March 17, 2023

PHOTO OF THE DAY

T87 Harbeson passes by close to shore in Gig Harbor.

photo by David Estroff, March 14, 2023

ORCA NETWORK
WHALE SIGHTING REPORT
We are watching and visiting the whales in their home.
Please observe, love, and respect them from a distance.

SUMMARY


Sightings through March 14 include:


Southern Residents - On March 12, J pod showed up in Haro Strait and were heard on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone until the early hours of the morning.


In next report: On March 17, J pod showed up in Bellingham Bay!


Bigg's Killer Whales - T2Cs, T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, T123s, and T124C together in a "T party" in Boundary Pass. T49A1 & T49A2 in Haro Strait. T60s in Haro Strait.


On March 12, the T137s were found in Admiralty Inlet while the T46s, T87, & T124A2s were together in Possession Sound and made their way south to Seattle.


On March 13, the T137s were in Saratoga Passage, while the T46s, T87, & T124A2s traveled to south Puget Sound.


On March 14, the T137s were found in Penn Cove while the T46s, T87, & T124A2s made their way north through Puget Sound.


In next report: On March 15, the T137s joined the T46s, T87, & T124A2s and spent the day in Saratoga Passage.


On March 16, in the morning, a mix of T46s & T137s were off South Whidbey, while T46D & T87 with another group (likely T124A2s) went to Seattle. Both groups disappeared for several hours. Then, the T137s appeared in Rich Passage, while the T46s & T124A2s (T87 may have been in the area but not identified) made their way north into Possession Sound before flipping back south at dark.


On March 17, in the morning, the T137s were spotted near Bremerton and made their way north under Agate Pass in the afternoon. The T46s, T87, & T124A2s were found at the north end of Vashon and spent the day circumnavigating Vashon Island, heading down the east side in the morning and back north up Colvos Passage in the afternoon.


Note that T137D has not been photo confirmed in any of these encounters. If you happen to have a photo of her taken during this time, we'd love to hear about it!


Did you keep up with all that? It's been fun tracking these matrilines as they move about Puget Sound. It's a collaborative effort and we greatly appreciate all the photos, reports, and videos you share with us!


Humpbacks - No reports.


Gray Whales - On March 11, CRC185 & CRC2249 were confirmed back! On March 12, CRC56 was confirmed back! On March 13, CRC2441 was confirmed back!


Nine grays confirmed now in Puget Sound: 22, 53, 56, 185, 383, 531, 2440, 2441, 2449.

EVENTS


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 2023 AT 4 PM – 5 PM

Langley Whale Center Free Youth Hybrid Event-Porpoises of the Salish Sea

Langley Whale Center

Join us for our VERY FIRST hybrid in-person and virtual youth event! For this event, we will have an exciting presentation and activity on the porpoises of the Salish Sea, with guest presenter, marine mammalogist Cindy Elliser of Pacific Mammal Research. Cindy will teach us all about the porpoises we find in our Salish Sea waters! The event will be followed by a fun activity. Snack provided if joining in-person.


As always, our youth events are free to join. However, if you plan to join virtually, you must register to get a unique link to login. Register here.


If you are joining in person, please email Katie Watkins at katie@orcanetwork.org so we can get a rough headcount. We will be meeting at the Langley Whale Center at 105 Anthes Ave in Langley, WA. Walk-ins welcome!


We work hard to keep our youth events free and accessible to all. If you'd like to donate to keep our programs going, you may do so here. Thank you!


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Join us in Langley, WA on Saturday April 15th as we welcome the Sounders gray whales back to Puget Sound! Orca Network's annual Welcome the Whales Festival will include costume making, our popular parade through downtown Langley where you can dress up as your favorite critter, an educational presentation TBA, and a gray whale fundraising cruise on Sunday April 16th. More information will be coming soon. We hope to see you there!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE
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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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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)

Mon, Mar 13 - Haro Strait (J Pod)

00:38 - SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls detected by humans and machines last night on the Orcasound Lab hydrophones! Humans tagged the live stream from 00:38-00:40 Pacific on Mon 3/13/23. The OrcaHello AI detected SRKW calls from 23:46 on 3/12 until 01:04 on 3/13. 

Orcasound [WSSJI]

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00:27 - 00:30 - Still going strong.

Brianna Webb



Sun, Mar 12 - Haro Strait (J pod)

23:46 - SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls detected by humans and machines last night on the Orcasound Lab hydrophones!

Humans tagged the live stream from 00:38-00:40 Pacific on Mon 3/13/23.

The OrcaHello AI detected SRKW calls from 23:46 on 3/12 until 01:04 on 3/13. 

Orcasound [WSSJI]

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23:13 - Listening on live stream from Idaho, distant orca calls.

Brianna Webb

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21:13 - Still hearing calls.

Brooke Casanova

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16:33 - I heard vocalizations at 16:33-16:35 mark. Hard to hear over ship.

Brooke Cornell

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16:33 - Hearing more calls now!

Brooke Casanova

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16:30 - I heard clicks. 

Marcia Bakkom

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16:07 - Still getting clicks. 

EJ Evans

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15:30 - I’m hearing orcas on the Lime Kiln camera. 

Nick Sue

BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)

Tue, Mar 14 - Haro Strait (T60s)

The T60s were eastbound from Discovery Island earlier this morning, heading into Haro Strait. Keep your eyes peeled on the west side this afternoon! 

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]



Tue, Mar 14 - Saratoga Passage (T137, T137A, T137B)

17:38 - Seeing blows from Camano Yacht club closer to Whidbey at the mouth of Penn Cove.

Linda Raines Tyner

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17:15 - Distant looks at Jack from a bit south of Long Point, heading away from us.

Bonnie Gretz

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17:00 - 10 minute down times. Slow travel north [approx. 48.243497, -122.585066].

16:10 - Spread, still northbound near Race Lagoon. T137 close to Whidbey shore, other 2 further out.

