close here it was crazy. Towards Southern end of Harstine. The two huge Orcas were Inside this boat/buoy. It was unreal- so close to beach
Alice Schermer
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18:09 - [orca] [south bound [map indicates off SE Harstine]…they were staying pretty far over by Harstine, so I imagine they continued hugging the island to head toward the Olympia side of Johnson Point.
Courtney A Turk
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18:28 I'm seeing them in the vast openness between Harstine & the Mainland. Can't tell if they are heading for the Reach or into the inlets tho. Zittels MIGHT get a good pass here soon.
18:01- [orca] very active as the pass Joemma!!
17:52 - [orca] 5 maybe? Hard to tell, all grouped up passing Joemma Park on Harstine Island side, Southbound towards Nisqually Reach.
17:29 - [orca] I have at least one individual approaching Joemma State Park, on Harstine Island side, Southbound. [map approx: 47.235147, -122.843596] [2nd Video]
Melissa Bird
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View from Joemma State Park
video by Melissa Bird, July 21, 2022
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15:30 - [orca] Hi hoping all is well and you’re enjoying this beautiful day. Looked up about 14:30 to see the whale watching boat out front. Sorry, I didn’t get a good count...They’ve headed out of Case Inlet, moving quickly. But, lots of jumps, breaches, tail slapping. Enjoy.
Beverly Lynch McCallum
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14:54 - Anna Mariano-Morris reports they orcas have been very active off Allyn. And are heading south again towards Stretch/Harstine now.
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15:00 - We left them at 3pm. T65As (confirmed 65A, A2, A3, and A6) and T77s (77, 77C, and 77E). They made a kill and celebrated with a big breach and a backwards dive.
14:36 - San Juan Clipper is with them, spread out and trending back southward.
Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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Name: Ali Schoos
Date of Sighting: 7/21/2022
Time: 2:30:0 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Case inlet north of Victor
Direction of travel : North I ti inlet, then watched them head south and leave
Behaviors observed: Travelling, rolling, eating
If orcas, any males?: At least one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: At least one young small one, probably two. They hung around in case inlet for at least an hour
Photos available?: No
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13:50 - [orca] Heard them pass by heading north. They appear to be north of Vaughn Bay now.
Leslie Hanks
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13:22 - [orca] Two just passed by Stretch Island, heading northbound.
Jenne Rogers Henderson
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12:45 - [orca] East side of Case, looking like they are heading into North Bay.
12:30 - [orca] they passed Herron Island around 12:30
Liz Wolk
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12:30 - Couple 2nd hand reports have the Bigg's orcas now advancing in Case Inlet and were northwest of Herron Island aiming towards North end Harstine Island.
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11:29 - Jami’s map shows the orcas are heading up into Case Inlet,
11:22 - [orca] passing Johnson point unclear which way they are headed as of now because they dove
Jami Cantrell
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11:15 - [orca] headed north into Case Inlet past Taylor Bay now.
Courtney A Turk
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10:45- Saw two orcas in Nisqually Reach heading north at 10:45am mid channel. Lost them in Drayton Passage.
Lorrie Dozier Hall
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10:45 - [orca] …still heading west across the opening of Drayton passage
Grant Hill
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10:50 - [orca] They just passed Nisqually, headed up past Anderson towards Tolmie state park, I only saw 2 of them, they were moving fast with long down times, the silver or white boat following them broke off to north of Anderson, they were heading around past Tolmie about 5 minutes ago
10:39 - [orca] just passed me at National fish farm, lost sight as they were almost to Tolkien SP. they are moving very fast. I only saw 2 , there was one white speed boat for awhile. At a safe distance
Arthur De La Torre
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10:17 - [orca] Nisqually heading towards Tolmie.
Kristen Weander
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09:20 this morning viewing from Salters Point, Steilacoom
photo by Cherie St.Ours, July 21, 2022
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09:15 am Viewing from Steilacoom, moved out of sight heading southbound. Just past north point of Ketron Island on Anderson Island side. (4-5 orcas)
Jennifer Tebaldi
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09:04- They are hanging in front of Anderson island. I can’t tell if they are going towards Eagle or Ketron yet. I see 4 of them
Jessi Clifton
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08:24 - Husband works on McNeill Isl....out on water...said 10 minutes ago (08:24) they got quite a show from several killer whales! Headed south between Anderson & Ketron Islands!
Donna Hayward
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07:47 - [orca] 3, possibly 4 continued south close to Fox Island shore. Lost them 2/3 the way down the island.
