March 22, 2023

J Pod in Bellingham Bay.

photo by Adam Resnick, March 17, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through March 17 include:

Southern Residents - On March 17, J pod showed up in Bellingham Bay!

On March 18, K & L pods were spotted down in Monterey Bay!

In next report: On March 18, J pod was in Puget Sound and made their way north, where they were heard passing south Whidbey northbound just before midnight.

On March 19, J pod spent the entire day going north and south in Holmes Harbor.

On March 20, J pod made their way south through Puget Sound, making another beautiful pass by Point Robinson.

On March 21, J pod made their way north through Possession Sound and into Saratoga Passage.

On March 22, J pod spent much of the day milling at the south end of Admiralty Inlet, before making their way north as dark fell, and were heard on the Port Townsend hydrophone as of this writing, suggesting their visit to Puget Sound is over.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On March 15, the T137s (minus T137D) joined the T46s, T87, & T124A2s and spent the day in Saratoga Passage. The T34s, T37s, & T99s together in BC.

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 (minus T137D) 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. The T34s, T37s, T49A1, T49A2, & T99s together in the San Juans.

On March 17, in the morning, the T137s (minus T137D) were spotted near Bremerton and made their way north under Agate Pass bridge 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!

In next report: On March 18, T46s, T87, and T124A2s headed to South Puget Sound and passed under the Fox Island bridge.

On March 19, T46s split up from T87 & T124A2s, but both groups traveled north through Puget Sound, about an hour apart from each other.

On March 20, a group of transients with no positive IDs made their way north out of Puget Sound.

On March 22, T65As were seen southbound in Puget Sound and then, as dark fell, headed under the Agate Pass bridge as of this writing.

Humpbacks - No confirmed reports.

Gray Whales - CRC22, CRC53, CRC383, CRC2440 were seen. The others likely still around feeding.

ARTICLES:

Inbreeding Contributes to Decline of Endangered Killer Whales by Northwest Fisheries Science Center

"New genome sequencing shows Southern Residents are highly inbred." Read more here.

Kiska, 'the loneliest whale in the world,' dies at Canada amusement park by Giulia Heyward

"Kiska, the last captive killer whale in Canada — also known as "the loneliest whale in the world" — has died, according to local media. The orca, believed to be 47 years old, died on Thursday [March 9], Ontario's solicitor general ministry spokesperson Brent Ross confirmed to CBC. Kiska, who spent over four decades in captivity, resided at Marineland, a zoo and amusement park in Niagara Falls, after being captured in Icelandic waters in 1979 alongside Keiko, the star of the movie, Free Willy, the publication reported." Read more here.

EVENTS:

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!

Sat, Mar 18 - Monterey Bay (K & L Pod)

What an absolutely fantastic and once in a lifetime opportunity for our passengers, crew, and biologists alike yesterday on 3/18/23. We spent a brief time with the Southern Resident Killer Whales, an endangered population from the Pacific Northwest. This group is different from our Bigg's (transient) killer whales in some physical characteristics, culture, and also the prey that they go after. SRKWs primarily eat salmon, which we are happy to report they found yesterday! We documented some of the whales foraging, and even wearing "salmon hats (coming up with salmon on their rostrum/head)!" We have identified members of both L and K pods, with the help of various research organizations in the PNW. The last time parts of these groups were in Monterey was March 31, 2019. These whales are endangered largely due to running out of their favorite food source in their main range - chinook salmon. We are so humbled to know that we were able to document them feeding and provide an opportunity for so many people to experience the presence of these whales. This population has inspired so many people, including many of our crew, and we are still in awe of yesterday. 

Monterey Bay Whale Watch

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13:00 - Monterey Bay. I know that you have most likely already received photos from most of the Moss Landing and Monterey whale watching companies that witnessed this encounter also, but figured I would send in our photos also in case any individuals were missed. We were the first boat to come across the pod, hence why the coordinates from my report are much further north than others. All photos taken by passenger Samuel Boyce; heavily cropped from a distance. I might have more photos to submit later as I am still waiting on some passengers to email me their shots. I was not on the boat for this encounter but am the main Naturalist that deals with [&] submits all reports. Please let me know if you have any questions! Thanks.