15:50 - Still northbound Whidbey side well north of Hidden Beach now.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: David Belfor

Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023

Time: 3:45 PM

Species seen: Two young orcas

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Saratoga Passage off North Bluff

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Traveling

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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15:34 - Trailing the boat north of Hidden Beach. 

Mitch Lee

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Saw them heading to Baby Island.

Kanoi Ivory

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15:00 - It sounds like they are northbound in Saratoga Passage in the area of Hidden Beach.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:57 - From Wonn Road. Saw them at the mouth of Holmes Harbor. Surfaced once, southbound. Have no idea if they continued into Holmes Harbor or flipped.

13:50 - They are mid channel to Whidbey side continuing southbound. Quick pace. Viewing from Hidden Beach.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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12:35 - They’re moving fast scuba’d right by me about a mile and a half north of Hidden Beach. Just a quick glimpse.

12:20 - Saw them briefly hard to tell exact location I would guess off Shangri-La, Whidbey side couldn’t tell direction.

Aaron Gill

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11:50 - Update southbound [48.199959, -122.588337].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:50 - Here as of now off of Race Lagoon, heading south [approx. 48.201591, -122.585039].

photo by Mike Fox, March 14, 2023

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11:30 - T137s southbound [approx. 48.211393, -122.60

458].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:30 - North of Race Lagoon Whidbey side, southbound in Saratoga Passage.

10:54 - East of Long Point angled southeast.

10:24 - Continuing east after a hunt.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:12 - They are down around Monroe Landing.

Melissa Gardner

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10:12 - Cindi Crowder Rausch called to report she is at Long Point, Whidbey and has eyes on the T137s who are on other side near Monroe Landing heading east. Looks like made kill (lots of birds circling), but they are continuing eastbound out of Penn Cove at this time north side of the cove.

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T137A Jack & other

10:05 - Off Monroe Landing.

09:45 - Still eastbound, stealthy.

photos & ID by Rachel Haight, March 14, 2023

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09:30 - Rachel Haight called to report they are in Penn Cove, just east of Three Sisters along the north shore, circling, possibly hunting, with possible trend eastbound. She thinks possibly T137s but unconfirmed at this time. 



Tue, Mar 14 - Central Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s)

T124A2 Elkugu, T46 Wake, & other

T124A2 Elkugu & T46E Thor

T46 Thor & T46 Wake

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

I missed them at Point Robinson by 10 minutes, but got a decent look from KVI of all but the two I most wanted to see, Harbeson & Strider. They blew by Manchester so I bypassed Bainbridge for Kingston, wrong move. Such a beautiful day!

photos by Jim Pasola, March 14, 2023

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19:35 - Last sighting of the night: Pod was regrouping south of the yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach and President Point, Kitsap and moved over east side of the channel. We all moved to Kayu Kayu Ac park to catch them in the last specs of daylight. We arrived at Kayu at ~ 19:35 to see them directly off the park in tight group gliding along, surfacing in a dark water patch of glassy calm sea. Was serenely beautiful with low light and sundown colors. They continued north went on a dive and stayed under for many minutes. We did see some fins surface a bit north and still off the park facing north, now loosely grouped, but soon lost them to the dark of night. What a beautiful night.

19:20 - Orcas cut over after that interaction, group is split. Group of 4-5 including male mid channel just east of, between transect Richmond Beach and Jefferson ahead. Steady northbound with some logging. Two other males north of Jefferson Head Kitsap side.

19:15 - Kitsap fast ferry stopped and turned on a dime. Pod popped up right in front of them as they were going 30 knots. Impressive maneuver. Ferry stopped.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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19:13 - Shout out to whoever is driving the Kitsap fast ferry. Impressive “stop on a dime” maneuvering to give the whales space. Still northbound midchannel off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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18:58 - They are stalled out logging [approx. 47.725497, -122.445870]. Surfacing in same place all clumped cuddled up. Smidge of progress northbound.

18:50 - Spread out orcas. Some just west of mid channel, others spread to northwest. All slow northbound. In general out from mid Port Madison. Sublime day.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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18:47 - I've got the whole group straight off the Suquamish Pier probably west of mid channel.

Jim Pasola

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18:38 - So they just booked it past Fay Bainbridge State Park northbound more towards Edmonds side of the channel.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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18:34 - Heading northeast out of Port Madison.

18:30 - Leaders heading north at a fast rate. In Port Madison north of Fay Bainbridge park.

Torrey Hall Volk

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18:25 - The orcas have continued making their way north and have slowed/stalled for a time. Probably ~ 1 mile give/take south of Fay Bainbridge park.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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18:26 - From the Suquamish dock. They've just passed the northern point of Bainbridge. There are swarms of harbor purposes in this bay 50 to 100.

Jim Pasola

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18:25 - They gave a great show northeast of Murden Cove and off Rolling Bay. I saw at least five, some close and some further off. Headed vaguely north, but kept looping back a bit. Lots of gulls and other water birds with them, too. I left about 40 minutes ago.

Victoria H. Irwin

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18:00 - Northbound at least four, one big male, off water treatment plant, seen from Bainbridge Island.

Susie Cunningham Bavo

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17:40 - Slowly heading north hugging Bainbridge Island side.

Torrey Hall Volk

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17:44 - Right now meandering north [approx. 47.677008, -122.444110].

Tammy Ash

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17:40 - With Ariel Yseth who spotted blows across the Sound, way across the Sound south end Rolling Bay, Bainbridge heading northbound [approx. 47.669659, -122.484200]. I looked up and could see them too! Sitting in the sun looking over glassy sparkly seas from beautiful Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:40 - They are heading northeast out of Murden Cove. Lots of splashing!

Torrey Hall Volk

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Lynn Brofsky

Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023

Time: 4:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 7

Where seen: Off the east side of Bainbridge Island. I overlooking Murden Cove

Direction of travel : they were staying in the area for a long time, I watched for an hour before they slowly started north

Behaviors observed: Milling, tail lobbing, fin slapping, breaching, spy hopping, lots of activity, very vivacious--great to see.