Debbie Bingham
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07:32 - 3 orcas traveling south bound thru Narrows. Just passed Fosdick. One may have been a porpoise, but there are two for sure. Follow up: Yeah it definitely could have been a young one. I’m fishing off the point and just saw them from a distance
Gabe Miller
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07:30 - Jacqueline Platner called to report at least three orcas (including a male) off Point Fosdick, area 13 traveling southbound. Fishing and couple pleasure boats look to be doing a good job staying the distance, cutting engines etc.
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07:00 - Here’s a photo of them as they headed south under the Narrows Bridge just before 7 am.
I think there were 4 of them total.
photo by Heather Maher, July 21, 2022
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Bigg's Transient orcas southbound Tacoma Narrows: "We counted at least 5."
photos by Gypsea Salt, July 21, 2022
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06:58 - 3 orcas directly before Tacoma Narrows bridge, confirmed passed under bridge, favoring Gig Harbor side. Heading south.
Amanda Van Meter
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07:00 - [orca] As we were repositioning one of our Tacoma Narrows Bridge cameras at about 7 a.m. Thursday, we caught sight of quite a show.
Wed, Jul 20 - Admiralty Inlet (members of T65As, T77s, w/49A2)
It sounds like these might be the 65As, 77s, and 49A2.
Rachel Haight. Orca Network-
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21:47 - [orca] Just took a last glance in the scope before packing up. Saw one swimming fast south mid-channel. Line of sight Edmonds to just north of apple tree cove. (The horizon is dark but the whales are darker
21:38 - [orca] lost them in the dark telescope view at about 21:35. Still steady SB midchannel. (The view was as far as my scope can go)
Ariel Yseth
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21:15 - [orca] approx 8 whales spread in a N-S line between Eglon and Edmonds Kitsap side of mid-channel slow and steady SB
20:45 - [orca] Swimming right under Mt Baker at golden hour - so pretty but too far for photos! 20:45 - well rested and moving fast now!
20:38 - [orca] Visible from Eglon. Looking north of Mt Baker
Donna Van Renselaar
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photos by Donna Van Renselaar, July 20, 2022
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20:20 - there are about 8 orcas heading southeast towards Edmonds (Jennifer follow up)
20:11 - Long time sightings volunteer Jennifer Backen Matchem called to report the orcas are passing off Point No Point right now. Closer to the Kitsap side heading southeast (directionally toward Edmonds/Kingston). Couple of males surfaces as we were on the phone!
18:45 - [orca] Definitely heading South. If you are watching right now, they are just N of the Victoria clipper which had stopped to watch
18:40 - [orca] They are mid-channel about 2 miles south of Bush Point. I can't tell the direction of travel (if any).
Mike Meyer
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18:23 - [orca] They are well past Bush Point now by a few miles and have drifted further offshore to the middle, still southbound. Viewing from Bush Point. It looks like they might be sleeping.
17:57 - [orca] They are off Bush Point now still southbound. Viewing from the beach.
Bart Rulon
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17:45 - [orca] 3 or 4 headed sb just now south side of Lagoon Point north of Bush Point.
Cheryl Connor
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17:00 - [orca] stalled out in a rip tide northern tip of Marrowstone but generally heading south. At least 8 whales possibly ten. I'm not there - this is being relayed by a homeowner watching.
16:47 - As of 4:47 the Orca pod is off Lagoon Point. I am working getting number and direction of travel.
Debbie Stewart
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16:50 - Kit Turner called to report large pod of orcas in Admiralty Inlet just opposite north end of Lagoon Point, Marrowstone side, milling around a lot . A lot of action. Slowly south, milling either hunting or feeding. At least 7, but think there are more. Group includes two very large males, other adult size, and some small ones.
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16:15 - [orca] We watched them from the air in Admiralty Inlet around 4:15!
Carole Fouts
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15:50 John Miller WSF Marine Ops emailed at 16:00 to report: SALISH Orca Report 7/20/2022 1550hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz 8 orca, SB 1/2 mile east of Point Wilson.
Tue, Jul 19
10:08 - Ts Picked up over by Sidney - 2 of them heading south.
Monika Wieland Shields
Tue, Jul 19 (T37As)
12:29 - T37As
Yifan Ling
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11:57 - I was able to see them for a bit from very far away in binoculars. From what I saw it appeared that they went around Lummi and perhaps headed back south as I never saw them go across.
Silver Hubble
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~09:40 - [Orca] We saw them from the shore in the Sandy Point area! They were heading north.