Sydney Minges, Santa Cruz Whale Watching

L72 Racer

L105 Fluke

L118 Jade

L109 Takoda

L106 Pooka

L103 Lapis

L90 Ballena

Males are L110 Midnight & L87 Onyx

L82 Kasatka

IDs by Sydney Minges

photos by Samuel Boyce, March 18, 2023

Fri, Mar 17 - Bellingham Bay/Rosario Strait (J Pod)

J26 Mike

A day for the books for sure! Lovely moments with J pod this evening. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and serene this was today. Luck of the Irish onboard today maybe? I am Irish, after all! 

Taken with a 600mm lens and heavily cropped.

photos by Kat Martin, March 17, 2023

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18:30 - A surprising pass by Washington Park. This was around 18:30 and then they went out of sight around Burrows Island heading south.

photo by Sara Montour Lewis, March 17, 2023

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18:26 - From Washington Park [video].

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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18:39 - Kevin called back to update Js are still hovering, are more spread out, hard to determine which way they will go (out west or down towards Whidbey) but appear to be moving south/southwest down Rosario. Saw one breach.

18:24 - Volunteer Kevin Chambers called at 18:24 to report seeing at least 5-6 (including little one) south of the ferry lanes off Green Point, Washington Park, Anacortes heading southbound. They are a bit distant but at the time seemed to be keeping more to that side as they continued on.

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18:24 - J’s southbound in Rosario. Watching from Washington Park in Anacortes.

Erin Johns Gless, PWWA

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18:18 - Southwest of the ferry terminal.

18:16 - Orcas heading south of Anacortes.

Melanie Moonstone

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16:30 - When they went out of view, it was around 4:30 and it looks like they went in between Guemes and Cypress [Islands].

Silver Hubble

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15:32 - At least 8 - 10 blows in line with Sinclair Island and appear to be moving west. Viewing from Larrabee State Park. These blows appear to be beyond Vendovi from my vantage point.

Amanda Marie, The Salish Sea School

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14:09 - Per Cindi Crowder Rausch it is J pod in the bay!

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 17, 2023

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12:47 - A friend saw 5 orca off Taylor Dock in Bellingham! Don't know the direction. 

Kendra Nicole 

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Male is J27 Blackberry

11:00 - We left Squalicum Harbor in our boat, and we saw the pod around 11:05am on our way towards the south end of Portage Island. Here are a few photos (500mm lens/cropped/all guidelines followed). What a great surprise. We saw them move through Bellingham Bay from west to east, more or less. They dove as a group for 1-3 minutes at a time and surfaced together. They were moving pretty slowly, around 3 knots.

photos by Adam Resnick, March 17, 2023

Fri, Mar 17 - Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s)

T122 Centeki

T87 Harbeson

T46E Thor

T46D Strider

T122 Centeki, T124A2 Elkugu, T46 Wake, & T46E Thor

Some whale magic was afoot today, three times a charm. Morning reports had a pod of orcas exiting Colvos passage northbound, and an hour or so later, they were on the opposite side of Vashon, heading south down East Passage. It was a drop everything and run kind of day, following them along the shorelines as they circumnavigated Vashon Island, admiring their wild beauty in the soft spring sunshine. Together, it was the T46's, the T124A2s, and T87 again, keeping company with each other, mixing up groupings as they traveled. Their travel this time mirrored the last two times, leisurely but purposeful, not much if any hunting, and keeping good steady pace. We'll see where they end up in the morning, but today was a pretty awesome day, with some pretty amazing matrilines! 

photos & IDs by Marla Smith, March 17, 2023

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T46D Strider & T87 Harbeson

Two on the right are T124A2 Elkugu & T46E Thor

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

The three on right are T46 Wake, T124A2 Elkugu, & T124A2B Litton

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

From Manchester.

photos by Jim Pasola, March 17, 2023

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18:50 - Five orcas just south of Blakely Rocks northbound view from Constellation Park in West Seattle.

18:45 - Northbound quickly off Restoration Point red buoy.

Mary Hartmann

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T46E Thor

18:40 - Heading north, southeast end of Bainbridge.

photo by Brian Hollomon, March 17, 2023

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18:39 - Viewing from Pomeroy Park with line of sight the Space Needle. Lots of surface activity out by the yellow channel marker. Multiple breaches and tail slaps.

Candace Gavin

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18:30 - Off Manchester south of fuel depot west in channel view from Constellation Park in West Seattle.

Mary Hartmann

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18:17 - They are just northeast of Blake [Island], eating in the same spot. About 5 of them.

Brian Hollomon

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18:05 - Moved a little farther south around the point, I can see them now, I'm looking right over the net pens; they look like they're hunting pretty far out.