If orcas, any males?: There were a few tall dorsals, maybe whales with babies or young ones too.

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: they were far enough from shore not to see any markings, but the dorsals were both tall and small.

Photos available?: No

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15:51 - I'm seeing at least 4 still in Murden Cove. Lots of splashes, circling. 

Leslie Goodman

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Maria Mason

Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023

Time: 3:54 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Bainbridge Island - In front of our house, midway between Murden Cove and Yeomalt Point. 

Direction of travel : Very slow feeding in same area over an hour

Behaviors observed: Feeding

If orcas, any males?: 5 orcas, don’t know if there were males.

Any unusual markings?: Too far away

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They breached, did tail lobs and tail slaps. Swarms of seagulls hovering above the water.

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

photos by Maria Mason, March 14, 2023

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15:50 - They all look to be in Murden Cove hunting.

Torrey Hall Volk

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16:19 - Four just at south entrance of Murden on Bainbridge Island side! I put down my phone and just enjoyed the time! They were milling and eating and jumping and tail slapping for an hour and a half. A group of 4 stayed together and two were spread out.

15:11 - Mid channel, looks closer to Alki than Bainbridge Island but past ferry lane I can barely spot them from Murden Cove on Bainbridge Island.

Amy Douglas Ramos

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14:52 - Just saw them north of Blakely Rocks. Viewing from Four Seasons downtown Seattle.

Alexander Simenstad

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14:40 - Approaching Blakely Rocks Bainbridge side view from 64th and Alki northbound.

Mary Hartmann

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14:25 - Viewing from the town of Manchester boat ramp they have passed Restoration Point heading north.

Jim Pasola

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14:24 - Spotted them on the south side of Bainbridge from Constellation Park. The 2 Coast Guard boats are in the vicinity.

Greg Snyder

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14:20 - Last male was probably the last one we saw about 10 minutes ago north of the Vashon's ferry terminal. After Kittitas pulled out. Orca was northbound.

David Bennett

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14:17 - Trailing pair(?) seen in line with Manchester.

14:14 - Approaching the southern end of Bainbridge as seen from Emma Schmitz Overlook.

Steve Rice

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14:05 - They are closer to Blake Island. Currently passing Tillikum Village.

Ricardo Aguayo

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13:55 - Viewing from the Southworth ferry dock line of sight now is Alki Point they're moving.

Jim Pasola

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13:38 - From Brace Point, I see them on the east side of Blake Island.

Steve Rice

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13:35 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: 1335hrs: Vessel ISSAQUAH reports 5 orca NB just east of Blake Island. WALLA WALLA notified via 800MHz. 

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13:34 - South of Southworth dock view from Lowman Beach. On west side.

Mary Hartmann

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13:30 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Log entry 1330hrs: Vessel ISSAQUAH reports via 800MHz they've spotted a lone male orca off Dolphin Pt. heading North.

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13:35 - The main group as well past the Fauntleroy ferry dock, the trailing two males just about there moving at a pretty good clip to the north.

13:25 - The group just came into view from the Southworth ferry dock looking at the Vashon ferry dock they are to the north and heading north. A long way from here probably mid-channel.

Jim Pasola

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13:30 - They're passing through the ferry lane for Fauntleroy.

David Bennett

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13:19 - Lead group just south of ferry dock (Vashon).

Jill Irene Freidberg

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12:59 - Two boys (T46D and T87) still trailing, but on mainland side of channel.

12:54 - Group of around 7 passing Glen Acres right now, still very much on island side of channel, steady northbound, not in a hurry.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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12:53 - Seen near Point Beals looking from Brace Point. Seem to be on Vashon side.

Steve Rice

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12:32 - North of Point Heyer/KVI now, still on island side of channel, headed north, some long down times.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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12:16 - Seen across from 3 Tree Point.

Anna Panasiuk Simmons

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12:00 - Trailing group passing Des Moines now.

Scott Hill

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T46E Thor

T46E Thor & T124A2B Litton

T124A2 Elkugu & T46 Wake

11:59 - Just got surprised by T87 and T46D trailing by a bit! Farther out in channel more closer to mid, but now I’m pretty sure T46s, T124A2s and T87 have all cleared the point now.

11:43 - Stunning close pass at Point Robinson. Headed northbound leisurely steady pace, one loose big group, male trailing a bit with one other, island side of channel.

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by Marla Smith, March 14, 2023

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11:43 - Draw a line from Browns Point to Dash Point and beyond, swimming west now of that line.

Eileen Mccaffery-Lent

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11:42 - Just north of Point Robinson now.

Dan Hyde

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11:35 - Eyes on whales from Des Moines Marina. Appear to be off Point Robinson. Will update when closer.

Brittany Noelle

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11:35 - Visible south of Point Robinson. Milling. Maybe hunting.

Jill Irene Freidberg

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11:28 - Just off Maury Marine Park, on the Maury side, long down times.

Janna Ignatow

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11:28 - Hard to tell how far north (though near Point Robinson) and moving east.

11:24 - North. Very close to Point Robinson when last seen, at least two.

11:19 - Getting close [to Point Robinson].

11:09 - Still heading northeast towards Point Robinson.

Eileen Mccaffery-Lent

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10:38 - Five heading up towards Maury's east side.

David Bennett

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10:26 - Can see tight group between Vashon and Maury, east bound.

James Rempt

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10:31 - Two to the east another four are trailing behind just passing Quartermaster.

10:27 - Moving east, still southern end of Maury.

10:15 - Between Point Ruston and southern tip of Maury Island closer to Maury. Just saw one large dorsal not moving.

Ed Rickert

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10:14 - They're further out now in the ferry lane.

10:09 - They're hanging out in front of Dune Peninsula near the ferry lane.

David Bennett

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09:55 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Vessel SALISH reports sighting 3 orcas milling about; located West of Point Defiance.