Very exciting for these “first timers”!
report & photo by Kristen Eng, July 19, 2022
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09:40 - Orca off Sandy Point, Ferndale about 9:40, heading north. Group total of five spread out...
Dale Robinson
Mon, Jul 18 - San Juans
18:19 - T037As, family of five…[heading] Southeast off Cattle by 3 miles….They were left about a mile off Iceberg on Lopez heading east.
April Ryan [WSSJI]
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15:50. The orcas are heading off shore. 1/2 mile out, 2 miles south of Landbank.
Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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14:37 - Large male and a little one in a group of three. Other two are traveling together closer to shore. Still going north. Just about to False Bay.
14:23 - 5 orca. North of Eagle Point. Going north. Close to shore.14:23
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
Sun, Jul 17 - Haro Strait
20:02 - [orca] Right by Henry Island outside Snug. Looks like they have found something.
Pam Keffer [WSSJI]
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19:10 - relaying shore report of 2 orca between Land Bank and Lime Kiln Northbound.
Barbara Howitt [WSSJI]
Sun, Jul 17 - Rosario Strait
17:42 - Single orca on the move nb [northbound] past us on the Washington Loop Road, Anacortes. Could not ID. 5:42 p.m 7/17
Coni Jones Carrothers [WSSJI]
Sun, Jul 17 - Rosario Strait
11:13 - 77C and D found up by Barnes and Clark but there were definitely more whales than that in the original photos.
Monika Wieland Shields
Sun, Jul 17 - Rosario Strait (larger group)
15:20 - Rosario Straight, just north of Peapod Rocks/east of Orcas Island looking toward Sinclair Island at about 3:20pm today (Sunday the 17th). Headed north at a quick pace. Taken from our sailboat with iPhone zoomed in. [Video]
Carrie Selting
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frame grab from video by Carrie Selting, July 17, 2022 (link above)
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09:00 - [orca, at least 6-8] Spotted off Clark Island this morning headed South. About 9am.
Anthony Zylstra [WSSJI]
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photo by Anthony Zylstra, July 17, 2022
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Sun, Jul 17 - E Juan de Fuca Strait
It was 49A2 “Jude” and 65A3 “Amira”. We left them heading slowly west, no one else ever found them yesterday, and lots tried.
Monica Szczepański (see photo below)
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13:33 - Trevor Tillman sent us a message: Two male killer whales at my location at the top of Partridge Bank. No direction.
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photo by Monica Szczepański, July 17, 2022
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Sun, Jul 17 - Admiralty Inlet (possible hearing)
13:55- Possible Bigg's calls picked up at Bush Point by the Orcasound - Listen for Whales OrcaHello AI. Possibly a faint excitement call at the end... What do you think Monika Wieland Shields and David Bain et al.?
Scott Veirs
Monika: "Tough to say - the one at the 37 second mark sounds most orca-like to me, but it's not conclusive based on what I heard."
Sat, Jul 16 - Boundary Pass
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Jul 16 20:30:07 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.73208,-123.20647 [SW South Pender]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Willy
Whale Alert App
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photo by Willy, July 16, 2022
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Sat, Jul 16 - San Juans (T49A2 and T65A3 )
17:00 - [orca] turned eastbound back towards Jones. Milling between Reuben Tarte and Jones
Amy Nesler [WSSJI]
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14:55 - T49A2 and T65A3 Passed Point Caution headed north.
Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
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11:30 - The boys are back in town! T49A2 and T65A3 are south of Cattle Pass heading north.
Monika Wieland Shields, OBI
Sat, Jul 16 - San Juans (T65As (minusA3) & T77s members)
17:49 - Group of 5 or so Orcas heading north toward Henry. Right outside Snug.
Pam Cameron Keffer [WSSJI]
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Name: Ruth Blinderman
Date of Sighting: 7/16/2022
Time: 4:45 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Westside Preserve, San Juan Island: a few hundred feet off shore
Direction of travel : N , steady pace but pretty slow
Behaviors observed: traveling, not jumping just popping up
If orcas, any males?: unsure
Any unusual markings?: unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: it looked to me that there were two larger whales flanking a much smaller one. it was tough to see specifics on the fins and i’m not familiar enough to identify them. but it definitely looked like one much smaller whale with two larger ones.
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photo by Ruth Binderman, July 16, 2022
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Name: Janice Baird
Date of Sighting: 7/16/2022
Time: 12:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Davis Bay, Lopez Island
Direction of travel : All around.