Jim Pasola

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17:57 - Lost sight from Pomeroy Park with line of sight Space Needle. From my view they were continuing up the east side of Bainbridge.

Candace Gavin

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17:40 - Continuing north, too soon to tell which way they'll go, whether Rich or east of Bainbridge.

17:27 - They finished their meal and now heading back north again.

17:10 - I may have jumped the gun for heading towards Southworth, they are still about mid Blake Island. They clearly just made a kill, there's gulls hovering everywhere. I've seen at least four breaches, lots of tail slaps.

17:05 - They appear to be heading back towards Southworth.

16:55 - They're still just round and round between Blake and Manchester.

Jim Pasola

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16:30 - Still headed north on the west side of Blake. Looked like they were trending towards Rich, but too early to tell.

Ashley S Whitman

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16:20 - Passing Southworth ferry terminal headed north.

photo by Laurel Johns Kingsbury, March 17, 2023

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16:20 - Four tightly grouped viewing from north Vashon ferry dock.

T.L. Stokes

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16:24 - Spoke too soon, now trending westbound around the south end of Blake Island.

16:18 - Passed Point Southworth, northbound, likely headed up the east side of Blake Island.

Hunter Sasser Oetinger

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16:17 - Approaching ferry lanes.

16:11 - Just south of the Southworth ferry dock. Still moving northbound. Mid channel.

Candace Gavin

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16:04 - Another small group orcas northbound Colvos approaching the ferry lane close to Vashon side. What wonderful whale weather.

Tim and Moby

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15:48 - Just passed Peter Point.

15:35 - Appear closer to Vashon side now.

Roxane Jackson Johnson

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15:30 - Just passed Fragaria, continued steady northbound travel, mid-channel.

Brittany Noelle

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15:28 - Viewing from Driftwood Cove. Closer to Kitsap side, coming up to Peter Point.

Roxane Jackson Johnson

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15:20 - Viewing from Southworth, seeing blows in the distance. I think off of Prospect Point.

Jim Pasola

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15:04 - I’ve got T46D with the group.

Brittany Noelle

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14:31 - Nice pass as they approach Lisabuela, core group mid channel, T87 much closer to island side, have not seen T46d yet, seems to be traveling apart from Harbeson now, T46E in middle of core group still, loosely grouped northbound travels.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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14:44 - There's a group just on Kitsap side of mid channel just north of Point Richmond & an adult male right about mid channel, from Gig Harbor Viewpoint Point Defiance.

14:27 - Just north of Point Richmond channel marker, still drifting towards Kitsap side.

14:19 - Mid channel between Point Richmond & Sanford Point, still milling but heading for Kitsap side.

Melissa Bird

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14:17 - Group on the move northbound just south of Lisabuela now, mid channel, very long down times.

14:04 - Coming into view headed northbound here [approx. 47.370637, -122.527579].

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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14:10 - Close to Vashon shore, just south of Lisabulela Park, hunting off a channel marker at Sandford Point. Milling.

Melissa Bird

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13:46 - Up Colvos.

Ryan Dicks

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13:45 - Losing sight from Dune. Line of sight entrance of Colvos still moving north.

Candace Gavin

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13:35 - From Owens Beach. Whales appear through ferry lanes rounding southern tip of Vashon, possibly heading up Colvos. Moving positions so can’t say committed for sure.

Brittany Noelle

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13:14 - In front of Tahlequah ferry dock now still moving west. Mid channel to Vashon side.

13:09 - Moving west pass the south tip of Vashon headed towards the Point Defiance ferry lanes.

12:56 - Seeing fins and blows through binos. Viewing from Dune line of sight south east tip of Maury. Still moving south.

Candace Gavin

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12:51 - Looks like there's seven of them. They are passing in front of Quartermaster Harbor.

Melissa Malott

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12:47 - Westbound southern tip of Maury [approx. 47.336935, -122.451124].

Ed Rickert

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12:20 - Marla Smith called again to say the group has now passed by Gold Beach and heading toward Sandy Shores. She does have images of members of the T46s, T87, and T124A2s. Along with earlier IDs, she adds T46 Wake for sure and T124A2B Little Litton. Cannot yet confirm all members, but looking like all them at least. Thor is still traveling in the middle of everyone who are loosely grouped on Vashon side, not super close in but closer that usual off Gold Beach anyhow, with Strider and Harbeson still mid channel. All leisurely heading southbound.