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09:59 - The 4 are now moving towards Dune as the ferry crosses mid channel.

09:38 - Four right out in front of the Point Defiance Marina.

09:36 - Two headed up Colvos it looked like and four look to be passing Point Defiance Marina.

Robyn Dally

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T46E Thor

From Point Defiance.

photos by Cherie StOUrs, March 14, 2023

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09:05 - Just saw the group head through the [Tacoma] narrows and round Point Defiance. Headed towards Commencement Bay. One male. 5 or more females. Spread out and mid channel. Seen from across from Salmon Beach.

Stace Gordon

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T46E Thor

T46D Strider

T87 Harbeson & T46D Strider

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

08:15 - A group of 6-7 orcas swam east at a leisurely pace close to shore (50 feet) at high tide at Point Fosdick in Gig Harbor [Lat 47.246 N Long. 122.588W]. There appeared to be 2-3 males, 2 females, and 2 juveniles. it was very calm; we could hear them blowing before we saw them. Amazing visit.

photos by David Estroff, March 14, 2023

Mon, Mar 13 - Haro Strait (T49A1 & T49A2)

Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #9:

“Subsequent reports put the whales through Baynes Channel and traveling north offshore of Ten Mile Point, where Mark and Joe arrived on scene with two bulls approaching the Johnstone Reef marker at 1750. They quickly confirmed the two were, in fact, brothers T049A1 and T049A2, who do not often travel with their mother and four younger siblings…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #9.

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Video of two Bigg's northbound off of Finnerty Cove in Haro Strait at 5:52 PM, Monday, March 13, 2023: Link to video

Gerald Graham



Mon, Mar 13 - Saratoga Passage (T137s)

18:35 - Saw 1 male and 2 female traveling north mid channel at Madrona Beach. The male circled, females joined. Just spotted at the rip line.

Michele Ashley Sarver

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16:43 - Getting too far away to see now. I think they’re out near Camano Island staircase [northbound].

16:38 - Much closer to Camano than Whidbey at this point. Flock of birds seems to be congregating over them.

16:29 - Two of them! One looks a bit smaller.

16:24 - Getting farther from the Whidbey shore, moving. Towards Camano. 

16:23 - Viewing orca right now. He’s off the coast near East Point between Baby Island Heights & Bells Beach.

photo by Tim Courtois, March 13, 2023

Mon, Mar 13 - Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s)

Thor under the Narrows.

photo & ID by Ryan Dicks, March 13, 2023

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Super-cropped long-range shot. I'm more amused at capturing the blurred outline of watchers on Kopachuck State Park beach from 2.9 miles away.

photo by Randy Witter, March 13, 2023

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19:26 - I just left Kopachuck State Park, and they were heading northbound-ish milling around.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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18:45 - Kopachuck watchers are getting a show.

18:25 - Front of Kopachuck and a little closer to shore. No direction.

Randy Witter

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18:08 - Seeing blows and fins at Kopachuck. Still mid channel northbound.

Candace Gavin

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17:35 - Just turned the corner at Horsehead in Carr Inlet headed north. Blows in sight long range via binoculars from Minter Creek area.

Randy Witter

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T46D Strider

ID by Orca Network

So happy to be out with the seasoned pros today at Fox Island Fishing Pier. 

photo by Tina McKail, March 13, 2023

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17:12 - Still trending north up Carr Inlet.

16:48 - Trending north up Carr Inlet midchannel.

Candace Gavin

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16:53 - Seeing male with surface action and spy-hopping between McNeil and Fox Island trending up towards Carr. Been in same location about 10 minutes.

Jennifer Tebaldi

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16:41- Two between McNeil & buoy [approx.47.187736, -122.651458]. 5 headed towards Carr [approx. 47.242102, -122.665369].

Jason Cook

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16:30 - Viewing from Chambers walk bridge, one male heading north from south end on McNeil, lost others.

16:16 - Viewing from Chambers walk bridge still, two still out near buoy, other four were still behind heading south towards the two.

Cherie StOurs

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16:00 - See them from Steilacoom.

Amy Sloan Bryan

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15:44 - Viewing from Chambers walk bridge, four mid channel and three continued south on Fox Island side.

photos by Cherie StOurs, March 13, 2023

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15:27 - All have passed the Fox Island Pier still headed south.

15:08 - Just now at Fox Island Pier. Mid channel slowly moving south. Long down times.

Candace Gavin

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14:46 - Just saw them pass Narrows marina heading south.

Ben Bird

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14:22 - Looked like they were out in front of Titlow, headed south.

Kyle O'Block

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14:13 - They don't seem to be quite in line with Titlow, but they are getting to that point. They are still mid channel.

David Bennett

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14:00 - Under Narrows Bridge right now.

Haleigh Meacham

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13:54 - They're midchannel. South of the bridge.

13:52 - Saw them about 5 minutes ago. Just saw some blows. They haven't passed the bridge yet. Still north of them.

David Bennett

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13:48 - Approaching Narrows Bridge at least 6 viewing from Hidden Beach heading south.

photos by Cherie StOurs, March 13, 2023

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13:37 - Still north of bridge.

Andrea Reubel Walker

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13:46 - Now south of bridge. Heading south. Viewing from Narrows Park.

Lane Sample

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13:37 - Still north of bridge.

Andrea Reubel Walker

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13:36 - They are milling right near bridge on the north side closer to Tacoma.

Scout Scoutie

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13:29 - 100-150 yds north of bridge. Slowly moving, went down and have not seen again.

Andrea Reubel Walker

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13:22 - They're pretty far out there. Closer to the Tacoma side fighting against the current. Southbound of course.

David Bennett

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13:15 - Still seeing them on the north side of Narrows Bridge. Looks like still heading south.

Cherie StOurs

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13:18 - Under bridge heading west.

13:01 - We are at the old toa ramp looking north. Two males, three females. Between East Tower and Salmon Beach.