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
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11:36 - Note: other Ts (the 8 members of T65As and T77s who have been in Hood Canal over the last few days) are south of them but currently heading west/southwest
Monika Wieland Shields
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10:55 - Just FYI, the T65As are currently in the Strait of Juan de Fuca south of Cattle Pass, south of San Juan Island. So they have exited Hood Canal.
Bart Rulon
Mentions
Fri, Jul 15 - Hood Canal (Members of T65As & T77s)
We’ve seen a lot of the T77 pod traveling with the T65A pod so far this summer, and they spent several days in Hood Canal recently. The T65As are one of the few pods that regularly hunts in Hood Canal. Other pods have spent time in Hood Canal in the past but not as consistently over time as the T65As. Inside Hood Canal one of their favorite hunting spots is Dabob Bay. Almost every time we find them in Dabob Bay they are hunting, and eventually eating something.
July 15 was one of those typical days out with Puget Sound Express from Edmonds. We saw them hunt and catch a harbor seal during our morning trips up there, and then when we found them again in the afternoon, they went on the hunt again. When we arrived, they were traveling close together but after a few sudden changes of direction it was obvious they found some prey. The slow speed of their pursuit indicated it was probably a harbor seal, and sure enough, before too long a seal popped out of the water in the middle of the orcas. Sometimes a seal hunt goes by very quickly, like in the morning, but other times they take their sweet-ole time. This occasion appeared to be a training moment where they let some of the younger family members do some of the work. Four or five times we saw one orca or another chomp down on the seal, but then they would let it go under the water. It's hard to imagine how terrifying it must have been to be that seal, but this is a critical part of how these killer whales train their young ones to hunt for themselves.
A funny side note of all this was that T65A2 (Ooxjaa) and T77C (Alcyon), both teenage boys, were not paying any attention to the hunt at all. They were rolling around with each other off to the side, having a little bromance, the entire time we watched the seal drama. Eventually the seal met its demise, and the meal began. The playful celebrations we witnessed during the hunt and afterward were pretty special so I wanted to share some of them with you.
Bart Rulon
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photos by Bart Rulon, July 15, 2022
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Thu, Jul 21 - WA Coast/ Swiftsure
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Jul 21 10:52:54 PDT
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 48.47912,-125.18678
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.47912,-125.18678
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Laurie
Whale Alert Appt
ON follow up: We only saw 3 orcas together. They were milling about likely feeding as there were several birds, kelp beds and a few sea lions nearby as well. No great images.
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Thu, Jul 21 - Juan de Fuca Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Jul 21 16:01:23 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.24007,-123.37558 [Just south of border, US side near ferry traffic lanes]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Seen from Blackball Ferry Victoria to Port Angeles 3pm sailing.
Submitter Name: Thomas Nielsen
Whale Alert App
Thu, Jul 21 - Haro Strait
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Looks like BCX0915 Fallen Knight
Photo by Dawn Fujino Redmond, July 21, 2022 [WSSJI]
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12:30 - It’s a humpback, north of Lime Kiln heading north as of 12:30
Monika Wieland Shields
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11:45 - Landbank sighting of baleen whale near the shore heading north north west towards lime kiln.
Christina Lee [WSSJI]
Thu, Jul 21 - Possession Sound
13;15 - MV Saratoga has a young humpback southbound in Possession Sound, mid channel just south of Mukilteo. Appears to be Slate’s 2021 calf Malachite.
Justine Buckmaster
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12:49 - [humpback] it’s close to the beach headed south still. A little north of Glendale…this whale looked super dark in color, I was wondering if it was the same one that’s been hanging around….The mate and I were trying to tell, I was thinking humpback…
Melissa Simmons, WSF
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12:25 -[humpback] Just off the Clinton ferry dock, heading SB.
Gregory Roeben
Thu, Jul 21 - Puget Sound
12:53 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 12:58 to report: WENATCHEE Humpback Whale Report 7/21/2022. 1253hrs: Vessel reports 1 humpback, NB in the NB traffic lanes, just north of the SEA>BI route crossing.
Wed, Jul 20 - San Juan Channel
20:00 - Humpback approaching Point Caution southbound.
Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
Wed, Jul 20 - Cattle Pass
13:25 Humpback heading east off of South Beach
Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Jul 20 9:29:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.45422,-122.96177
Number Sighted: 1
Reported Animal Status:
Submitter Name: Amanda
Wed, Jul 20 - Admiralty Inlet
At least 2 humpbacks frolicking past Bush Point right now. Heading south pretty quickly with lots of tail flips.