11:48 - Marla just called. Orcas have passed by Point Robinson spread out all heading southbound. For sure T46D Strider, T46E Thor & T87 Harbeson present. Strider and Harbeson are traveling together on the mainland side of mid channel. Thor was with group of at least 4 females/juveniles, hard to get head count due to spread. She is moving south to try for another peek and IDs.

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11:29 - Orcas are approaching Point Robinson, Vashon. Island side southbound.

10:35 - Just heard from friend Kelly Keenan, orcas just south of Glen Acres traveling south, leisurely pace, Island side of mid channel.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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09:13 - Pod of orcas northbound north end Colvos spread across channel cruising quickly. Sorry no pics, but saw a couple large males close to shore Kitsap side with several others spread toward Vashon.

Tim & Moby

Fri, Mar 17 - Puget Sound (T137s minus T137D)

T137 Loon & T137B Tempest

18:18 - T137A "Jack," Apple Tree Point.

photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, March 17, 2023

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T137A Jack

18:10 - Passed Apple Tree Point, close to the Kitsap side. Slow northbound travel.

photo by Sara Frey, March 17, 2023

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17:45 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:54 to report: 1745hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz, 4 orca on the western edge of the SB shipping lanes, one mile east of KING. Direction of travel is north.

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17:23 - I got eyes on them south of Apple Tree Point. No clear direction, but got some spy hopping. 

Jenny Klis

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Lori McKenna

Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023

Time: 3:50 PM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Indianola/Suquamish

Direction of travel : Swimming northeast away from Agate Pass bridge heading towards Jefferson Point

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: At least one

Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t see

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Large numbers of sea lions have been in Indianola for about two weeks now. Guessing mating season.

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

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16:05 - Eastbound. Probably out even with Indianola dock now, middle of Port Madison. The sea lions all grouped together in one long raft as they passed by! Two orcas.

15:25 - Viewing from Indianola Waterfront Preserve beach. Can see dorsal fins and blows just past Suquamish dock. Close to Bainbridge side.

Deanna Deery-Schmitt

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Eric Nalder

Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023

Time: 3:10 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Port Madison Bay at Suquamish

Direction of travel : North, slightly east, toward Indianola

Behaviors observed: Hunting. Following a fish run that also attracted sea lions and numerous birds.

If orcas, any males?: Yes, possibly one.

Any unusual markings?: Unknown

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

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

T137A Jack

T137 Loon

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by Eric Nalder, March 17, 2023

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15:07 - I just got a beautiful view of them going under Agate Pass bridge.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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14:30 - Kimberly updates they are now heading northbound in direction of Agate Pass Bridge.

14:20 - Kimberly Sylvester called to report pod has exited Liberty Bay and are south of Keyport. They are at a point cannot tell what direction they might head. Will update once they are committed.

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Not a great photo, but I had been kayaking along the west side of Bainbridge with about 30 sea lions when I got news there were orca headed to Agate Pass Bridge. As I searched, I saw them approx. at Suquamish fish pens, headed southwest. I continued to paddle toward Keyport. The sea lions were VERY vocal as the orca passed but did not witness any interaction or hunting. About an hour later, as I continued to paddle into Liberty Bay, I heard VERY LOUD EXHALATIONS RIGHT BEHIND ME! This was the result photo. My excited cell phone photo skills tanked but it was a super cool encounter. They went south for a bit and then made a left to the Agate Pass Bridge. Glorious day on the water with these guys! There were 3.

photo by Kimberly Sylvester, March 17, 2023

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14:23 - Not good video, but this was just south of Keyport.

Christy Stepper-Coulter

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13:53 - They look to be heading into Poulsbo. 

13:44 - They are just south of Keyport. Very close to Keyport side. 

Dorothy Rosenbladt

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13:10 - Volunteer Kimberly Sylvester called she sees the T137s by the fish pens south of Agate Pass Bridge, pod is now by the channel marker, Kitsap side. They are flipped and are at this time facing southbound. Kimberly had been out kayaking watching a lot of Steller sea lions, so might get interesting. 

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13:00 - The two adults and calf herded up seals and chased them ashore. I believe that they caught one seal. Sighted by Big Eye spotting scope looking north. Seals escaped on beach by large bare area (maybe a rock slide) with 2-300 foot of rock retaining wall just to the west of Kiana Lodge.

