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L25 Ocean Sun off the west side of San Juan Island - taken from shore.
photo by Michelline Halliday, July 1, 2023
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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 6 include:
Southern Residents - On June 29, J Pod and the L12s made their way east in Strait of Juan de Fuca, heading north along the west side of San Juan Island at dark.
On June 30, J pod and the L12s made their way north in Active Pass at dawn, then made their way south in the Strait of Georgia and then Boundary Pass. They made their way down along the west side of San Juan Island at dark.
On July 1, J Pod and the L12s spent time off the west side of San Juan Island - J Pod eventually headed north through Boundary Pass.
On July 2, L12s spent the day off the west side of San Juan Island.
On July 3, L12s spent the day off the west side of San Juan Island. J Pod was reported off Campbell River.
On July 4, J Pod headed south from Boundary Pass arriving off San Juan Island by dark, while the L12s spent the day off the west side San Juan Island.
On July 5, SRKWs made their way west in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Bigg's Killer Whales - On June 27, T65As went through Agate Passage and spent the day in Sinclair and Dyes Inlet. T36 & T36Bs were spotted off Scatchet Head.
On June 28, T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E made their way north through Puget Sound before heading into Saratoga Passage as night fell.
On June 29, T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E, were spotted in Possession Sound in the morning, made a visit to Port Madison, and later exited inland Puget Sound during the night. T99s were seen in Hales Passage by Lummi Island.
On June 30, T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E were spotted in the San Juans.
On July 1, T49As were in Haro Strait.
On July 2, T125A & T128 were seen in Haro Strait.
On July 3, T69s were in Haro Strait. T75, T75A, & T75Bs were seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The T49As, T69s, & T109As were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
On July 4, T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E made their way into South Puget Sound. T49As were in Haro Strait. T69s, T75, T75A, T75Bs, & T109As were in Strait of Juan de Fuca.
On July 5, T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E spent the day in South Puget Sound. T65A5 had his predicament with the crab pot near Holmes Harbor. T37As were in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca. T75, T75A, T75Bs, & T109As were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. T99s also spotted in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca.
On July 6, T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E made their way north through Puget Sound. Likely T65A5 made his way through Saratoga Passage. T75Bs were in Haro Strait. T65Bs were also seen in Haro Strait. T77C & T77D spent time in eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca/northern Admiralty Inlet. T87 & others spotted near Texada Island.
Humpbacks - BCX1706 Pepper, BCX1251 Orion, & MMY0038 Merlin seen.
Gray Whales - No reports.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
On July 3, 2023, Center for Whale Research researchers obtained photos and drone footage that confirmed that new calf L127 is female, and the next day obtained photos confirming that L126 is male.
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T65A5 Indy got himself into a bit of trouble recently... but with a happy ending!
From NOAA: "Great news! A freed whale! On the morning of July 5, NOAA’s Large Whale Entanglement Response Program received word of a killer whale near Saratoga Passage, Washington, possibly entangled in a crab pot. A commercial tugboat, 𝘔/𝘝 𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘜𝘩𝘭, in the area offered to monitor the whale at a safe distance while professional responders mobilized. Soon the U.S. Coast Guard launched a drone to try to assess the entanglement.
Local tour operators with the Pacific Whale Watch Association in the area assisted with monitoring the killer whale including Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours, Puget Sound Express, and Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours, which identified the transient killer whale as T65A5 - known by Orca Network and others for being trapped in a lagoon in 2022.
Orca Network staff assisted with this event from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening, monitoring the whale’s location and staying in touch with agencies. The tugboat stood by as a beacon on the horizon for the professional responders, allowing them to easily spot the whale.
At this point professional responders from NOAA Fisheries, Cascadia Research Collective, and SR³ - Sealife Response, Rehabilitation & Research were reviewing authorized aerial footage of the whale provided by Florian Graner at SeaLife Productions. This footage was critical for determining how the responders would free the whale from the entanglement.
And then there was good news! Around 5 pm, the whale traveled closer to shore, creating slack in the entangling lines and swam away from the fishing gear, crab pot and all!
We are so grateful for all the help from the partners that made this a successful operation. Perhaps good luck played a role in freeing T65A5. Either way, a team of professional responders, commercial and non-profit agencies, as well as our federal partners all came together to get the job done. Thank You All!"
Read full post here.
EVENTS:
SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023 AT 10 AM – 12 PM
Global Beach Clean-Up, Coupeville Waterfront
Coupeville Waterfront
Ocean debris kills nearly one million sea creatures every single year. Saving dolphins and whales is about more than simply ending the captivity trade. Ocean conservation is just as vital to the survival of all cetaceans. Each summer, Dolphin Project hosts a worldwide event where people all over the world join in and cleanup their local beach or community to ensure a safe and clean habitat for dolphins, whales and all ocean creatures. As part of this event, Orca Network is offering a beach clean-up July 15th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Coupeville waterfront on Whidbey Island. Meet at the Roger Purdue whale wheel. Some gloves, grabbers and buckets will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Let's all work toward a healthy habitat for Tokitae, her Southern Resident orca family, and all Salish Sea marine life. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, email cindy@orcanetwork.org.
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FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023 AT 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Langley Whale Center at Night
Mural Unveiling & Fundraiser
Meet the Artist
Silent Auction
Charcuterie & Beverages
After Hours Shopping
Join us for an evening of food & fun as we unveil the new Langley Whale Center kids mural, painted by the local artist Carly Sarver. She will be available to answer questions about her lovely art!
Suggested entry donation: $5 - $15 (sliding scale)
105 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2023 AT 11 AM – 12 PM
Langley Whale Center Youth Zoom & In-person Event-Seals and Sea Lions!
Langley Whale Center
Join us as we learn about the pinnipeds of the Salish Sea. We will hear from Orca Network's very own, Garry Heinrich, who is our stranding network coordinator. He will teach us the differences between seals and sea lions and also tell us a tale of a very special elephant seal family who makes the Salish Sea their home. We will follow this with a special activity!
This event will be hybrid, meaning you can join us AT the whale center OR online. If joining in person, there will also be snack provided as well as after-event shopping.
As always, our youth events are free, but you must register if you intend on joining us online.
Register here.
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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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Wed, Jul 5 - BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Jul 5 9:39:03 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.42181,-123.36814 [lands in Victoria Harbor)
Number Sighted: 20
Submitter Name: Leela
Whale Alert App
Tue, Jul 4 - Boundary Pass/Haro Strait (J Pod)
21:17 - Super faint clicks and calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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19:15 - They are passing Kellett southbound.
Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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15:40 - J-Pod on SIMRES hydrophone in Boundary Pass.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Tue, Jul 4 - Haro Strait (L12s)
18:10 - Still see a few L's in the heat-distorted mush. Moving north/northwest, trending offshore of San Juan Island.
17:51 - Moving FAST up island.
17:48 - Calls on LK hydrophone.
17:41 - L Pod visible on Lime Kiln camera at Point Edwards moving up island.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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16:28 - Three adults and one baby heading back up island towards False Bay. Five breaches, several tail slaps, swimming on their backs. Having a pretty good time!
14:35 - More orcas north of Eagle Point. Several adults and baby. Slowly going up island. Update: stalled at False Bay. Breach. Now heading back down island.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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12:00 - And back off South Beach heading east.
10:30 - Some reported back near Eagle Point again, maybe trending up island.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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06:52 - The five milling LPod members heading down island. Viewing from one mile down island of landbank. L25 Ocean Sun [at] 06:49, 1 mile down island of Landbank. She was milling with L113, L94, baby L127 plus another I couldn't ID. L85 was off in the wings down island a bit.
06:35 - Mom and baby plus one milling, I can hear a few more blows down island. Viewing from one mile down mile south of Landbank.
Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
Mon, Jul 3 - Campbell River, BC
13:30 - J-Pod is up off Campbell River - unusual for this time of year!
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Mon, Jul 3 - Haro Strait (L12s)
22:58 - Multiple blows heard heading down island. One mile down island from Landbank. Moving very slowly, they’re surfacing all together then all quiet after they slip back under the surface.
20:29 - Orcas Landbank. Milling
19:35 - Orcas at Landbank heading up island.
Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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19:17 - Baby plus two have gone around Pile Point heading up island. Now out of my sight.
18:57 - Found some very far off of False Bay. But their angle is moving north towards Pile Point now. The ones near Eagle Point, which includes the little baby, are moving up island.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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17:25 - From Eagle Cove the three whales that had pushed off shore to Salmon Bank turned back towards shore and passed Eagle Cove within 50 yards off Eagle Cove. Trending up island. Another report had others off False Bay trending north.
16:35 - From above South Beach, milling behavior with directional changes off shore in the region of Salmon Bank, not in travel mode.
14:35 - From Eagle Point whales continue to mill about one and a half miles off shore. At least three, including large male south of Eagle Cove southbound.
Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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13:30 - Ls are milling offshore of San Juan between Pile and Eagle.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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12:56 - Just watched them play. Heading south along San Juan Island towards Eagle Cove.
David Graddon
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11:45 - Large male has now gone down island from Eagle Point. Little baby and a couple others are also going in that direction.
11:31 - Eba, the famous orca researcher, is with them.
11:28 - Can see one as far as Pile Point. Most are milling between Eagle Point and False Bay.
11:00 - Some are back north of Eagle Point.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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09:30 - Friend reports seeing them between American Camp and South Beach.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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08:27 - Now about to Pile Point. But also some still way back here north of Eagle Point. Some porpoising and lunging off of False Bay.
08:03 - Leader to about False Bay. Spread from north of Eagle Point to False Bay. Still quietly milling. Still drifting up Island.
07:43 - Possible direction change? I have about eight whales now on the north side of Eagle Point. Pointed in the direction of up island.
06:39 - They have gone around Eagle Point. Drifting towards American Camp. They are out of my sight now. Saw approximately ten.
06:15 - Orcas milling quietly just north of Eagle Point.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
Sun, Jul 2 - Haro Strait (L12s)
22:17 - Calls heard.
22:13 - Orcas half mile off Lime Kiln lighthouse moving down island.
20:05 - Echolocation clicks on Lime Kiln Hydrophone.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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17:28 - From James Mead Maya: some of the L11s nearing Lime Kiln.
16:00 - Sounds like they’ve flipped south near Kellett.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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14:43 - FAST past the lighthouse in a strong incoming tide.
14:33 - Echolocation clicks on hydrophone.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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11:59 - Still have several messing around up island from Eagle Point. Others are down island of Eagle Point.
11:32 - Some have passed Eagle Point continuing to head down island. Some have stopped and are milling just a bit up island from Eagle Point.
11:18 - Leader at Eagle Point.
11:14 - Orcas just north of Eagle Point. Heading down island.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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10:15 - Leaders adjacent to Lime Kiln light house. Northbound heading up island.