Camille Hartley
Wed, Jul 20 - Puget Sound
21:00 - Humpy NB north end Colvos Pass at 2100.
Tim Ferris
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17:24 - Humpback going west in Dalco passage. Spotted off Owen Beach. Last surfaced 5 mins ago
Erica Rangel [PSWS]
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08:48 - likely the same humpback is straight off of West Pt (Discovery Park), still traveling southbound mid-sound.
Sam Fason
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Name: Michelle Goll
Date of Sighting: 7/20/2022
Time: 5:55 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Edmonds ferry lanes
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
Photos available?: No
Wed, Jul 20 - South Puget Sound
13:17 - this one switches direction frequently. We notice loud breaths to alert presence. View of channel helpful. Nothing for 20 mins now….I lost the whale around 1:20 when it got into the channel. From previous experience this whale is hard to track as it switches direction often and dives for 15 mins or so. I’ve noticed many boats will go by with no idea there is a humpback in the area...
12:57 - Humpback now in the channel heading toward Johnson Point….S/he surfaces for breath then dives. Hard to get pic. Humpback though.
12:30 - Case Inlet humpback in the scene 12:30 in front of Joemma Beach then traversed to Hartstine shore.
Charlotte Smothers
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12:10 - I saw a humpback whale 3 times at 12:10. Case Inlet, south of Herron Island. Once was close to Key Peninsula, so I had a good view.
Last night at late dusk I heard his breathing/spout for 30 minutes. But was too dark to see her.
Ron Hebron [PSWS]
Tue, Jul 19 - North Pender Island
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 19 14:12:03 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.82150,-123.32274
Number Sighted: 2
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitted Comments: A mother and a calf
Submitter Name: Alyssa Menzis
Tue, Jul 19 - Juan de Fuca Strait
What another amazing day! …Good day for action and adventure... Fluking Awesome
[Includes BCX1747 Delta; BCX1772 Valiant; BCX1876 Zillion; BCX1737 Alpaca; BCZ0469 Spindrift; BCZ1053 Cascade; BCZ0395 Lyra per IDs by Alethea Leddy. Some picture below]
Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal Explorations
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Lovely breach in beautiful PNW setting.
All IDs: Alethea Leddy
photos by Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coast Explorations, July 19, 2022
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Tue, Jul 19 - Haro Strait
17:06 - I think this is the same group - there is a group of humpbacks currently (5:06 p.m.) heading north ~mid Haro Straight between Sidney and Henry Islands. There are two whale watching boats hanging out nearby
Sara Cannon [WSSJI]
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13:45 - Several humpbacks mid-Haro off Land Bank.
Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
Tue, Jul 19 - Puget Sound
16:01 - [humpback] sounds like it's already south of the narrows!! Heading south towards Fox Island area.
13:00 - From another page: 1pm Tuesday (7/19): Just saw a Humpback whale breach from Dash Point St. Park in Federal Way. Almost it’s whole body exited the water when it jumped! Looked like it was headed toward browns point/Tacoma area.
Amber Stanfill
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~10:50 - saw a humpback or gray 150' off the shore of Normandy Park a mile north of Des Moines marina heading south.
Phil Andrews
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~ 920ish either humpback or gray whale seen briefly heading south on Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry. Only caught a brief glimpse so unsure which of the two it was but it was definitely a baleen whale! …south of the ferry lanes. Probably a couple hundred yards out from the ferry at most, about midway in the channel between the two ferry terminals
Dylan Lynch
Mon, Jul 18 - Holmes Harbor
11:20 - Humpback close to shore off North Bluff at approx 11:20. Traveling into Holmes Harbor.
Ellen Carrico Telaneus
Sun, Jul 17 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
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The Humpback comeback continues off Sooke!
BCX0847 Zeppelin (bottom photo)
Photos by Paul Pudwell, July 17, 2022
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Sun, Jul 17 - Holmes Harbor
20:45-21:30 - Florian Graner called to report a humpback who has been moving up and down east side Holmes Harbor. Started seen the whale at 8:45pm and whale is still going up and down as of 09:30pm, approximately 200-300 yards off eastern shore off Beverly Beach, Whidbey. Whale goes about a mile to the north then a mile south up and down for past hour. Few breaches as well, very clearly humpback. Still hear it blowing.