Tom Parks

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12:50 - They just passed Brownsville marina on Kitsap side heading north. Meandering.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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09:30 - For the record, we just got an email saying 3 KWs were spotted in Port Orchard at 09:30 between Keyport and Brownsville. "Definitely orcas with tall dorsal fins, 2 adults and a calf. They seemed to be hunting together with lots of diving and rolling. They hung out for about 3 hours and stayed in the deeper water of the midchannel".

Our Wild Puget Sound

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09:25 - Actually looks like they are feeding out in the middle of the channel.

09:24 - Just saw 3 pass the Southworth ferry terminal headed north.

Nicole Waffle-Martinez

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T137s without T137D

Heather’s friend Lynn's beautiful picture of her encounter this morning.

photo by Lynn, March 17, 2023

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07:46 - Orcas spotted at Bachmann Park in Bremerton in Sinclair inlet about thirty minutes ago.

Heather Jamesson

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07:42 - Just saw two orcas in Bremerton Manette area five minutes ago, they were so close to shore, it was amazing.

Mary Youmans [PSWS]

Thu, Mar 16 - SJIs (T34s, T37s, T49A1, T49A2, & T99s)

15:34 - A friend on the water has identified this group as the T34s, T37s, T99s, T49A1, and T49A2.

14:00 - Group of Bigg's on the northeast side of Orcas Island heading southeast towards Point Lawrence.

Orca Behavior Institute

Thu, Mar 16 - Puget Sound (T137s minus T137D alone in the evening)

T137 Loon & T137A Jack

Taken this evening from the Illahee dock as they were going southbound after a hunt.

photo by Tammy Ash, March 16, 2023

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T137A Jack & T137 Loon

T137B Tempest

19:37 - They passed Manette underwater again, and then a little ways down the beach they chased a couple of sea lions up on the beach and then continued on their way. It's getting dark.

19:28 - They are heading out approaching Manette.

19:14 - They're still in the same spot, lots of twisting and turning, it looks like they're playing, it's possible they made a kill but it looks more like fun.

19:05 - They're in front of the shipyard closer to the Port Orchard side. Port Orchard/Bremerton fast ferry slowed and stopped for them, looks like they're heading back out north.

18:55 - They passed Manette underwater continuing into Bremerton harbor last seen at the mouth of Dyes Inlet, mid channel, another long down.

photos by Jim Pasola, March 16, 2023

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19:00 - My 2 year old was stoked to see them.

photo by Tatum Sears, March 16, 2023

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19:00 - From Manette.

Terri Sue Samuels

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18:10 - Passing Illahee State Park. Might be trending toward Bremerton.

Tammy Ash

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18:09 - They finished their meal and have turned back towards Bremerton.

Jim Pasola

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Thu Mar 16 18:00:10 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.62217,-122.59478 [North of Illahee]

Number Sighted: 3

Submitter Name: Faryn Seal

Whale Alert App

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18:04 - Passing Illahee dock southbound.

18:01 - Trending south.

17:54 - Still in the same area.

17:36 - At least 3 hunting north of Illahee dock.

Tammy Ash

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Martin Holladay

Date of Sighting: 3/16/2023

Time: 5:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: 47.618070 : -122.595150

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Traveling, Hunting

If orcas, any males?: Unknown

Any unusual markings?: Not seen

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were in Port Orchard Bay heading south toward Sinclair Inlet/Rich Passage.

Photos were hard to catch as they came up then went down quickly.

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

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17:37 - From the Illahee park dock, they're making a kill it looks like, just north of the Illahee Community Pier. I don't know how they got by me, I've been here for 45 minutes.

Jim Pasola

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17:32 - Northbound, north of Illahee dock. From my friend Tammy Ash.

Crystal Thompson

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Thu Mar 16 16:30:34 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.59090,-122.56781

Number Sighted: 3

Submitted Comments: Heading towards Bremerton 

Submitter Name: Victoria Blythe

Whale Alert App

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Thu Mar 16 16:30:40 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.59094,-122.56768 [Point White, Bainbridge]

Number Sighted: 3

Submitter Name: Victoria

Whale Alert App

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16:29 - I saw them again in Rich Passage, at the fish farm closer to the Port Orchard side, across from Fort Ward. I haven’t seen them again and it’s been 10 minutes. So they may have gone back out again.

16:00 - Just saw two orcas. Seen from South Beach, Bainbridge Island close to shore. They are heading into Rich Passage moving toward Fort Ward on Bainbridge. I haven’t been paying attention today so this was a delightful surprise.