12:57 - Fins just north of East Tower towards Salmon Beach.

Rich Kuras

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13:11 - Headed south now half mile north of bridge still mid to east side of Narrows. Small boat behind.

12:57 - Large male and two or more smaller orcas mid channel north of bridge going north with current right now. 

Susan White

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12:22 - Two males are following the group of 5 towards Narrows Park on the west side. Approaching the bridge.

Jack Sasser

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12:13 - Viewing from Narrows Park. Eyes on blows still north of the Narrows Bridge, headed southbound. Hard to tell east or west of mid channel at this point.

Brittany Noelle

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11:51 - Still slowly southbound Tacoma Narrows. Approaching Point Evans. Now a boat showed up also.

11:28 - Orcas southbound in Tacoma Narrows.

Zeno Martin

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11:06 - Still trending south slowly near the point of Point Defiance on Gig Harbor side viewing from the point marina.

Cherie StOurs

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11:02 - [approx. 47.321615, -122.529463].

10:58 - Lead group crossing over and trending towards Narrows [approx. 47.327445, -122.524025]. 

Jami Cantrell

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10:50 - Trending southwest viewing from point marina.

photo by Cherie StOurs, March 13, 2023

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10:35 - Eyes on whales (with binos) from Dune Peninsula. Group still well north of Dune Peninsula, mid-channel. Another group approaching southern tip of Vashon, soon to be in the ferry lanes.

Brittany Noelle

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10:29 - Visible from Point Defiance marina, 3 looks like traveling west towards Maury.

Cherie StOurs

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10:29 - Appeared to be traveling southwest, though when spotted again a moment ago, was still quite close to buoy, so not a lot of movement.

10:22 - Just spotted near the yellow channel marker between Maury and Browns Point.

Eileen Mccaffery-Lent

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09:21 - Moving at a fairly steady pace, south.

09:11 - Just passed Point Robinson on the way towards Gold Beach.

Mitzi Gligorea

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T124A2 Elkugu

T46E Thor

T124A2B Litton

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

09:15 - Three groups have cleared Point Robinson, one close in, one mid channel and one closer to mainland side. Very spread out groups. All steady southbound traveling at a good pace, pushing through the running sea in the wind and rain. 

09:00 - Approaching Point Robinson.

08:00 - South of Glen Acres now, two loose groups, hard to get a head count, long downtimes, steady southbound island side of channel, T46E in the mix.

photos by Marla Smith, March 13, 2023

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07:40 - Spotted 3 or 4, close to Glen Acres, heading south. Must have been the back of the pack, moving fast.

Emily Reitman

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07:12 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Vessel KITTITAS reports via 800MHz they've spotted a half-dozen orca at Dolphin Pt. heading southbound. 



Sun, Mar 12 - Trincomali Channel (T99s)

It was a “wee bit” wet this afternoon and we had to go far, but we had the T099s in Trincomali channel with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours.

Selena Donker [WSSJI]



Sun, Mar 12 - Admiralty Inlet (T137, T137A, T137B)

14:30 - Two miles south of Point No Point. 3 orcas heading south.

Brian Livingston

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14:10 - Appear to be heading south once again slightly west of mid-channel line of sight from Point No Point Cultus Bay. It's raining I'm heading to the car.

14:04 - Continuing their erratic behavior they had headed out to the southeast, I thought for good, and then they pop up at the yellow buoy off of Scatchet Head where they are now.

13:46 - I just made a pretty close pass at Point No Point heading south; down again, who knows where they'll pop up.

13:33 - They are really doing some roundabouts I was just about to post that they were heading for Bush Point as they were getting distant and they pop up in line of sight of Double Bluff heading south again closer to this side.

13:20 - Just relocated them look to be between Double Bluff and Norwegian Point viewing from Point No Point lighthouse can't tell direction they seem to just be doing circles around this area.

12:45 - They are back to southbound roughly mid-channel now south of the green buoy off Double Bluff.

12:33 - They seem to have flipped back south again looks about mid-channel lots of directional changes

12:27 - Viewing from Hansville they are distant east of mid channel moving northeast.

Jim Pasola

T137B Tempest

T137A Jack

T137 Loon

photos by Jim Pasola, March 12, 2023

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12:15 - Lunch time Hansville shoreline.

12:05 - At least a momentary flip north along the shoreline.

11:48 - Southbound [approx. 47.928756, -122.566571].

11:37 - Tugboat & container ship have passed by them. Southbound close to shore Hansville side.

11:28 - Picked up their pace. Still southbound.

11:20 - Saratoga moving on. Orcas are slowly southbound [approx. 47.949816, -122.578019]. Appear to be feeding. Viewing from Double Bluff.

photo by Jason Cook, March 12, 2023

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10:41 - Saratoga has the 137s southbound in the northbound [shipping] lane just north [of] Double Bluff.

Christopher Lewman, Puget Sound Express

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T137B Tempest

T137 Loon & T137A Jack

10:38 - Still have Eyes. Saratoga is with them. They continue south.

10:02 - At least three, including male. Moving south. Whidbey side.

09:48 - At least one fin, likely a male, southbound passed Bush Point boat launch. 

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 12, 2023

Sun, Mar 12 - Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s)

This exact grouping of orcas was also in Possession Sound 3/5/21.

Debbie Stewart

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19:15 - Straight off 64th Alki. Headed south. At that time I was only seeing 2 males, or at least that’s all I was noticing. Earlier, when they were deeper in Elliott Bay, I was seeing at least 5 orcas including 2 males and 3 others.

photos by Steve Rice, March 12, 2023

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19:20 - They actually went south hugging Alki all the way to lighthouse. Saw a close pass off Constellation well after sunset.

19:00 - Leaving Elliott Bay fast going south west to Bainbridge Eagle Harbor seen from Duwamish Head.

Mary Hartmann

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T46D Strider

T87 Harbeson

18:45 - From Don Armeni Park in West Seattle.