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18:46 - Humpbacks circling 1 mile south of baby island in Holmes Harbor very close to shore. Lots of breaching and feeding behavior. Two whales present: it appeared to be a mother and calf. (Added: We ended up watching them for over 30 minutes right off the bulkhead for Saratoga community beach. Pretty incredible).
Nicole Woltersdorf
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17:33 - Minke [was humpback-alb] whale back hunting in front of Greenbank/Holmes harbor.
No Name provided
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Name: Stacy Ruffle
Date of Sighting: 7/17/2022
Time: 8:10 AM
Species seen: Gray [CONFIMRED HUMBACK - ALB]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Honeymoon Bay
Direction of travel : Slow in the bay then went N towards mouth of harbor and never saw or heard again
Behaviors observed: Unfamiliar with your words, eating with 1 full breach
If orcas, any males?: 0
Any unusual markings?: Na
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Close to shore
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Humpback in Holmes Harbor, Whidbey Island
Lunge feeding and traveling close inshore.
Photos by Stacy Ruffle, July 17, 2022
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Sat, Jul 16 - Juan de Fuca Strait
Humpbacks were well spread out today off Sooke to Race Rocks Lighthouse... We had the pleasure to encounter BCX1739 "Pilot", BCX1737 "Alpaca" and two others unidentified...
Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal
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Humpback BCX1737 "Alpaca"
photo by Paul Pudwell, July 16, 2022
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Sat, Jul 16 - Holmes Harbor
Name: Nicole Damer
Date of Sighting: 7/16/2022
Time: 2:15:0 PM
Species seen: Humpback whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Between Honeymoon Bay and Beverly Beach
Direction of travel : South on the western side and then circled back to the north on the eastern side
Behaviors observed: Hunting heading south and then breaching while heading north
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was amazing!
Photos available?: No
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11:30-13:00 - Minke whale [was humpback-alb] feeding along NE side of Holmes Harbor from about 11:30 to 1 today.
No Name provided
Fri, Jul 15 - Holmes Harbor
Name: Jan Dodge
Date of Sighting: 7/15/2022
Time: 6:30:0 AM
Species seen: Grey, I believe. It came directly up from the water, dark color, large. [photo confirmed humpback]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: west side of Holmes Harbor, about even with the old golf course clubhouse
Direction of travel : swimming north, out of Holmes Harbor
Behaviors observed: jumping, breathing
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: I was not close enough to get a good photo to see details, but I got a blurry one which I'll send
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
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Humpback whale in Holmes Harbor, Whidbey Island.
photo by Jan Dodge, July 15, 2022
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Thu, Jul 20-21 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (CRC2440)
Name: Shannon Boss
Date of Sighting: 7/21/2022
Time: 9:0:0 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Off of Sandy Point Whidbey Island
Direction of travel : N and S
Behaviors observed: It has been going back and forth in front of Sandy Point for almost 24 hours often stopping to eat in the sand spits
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
FOLLOW UP W/PHOTOS: We have been watching this gray whale travel back and forth in front of Sandy Point on Whidbey for almost 24 hours. It has often stopped to feed in the spits, and we even had incredible encounters with it coming within 30 feet of shore at times.
Thank you,
Shannon Boss
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Gray whale CRC2440 close in off Sandy Point, Whidbey Island.
photos by Shannon Boss, July 20-21, 2022
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Wed Jul, 20 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (CRC2440)
14:57 - [gray hwlae] between Langley marina and Sandy Point. Went in a few loopy circles….lots of feeding and action.
Christy Grant
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Gray whale CRC2440 feeds close inshore.
photo by Christy Grant, July 20, 2022
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6:49 - Gray has moved a bit west heading slowly toward Langley close to the bluff and feeding.
18:38 - 6:38p it is at Sandy Point again. Done kids are throwing rocks at it from Sandy point beach. And there’s a dog in the water near it. Geez.
14:20 - Gray whale feeding on shrimp in close to Whidbey bluff just west of Sandy point.
Luanne Seymour
Tue, Jul 19 - Possession Sound (CRC2440)
18:26- [gray CRC2440] just east of Harborview Park
17:20 - [gray CRC2440] just passed Ivars heading East super close to shore!
Laura McManus
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Gray whale CRC2440 syphons and travels...
photos by Lauren McManus, July 19, 2022
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16:51 -[gray CRC2440] Rounding the lighthouse at Mukilteo. Should be at the boat launch and beach very soon.
Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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"I adore grays anyway, but there's a little bit of extra magic with this one."
photo by Sara Montour Lewis, July 19, 2022
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We were out with Our Wild Puget Sound on the pier [Mukilteo] and got a close pass!!!
photo by Tamara Kelley, July 19, 2022
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Name: JERALD RUSSELL
Date of Sighting: 7/19/2022
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: GRAY
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo Beach
Direction of travel : South turn at south end of beach and headed north
Behaviors observed: Traveling
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Heard from others it had been there a few days
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16:45 - We think a gray at Mukilteo terminal. Boat had to wait for it to cross south towards lighthouse.
Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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16:30 - Gray whale passing Edgewater Beach headed south
J.J. Newman
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16:30 - [gray] This was around 4:30 today about 50 yards from the shoreline near Harborview park before it when south to Mukilteo
Richard Aguayo
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15:50 - [gray CRC2440] at the far south end of Howarth, traveling along the shore to Mukilteo.
Moving over to Mukilteo to try to intercept
14:14 - [gray CRC2440] now out front of the naval base [Everett].
14:03 - [gray CRC2440] watching from shore at Howarth. About 50 yards off shore. Feeding back and forth.
Big issue of people trying to swim out to it. We’ve been having to yell at people to stay away…they weren’t happy and accused us of “ruining their day”, but I’d like to think that being slapped by a whale could be worse
Tamara Kelley
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12:38 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 13:03 to report: KITSAP Spots a Grey at MUK, 7/19 1238hrs log entry: Captain, MUK/CLIN F watch, reports spotting a grey whale, heading northbound approximately 100 yards off-shore. The vessel held in for 6 minutes at MUK to not disrupt its transit. This is the same whale that has been frequenting the shoreline for several days. All vessels in the area are aware and maintaining a safe distance.
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08:31 - [gray] I can’t see it due to the tree line but I can hear a whale, presumably the gray that’s been having around Mukilteo this past week. Extremely close to shore and appears to be heading south towards Edmonds. I’m in Mukilteo across from Glendale.
Jodi Karuse Poissant
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 19 7:00:01 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.95112,-122.29773
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Sara Osler
Whale Alert App
Mon, Jul 18 - Possession Sound (CRC2440)
At 18:29 Maija Holston, WSF Marine Opes emailed to report: SUQUAMISH: Master reported near encounter when getting ready to dep MUK, they had a grey whale directly off the bow. No contact made. The delayed departure until area was clear. Reported at 1746- departure was 1710
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17:34 - [gray] big old baleen whale right in front of Ivars in Mukilteo, less than 100 ft from shore. Headed slowly East towards the ferry dock.
Derek Hanson
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ID: CRC2440 by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
photo by Derek Hanson, July 18, 2022
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17:20 - [gray] Approx 5:20, passing the docks by Muk lighthouse! Now heading east toward Everett!
Lauren McManus
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16:13 - [gray] Heading back towards Edgewater. Should be in front of Harborview right now.
15:12 - [gray] Past Howarth and close to the Navy Station in Everett.
14:12 - [gray] Passing Edgewater, still heading East towards Everett.
Sara Montour Lewis
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Name: Alicia Higgs
Date of Sighting: 7/18/2022
Time: 2:46 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 47.96146 N, 122.25010 W
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: First seen at south end of Port Gardner Bay swimming and feeding in shallow water. Worked its way north to the Port along the shoreline and then headed south along the shore around 3:30pm
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Gray whale CRC2440 in Port Gardner Bay, Everett.
photo by Alicia Higgs, July 18, 2022
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13:35 - [gray] We could see it from the Clinton->Mukilteo ferry at that time too. Seemed to be right by the lighthouse.
Rosemary Song
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13:35 - [gray] traveling back and forth in front of Mukilteo beach. Traveling north now back towards Ivars.
Emily Know
13:40 - [gray] Traveling NB about 50 yards offshore.
13:15 - WSF MV Kitsap has eyes on a gray whale south of the Mukilteo terminal per their PA announcement. Point of reference they gave was between the terminal and the white passenger boat in front of Ivars. Just saw its exhalation right off shore near Ivars.
Durand Dace
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frame grabs from video by Durand Dace, July 18, 2022
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At 07:01 Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Gray whale Clinton. KITSAP MAS reports one gray whale 200 yards off of CLIN moving North & South. MAS believes this to be the same whale spotted over the last few days with similar patterning.
Jul 17- Possession Sound (CRC2440)
19:10 - Gray CRC2440 now trending westbound directionally toward Howarth Park.