09:32 - Another group of whales that are south of my viewpoint heading up island. Viewing from one mile south of Landbank. There’s a short lull between the groups.
09:26 - L Pod baby northbound with mom and seven orcas. One mile south of Landbank approaching Point Edwards. Third mile offshore.
09:06 - Leaders milling but steady trending north. Viewing from 1.3 miles south of Landbank.
08:55 - Leaders seen just north of Pile. Hearing more blows. Northbound. Up island. Viewing from 1.3 miles south of Landbank.
Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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08:45 - L12s steady north near Pile Point.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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08:47 - At least one is now on the other side of Pile Point. Still heading up island.
08:33 - Leader to about Kanaka Bay/Pile Point. More than ten whales. Probably more like 15? Couple cute younger ones having a wrestling match. Spread from north of Eagle Point to just about Pile Point. Still moving up island. A bit further from shore.
08:10 - A few more orcas coming around Eagle Point heading up island. Close to shore. Very slow moving.
08:05 - Counting about eight to ten orcas. Drifting slowly north. Spread from just down island from Eagle Point to a little bit past north of Eagle Point. Can see one little one in there. And one gigantic guy.
07:54 - Breaching orcas north of Eagle Point.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
Sat, Jul 1 - Haro Strait (Js & L12s west side SJI in the morning - Js headed north through Boundary Pass, L12s headed back down island)
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On July 1st, we had one of the Southern Resident killer whale encounters we dream about: early morning calm seas with members of multiple pods right off the rocks at Lime Kiln Point State Park. This was our first good look at the L12 sub-group since they returned with J-Pod a few days prior, meaning we also got to meet the two new calves L126 (born to L119) and L127 (born to L94). Both little ones are a few months old and this was their first visit to the Salish Sea!
Orca Behavior Institute
video by Jason Shields, July 1, 2023
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Morning highlight reel from the Lime Kiln hydrophone/camera.
Fred Horn
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Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #32:
“They didn't see any sign of the whales off Mitchell Bay, and headed slowly down island. They found a large group of resting whales just south of San Juan County Park at 858. This group was composed of a large portion of J pod, formed up in a rough resting line. The team could see blows from another group of apparently resting whales further south, which they assumed was the rest of J pod and the L12s.…”
Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #32.
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07-01-23 L-Pod J-Pod, Haro Strait, SJI
07:50 - 08:50, Viewing from County Park. The orcas were spread out 1.5 - 2 miles off shore. Fighting the current at times they looked like they were moving backwards. They seemed resigned to give up and they flipped changing directions just on the north side of County Park.
09:08 - 09:36, Leaving County Park I went to Lime Kiln lighthouse arriving minutes before the orcas did. They made a beautiful pass close to the rocks and I had a good view of L25 Ocean Sun. Both Ls and Js were present.
09:59 - 10:45, I left Lime Kiln for a lookout farther down island. The orcas were traveling down island to the south. Spread out, some paused while milling and others continued south of my viewpoint. None were close to shore. At 10:25 the fragmented groups began to slowly flip and change direction. The group in front of me formed a brief but lovely resting line. After resting the tight group picked up speed heading north up island. At 10:40 the group down island to the south was traveling into view northbound confirming the flip and change of direction to the north. Viewing from 1.3 miles south of Landbank.
12:05 -12:36, I left my down island perch and arrived at Lime Kiln before the orcas. They raced past within minutes; some close in, some farther out. The trailing orca was the majestic J27 Blackberry.
20:46 - 21:00, Somewhere to the north J-Pod and L-Pod separated with L-Pod returning, traveling to the south/ down island at sunset, 1 mile+ from shore. All photos taken from shore.
Michelline Halliday, SJI
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photos by Michelline Halliday, July 1, 2023 | |
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22:45 - Jill Irene Freidberg: Hearing some faint echolocation clicks on Lime Kiln hydrophone.
21:13 - Five of the L12s have passed Lime Kiln southbound - expect there to be six more!
19:15 - Orcas believed to be the L12s southbound from Henry Island.
18:01 - It sounds like the L12 sub-group did not continue up Boundary Pass with J-Pod, so they may very well have flipped south and end up passing by the west side at some point this evening!
14:00 - Near Turn Point still northbound.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Jul 1 13:41:32 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.64800,-123.20600
Number Sighted: 10
Submitted Comments: Many widely dispersed traveling in small groups of 4 or 5. Surfacing together.
Submitter Name: Jim Carney
Whale Alert App
Orca Network follow up: They were heading north. There seemed to be perhaps as many as 20 different whales traveling in groups of three to five with a couple of calves. There was a “research team” nearby and with their help and the AIS system we were able to alert several boats to avoid the area.
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photo by Jim Carney, July 1, 2023 | |
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13:00 - Sounds like most or all of them have passed Kellett northbound.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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12:13 - Most have passed Lime Kiln northbound - not sure if that includes the ones Jenny Stands Wilson had off False Bay 30 minutes ago but I believe I’ve at least seen members of all matrilines head north again.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Jul 1 11:24:54 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.51615,-123.15247 [Lime Kiln]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Cheyenne
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11:16 - Approaching Lime Kiln lighthouse.
10:39 - Northbound flip confirmed. Whales just south of Edwards.
09:35 - Some J's now south of Point Edwards, bound down island.
09:15 - I'm guessing the Ls are northbound and the Js are southbound.
08:57 - Flipped south.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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07:35 - All of Js and L12s now north of Lime Kiln northbound!
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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06:23 - Js appear to be present as well.
06:06 - Stalled out in front of Land Bank.
05:43 - Orca at Landbank northbound.
Tamara Kelley [WSSJI]
Fri, Jun 30 - Active Pass/Boundary Pass/Haro Strait (J Pod & L12s)
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #31:
“As the team was refueling, they received a report of SRKW just east of Pt Roberts, heading their way. They left the harbor and almost immediately saw fins, starting their encounter at 1214. The first two whales the team found were L22 and L25, travelling and foraging together with the J22s nearby. Further offshore, the team found a group of socializing whales and saw that there was a very small calf in the group. The calf was initially associated with L113, but not synchronizing with her or staying in the echelon position. After getting a few photos, it became clear to the team that this was not the same calf that was observed with the L12s off Tofino several days earlier…”
Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #31.
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23:10 - Calls and echolocation seem to be getting louder? Have the camera pointed into the moon in case they pass north!
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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22:17 - Still lots of faint vocals on the Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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21:36 - Sounded like L call. Earlier, began listening 20:55, seemed like was all J pod calls, some sound and faint until shortly before heard what think was the L call.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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20:38 - First calls heard.
20:28 - Orcas spotted on Lime Kiln camera southbound.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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17:38 - Js and Ls southbound spread out Monarch Head to Turn Point. Medium travel. NMFS orange inflatable with them.
Bethany Ryals [WSSJI]
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16:25 - Clicks and SRKW whistles on the SIMRES hydrophone in Boundary Pass!
05:00 - Thanks to our friends at Salish Sea Orca Squad for letting us know SRKW went north through Active Pass this morning.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Thu, Jun 29 - Haro Strait (J Pod & L12s)
06-29-23 L-Pod and J-Pod, Haro Strait SJI
19:45, First sight of splashing and a breach in the far, far distance. There was too much heat distortion to see fins. Unable to judge how far offshore, they were headed in generally towards the False Bay or Eagle Point area. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank"s Westside Preserve.
20:18, After seeing them at a distance, I moved down island as the leaders approached. Very spread out, not surfacing much and moving quickly north/ up island. They were 1.5 to 3+ miles off shore. Viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank
20:30 - 20:43, They are beginning to slow down but still very spread out. Three are milling to the north of my location and still trending north, 1.2 miles south of Landbank. No one has ventured in closer than a mile from shore. All heading up island at different paces.
20:53 - 21:00, I think I'm observing J19 Shachi and I realize by now that I'm seeing members of another pod but no one is close in. All members heading north /up island, viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank. J45 Se-Yi-Chn comes close in at 21:00, kindly identified by Sara Hysong Shimazu. Then magic happens and L85 Mystery comes very close to shore trailing some vegetation from the kelp. He turns suddenly and veers away from the shore to meet and greet another large male. They move farther apart and L85 crosses paths with L25 Ocean Sun! She is beautiful in the rose-y light of the setting sun. I experience reverence, profound respect and love at her transit across my view. After dark I leave my perch still hearing a blow in the distance. Photographed from shore.
Michelline Halliday, SJI
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L25 Ocean Sun
photos by Michelline Halliday, June 29, 2023
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Here is some audio from the Lime Kiln hydrophone, recorded during this evening's SRKW pass!
Fred Horn
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21:44 - Still seeing whales heading north on the Lime Kiln camera and hearing intermittent vocals - Js and Ls confirmed.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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20:50 - Most in my view have now moved near to Pile Point. On both sides of Pile Point and offshore from there as well.
20:35 - Quite a few still milling back and forth off of False Bay and up to just about Pile Point.
20:12 - Most whales have come in much closer to shore. Some are heading towards Pile Point. Everyone has slowed down. Some are staying between Eagle Point and False Bay. I can't see anything really past False Bay because of the glare of the sun.
19:46 - Coming in very quickly.
19:40 - Orcas lunging. Coming towards Eagle Point and False Bay.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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15:07 - From Sooke: “[approx. 14:48 - Per Paul Pudwell, many orca off Otter Point heading east fast, 10 - 20. Possible SRKW!]”
Kace Ayres [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) | |
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Thu, Jul 6 - Strait of Georgia (T87 & others)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Jul 6 19:19:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.70396,-124.35256 [North side Texada Island, BC]
Number Sighted: 7
Submitted Comments: single male in the lead, 6 or 7 following a mile behind
Submitter Name: Toni Webb
Whale Alert App
Thu, Jul 6 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T77C & T77D)
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21:20 - 21:30 - Two orcas spotted just off the breakwater at Boat Haven in Port Townsend (48.107362, -122.770771), traveled east/northeast in front of the Pourhouse.
photo by Tori Ball, July 6, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tori Ball
Date of Sighting: July 06, 2023
Time: 9:20 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 48.107362, -122.770771
Direction of travel : ENE
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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16:27 - Update for T77C and T77D northbound [approx. 48.155323, -122.818760]. They were aimed towards Smith Island.
16:11 - T77C and T77D are aiming towards Puget Sound northbound from my map spot [approx. 48.139943, -122.855354].
Bart Rulon Art & Photography
Thu, Jul 6 - Haro Strait (T65Bs)
Per John Boyd, T65Bs.
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15:45 - Looks like these went north and then east into Spieden Channel, now heading for President's Channel between Orcas and Waldron.
12:58 - They are moving northeast again.