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by Robin Sinner, March 12, 2023

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18:39 - iPhone image from Salty’s in West Seattle. Heading north. T46E.

photos & ID by Shari Tarantino, March 12, 2023

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18:13 - Cruising west along the outer edge of Harbor Island shipyard at the south end of Elliott Bay. Viewing from Pier 62.

Casey Dean

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18:11 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Master on the Suquamish reports the pod has split into three different groups in Elliott Bay and Duwamish. 

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17:40 - At least one group of ~ 4-5 including male north end Elliott Bay. Close pass off Pier 91 terminal east of marina. [approx. 47.623461, -122.382297]. They went east deeper in towards Elliott Bay park and out of my sight.

17:30 - One group with one male and several female/juv continue into Elliott Bay while others continue southbound skirting outer Elliott Bay.

17:25 - Ts are south of Discovery park in two groups slow meandering southbound travel with some long dives. Just now 17:25 they’ve swung eastbound heading into northern end Elliott Bay just west of the marina. others still little bit offshore.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:47 - Discovery Park, we can see them.

16:43 - Three off of Shilshole Marina heading south.

Tomoko Boerman

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16:35 - Orcas on long dives. Surfaced more grouped further south off south end Shilshole Marina close this side. Still slow southbound travels. Based on numbers and make up believe 46s, T87, T124A2s still all together.

16:25 - Orcas in groups off Golden Gardens slow southbound in 3 groups of single male to groups of 4s. So lovely in calm seas. 

16:18 - Two males right off green can at Meadow Point Golden Gardens southbound slowly.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:14 - Heading south from Carkeek. Slowly.

Mary Neifert

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16:08 - In front of Carkeek.

Teresa Bara

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jonathan Howe

Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023

Time: 4:00 PM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Richmond Beach/Carkeek Park

Direction of travel : south

Behaviors observed: travelling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: saw 2 orcas, 1 large, off Richmond Beach heading south. they disappeared for a while then reappeared about 2 miles south near Carkeek Park, where they joined several (5-6? ) others. then I lost them as they headed further south around Golden Gardens.

Photos available?: No

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15:58 - They are just north of Carkeek. Just took dive down.

Wynne York-Jones

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15:20 - Still southbound of Richmond beach. T87 & T46D with super close pass off the beach. Others further off just inside the weather buoy (still close to east side). Golden Gardens up next.

photo by Ariel Yseth, March 12, 2023

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15:04 - [orca] Now Point Wells southbound.

14:54- 3 [orca] off Edmonds dog park south.

Barbara Gamrath

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15:00 - Leaders are approaching Point Wells.

14:48 - From the hill above the Kingston ferry there's a pretty tight group just south of the Edmonds Marina jetty, at least one male look to be pretty close to the east side.

Jim Pasola

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14:38 - Two males together off Edmonds north of dive park, with at least three others southwest of them but still east of mid channel steady southbound.

14:30 - Got one of the males 1/2-1 mile north of Edmonds ferry traffic lanes steady southbound about mile offshore. Rain isn’t helping the viewing cause!

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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T46E Thor

T124A2A Agafia

T46E Thor & T124A2A Agafia

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by Kat Martin, March 12, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Vanessa Lim

Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023

Time: 1:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: (47.8794012, -122.3413142)

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Slowly traveling and blowing

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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13:34 - I just spotted them from Picnic Point. It seems they snuck north and are now traveling southbound again from Whidbey but it’s very difficult to pinpoint where from my viewing point.

Grace Haaland

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13:50 - Just saw another one tail flap from my scope, close to the southern end of Hat Island, near the shore.

13:37 - I’ve spotted the other two mid way between Edmonds and Whidbey. They are heading south towards Edmonds.

13:28 - One is super close to Mukilteo shore, opposite of Island Explorer. Heading south towards Edmonds.

13:22 - Saw three pass me in Mukilteo, near Glendale but heading south on the Mukilteo side. Saw 2 together and one shortly behind. 

Jodi Krause Poissant

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T124A2A Agafia & T46E Thor

T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu, T124A2B Litton

photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, March 12, 2023

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T124A2B Litton, T124A2A Agafia, T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu

T46E Thor & T124A2 Elkugu

T124A2A Agafia, T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 12, 2023

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13:00 - T87 is keeping to this side continuing southbound few hundred yards offshore. Now just getting south of Mukilteo lighthouse park. Another male was mid channel trailing others. T46D male midchannel.

12:50 - Edited to clean up what I saw which was: one group of females and juveniles west of mid channel; another group of at least 3-4 with a male were close to Whidbey (one of the T46 male(s) with them), another male mid channel, and T87 just passed by Mukilteo lighthouse!! Kind of nicely close in off the beach. Unless eyes playing tricks there are more whales than T46s and T87. All were southbound.

12:45 - They’ve moved way over to Whidbey side south of Clinton. 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:51 - Appears to be one male, now south of the ferry lanes, mid channel.

12:43 - Viewing from Mukilteo fishing pier. Have binoculars but can see fins without them!

Kristin Kreifels

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12:35 - Orca cruised past Hat, south side, heading west toward Whidbey very quickly.

Lauren McManus

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Olivia Bennett

Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023

Time: 12:30 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 9

Where seen: Off the ferry between Whidbey and Mukilteo

Direction of travel : Traveling south

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: At least 2 of them were males

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Several younger orcas in the pack. I'd love to know if they were the local pod or the traveling ones!

Photos available?: No

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12:34 - Approaching ferry lanes, will cross paths with Kitsap soon.

12:10 - Viewing from high up in Clinton, they're continuing southbound. A gray is about 1/4 mile or less away.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:00 - Apparently, they’re split apart into what sounds like 3 clusters. Trailing group off of Tulalip, all heading towards Everett/Mukilteo. Couple in the lead group as they passed Hat Island marina, southbound. Pic by Kelly Brown Dukes.