Aviva Weiss Grele

Thu, Mar 16 (T46s, T124A2s, T87 [T137s minus T137D present with this group in the morning, but not in the evening])

19:18 - A few orcas in path of Mukilteo ferry. Mid channel. 

Teresa Bara

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18:40 - Lead male has flipped and is heading southbound fast, he’s just exiting the passage now. Imagine to meet with the others who have not come around the point. He just cut in close off Sandy Point.

18:28 - Lead male north west bound [approx. 48.044913, -122.376550].

18:24 - Male is committed to Saratoga. Haven’t seen the others yet.

18:10 - See lead male at Sandy Point. He’s just east of the point heading towards Saratoga Passage.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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17:45 - Saw one slightly south of Sandy Point public access beach, mid channel between Hat Island.

Emily Wandres

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17:29 - Watching from Hat! Lovely backlit blows!

Lori Christopher

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17:20 - Pod of ~ 8 close to Whidbey now north of Brighton Beach heading northbound towards Sandy Point. Bull is trailing east of the group.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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17:13 - Magnificently close pass at the Clinton Ferry Dock. Bravo to the captain for stopping dead in the water and waiting until all whales were clear.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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17:06 - CLOSE in to Clinton Beach after passing north ferry slip. Leisure travel mode.

Debbie Stewart

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17:00 - Just saw a male and a few others near Clinton ferry. Ferry stopped and is now backing up. 

Joe Dreimiller

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16:59 - Pod is passing now in front of Clinton terminal, bit more spread out now. Steady northbound Whidbey side.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:59 - At least four orca in ferry lanes. 

Debbie Stewart

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16:40 - Quick pass! Long dive and popped up way north of Glendale. Steady northbound toward Clinton. ~ 8 including 2 bulls likely 137A and 46E (EDIT: not Jack, was going off morning configurations).

16:34 - Big beautiful right group off Glendale right now. Northbound west of mid channel.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:26 - Almost to Glendale.

16:23 - I think they finalized their decision to go north. 

16:20 - I think they caught something bunch of birds starting to hover and dive down.

16:13 - They just turned around going south now. Nope, I don’t know what they’re doing just kind of parading back and forth now.

16:11 - There’s a pod swimming north past Chennault beach midchannel. At least one really big guy with a little curve on the top. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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T46E Thor

15:10 - 15:20 - Orcas spotted northbound in Saratoga Passage headed to Glendale. We are at Possession Beach Waterfront Park. So excited!

photos by Lauren Brendel, March 16, 2023

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13:15 - I'm contacting you to report that I saw a pod of transient orcas at Richmond Beach at and they were facing northwards probably on their way back through the Salish Sea. So that's my report and I hope you'll add this to your database on where all orcas are sighted in Washington State.

Benjamin Wright

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11:50 - They’ve stalled and are milling around with lots of directional changes middle of Possession triangle [approx. 47.857355, -122.426196]. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:14 - We’ve got an interesting mix passing the Possession buoy now. T46, T46F, T137, and T137A.

Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express

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11:05 - I think T46E and others southbound past Possession Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:02 - Just about to the very south tip of Whidbey now!

Stephanie Brenamant

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10:45 - They are southbound past Glendale now. We see 3 from a boat.

Mark Osikowicz

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10:27 - Seem to be stalled out just north of Glendale, south of Clinton ferry. Very close to Whidbey. Maybe stopped for a snack? Lots of splashing.

Suzanne McKetta

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10:03 - They are down by Glendale now.

09:48 - One male and a couple female orcas at Clinton/Mukilteo ferry crossing closer to Clinton side headed south. Could be more but group was split up. 

Melissa Simmons, WSF

Thu, Mar 16 - Elliot Bay (T46D, T87, T124A2s)

11:51 -T046D and T087 present with others.

Brittany Noelle

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11:27 - Group of 4 Bigg’s westbound here via whalealert.org [approx. 47.628475, -122.393637]

 mobile app.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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11:20 - A distant view toward Magnolia from Duwamish Head.

photo by Steve Rice, March 16, 2023

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11:02 - Northwest bound from TV towers, just moved behind freighter. Viewed from Duwamish Head.

10:39 - From Don Armeni. 

photo by Mary Hartmann, March 16, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Luanda Arai

Date of Sighting: 3/16/2023

Time: 11:00 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Elliot Bay, along the side of a tanker that is anchored near the grain terminal

Direction of travel : North, then West, fairly fast moving.