12:30 - Orcas spotted mid Haro northwest of Lime Kiln. Trending northeast.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
Thu, Jul 6 - San Juans
15:06 - This group (I assume this group) was visible from Obstruction Pass Beach going west. At least five whales. Reported by the counselors at my son’s camp. About an hour ago.
Elena Battles [WSSJI]
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11:37 - Now watching from Doe Bay, but they are headed to the north shore of Lummi.
10:50 - Just saw orca from Mount Constitution! Heading East!
Rebecca JS [WSSJI]
Thu, Jul 6 - Haro Strait (T75Bs)
10:52 - They’re near Darcy Island heading north.
April Ryan [WSSJI]
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09:06 - I didn't see anything posted about the four to five orcas in front of Land Bank. Heading up island.
Carol Kinkelaar Skully [WSSJI]
Thu, Jul 6 - Saratoga Passage (Likely T65A5)
15:00 - Christy Grant sent text reporting lone orca close in shore between Langley marina and Sandy Point heading east.
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14:50 - Lone orca in front of Langley marina. Heading south towards Everett or Hat [Island].
Sommer Bowlin
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14:00 - Just got a report from a visitor staying on Clinton Beach (north of ferry dock) of a lone orca. They did report they were seeing him close to the crab pot buoys and noticed the buoys were bobbing up and down as he traveled. Looks like someone didn't learn their lesson.
Katie Watkins, Orca Network
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14:00 - Single orca in front of Langley Seawall Park, close to beach at low tide.
Jessica
photo by Lyn Gill, July 6, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brett Robinson
Date of Sighting: July 06, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: (48.0326016, -122.5349462)
Direction of travel : S E
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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photo by Brett Robinson, July 6, 2023 | |
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Thu, Jul 6 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
19:44 - By the MSC Boat: now appears to be headed towards Seattle?
Crystal Thompson
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19:37 - Midchannel in front of Space Needle if viewing from Manchester.
Elaine Hamilton
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19:35 - They went on the Seattle side of Eukor boat heading toward Bainbridge or Rich Passage.
Elaine Hamilton
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Jul 6 19:25:36 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.56118, -122.50764 [outside east entrance Rich Passage]
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Tim Rostenbach
Whale Alert App
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19:19 - They are approaching the big two ships in the water close to Manchester. My guess is they are going towards Rich? But still too early to say.
Crystal Thompson
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19:14 - Approaching Blake Island sand bar, as viewed from Cornell Road (west side of Blake).
Jill Denkmann
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Jul 6 19:11:52 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.52572,-122.50368
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Tim Rostenbach
Whale Alert App/with Notes from Orca Network follow with Tim regarding both app entries: I first saw them at 18:50 between Blake Island and the Southworth ferry. They were heading towards Bainbridge Island. I then moved over between Blake Island and Bainbridge Island and just stopped to see if they would reappear and they did. The main pod was heading towards Bainbridge more on the Seattle side, then the big orca appeared by itself and swam right under our boat! It was a beautiful thing to witness. I have videos and some pictures [re:19:25:36 sighting]. I thought at first they were going towards Rich Passage but they turned towards Seattle so who knows. I saw them, then they seemed to just disappear! Good for them.
|  |  | photos by Tim Rostenbach, July 6, 2023 | |
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19:10 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 19:24 to report: - 1910hrs: Captain [of CATHLAMET] reports 4 orca moving west into Yukon Harbor south of Blake Island.
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19:11 - Still hugging Blake.
19:00 - Heading west [approx. 47.527574, -122.489658].
Crystal Thompson
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19:00 - [Approx. 47.529237, -122.499575].
LeeAnn Rae Contreras Lung
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19:00 - Heading around the Manchester side of Blake Island.
Jen McAbee
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18:51 - Passing Southworth now.
Jen McAbee
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18:51 - Even with Point Southworth now. Still northbound.
18:45 - Approaching Point Southworth. Close to Kitsap side. Still northbound.
Hunter Sasser Oetinger
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18:45 - Small pod five or six center channel northbound exiting Colvos Passage.
photo by Tim & Moby, July 6, 2023
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In Colvos Passage
photo by Collin Carnahan, July 6, 2023
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17:57 - Passing Command Point, mid channel all together.
Matt Apone
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17:43 - Just passing Anderson Point County Park. Still on the Vashon side of the passage.
Stephanie Burton
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17:38 - Passing Olalla/just south of Anderson Point! Northbound mid channel but now closer to Kitsap.
17:33 - Spotting big male and several other blows, five to six (through binoculars) mid channel but closer Vashon, passing Olalla area (OBM). Northbound and starting to move a bit faster.
photo by Amanda Herberger, July 6, 2023
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17:30 - North of Lisabeula now, look to be closer to mainland side now, still steady northbound.
Ellen Weir
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17:20 - Between Maplewood and Olalla mid-channel. Definitely a juvenile in the group. Lots of spouting and dorsal fins.
Stacey Olson
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17:15 - Viewing from Lisabeula, approaching Lisabeula, midchannel grouped steady northbound.
Ellen Weir
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16:50 - Midchannel, north of Point Richmond.
Dana Flaskerud
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16:31 - Sound Action just received a report of a whales northbound and/or milling near Camp Sealth/Paradise Cove in Colvos on Vashon.
Amy Carey, Sound Action
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16:18 - Milling around just south of Olalla in Colvos Passage. Closer to Vashon. Was watching from Sunrise until about ten minutes ago.
Samantha Krempasky
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15:31 - Colvos Passage.
Peter James
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15:26 - Possibly hunting between Defiance and Sunrise.
Jason Cook
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15:11 - Rounding Point Defiance very close to shoreline.
Stace Gordon
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15:01 - A male is separate from the others headed for Point Defiance.
Zeno Martin
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14:53 - In front of Salmon Beach. Mid channel slowly northbound.
Stace Gordon
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14:51 - Orcas northbound in Narrows near Point Evans. Close to Gig Harbor side. Observing from our deck at Salmon Beach.
Zeno Martin
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14:41 - Well beyond the bridge. Heading north, closer to Salmon Beach. Far side of passage, closer to the harbor.
Andrea Reubel Walker
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14:36 - They just went under the Narrows.
Shana Tucker
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14:30 - From Narrows Bridge.
photo by Ryan Dicks, July 6, 2023
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14:36 - North of Narrows, more on the east side near the train tunnel exit/entrance of Tacoma area.
14:30 - Just went under the Narrows.
14:23 - Narrows Park! Just south. Coming north now!
Stephanie Burton
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14:19 - Viewing from Titlow, at least three are headed north towards the Narrows.
Rose Major
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14:08 - They are headed north under the Narrows.
Barb Pritchard Hulbert
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14:16 - Heading towards Narrows Bridge now.
14:01 - Turning the corner around north east side of Fox Island now.
Patrick Pfau
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13:44 - Approaching Fox Island Pier.
13:33 - Flipped! Pod is not committed towards Carr. Seems as though they are now headed for Narrows!
Candace Gavin
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Swamp X
Date of Sighting: July 06, 2023
Time: 1:19 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Midchannel south of Chambers Park, half way between Fox and Chambers Bay ped bridge
Direction of travel : N, moderate pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling off Toliva Shoal
If orcas, any males?: at least one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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13:15 - Between Fox and McNeill heading toward Carr Inlet.
Jessi Clifton
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13:15 - Seems as though they may have crossed and are now committed up Carr Inlet.
Candace Gavin
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13:06 - Long down times. From Anderson Island last sighting was five minutes ago, south off the Fox Island buoy headed what I think was northbound.
12:52 - From Anderson Island they look centered in the golf course, still northbound with one boat with them.
12:46 - Northbound at a good clip, mid water, passing Steilacoom [approx. 47.191573, -122.616861].
Belen Bilgic Schneider
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12:42 - Out by Chambers, mid channel, heading north towards Narrows.
Molly E Miller
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12:37 - Just passed the dock at the north end of Ketron, northbound into Chambers.
Belen Bilgic Schneider
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12:37 - Between Ketron and Steilacoom ferry dock headed towards the Narrows.
Kirstin Van Houte
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12:27 - I saw them, they were going fast and weren’t around long.
Casey Faber
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12:14 - Pod is in front of Riviera Marina on Anderson Island. Headed north between Anderson and Ketron mid channel to Anderson side.
Candace Gavin
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06:25 - Transients in Allyn now. I'm not there but my friend sees approx. seven of them directly in front of Allyn pier and she said they are feeding. She said there's a lot of thrashing going on out there. Migrating slightly towards Treasure, Stretch and Harstine.
Shana Tucker
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photos by Julia Nelson, courtesy of Shana, July 6, 2023 | |
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Wed, Jul 5 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T99s)
14:00 - Whale watching boats westbound for Iceberg Point (south Lopez Island). Cattle Point would be a good chance to see what they are following.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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13:50 - Point Coleville, Lopez Island.
Susan Emerson [WSSJI]
Wed, Jul 5 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T75, T75A, T75Bs, & T109As)
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We can't get enough of these great encounters and weather! Today with thirteen Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T109A's, T075, T075A, T075B's) and fifteen humpbacks all together actively feeding on the surface out in the Juan de Fuca Strait!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
photos by Paul Pudwell, July 5, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Jul 5 21:27:43 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.13743,-123.58096
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: T. Wadleigh
Whale Alert App
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13:14 - Watching from Salt Creek. Two boats with them. Slowly westbound.
11:50 - Currently watching from Freshwater Bay County Park. They seem to be still heading west, slowly. Five boats with them.
Toyia Hatten
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11:45 - We are not with them anymore (just stayed long enough to get IDs) but judging by the whale watching boat location they are approaching Freshwater Bay County Park westbound five minutes ago. These are the T109As, T75, T75A, and T75Bs in this group.
Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:17 - Visible in the distance from the mouth of the Elwha. There are three whale watching boats with them currently.
Toyia Hatten
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Theo Francis
Date of Sighting: July 05, 2023
Time: 11:12 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: 48.316606, - 123.431225
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Tail lobs and breathing
If orcas, any males?: Maybe
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I just finished third grade. My class studied orcas. We spotted the orcas on the Blackball/Coho ferry from Victoria, BC to Port Angeles, WA.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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photo by Theo Francis, July 5, 2023 | |
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10:40 - Just reached Angeles Point, westbound in the strait.
Rachel Rodell
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10:00 - Caught them heading west of the papermill by the clay banks. Now closer to the Elwha.