Lori Christopher

T124A2 Elkugu & T124A2B Litton

Male is T46E Thor

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by Kelly Brown Dukes, March 12, 2023

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11:40 - Update starting to circumnavigate Hat Island eastbound [approx. 48.026078, -122.325996]. T46, T87, T46D trailing the rest.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:35 - They flipped/are milling. Still south of Sandy Point.

11:20 - Spotted south of Sandy Point heading north, Whidbey side.

Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:25 - T87 is with the T46 pod too!

11:00 - The T46 pod is northwest-bound from my map post [approx. 48.002074, -122.326343]!

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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10:50 - One male passing mid Hat Island, west side, about 200 yards out northbound.

Lori Christopher

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: John Shackman

Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023

Time: 10:40 AM

Species seen: 7 Orca and possibly 4 GRAY

Number of animals seen: 11

Where seen: Possession Sound

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed: Circling for approximately 15 minutes

If orcas, any males?: 2 possible males.

Any unusual markings?: One male had a dorsal fin that was slightly bent at the top. I will send videos.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: First between Hat Island and Jetty island 2 Gray Whales close to shore of Jettey Island. Then two more Gray halfway between Jetty and Hat Island. Then 7 ORCA’s came close to Clinton on Whidbey Island . What look like a group of four orcas close to shore, and three more at the same time very close to shore . Also they were here for quite some time until a whale watching boat came, and then they disappeared. The gray whales I’ve been seeing two of them every day between Hat Island and Jetty Island.

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

photo by John Shackman, March 12, 2023

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10:42 - Best ID guess on the Mukilteo group is the T46s. One of the dorsals looked very close to T046D.

10:11 - Spotted from the ferry. Currently in the ferry lanes heading north. 2 males are together and 3 females/juveniles are together.

Our Wild Puget Sound



Wed, Mar 8 - San Juans (T2Cs, T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, T123s, and T124C)

Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #8:

“At 1339 Mark stopped for a binocular scan once he was northeast of Turn Point and spotted several blows and dorsal fins in the middle of Boundary Pass.

There were many animals fairly spread out and nondirectional but seemed quite animated, especially the juveniles who were playing with each other and zig-zagging around as the rest of the animals could be seen in several groups making up what looked like well over 20 individuals in total…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #8.

-

There were 23 Bigg's killer whales having a social get-together when we got on scene in Boundary Pass on the afternoon of March 8th: the T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, and T123s.

Here is Jason's highlight video of what we call a true "T Party"! (Don't forget to switch video quality to 4K for the best viewing.)

video by Jason Shields, March 8, 2023

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Yesterday we had the honor of getting out on the water for the first real "T party" of the season (the informal regional name for a large congregation of Bigg's killer whales). North of Waldron Island we met up with the T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, T123s, and T124C - a total of 23 whales! With four calves under the age of two in the group, there was a lot of rolling around and play behavior. Then on the way home we were surprised to intercept the T2Cs in San Juan Channel, bringing our whale count for the day up to 27 orcas. We always expect Bigg's killer whale sightings to start picking up in March, but yesterday set the bar pretty high for what we hope is a whale-filled spring.

Orca Behavior Institute

photos by Monika Wieland Shields, March 8, 2023

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17:50 - [T2Cs] Just passed Point Caution close to shore.

17:40 - [T2Cs] Approaching Point Caution southbound on San Juan side.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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16:50 - O’Neal southbound on these guys now.

16:30 - Just picked up more, possibly T60s [corrected T2Cs], Green Point southbound towards Reuben Tarte.

16:15 - Trending south again - for the moment! Towards Flattop.

16:05 - Still milling northwest of Waldron [Island]. At least T34s/T37/T37Bs, T99s, T36As, T123s, and T124C - possibly more.

14:45 - T Party west side of Waldron southbound (20+ whales).

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

GRAY WHALES

Tue, Mar 14 - Saratoga Passage

18:23 - Seeing blows! I’m at the Camano Yacht Club looking straight across at the entrance to Penn Cove. From my viewpoint, the blows are between Long Point and the black channel marker and appeared to be heading slightly east. Definitely a gray.

Linda Raines Tyner

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17:36 - Gray due south of entrance to Oak Harbor.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:49 - At Mabana viewing and hearing blows of a gray over on Whidbey side north of Bells Beach. 

16:24 - Direction is northbound, now south of Fox Spit.

Krista Paulino



Tue, Mar 14 - South Puget Sound

18:30 - Case Inlet, Vaughn Bay heading south.

photo by Steve Powell  March 14, 2023

Mon, Mar 13 - Possession Sound (CRC53, CRC383, CRC531, CRC2440, CRC4221)

11:45 - We also saw CRC 53, 383, and 531 closer to the southeast corner of Hat island.

12:05 - Gray whale CRC 2441 is back! It’s hanging with 2440 [approx.47.995373, -122.269894]. 

Bart Rulon Art & Photography



Mon, Mar 13 - South Puget Sound

09:14 - Baleen whale northbound Pickering Passage. I believe a grey, cannot confirm but no dorsal.

Megan Gene Carlson



Sun, Mar 12 - Possession Sound (CRC56, CRC383, CRC531)

16:45 - On the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry and can see one grey through the rain & fog. In between Everett & Hat Island heading north towards Hat.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:10 - Crc383 and crc531 are milling west of the killer whales [approx. 48.001373, -122.297549]. CRC56 is back too! He was up in the same area as my post map for 383 and 531.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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09:39 - Seeing what looks like at least 3 or 4 distinct blows in Possession Sound on the southeast side of Hat Island. Viewing from the Mukilteo ferry terminal. 

Our Wild Puget Sound

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09:30 - Grey whale spotted in front of Priest Point, between Jetty and Hat Island. Appeared to be by himself.

Jaime Shields



Sat, Mar 11 - Saratoga Passage [CRC22, CRC531 & other(s)]

18:00 - Heading south Whidbey side, feeding along the way 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach. Not two whales, but three whales. That’s a first for me. Link to FB video

17:30 - Two grays mile and a half north of Hidden Beach feeding.

photos by Aaron Gill, March 11, 2023

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16:04 - Just saw them again a little east of where they last were.