19:00 - I moved locations and from bluff above I am viewing the gray who I can ID as CRC2440. Whale is still feeding right up against Port of Everett seaport docks with green cranes. Circling around and back close in. Beautiful to see their head, body, exhalations, flins so prominent from this overhead perspective. Evening shared with visitors from Kansas and their family who live nearby and residents of the neighborhood.
17:45 - From Harborview park, looking towards Everett I can see the gray whale in Port Gardiner Bay hugging the Port of Everett Seaport loading dock area (green cranes). The whale is engaged in feeding behavior, rolling on sides exposing pec and fluke fins. A recreational boats has drifted into the whale, but too distant for me to get any information.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:45 - Brian w/MMS Center called to relay report they received from Jason 425-287-2187 who was calling from Everett WA , Pigeon Creek Beach, reporting a gray whale real close to shore 50 yards out, been there a little while. Was concerned.
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16:50 - [gray] I'm still seeing some pshhh from Howarth Park (in the direction of the marina) at 4.50pm.
Sandrine Dm
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14:15- Saw I believe a grey whale off of Howarth park in Everett! Was right off the shore, about 15 yards max. Doing rolls. Soo amazing!...Was headed up towards the Everett marina area when we left, but was still in the area.
Annette Rasmussen Carroll
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14:15 - Single gray whale at Howarth Park heading northwest very close to shore at 14:15!
Lauren Ryan Booth
Sat, Jul 16 - North Puget to Possession Sound
At 14:17- Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: MV KITSAP Captain reports via 800MHz, one (1) gray whales just off the beach south of the MUK Terminal, slowly heading SB.
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08:15 - Grey whale off Sunset Bay headed to Picnic Point. real close. I was at Meadowdale Park. There was a boat with an adult and 2 kids fishing. The whale spouted about 50 feet away. What an experience for the young ones!
Kurt Staples [PSWS]
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08:10 - I got a bit of a picture as headed north from Haines Wharf.
June Mansfield [PSWS]
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Gray whale northbound off Haines Wharf, Edmonds.
photo by June Mansfield, July 16, 2022
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Thu, Jul 14 - Possession Sound (CRC2440 per coverage previous WS Report)
Name: Alix Egbert
Date of Sighting: 7/14/2022
Time: 2:45:0 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo beach near the park/beach entrance. around 100ft. out in the water. Very close to shore. Approx coordinates: 47.947220,-122.308155
Direction of travel : Traveling North
Behaviors observed: Traveling, blowing out spout, popping up
If orcas, any males?: NA
Any unusual markings?: NA
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
Wed, Jul 13 - Possession Sound (CRC2440 per coverage previous WS Report)
Name: Gary Martin
Date of Sighting: 7/13/2022
Time: 6:45 AM
Species seen: Humpback (not certain) [confirmed GRAY WHALE-alb]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Possession Sound near Boulevard Bluffs/Shore Ave, Everett
Direction of travel : West to East toward Port of Everett, leisurely pace
Behaviors observed: Observed 360° roll
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Sun, Jul 17 - Puget Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Minke Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Jul 17 13:03:24 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.84570,-122.40634 [North Edmonds, ~ 2 miles S Cultus Bay, Whidbey]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: David
Whale Alert App
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Wed, Jul 20 - South Puget Sound
Possibly Humpback (Nisqually Reach/South Puget Sound) if so would be 2nd humpback, likely yesterday's:
09:50 - saw some spouting between Beachcrest and Anderson island. Not sure if they are orcas or not. It looked like it was heading toward Nisqually
Stephanie Mballo
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SEA OTTER (SOUTH PUGET SOUND)
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Tue, Jul 19 - South Puget Sound
Amazing encounter earlier today. Just north of McNeil Island, South Sound at about 1pm. A SEA otter!! I saw one from shore in Eagle Harbor 12 years ago and no one believed me. They all said Id seen a river otter. I studied biology and marine ecology, I do know the difference. Haha! But now I have footage. It was a delightful encounter to watch this guy relaxed just back-floating and feeding in the sunshine. What a treat!
Benjamin Doerr
For the record: Thanks for the report Alisa! We have one otter hanging out in around McNeil Island for some time now (at least since 2014). Its been an oddity for sure! I'll add this to our "McNeil Island" folder. Please keep reporting and sharing these reports…
Teal Waterstrat
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Washington Fish & Wildlife Office
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McNeil Island, South Puget Sound Sea Otter
Frame grabs from video by Benjamin Doerr, July 19, 2022
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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 [email protected]
- 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.
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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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