Anthony Isaac
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08:50 - A group of about eight was in Port Angeles Harbor. At that moment they were heading east but a few minutes later they swung around about mid-harbor and headed west but travel generally seemed to be eastward.
photo by Amy McIntyre, July 5, 2023
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Wed, Jul 5 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T37As)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Allison Montgomery
Date of Sighting: July 05, 2023
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: Bigg's
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48.352648,-122.848315
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: Slow traveling
If orcas, any males?: One male, three either sub-adult or female fins
Any unusual markings?: One stunted fin (T37A4 Crinkle) and one sprouted dorsal with a nic in it (T037A2 Inky)
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw 4 dorsals total, one belonging to T37A2 and one to T037A4. Two unidentified others, but being that we did not see a youngster, may have been A1 and A3.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
Wed, Jul 5 - Holmes Harbor (T65A5)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ellen Telaneus
Date of Sighting: July 05, 2023
Time: 5:25 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Entrance to Holmes Harbor Greenbank side
Direction of travel : Milling
Behaviors observed: Milling, tangled in crab line
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Large whale entangled in red and white crab buoy. Followed by orange pontoon “research boat. Observed 20 minutes while research boat monitored. Whale freed self from pot and headed north toward Hidden Beach at fast pace. Research boat retrieved buoy and line with crab pot attached.
Photos available?: No
Wed, Jul 5 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
18:55 - I see five headed north Johnson Point.
Joan Ahre
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18:51 - Same group as earlier, heading west through Nisqually Reach. Boats are heading north toward Joemma so that’s my best guess.
Paula Goelzer
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18:46 - I see them traveling north in front of Taylor Bay. Can't tell if they are heading around the west side of Johnson Point or up into Case.
T.j. Smith
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18:14 - Heading south towards Devil's Head and Case Inlet.
Rory Macomber
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Jul 5 18:00:03 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.18609,-122.73197 [West side Anderson Island]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: J P
Whale Alert App
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18:16 - I was wrong, still milling same place.
18:06 - Trending south, still near north east end of Anderson Island.
16:40 - Hunting on northeast side of Anderson Island. No direction.
Lane Sample
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16:15 - Toward Eagle Island, passed the Anderson Island ferry dock.
Kirstin Van Houte
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16:05 - Saw from Anderson Island ferry, four now heading around north top of island.
Lane Sample
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16:05 - Just passing the Anderson ferry terminal. Viewing from Steilacoom. Heading north.
David Marvelle
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15:49 - Heading northbound to Anderson Island ferry dock.
photo by Molly E Miller, July 5, 2023
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15:52 - They are definitely northbound between Anderson and Ketron right now.
15:47 - Just saw reports that they are northbound at the southern end of Ketron now.
15:30 - It sounds like they are lingering south near Sandy Point of Anderson Island, might be visible from Solo Point across the water.
Belen Bilgic Schneider
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15:04 - They just headed back south towards south end of Anderson Island.
14:49 - Making their pass by the Anderson Island marina. Ketron side of channel.
Molly E Miller
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13:59 - In the Reach, southeast of Anderson.
Steve Gardner
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13:57 - Near the oyster farm hugging the sand bar and heading towards the refuge.
13:43 - Across from Beachcrest.
Stephanie Mballo
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13:42 - In front of Nisqually Delta now. Two boats nearby, but staying away.
13:31 - I see them now. They are approaching Tolmie Park, heading south towards the delta at a pretty fast pace. I see at least four, maybe five. There are only a couple boats around them.
Angie Johnson Vandeberg
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13:25 - Nisqually Reach midchannel. Southwest of Anderson Island.
David Gordon
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13:00 - Maybe four heading east towards Anderson Island, accompanied by four or five boats.
photo by Paula Goelzer, July 5, 2023
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13:00 - Southbound into the Nisqually Reach. Mid channel between Johnson Point and the Key Peninsula.
12:50 - Southbound in front of Taylor Bay. Slowly.
T.j. Smith
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12:45 - Southbound passing Johnson Point.
Joan Ahre
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12:16 - Going south past Whiteman Cove mid channel Case Inlet.
Steve East
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10:45 - They were in Case Inlet.
Allie Williams Seidner
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10:22 - South of Stretch now. Several of them lots of action.
Paul Page
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09:54 - Passed Treasure Island heading south by Stretch Island.
Renee Roraback
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08:45 - They’re heading back out towards Treasure Island. There was a group. The bull and I think three others.
08:35 - Lone, large male orca moving slowly up west side of Case Inlet to Allyn.
Beverly Lynch McCallum
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carter Barnes
Date of Sighting: July 05, 2023
Time: 8:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Upper Case Inlet east of Treasure Island
Direction of travel : Heading North
Behaviors observed: Traveling? Only one surfacing seen.
If orcas, any males?: Large 5 plus maybe.
Any unusual markings?: All black.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Ourselves 32 Nordic and a pontoon boat only ones in the area. At least quarter mile off but no mistaking an orca.
Photos available?: No
Tue, Jul 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49As, T69s, T75, T75A, & T75Bs)
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Another incredible day with whales everywhere! Orcas: T049As, T069s, T075, T075A and T075Bs! And a pair of humpback whales! These hunting off East Sooke!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
photos by Paul Pudwell, July 4, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 4 15:30:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.37152,-123.92052 [Sheringham Lighthouse]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Neil Mcfadyen
Whale Alert App
Tue, Jul 4 - Haro Strait (T49As)
T49A’s.
Sarah Garbett [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 4 17:25:43 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.54691,-123.23299 [Kelp Reef]
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Piper Anderson
Whale Alert App
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17:12 - Long dives - closing in on County Park now.
17:01 - Visible at Lime Kiln!
Amy Nesler [WSSJI]
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16:55 - Orcas one and a half miles off Land Bank with WW boats.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
Tue, Jul 4 - Puget Sound
17:45 - Just saw at least one headed north 50 yards off shore heading north toward Point No Point Lighthouse. About two miles south.
Steve Lassiter
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12:55 - We’ve received some second hand reports of orcas seen a of couple hours ago near Hansville headed southbound.
Orca Network
Tue, Jul 4 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mike Dageenakis
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time: 8:32 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Heading to Fox Island Bridge from the west
Direction of travel : NNE
Behaviors observed: Traveling, breaching
If orcas, any males?: Yes, 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A Artemis
20:24 - Approx. four to five orcas just passed by close to Horsehead Bay heading southbound out of Carr Inlet.
20:20 - Leaving Carr Inlet.
photos by Jennifer Swenson, July 4, 2023
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19:01 - Approaching Raft Island. Southbound.
18:57 - East side Henderson Bay. Southbound approaching Anderson Point.
Gary Furuheim
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18:21 - Henderson Bay.
photos by Stacy Richens, July 4, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Stacy Richens
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time:
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Henderson Bay
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Appeared to be hunting, unsure
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No longer in Henderson Bay.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mike Dageenakis
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time: 4:55 PM
Species seen: Or can
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: One mile west of Fox Island , north of McNeil Island adjacent to the Horsehead of Horsehead Bay
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling breaching
If orcas, any males?: At least one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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18:30 - Orca in Henderson Bay.
Jane Durnbaugh Thompson
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 4 17:25:17 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.32265,-122.70773 [middle Carr Inlet]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Willa
Whale Alert App
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16:56 - Mike Daganakis (sp?) called to report an orca sighting. He is at the south end of the outer side of Horsehead Bay and McNeil Island and on the north side of that body of water are at least five orcas heading west, breaching.
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15:56 - Orcas heading west from Fox Island sand spit.
Melissa Stiles
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Jul 4 15:47:40 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.27944,-122.64369 [Hale Passage]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Elaine Root
Whale Alert App
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15:40 - 15:45 - We just drove over the bridge back to Gig Harbor and the orcas were to the left toward Bella Bella.
Ami V. Shah
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15:24 - At the bridge.
Brent Murphy
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Fox Island pass from on top of the bridge.
photos by Brittany Hays, July 4, 2023
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T65A3 Amira with a seal in his mouth.
The 4th of July was a hard day to watch orcas. With 4th of July, came a plethora of boats on the water. As the orcas came into our view from the Fox Island bridge, so did a parade of boats. Once all the other boats in the area got word, they literally started to surround the pod. Well over 50 boats plus kayakers, paddle boarders and dinghies all violating their space. They constantly encroached their space and harassed the whales, not giving them much space to hunt or surface safely (for them and people). The orcas were clearly agitated and breaching/tail slapping aggressively at times. The paddleboarders and kayakers were getting so close to them that they were getting wet by the splashes, and the boats were rocking from the orcas wake. One person actually getting in the water with these agitated whales while they were hunting. All the pictures I got of this were heated distorted so we couldn’t see the boat numbers. The orcas did a deep dive and popped up on the opposite side of the channel and close to the bridge. They popped up so far away from the boats that I thought I’d have time to get pictures of both the orcas and the boats. The orcas passed very beautifully under the bridge, Amira even carrying his baby seal kill in his mouth.
photos by Jami Cantrell, July 4, 2023
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15:17 - They have stalled out right by the Tanglewood Lighthouse. Haven’t made it to the Fox Island Bridge yet.
14:58 - Tanglewood Island.
Jason Embick
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Emily Crowell
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time: 2:52 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Hale Passage off of Fox Island, 47°15'37.2"N 122°36'38.1"W
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Boats were very close and not giving them space - unable to tell if they were males or females from shore.
Photos available?: No
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14:46 - In Hales Passage, across from Cromwell, heading toward Fox Island Bridge.
Dana Scott
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14:43 - They went towards the Fox Island split.
Eunice K
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14:38 - West in Hales. Looks like Fox Island Bridge will get a nice pass [approx. 47.247252, -122.588637].
Jason Cook
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14:37 - Trending to Hales Passage.
Breanne Denise Ward
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14:23 - Just south of Narrows Bridge hugging and the west shore. Lots of boats with them.
Emily Gause
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14:13 - Visible just north of Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
Nick Smith
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14:12 - Going under the bridge now in Gig Harbor side.
Jack Sasser
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Pauline Proszowski
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time: 14:00
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Traveling from Point Defiance midchannel near Salmon Beach towards Tacoma Narrows bridge
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Traveling and splashing
If orcas, any males?: 1 large male
Any unusual markings?: Unable to see from a distance
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looked like a Dad, Mom and baby swimming in a row. Lots of splashing. Many boats behind them who slowed or kept a respectful distance. The Pierce Co. sheriff boat was next to the group as well so they had a close up view. A real treat for all to see this 4th of July!!
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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T65A6 Callisto & T65A Artemis
photo by Richard Proszowski, July 4, 2023
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14:08 - Past Salmon Beach now southbound. Much more surface activity than is typical in the Narrows.
14:03 - Now south into the Narrows. Big breaches and tail slap. Mid channel.
Stace Gordon
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13:58 - They seem to be trending south slowly through the Narrows at this point. Gig Harbor side. Lots of tail slaps!
Jack Sasser
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13:56 - They're heading south now. This boat is parallel to them. Orca are closer to Gig Harbor side.