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?: too far away to see

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was on land, in my condo in Belltown. Spotted them with the naked eye near the Edgewater Hotel then watched with binoculars as they moved north. It looked like one adult male, two smaller adults and on even smaller whale (maybe a baby?).

Photos available?: No

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10:58 - Just saw one 10 minutes ago viewing from Pier 69!

Sara Roolf

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10:28 - So awesome to see a pod of orca in Elliott Bay!

photo by Andrew Johnson, March 16, 2023

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10:33 - Smack dab in the middle of Elliott Bay. Not as close to us near Pier 70 as I thought. Honestly, they’re just hanging out. Not really going in any direction. Maybe feeding?

10:24 - They are north west bound middle of Elliott Bay viewing from Pier 57.

Casey Dean

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10:19 - Some just spotted by the Sculpture Park in Seattle.

Scottie Houghton

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09:40 - [video] From the 9:40am Bainbridge ferry!

Kirsten Owens

Wed, Mar 15 - BC (T34s, T37s, & T99s)

Followed T34s, T37s and T99s to Cowichan Bay and Sansum Narrows on a perfect March 15th day.

George Holland [WSSJI]

Wed, Mar 15 - Saratoga Passage (T46s, T87, T124A2s, T137s minus T137D)

18:50 - Visible from Long Point still heading north closer to the Camano side.

Silver Hubble

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18:05 - Passed right by Shangri-la on the Whidbey side, headed northbound, but kept changing directions. Unclear if they were headed towards Oak Harbor or Penn Cove.

Emily Wandres

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17:44 - Found them! Right below me, still headed north. I am just south of Mussel Beach Road.

17:35 - I’m 2 miles north of Hidden Beach and they are approaching. Close to Whidbey side. Northbound.

Mary Ellen O'Connor

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17:35 - Heather Anson, approx. 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, called to report orcas, including one big male. Whidbey side about 2 miles north of Hidden Beach, meandering and is lovely. 

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17:30 - At least 5 passed Hidden Beach, Whidbey, headed north.

Nancy Culp Zaretzke

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17:33 - Everyone is past Hidden Beach and continuing in travel mode heading north.

17:11 - About to get a beautiful close pass by all of them heading north at Hidden Beach.

17:02 - Super active south of Camano State Park in front of the bluffs.

16:45 - Confirmed at least one male spotted from Hidden Beach south of Camano State Park, mid channel.

Silver Hubble

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16:15 - Just found a group of four trailing behind, northbound.

16:10 - Closer to Camano side mid channel right east of Fox Spit. Spy hops and milling but generally heading north.

Emily Wandres

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14:55 - These lovely beings are non directional. Spread out circling making directional changes. Whidbey side of mid channel, maybe they are hunting. Our view is limited so only seeing part of the group at a time still out from Bells Beach or just south of… ”under the mountain”.

14:35 - Group has turned back and is stalled south of Bells Beach. Whidbey side mid channel.

They are just having a good day with each other moving about the passage. Love that they will do what they do and that is just be free swimming socializing whales.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:35 - They're suddenly back in view! Milling in the area out of Bells Beach.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:03 - Boys definitely committed now picking up speed to catch up to main group who are likely at Bells Beach by now.

13:56 - Main group are circling south of Bells Beach and now are facing north. Uncertain at this time if committed, but making progress. The two boys who were lead have also flipped northbound as well. Now trailing 1/2+ mile. No one in any hurry.

13:50 - Those lead boys made some progress and circling trend southbound on their way to Langley (we hope). But others are stalled slow southbound, 1/2 mile north.

13:39 - T46D Strider and T87 Harbeson are traveling together leading the group who is spread trailing. Super slow southbound movement just now south of Bells Beach. Very close in to Whidbey.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:26 - They’re in front of Bells Beach, still heading south, very slowly.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:35 - Larger part of the pod was tightly grouped and logging off north side East Point then went on long dive then surfaced but more offshore loosely grouped with Jack further south. They all surfaced making directional changes very slowly, seals and sea lions in the mix seemed unconcerned which was interesting. Power of their breaths and their size immeasurable, but fills the soul. They’ve continued on and are Whidbey side of mid channel about out from Bells Beach (private neighborhood). 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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T46D Strider

T46E Thor

T137A Jack

photos by Kat Martin, March 15, 2023

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T137 Loon & T46E Thor

T87 Harbeson

T46E Thor

Male is T46 Thor

The four on the right are T137 Loon, T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu, & T124A2B Litton

photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, March 15, 2023

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12:20 - It looks like the rest of them have rounded East Point. Can see a lot of skinny fins heading south. Viewing from Hidden Beach.