15:25 - Two (possible) gray whales southwest of Cama Beach.

Whitney Valerio

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12:34 - Could be two [grays]. Off Pebble Beach [Camano Island] area now.

12:19 - Gray heading north closer to Langley [Whidbey Island] in the passage.

Mike Moberly [CWW]

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12:25 - Two grays feeding off south end of Summerland [Camano Island] just now. Don't know from which direction they came.

Peg Boley [CWW]



Sat, Mar 11 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch, CRC185, CRC2240, CRC2249)

Thanks to Bart we know that there are two more new arrivals today, both first showed up during the early years of the Unusual Mortality Event officially designated by NOAA in 2019.

CRC185 is a Pacific Coast Feeding Group whale, previously known to Cascadia Research collective who showed up in the inland feeding areas in 2018 and has returned every year since! CRC2249 who is a 2019 newbie, previously unknown, who returns each year as well.

(need to check records if has every year). This brings total arrivals to 7 as of this morning:

22, 53, 185, 383, 531, 2249, 2440

-

17:30 - Gray whale was still same place, same behavior.

17:07 - 17:19 - Whale is on long dives and blows not super robust/visible. Seeing again who presume is same gray, making directional changes/circling in general at edge of the Snohomish Delta just west of navigation marker off the delta’s edge.

16:50 - I think whale moved northeast. Seeing blows about mile northeast from previous location, from either that whale or 2nd. But do no longer see blows in prior location

16:30 - Seeing blows of at least one gray whale off southeast Hat Island, think is milling, possibly feeding just west of green channel marker. From Edgewater Beach. 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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15:00 - We saw 3 blows right off the beach at Mukilteo. It was moving north along the beach and the last blow we saw it was between the lighthouse and the new ferry dock. I am learning how to pilot a boat and this was only my 2nd time out on the water without the training captain. I was closer than 100 yards when we first saw it surface and blow but I stopped immediately to see which way it was headed and then maneuvered safely away from it. Pretty awesome for only my 2nd time out!

Mirs VonAschen-Cook

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12:10 - CRC 185 is also back! We are watching 185 where my map shows [approx. 48.002367, -122.259452].

11:45 - Gray whale CRC 2249 is back [approx. 48.002365, -122.296520]. 

11:25 - Two gray whales, CRC 53 and CRC 2440 milling south of Hat Island [approx. 47.986772, -122.303296].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography, Puget Sound Express

 


Fri, Mar 10 - Saratoga Passage

09:52 - Board member Fred Lundahl called to relay report from customer Deborah Eimers who reports seeing a single gray whale Camano State Park side of Saratoga Passage mostly milling around. She did see a spyhop. No ID since she was on the Whidbey side.



Fri, Mar 10 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383, CRC531, & CRC2440)

12:04 - Just saw a huge fluke from Harborview. I’ve spotted 3 so far, milling around in the same general area as Bart’s map above.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

-  

11:40 - Gray whales 53, 22, 383, 531, and 2440 are off the southeast side of Hat Island [approx. 47.999817, -122.283953]. 53 is closer to Everett than the others.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography, Puget Sound Express



Fri, Mar 10 - South Puget Sound

14:00 - Off Stretch [Island] [approx. 47.324013, -122.817026].

11:35 - At northern end of Harstine Island [approx. 47.289856, -122.884386].

screen grab from video by Rana Lewis, March 10, 2023

Thu, Mar 9 - Possession Sound (CRC531 & others)

15:05 - Looks like two grays just north of Hat Island, milling about.

Mike Moberly [PSWS]

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: John Shackman

Date of Sighting: 3/9/2023

Time: 12:40 PM

Species seen: Uncertain

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Between Hat Island and Jetty Island

Direction of travel : Circling

Behaviors observed: Breaching and spy hopping

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

-

CRC531

ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

12:44 - Three total. 4 south of Hat Island being very active including surface action some.

12:33 - Gray whales east of Hat [Island].

photo by Clinton Duckworth, March 9, 2023

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09:30 - Two grays were traveling southbound in Saratoga Passage, just north of Pebble Beach, Camano Island. 

Peg Boley [CWW]



Thu, Mar 9 - South Puget Sound

12:00 - Gray whale in Pickering Passage in the South Sound. Just north of the Harstine Island bridge. Looks like it's feeding, repeating dives in same area. Heart shaped spout, didn't get a video of the body but definitely a gray.

Ben Reynolds



Wed, Mar 8 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383, CRC531, CRC2440 & one unidentified gray)

Saw six today on Puget Sound Express!

Cara Dana

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12:33 - Didn’t get a positive ID on the whale with 22 but the light flukes suggest either 44 or 723.

12:15 - 383 is back, he’s with 531.

12:08 - We have 4 more including 22 off the northeast side of Hat!

11:45 - We have 53 and 2440 circling southeast of Hat, apparently resting.

Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express

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11:27 - Two gray whales who appear to be southeastbound in Possession Sound off southeast Hat Island [approx. 47.996105, -122.287553]. 

Marilyn Armbruster

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07:00 - [video of gray] Tulalip.

Jaime McBroom

UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES

Wed, Mar 8 - Budd Inlet, South Puget Sound

14:15 - Saw what appeared to be a lone whale in Budd Inlet at Cooper Point. I think it was a minke.

Catherine Forster [PSWS]



Wed, Mar 8 - South Puget Sound

14:15 - Blow is clear, sun reflecting off head or such. Moving south now. Blows are longer between now, closer to tip of Herron Island.

14:12 - In Vaughn moving southwest. Blow every one and half minutes to around 2 minutes, moving slow.

14:00 - Large whale between Harstine Island and Vaughn. Long distance [away] but definitely larger whale. Heading possibly south center of channel.

Wayne McFarland

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