David Bennett
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13:54 - Lots of surface activity between Point Defiance and Gig Harbor. No clear direction. Lots of boats but being respectful.
Stace Gordon
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13:51 - Passed Point Defiance. In the middle of all the boats. headed south towards Narrows.
Jen Clark
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13:47 - Four trending south slow or milling between Gig Harbor & Point Defiance.
David Bennett
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13:44 - A group seem to be hunting between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance.
Courtney Kennel
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13:43 - They just turned around. Right between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. Closed to Gig Harbor side. Headed northbound towards Colvos.
James Hartline
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13:40 - Three, I think, between the Point Defiance & Gig Harbor. Hunting tail slaps, had a spy hop.
13:25 - Four, possibly five, went south towards Narrows. Jet skier came flying by after then turned back.
David Bennett
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13:25 - Now headed south through the Narrows. Still north of Salmon Beach.
Jack Sasser
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T65A3 Amira
13:23 - From the MV Salish a few minutes ago.
photos by Jason Cook, July 4, 2023
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13:20 - Passed Point (Seal Beach) Defiance heading south through the Narrows.
Darren Winter
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13:20 - One orca approx. twenty to thirty feet from shore. Three more were north, headed west toward entrance to Gig Harbor then headed south toward the Narrows.
Barbara Ritter
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bobbie Ritter
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time: 1:15 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen:
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling and milling
If orcas, any males?: Don't know
Any unusual markings?: Did not see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One very close to shore at Point Defiance point. Three further north traveling toward the shore west of Point Defiance. All traveling south toward the Narrows. Took a video.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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13:13 - Headed west way out from Owens Beach. Can’t tell if they are headed for the Narrows or Colvos Passage.
Margaret Pratt
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13:13 - Just passed Owen, one male out front almost to the point, three to four trailing behind mid channel headed into the Narrows soon as well. Lots of boats and kayakers. About here, with the male out front being further toward the point and the Narrows than this [approx. 47.331290, -122.542886].
Caro Lew
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13:08 - Just passed Anthony’s, almost to Owen westbound.
13:04 - Surfaced mid channel right in ferry lane.
Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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13:05 - Headed south just southwest of Tahlequah ferry.
Charlene Engelland
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13:03 - Got a big dorsal westbound south of Vashon. Midchannel.
David Bennett
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12:57 - Just spotted no less than three southeast of Tahlequah ferry landing. No particular direction of travel. Several boats in vicinity.
Margaret Pratt
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12:45 - One male between sailboat and Browns Point.
Jason Cook
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennifer Switzer
Date of Sighting: July 04, 2023
Time: 12:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Point Defiance Park
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hunting seal
If orcas, any males?: One with huge fin
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Orca seen about 10 feet off the shore hunting seals, I believe it got one and then quickly was out in the bay with the other orca. The fin was very tall and so close to shore.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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photo by Jennifer Switzer, July 4, 2023 | |
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12:44 - In front of Dune.
Courtney Kennel
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12:44 - At pin [approx. 47.317758, -122.503894] as seen from above Point Ruston westbound.
Ed Rickert
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12:41 - Just south of the yellow turning buoy.
Lindsay Walker
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12:40 - Clipper picked up pace. Heading southwest of the east side of Vashon. Ferry riders may get a view.
David Bennett
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12:33 - San Juan Clipper leaving these whales still trending south towards Ruston. A2 is closer to Commencement with the rest of the group more mid channel [approx. 47.329818, -122.458629].
Allison Montgomery
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12:29 - Viewing from Old Town Dock on Ruston. They are directly behind the Clipper.
Kiana Weinschenk
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12:29 - Close to the tip of Maury Island near Northilla Beach closer to Vashon side, Clipper close behind them.
Ali Meuangkhot
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12:13 - San Juan seems to have diverted more towards Dash. Still far out in the mid channel.
David Bennett
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12:07 - About to pass Dash Point still with the Clipper and closer to Vashon.
Mollie Segall
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12:00 - Me too [seeing the orcas]!
Burt Miller
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11:57 - At Owen, I see the San Juan is paralleling them or trailing.
David Bennett
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11:52 - From friend’s place at Gold Beach, Vashon seeing our orca friends gliding southbound west mid channel grouped with whom looks to be T65A2 east of them.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:48 - Still southbound, saw them from Maury Island view point. They were surfacing frequently but just dove.
Liila Woods
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11:36 - They just passed Point Robinson heading south.
Aaron Schneider
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11:25 - Beautiful pass on glassy waters, two loose groups, closer to island shores, leisurely southbound all now past Point Robinson.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:25 - Still heading south [approx. 47.362078, -122.398912].
Erin Morgan Schuster
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11:19 - They are passing Point Robinson right now.
Rachel Bishop
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11:15 - We did [see the whales]! For approx. 20 minutes.
Julie Schneider
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11:13 - Looks like whale watching boat across from Des Moines marina. They are behind it.
San Wolf Jamison
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11:13 - Viewing from the Des Moines marina, directly across from the pier.
Marcie Evans
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11:07 - Now past Three Tree, on approach to Point Robinson, mid channel to island side of, still steady southbound.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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It’s T65A2 and T65A3 with T77 and T77E.
Kyla Bivens
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10:32 - Viewing from just north of KVI. Still very spread, midchannel to mainland side. Steady southbound.
Ellen Weir
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10:30 - Between blue dot [approx. 47.442767, -122.409629] and Vashon southbound.
Kyla Bivens
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10:10 - Very spread out whales, now past Glen Acres (Vashon), at least two adult males, may be more than six, hard to count with the spread, mid channel to island side of, steady southbound.
09:52 - They are just south Dolphin Point (Vashon), midchannel, steady southbound.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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09:55 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: The MV KITTITAS Captain reports via 800MHz, 4-5 orca, SB, halfway between CLIN & the traffic lanes.
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09:35 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. Ferry is stopped for them.
Cari Brumfield
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09:34 - Saw two headed south from the Vashon bound ferry. Fauntleroy bound ferry had to stop as the orcas crossed in front of it.
Liila Woods
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09:32 - Looks like eastbound ferry from Vashon has slowed for them, they are a little more spread out ahead and to the south of the boat.
09:25 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz, they are well south of the Vashon ferry dock now, appear committed to East Passage.
Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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09:24 - South of Vashon ferry dock five orcas.
09:20 - They are committed to east side of Vashon Island, fast southbound, almost to Dolphin Point.
09:13 - Between Blake and Southworth moving southwest, four orcas.
09:09 - South of Tillicum Village, four orcas spread out view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
09:03 - Three orcas at northern most cargo ship. Male orca at south cargo ship.
08:59 - From Emma Schmitz, in line with Manchester fuel depot southbound mid channel.
Mary Hartmann
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08:45 - Seeing what looks like a dorsal fin and splashing south east of Blakely Rock. Headed south.
M.c. Murphy-Rose
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08:44 - Southbound one big male ahead and two aways behind mid channel north of Blake Island viewing from Manchester.
Noelle Morris
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08:12 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: The MV WENATCHEE Captain reports via 800MHz, 4-5 orca due east of Tyee heading SB.
Mon, Jul 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49As, T69s, & T109As)
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What an amazing day with the opportunity to visit three different Bigg's/killer whales matrilines (T069's, T049's & T109A's) on our three hour tour! In order of appearance with first off Victoria, Race Rocks Lighthouse and then right off our docks in Sooke Harbour!
Sooke Coastal Explorations
photos by Paul Pudwell, July 3, 2023
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Mon, Jul 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T75, T75A, T75Bs) | |
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17:35 - [approx. 48.387893, -123.282654].
photos by Cheri Lynn, July 3, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kyle Cole
Date of Sighting: July 03, 2023
Time: 8:37 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: (48.1121203, -122.9208551)
Direction of travel : W, fast
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes.
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Fast moving male. West bound. Surfacing every 200 feet.
Photos available?:
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kyle Cole
Date of Sighting: July 03, 2023
Time: 8:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: (48.1121203, -122.9208551)
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Appeared to be a mother and juvenile.
Photos available?:
Mon, Jul 3 - Haro Strait (T69s)
15:02 - Now towards Kelp Reef.
14:47 - Pod one mile east of Lime Kiln heading north. Heading north rapidly.
Jenna Darcie [WSSJI]
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T69C Kye
Hooray for a beautiful afternoon trip aboard IE5 - warm, sunny, calm waters and good lighting - oh and great wildlife! Out through the San Juan Islands, we passed by Spieden Island for some exotics including eagles, crows and vultures, then further west to Canada where we found the T69s - 4 Biggs whales - between James and Sidney Islands. They were hugging the shoreline and we had nice back-lit blows to watch. They eventually surprised us by crossing our bow so we had a very quick ‘close’ look at these whales, the water was incredibly beautiful. Coming home the (pre) sunset was pretty darned decent also.
photos & IDs by Jill Hein, July 3, 2023
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T69C Kye & T69F Kin
This time of day is great - the light is beautiful, good chance there are solid reports of whales, and less pressure to get back on time. with Jill Hein, and met up with Betsie Jo Lawler and her darling daughter. We headed north through the San Juans, with a stop at Spieden Island to see exotic deer and and an eagle hogging a deer carcass while turkey vultures and crows impatiently waited for a chance. We then caught up with a group of three orcas near James Island. They were hugging the shore in the beautiful sparkly light. We were rewarded with a lovely close pass as they crossed our bow and headed further north. On the way back we caught a quick glimpse of T69E closer to San Juan Island, by himself. This was the T69s - the matriarch T69, Komax, has a distinct notch at the base of her dorsal fin. T69 mom Komax (b. 1974), son T69C Kye (b. 1995), son T69E Kodiak (b. 2004), and son T69F Kin (b. 2010).
photos & IDs by Bonnie Gretz, July 3, 2023
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Sun, Jul 2 - BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Vanessa Cunningham
Date of Sighting: July 02, 2023
Time: 8:07 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 49 11.335’N 123 56.789’W
Direction of travel : North west into Departure Bay
Behaviors observed: Hunting, breach and tail slaps by all three orcas
If orcas, any males?: One
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
Sun, Jul 2 - San Juan Channel
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Jul 2 18:55:10 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.53910,-123.00000 [Brown Island, Friday Harbor]
Number Sighted: 9
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitter Name: Tony
Whale Alert App
Sun, Jul 2 - Haro Strait (T125A & T128)
15:21 - West side of Haro about an hour and a half ago.
Jenna Darcie [WSSJI]
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14:40 - Sounds like the Bigg’s have veered west away from the SRKW.
14:00 - Bigg's killer whales south of Hannah Heights heading north towards San Juan Island.
Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Sun, Jul 2 - Rosario Strait
18:45 - 19:00 - My wife, some friends & I saw four to five orcas passing by the north side of Clark Island. We were hanging out on the west side of Clark, paddling back to a mooring buoy and saw the orcas arrive from the west. They were north of the channel between Clark & Barnes. We saw them pass by the northern tip of Clark heading east. There were breaches & tail slaps. Later on, as we were crossing Rosario Strait, we saw them far off further south in Rosario Strait, heading south.
Jon Scanlon
Sat, Jul 1 - Haro Strait (T49As)
17:00 - Left them northbound at north of Speiden.
John Boyd [WSSJI]
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16:20 - A friend on the water has picked them up heading northeast towards Spieden Island - the T49As!
14:00 - Secondhand report of more orcas, possibly Bigg's, northbound off Lime Kiln.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Fri, Jun 30 - San Juans (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
17:39 - Update from Bethany Ryals: Five Ts fast travel to Disney Point, Waldron.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:45 - These are the T065As with possible T077/T077E in the mix.
11:00 - Just south of Reuben Tarte on the west side of the channel, near O’Neal Island.
Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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10:24 - Ts spread across Channel near Point Caution northbound.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Thu, Jun 29 - Hales Passage (T99s)
These are the T99s!
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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13:43 - They’ve continued north, I think they hunt/ate around Lummi Bay, I could see lots of splashing and breaching from far away. They’re almost out of sight now.
11:38 - Pod heading north in Hales Passage! [Mid way] spread out but I think a male and five-ish females?
Caitlyn Rose
Thu, Jun 29 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, T77E)
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T65A4 Ellifrit
IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
photos by Kyla Bivens, June 29, 2023
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21:57 - They are at Point No Point right now!
Savanna Graffigna
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21:02 - They’re mid channel in front of Eglon headed north right now.
Melissa Peterson
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20:11 - They're on the Edmonds side now, north of ferry dock. Losing them from Kingston side.
Ashley Johnson
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19:26 - Apple Tree Point - they are north of the ferry lanes close to Kingston side. They keep stopping but generally heading northbound.
Jenny Klis
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18:28 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: MV PUYALLUP Captain reports via 800MHz, 4-5 orcas just off the starboard bow as they are departing KING.
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18:15 - On ferry - mid channel in ferry lanes milling. Upon riding the ferry, they are much closer to Kingston.
Jenny Klis
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18:11 - Just saw them from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry! Yes, closer to Kingston than Edmonds.
Michele Neary
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17:56 - Eyes on them from Apple Tree Point. Northbound just south of ferry lanes.
Jenny Klis
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17:33 - About six of them, including a big male just passed our house at Point Jefferson, Kingston. They were busy rolling and all kinds of action (no breaches) heading north.
Chris Beamer Otterson
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17:06 - Peggy Mauro thank you for the update! Because of you I got to see them from shore for the first time.
Sarae Huz
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16:59 - Heading south mid channel from Port Madison.
16:35 - Looks like they made it to Indianola.
Peggy Mauro
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16:39 - Watched them exiting east past Point Monroe.
photo by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, June 29, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sherry Larsen-Holmes
Date of Sighting: June 29, 2023
Time: 4:25 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: North end of Agate Passage
Direction of travel : N (and S about 1/2 hour earlier)
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were traveling south at about 16:00 and then headed back north at 16:25. Possibly a call among them? My husband thought he counted six, but it might have been seven.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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photos by Sherry Larsen-Holmes, June 29, 2023 | |
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16:15 - Caught last sighting of them almost under the bridge heading northbound.
Sue Surowiec Larkin
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16:30 - Heading north just passed the Suquamish dock. Beauties.
Peggy Mauro
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16:00 - Heading northbound toward the Agate Pass Bridge.
photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, June 29, 2023
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15:59 - Saw them headed north toward bridge, moving with more purpose.
15:51 - Milling around just south of Kiana Lodge, east side of channel.
15:43 - Headed back north toward bridge, still Bainbridge Island side.
Megan Hall
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15:14 - Under bridge continued south steady pace.
Christy Stepper-Coulter
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15:12 - About one and half mile south of bridge, Bainbridge Island side.
Megan Hall
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T65A2 Ooxjaa
15:02 - All orcas should have passed under the bridge southbound.
Heading south toward Agate Pass Bridge.
photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, June 29, 2023
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14:54 - An orca just crossed fast under Agate Pass Bridge from north now others on northeast side.
Dorothy Rosenbladt
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14:52 - Still in Port Madison. Closer to Bainbridge Island heading towards Agate Pass Bridge.
Nicole Prouse
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14:46 - They have slowly made their way west, still Port Madison, still close to Bainbridge Island side.
14:22 - They are still here in Port Madison. Counted five fins, Bainbridge Island side, closer to Point Monroe than Suquamish at present. I am viewing from Indianola sandspit. They are changing direction often it seems!
14:01 - Two have headed back in easterly direction at present, milling around, closer to Point Monroe at present. They seem to be changing direction often but still in Port Madison.
Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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13:30 - I was wrong earlier, they didn't go under Agate Pass Bridge. They were right in front of the Suquamish dock. Now they are milling around just north of the bridge.
Sophy Johnston
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13:35 - They are close to Suquamish pier from my view - Indianola spit. Very close to Bainbridge Island it looks like and just saw celebratory tail slapping.
13:34 - Migrating toward Suquamish a bit. Breathing is loud! Actually count five.
13:27 - See two orcas between Indianola spit and Bainbridge, Port Madison, closer to Bainbridge side.
Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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13:23 - I saw them going across Port Madison on the Bainbridge side and towards the Agate Pass Bridge. Then lost sight of them.
Sophy Johnston
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12:25 - Apple Tree Point - Just went out of view south looking at Seattle/Rainier. Lots of breaching and surface activity as they went out of view. Whale watching boats are no longer with them. Such a beautiful day! Happy viewing everyone!
Jenny Klis
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12:25 - Watching from Kayu, Shoreline, way on Kitsap side. PSE and Clipper near. Heading south.
Joni Barnes Pollino
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12:21 - Southbound could probably see them from Point Jefferson [approx. 47.752880, -122.448869].
Kyla Bivens
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12:05 - They are midchannel looking from Kitsap side.
Jenny Klis
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12:01 - Successfully hunted a porpoise and are food sharing south of Kingston ferry lanes.
Allison Montgomery
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11:34 - Can see them to the west of Victoria Clipper location right now.
Joe Foos
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11:27 - Milling between blue dot [approx. 47.796519, -122.438135]. and Kingston. T65As and T77 with E minus T65A5.
Kyla Bivens
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11:24 - They are close to the whale watching boat, headed south toward the Victoria Clipper.
Trish Moylan Davis
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11:11 - Found them! In center of traffic lanes by the Kingston ferry line [approx. 47.788286, -122.444610]. Vaguely trending south it looks.
Allison Montgomery
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08:25 - Pretty certain I count seven whales, so guessing 77 & 77E still with them.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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08:17 - They just snuck by me not too far off shore, maybe one mile or so, in Chennault Beach. Heading towards Edmonds. Long down times.
Alice Thuy Talbot
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08:00 - Straight out from Possession Beach Waterfront Park. Midchannel or further. Beautiful backlit blows easy to spot.
07:35 - On ferry back to Whidbey - looking south, they had pushed off Mukilteo and looked to be traveling west at times but still mostly southbound. Were still Mukilteo side of midchannel at that point. Grouped up - thought I saw more than five but forgot again to pay close enough attention, brain still sleepy.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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07:18 - Lots of surface activity with a couple of beautiful breaches. An amazing start to the morning.
Durand Dace
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07:19 - No sooner did I post that, he surfaced with the family.
07:14 - T65As. Haven't seen T65A3 yet, assume he was trailer. Close to Mukilteo but angled southwest towards Whidbey. Slow travel. Some surface activity.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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07:07 - Inbound Mukilteo ferry has them on Mukilteo side near the terminal.
Durand Dace
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07:05 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:24 to report: 0705hrs: Vessel KITSAP reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single, north-bound orca at their crossing after departing MUK.
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07:00 - Nearing ferry lanes closer to Mukilteo side. Tail slap.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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06:25 - 06:55 - Staff member Rachel Haight called - she went out at sunrise in search of whales and found them in Possession Sound! Pod was milling around between southeast Hat Island/Port of Everett terminal/northeast of Mukilteo as viewed from Clinton. Now at 06:55 they are traveling south with west trend. One orca trailing by about quarter mile.
Wed, Jun 28 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
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T65A3 Amira
IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
photos by Kyla Bivens, June 28, 2023
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21:30 - Orcas Whidbey side, out from Fox Spit, line of sight with Mabana Shores, northbound. Too dark for photos. Sunset is behind me though.
Marilyn Armbruster
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20:30 - We have spotted them with binoculars off of Langley marina. Closer to Camano side. Heading north still, but not sure if it will be Port Susan side or past Langley.
Amanda Nehring
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19:30 - They were moving east, away from Whidbey. They had cleared Hat and were pushing east. Was viewing from Brighton.
Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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19:28 - In front of the sailboat north of the Mukilteo ferry lanes. Northbound towards Saratoga, west of Hat Island.
Greg Heiss
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19:19 - Three orcas passing Clinton now. Hugging west side of Saratoga Passage.
Timothy Maynard
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19:13 - Should be to ferry lanes next surfacing.
Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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19:11 - Still steady northbound in between Mukilteo & Clinton. Not quite to the ferry lanes yet.
Sara Montour Lewis
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19:06 - Whales spotted north of Glendale mid channel moving north west.
Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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18:57 - Just popped up again in between Mukilteo and Glendale, Mukilteo side, quickly northbound.
18:49 - They flipped again north fast. I think the male that was here met back up with them. They’re all in between Mukilteo & Possession with more surface activity now.
Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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18:56 - Travel mode now northbound fast. Almost past Glendale.
18:51 - They seem to be split, a few are very close to Possession, but just saw at least one northbound at boat launch.
18:32 - Three of them flipped south. Line of sight lighthouse part to Possession Point.
Kari McKinlock
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18:45 - They’re kind of bouncing around & being stealthy. The big male popped up right in front of the Mukilteo boat launch and then disappeared. Not sure if he went around the corner. I can see one female off of Possession, line of sight is Mukilteo lighthouse to the green buoy.
18:30 - One big male just south of Mukilteo.
18:24 - Seeing about four near Glendale, milling but trending north.
Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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18:08 - Just passed me on my boat heading towards Clinton ferry lane on the Mukilteo side
Timothy Maynard
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T65A3 Amira
18:07 - Seeing at least one large male from Mukilteo, still pretty far south. Line of sight is Mukilteo lighthouse to Apple Tree Point.
photo by Sara Montour Lewis, June 28, 2023
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17:54 - I just see the male here [approx. 47.891978, -122.346329].
Roman Betty
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17:50 - Northbound at Glendale. Whidbey side.
Jim McKinlock
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16:45 - Lost them about ten minutes ago with sightline well past Haines Wharf still north and drifting farther east.
16:23 - Eyes on from Apple Tree Point passing Edmonds ferry dock toward midchannel Kitsap side northbound steady.
Donna Green Van Renselaar
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16:25 - Single male headed north right past Edmonds marina on the east side of the channel. We could see him without binoculars, he was gorgeous!
16:10 - They are headed north and just passed the Kingston ferry lane.
Brooke Thompson
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16:06 - Northbound on the Kingston-Edmonds ferry line now [approx. 47.789007, -122.455308].
Kyla Bivens
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15:51 - Just saw them trending north on Kingston fast ferry!
Jenny Klis
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15:30 - They just passed Point Jefferson, Kingston. Slowly meandering north. On west side about half way to mid channel. Swiftsure is following them.
Chris Beamer Otterson
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15:12 - Milling between the blue dot and ferry line on the map here [approx. 47.731062, -122.490120].
Kyla Bivens
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15:05 - Ten minutes ago I saw two orcas on Bainbridge Island side of Port Madison, viewing from Indianola sandspit. They were heading east but I lost them.
Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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14:45 - Last seen headed east quickly out of Port Madison.
Elizabeth Sheldon
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14:40 - Saw huge dorsal fin as it went under Agate Bridge heading towards Suquamish. From Suquamish dock watched them hugging shores of Bainbridge then out towards Ballard area.
Amy Anderson
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14:37 - Passing Suquamish speed marker now.
Aja Petee
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14:31 - See them under bridge now.
Christy Stepper-Coulter
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Conor Bolich
Date of Sighting: June 28, 2023
Time: 14:30
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Agate Pass 47.71696370312867, -122.5610216860159
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: One large orca probably male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One large, one medium, one small
Photos available?: No
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14:27 - They just flipped and are now headed from west side of bridge back under to east side of Agate Pass Bridge.
14:02 - Headed west through Agate Pass. Almost to bridge. At least three or four.
Elizabeth Sheldon
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14:02 - Just north of the bridge. Maybe three to four?
13:46 - Well into Port Madison now, spread out in the center.
Aja Petee
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13:47 - I saw them as well from Indianola sandspit. They are well into Port Madison and headed towards Suquamish now.
Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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13:34 - Seeing fins in the opening of Port Madison, north of Bainbridge, milling or west bound. Viewing far away from Suquamish.
Aja Petee
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Thomas Frenock
Date of Sighting: June 28, 2023
Time:
Species seen: Biggs Killer Whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 47º 42.147 N -- 122º 29.651 W
Direction of travel : W at unknown pace
Behaviors observed: One quick sighting of a dorsal
If orcas, any males?: Male
Any unusual markings?: Unk
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Reported by others. We waited about 20 mins but no other sightings in this area. Went west into Port Madison area, but did not see any other activity. Left the area at about 13:30. My wife said that I jinxed the sighting by getting out the camera.
Photos available?: No
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13:00 - Single large male headed just north of Fay Bainbridge.
Elizabeth Sheldon
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12:48 - Seeing them from Fay Bainbridge just north of Discovery Park mid channel.
Kelly Johnson
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12:20 - Mid channel traveling north; two to three adults, one juvenile. Off WIng Point on Bainbridge.
Jane Rein
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12:09 - San Juan Clipper leaving these whales still northbound center of lanes trending to go past West Point.
Allison Montgomery
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11:42 - Can confirm at least six dorsals now that they are clumped together. Still northbound center near Bainbridge ferry lanes.
Allison Montgomery
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11:24 - Northbound [approx. 47.572417, -122.450901]. It is T77 and T77E with them.
Kyla Bivens
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11:06 - Confirmed T065As minus A5.
Allison Montgomery
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11:03 - Northbound between two whale watch boats, southeast Blake Island, view from Emma Schmitz.
Mary Hartmann
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10:50 - On a kill [approx. 47.542509, -122.443363].
Kyla Bivens
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10:49 - Slow northbound mid channel by Southworth dock. Whale watch boat trailing, view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
10:13 - One orca off northeast tip Vashon. Three orcas still milling between Vashon and Southworth. Milling or flipped southbound south of Southworth.
10:10 - Three orcas between Vashon and Blake northbound, one just breached, from Emma Schmitz, west of mid channel.
Mary Hartmann
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10:13 - Found the rest of the group milling between Blake and Vashon. Lots of direction changes.
10:03 - From Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, I am seeing one male hanging out off the north end of Vashon Island, west of the ferry dock. Haven't seen any others with him but they are a long way out for my binoculars!
Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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09:45 - Looks like east side of Blake, southbound, hunting and deep dives! Viewing from Manchester.
Noelle Morris
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09:38 - Ferries still moving slow off South Beach, but lost sight of them around the east side Blakely Island about 10 minutes ago.
BT Gifford
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09:18 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:52 to report: Log entry 0918hrs: Captain, SEA/BREM F watch, reports the vessel CHIMACUM is now at reduced speed due to a pod of 6 orcas feeding just off the South shore of BI in the vicinity of buoy 4.
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09:15 - The 08:45 Bremerton-Seattle ferry this morning slowed down for about 10 minutes because orcas were north of Vashon Island.
photo by Deb Lee, June 28, 2023
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09:20 - Orcas exited Rich Passage hunting, ferry stopped.
Noelle Morris
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08:45 - Heading east from the Bremerton ferry.
Shanda Russell
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08:38 - Orcas off of Lytle Beach area, Bainbridge [Rich Passage], milling.
Alison H
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08:14 - Seen passing Illahee State Park heading north.
photo by Angie Snider, June 28, 2023
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08:28 - Looks like they changed their minds - going Rich Passage as seen with binos from the port of Illahee dock.
08:08 - Looks like a pod of orcas just passed Bachman Park and is heading around towards Illahee [northbound].
Tammy Ash
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06:04 - Three to four [orca] right off Bremerton ferry terminal this morning.
John S
Tue, Jun 27 - Saratoga Passage/Puget Sound (T36 & T36Bs)
18:21 - Scatchet Head, northbound. 36 & 36Bs.
Brian McGinn
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13:42 - Four orcas seen in Saratoga passage [seen from dog and boy park in Langley] heading southeast, traveling, breaching and jumping, unsure if any adult males in the group. I was looking through the spotting scope at Dog and Boy Park in Langley when I saw them about midway between the beach just below and the adjacent island (Camano?). They started out due north of the beach and moved toward the east as I watched. The dorsal fins all looked tall to me but none noticeably taller than the others. I am positive they were orcas and at least one looked small like it was not fully grown. About a dozen people gathered to watch and I wonder if you’ll get other reports of the sighting.
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Clarissa Grange
Date of Sighting: June 27, 2023
Time: 1:42 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Saratoga Passage
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Traveling, breaching, jumping
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Tan stripe behind dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
Tue, Jun 27 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, T77E)
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Triple breach today. Shot from Annapolis Pier prior to them heading into Dyes Inlet.
photo by Crystal Thompson, June 27, 2023
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We were at the park this afternoon and saw the orcas checking out lunch options in Ostrich Bay. Still in awe over their beauty.
photos by Malia Juarez, June 27, 2023
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20:40 - They are headed out of Silverdale back towards Lions Field.
Jen Kay
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20:15 - I see them just south of the Silverdale docks, closer to the Tracyton side!
Jimi James
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19:35 - Just north of Rocky Point. Inbound to Dyes Inlet from Bremerton, looks like six.
photo by Nick Sharp, June 27, 2023
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19:24 - Front of Bremerton yacht club, heading north.
photo by Judy Ann Fetterly, June 27, 2023
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19:12 - They just went under Warren Ave Bridge, headed towards Lions Park.
Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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19:09 - Coming towards Lions Field.
Michelle K Baumgarten
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19:03 - Just went under Manette Bridge headed back into Port Washington Narrows.
Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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19:03 - Manette Bridge.
Iris Solorzano
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19:03 - Just went under the Manette Bridge.
JM Sue
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18:59 - Looks like they’re heading back towards the Manette Bridge now.
18:52 - They’re passing right by Anthony’s, at Bremerton marina.
Lubna Marie Makda
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18:48 - Just passing the massive green crane at the base on Bremerton side.
Stephanie Burton
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18:35 - They are heading east toward downtown Port Orchard, but closer to the Bremerton side.
NM NM
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18:18 - They’re hanging around the boat docks “Suldan’s Boat Works”. There’s seals up off the water and they’re constantly around it. Not sure if they got something.
Stephanie Burton
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18:17 - Still in Sinclair Inlet/Gorst.
Nathan Stine
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18:15 - I watched them head towards Gorst.
Christina Miller
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17:56 - Sinclair Inlet - I saw a fin while driving to Port Orchard from Bremerton. It was heading to the end of the inlet.
Stephanie Burton
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17:55 - They are far into the south/west corner of Sinclair Inlet. West of what is showing as "Ross Point" on Google Maps.
NM NM
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17:54 - They were heading towards Port Orchard marina about fifteen minutes ago.
Lubna Marie Makda
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17:30 - Just went past Bremerton ferry terminal heading towards Port Orchard.
Dean Brown
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17:27 - Around where the pin drop is [approx. 47.548829, -122.627910]. Headed to Port Orchard side.
Tammy Ash
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17:24 - Orcas just went south, headed out of Dyes Inlet. Manette Bridge.
Vicky Knapp Groce
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17:31 - Just going past the Boatshed restaurant.
Donna M. Zaccagnini
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17:24 - I see spray through binoculars from Point White Pier.
BT Gifford
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17:20 - Exited under the Manette Bridge and continued towards Rich Passage.
Kenna Huff
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17:19 - Whales heading to Illahee area.
Madelyn Messick
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17:13 - Just going under the Manette Bridge now.
Sable Sullivan
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17:12 - Passed Evergreen Park headed out of inlet
Ashley Johnson
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17:12 - I counted four females & one bull.
Dakota Reust
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17:06 - They just came under the Warren Ave Bridge. Coming near Evergreen Park.
Sable Sullivan
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17:03 - Nearly under the Warren Ave Bridge heading steadily out.
Kara Allphin
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17:00 - Bremerton.
photos by Jasmine Speaks, June 27, 2023
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16:52 - Headed toward Warren St Bridge.
Nancy Verhaar
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16:49 - Viewing from Lions Park.
Kara Allphin
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16:36 - Past Tracyton & heading south toward Warren Ave Bridge.
Jane Kornder
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15:58 - I am at Silverdale Waterfront Park. From my view it looks like they are headed towards Tracyton.
Tammy Ash
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15:54 - Milling around between Chico and Tracyton; about dead center of the inlet.
Wolfgang Broadsword
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15:45 - Pod of four to six of them slowly passed in front of Erlands Point, heading toward Silverdale waterfront.
Elizabeth Wrenn
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15:40 - Off Erlands Point.
Amy Kovarik Fancher
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15:21 - Just saw them in Ostrich Bay.
photo by Dustin Jackson, June 27, 2023
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15:14 - They are milling around in Ostrich Bay but heading out.
photo by Breanna Starr, June 27, 2023
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15:01 - Seeing three orcas in Ostrich Bay Bremerton! One is massive male!
14:43 - They're down in Ostrich Bay, waiting for them head back out.
Calvin Schubert
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14:27 - They’re headed to Silverdale.
Jennifer Malone
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14:19 - They are in Dyes Inlet now. Tip of Rocky Point.
Chris Jeatran
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T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A Artemis, T65A4 Ellifrit,, T77E Misneach, T77 Asja
IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
14:10 - Seen them earlier by Lions Field.
photo by KilyPatty Voskuhl, June 27, 2023
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14:05 - I see them, just about to Phinney Bay.
Chris Jeatran
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14:02 - Heading northbound into Dyes along Phinney Point.
Calvin Schubert
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14:00 - Past Lions Park heading towards Silverdale.
Amy Bailey
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14:00 - In Port Washington Narrows headed to Dyes Inlet. One huge male, two others.
photos by N John, June 27, 2023
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13:56 - Passing Lions on the west side of the Narrows.
Calvin Schubert
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13:45 - By Evergreen Park, lots of breaching.
Madelyn Messick
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13:40 - Big splashes under the Manette Bridge, seem to be headed north into the Dyes Inlet.
Kimberly Austin
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13:38 - Between Manette Bridge and Bremerton marina.
Madelyn Messick
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13:35 - They just entered the Narrows.
Debra Noland Shizuru
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13:22 - They are in Sinclair.
Breanne Denise Ward
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13:08 - Headed further south in Sinclair out of sight from Bachmann Park.
12:45 - Right off the Waterman Pier, slowly heading south deeper into Sinclair.
Calvin Schubert
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12:48 - Successfully hunted a seal and began food sharing.
12:36 - Active hunt.
12:21 - San Juan Clipper confirmed at least T65A family.
Allison Montgomery
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12:20 - I saw three going into Sinclair, looked like a couple farther over on the Bremerton side separated? Whale watching boat right in front of me in Port Orchard.
Karen Peterson
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11:58 - Watching from the Illahee Pier; unsure if they're turning south into Sinclair or north into Rich Passage.
Calvin Schubert
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11:55 - Viewing from Illahee State Park. At least three.
Gwen Hall Detweiler
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11:50 - Orcas just north of Illahee, hugging the shore. More than six counted. PSE and Clipper with them. A few whales mid channel too.
Sue Surowiec Larkin
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11:47 - In front of Illahee.
Breanne Denise Ward
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11:25 - Orcas southbound, south of Brownsville Marina midchannel. PSE following them.
Sue Surowiec Larkin
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11:25 - Orcas headed south past Brownsville now. Whale watching boat Saratoga is following.
Taylor F
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10:45 - Missed them at Clearwater, but saw blows off Kiana, but gone before I arrived. Assume to have continued south.
Christy Stepper-Coulter
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10:06 - Headed toward Agate Pass from Old Man House Park, at least four, two males. Southbound.
Aja Petee
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Stanton Brand
Date of Sighting: June 27, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Agate Pass
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: hunting earlier off Indianola than S
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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Little photo collage from early this morning in Port Madison - then they headed into Agate Pass and down to Bremerton.
09:56 - Now moving closer towards Suquamish and loads of breaching a second ago!
09:40 - Actually there look to be four to five instead of three.
09:30 - Three orcas off Point Monroe/Port Madison. Viewing and listening to them from the Indianola sandspit beach. Closer to Bainbridge side at present milling around.
photos by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, June 27, 2023
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05:15 - Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:52 to report: - 5 Orca off Vashon Head, mid-channel traveling North. This sighting was at 0515hrs.
Tue, Jun 27 - Birch Bay/Bellingham Bay
Location: Bellingham Bay near Chuckanut Island
Direction of travel: South
Time: 9PM
Number of Orcas: Not sure, maybe 10? Varying sizes.
Other details: First spotted north of Chuckanut Island. Observed and followed at a distance for approximately 20 minutes heading south along the coast towards Larabee State Park. They eventually stopped surfacing frequently, or possibly headed farther off shore.
Matthew Booth
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Barbara Troske
Date of Sighting: June 27, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Point Whitehorn, Birch Bay, Wa
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Slapping tails, milling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looks like maybe one juvenile or baby. Stayed very close to an adult.
Photos available?: No
Mon, Jun 26 - South Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
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12:19 - Carr Inlet. T77E Misneach.
photos by Chris Krieb, June 26, 2023
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Sun, Jun 25 - South Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5, T77, & T77E)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mikki Seagren
Date of Sighting: June 25, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 9
Where seen: Squaxin Passage near Hope Island
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There seemed to be one group that often split into two smaller groups of 4 and 5. One group had a baby and each group had a male. They were in the Squaxin passage area for over an hour. Very curious and approaching boats.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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T77E Misneach
Orcas seen by my friends. They state this was in the Squaxin Passage, near Hope Island. There were two small groups; five and four each. One with a baby. The groups mingled and stayed near their boat off and on for over an hour.
photos courtesy of Mikki Seagren, June 25, 2023
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Fri, Jun 23 - Puget Sound (T77s) | |
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This was at Browns Point lighthouse.
photo by Korinna Barth, June 23, 2023
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Fri, Jun 30 - Oregon Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ethan Kahn
Date of Sighting: June 30, 2023
Time: 9:00 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 43.35743, -124.32561 in Coos Bay
Direction of travel : NE, then returning SW about 30 minutes later, maybe 10 mph
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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photo by Ethan Kahn, June 30, 2023 | |
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Mon, Jun 26 - Oregon Coast
I was at the Empire boat launch about half way out in the bay was a family of three. Assuming mom, dad and baby. (The father) was big. I have good eyes and he made me feel snack-worthy. The baby looked like seven to eight foot in length. They were surfacing in the same general area repeatedly, each time they emerged, blowing a little water that looked like a smoke plume. The parents were very close to the young one. As a guess: they were feeding however maybe the youngest was tired. I figured they were going to travel further into Coos Bay so I traveled on bike north, and when I went back, they were gone. Not sure if anyone else has posted of this Coos Bay sighting but I do have to say it was one of the most magical experiences of my life, spiritually it hit home. Thank you for your endeavors.
D.M.Dials.
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Thu, Jul 6 - Haro Strait (BCX1706 Pepper)
07-06-23 HB BCX1706 Haro Strait SJI
12:40 - 21:50, Humpback traveling north/ up island, 1 mile south of Landbank. The humpback didn't surface much but approaching Point Edwards, displayed the underside of fluke, BCX1706 Pepper.
Michelline Halliday
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photo by Michelline Halliday, July 6, 2023 | |
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Wed, Jul 5 - Haro Strait
16:04 - Humpback spotted at Lime Kiln lighthouse headed north towards County Park!
Paul Rudd [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Jul 5 15:35:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.51494,-123.15172
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Going south to north at Lime Kiln Point SP
Submitter Name: Ben Smith
Whale Alert App
Tue, Jul 4 - Haro Strait
19:19 - Here at San Juan County Park for a long time.
Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]
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18:35 - Two humpbacks heading north past Bellevue Point.
Paul MacMahon [WSSJI]
Tue, Jul 4 - Haro Strait (MMY0038 Merlin)
18:45 - Off San Juan County Park southbound.
Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]
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14:02 - Surfaced 50 yards off lighthouse. As noted before, does not fluke on it's dive.
13:50 - Surfacing just south of the Lime Kiln lighthouse now. Still headed up island.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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13:36 - After the humpback flipped down island and returned to Point Edwards. Same dorsal as in Brittany's photo Very cropped and enlarged, heat distortion but enough info to ID, I think. HB just south of Point Edwards. MMY0038 “Merlin”.
13:21 - This is the same humpback that was traveling south/down island. Humpback traveling north/up island 1/3 mile off shore. 1 mile south of Landbank.
12:06 - Humpback approaching my position heading down island/southshore. Viewing from 1.3 miles down island of Landbank. Humpback has pulled farther off shore, maybe 2/3 mile off shore.
Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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11:00 - From Brittany Noelle: humpback a few hundred yards off Land Bank’s middle pull out, southbound.
Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
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10:23 - Humpback has been at Deadman's Bay for about 20 minutes - is still hanging out about 200 yards from shore.
Danene Stuart Strand [WSSJI]
Sun, Jul 2 - Haro Strait (BCX1251 Orion)
07-02-23 Humpback BCX1251 Haro Strait
1:12 - 11:20, A single humpback traveling quickly south/ down island, 1.3 miles from Landbank. The humpback surfaced many times with many dives. Showing the underside of the fluke, this was BCX1251 Orion. Many thanks to Ellie Sawyer for confirming ID.
Michelline Halliday
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photo by Michelline Halliday, July 2, 2023 | |
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15:50 - Humpback is here again. Just north of Eagle Point.
12:55 - Approaching Eagle Point.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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10:45 - Just passed Lime Kiln.
Sara Hysong-Shimazu [WSSJI]
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09:28 - Humpback just passed Snug Harbor heading down island. Very close to shore.
Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
Sat, Jul 1 - San Juans
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Jul 1 10:48:06 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.73926,-122.89710 [South of Sucia Island]
Number Sighted: 2
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitter Name: Ken Rait
Whale Alert App
Thu, Jun 29 - Boundary Pass
17:12 - Humpback whale with Mount Baker in background!
Sara Hostetler [WSSJI]
Tue, Jun 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
17:14 - Heading southeast from Cattle Point.
17:07 - Came up inside it and heading south to lighthouse.
17:03 - Humpback in front of Eagle Cove. Just now! Headed toward bait ball.
Peggy CrollOlson [WSSJI]
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Mon, Jul 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca | |
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16:00 - [Minke approx. 48.289172, -123.144960].
photo by Cheri Lynn, July 3, 2023
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Mon, Jul 3 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca
16:37 - Minke feeding off South Beach, San Juan Island [approx. 48.449845, -122.990028].
Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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ABOUT ORCA NETWORK/QUICK LINKS | |
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) & choose sightings option
- Email sightings@orcanetwork.org
- Facebook: DM or post on our page
- Website form: https://www.orcanetwork.org/report-sightings
- 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: Generally open 11am-4pm, Thurs-Mon, but please call for current schedule.
- 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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