12:10 - Saw at least one large male heading south, but there are still at least a few in between East Point and Baby Island.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:05 - Now southbound from East Point/Fox Spit all grouped up closer to the Whidbey shore.

Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express

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11:35 - Very distant glimpses of them from Hidden Beach. They’re milling in between East Point & Baby Island.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:20 - T46D now just behind T46E and others.

11:05 - Milling in roughly same area east/northeast of Baby Island. T46E still with 6+ fins, 137s a little further north, T46D & T87 somewhere.

10:30 - East of Baby Island possibly hunting. 124A2s definitely here, and saw T46D too. T87 here! Wanted better photos to confirm my suspicions but lead male is 137A!

09:30 - Definitely T46E traveling with what looks like at least 5 other smaller fins, too far for positive ID but resembles 124A2s so maybe all still together. Only have seen one other male ahead of the group, can't tell who he is. Northbound midchannel as viewed from area of Saratoga Woods.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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T87 Harbeson

T137A Jack

Male is T46E Thor

10:00 - Beautiful close pass today.

photos by Donna George, March 15, 2023

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09:14 - Seeing at least 3, including 2 males I believe, northbound in Saratoga Passage, midchannel, north of Langley.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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08:17- Getting reports in Port Susan Group Me of five orcas southbound at Tyee, currently at Tulalip Shores, southbound.

Linda Raines Tyner

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08:23 - Reported near Camano Head southbound.

08:15 - Port Susan Whale Watchers tracked a pod of transient orca southbound from Pirates Cove, Tillicum Beach, Tyee Beach and last reported off Tulalip Shores heading southbound.

John C Storbeck

Tue, Mar 14 - Saratoga Passage (T137s minus T137D)

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.

Sun, Mar 12 - Admiralty Inlet

09:48 - Ana Sing-Dao and Pip Gordon, Bush Point, called to report orcas traveling south Whidbey Island side mid channel across from Bush Point dock, north of the Bush Point lighthouse. Seeing 1 bull and 3 others all traveling south. No other activity, just traveling, not very fast. Maybe moving more towards Whidbey side.

Fri, Mar 17 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 and others)

17:25 - Gray just under the bluffs at Baby Island Heights, little bit of circling then flipped back westbound toward Baby Island hugging shoreline.

17:10 - Gray now eastbound just east of Baby Island.

17:00 - Gray had flipped back out of Holmes Harbor and rounded Baby Island back eastbound.

16:45 - Whale had left westbound. I spotted it west side Baby Island southbound.

16:15 - Marilyn Armbruster received message gray whale feeding off East Point.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:41 - Viewing just north of Mabana and seeing blows but see just one.

Kayla Zabecki

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13:36 - About 20 minutes ago, the pair of grey whales at Mabana Beach were slowly heading north.

Lucy Gao

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12:18 - I’m viewing one possibly two grays, from Boy and Dog park in Langley, over on the Camano side slightly seem to be trending north slowly. Swiftsure is with them.

Jeanne Hamilton

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12:15 - 2 gray whales northbound from my map. One is CRC22 and the other didn’t show enough back to get an ID on [approx. 48.078942, -122.396593].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:59 - Maybe same or second gray off Mabana. 

Nancy Hearn [CWW]

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11:55 - Gray whale south of Summerland.

Diana Guild [CWW]

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10:10 - Gull way, southwest end of Camano. Two grays heading northwest, 100 feet off the beach. Pebble Beach, Mabana folks, they're coming your way! Busy! spy hopping, feeding.

Mike Moberly [CWW]

Fri, Mar 17 - Possession Sound

11:05 - Two feeding together now!

10:57 - We are watching one gray feeding just past the jetty in Everett!

Stephanie Brenaman

Thu, Mar 16 - Puget Sound

08:30 - This morning at Browns Point Marina.

Christine Stepper-Coulter

Thu, Mar 16 - Possession Sound (CRC22, CRC383 & others)

12:04 - MV Swiftsure is with 4 gray whales including CRC22 and CRC383 southeast of Hat Island but closer to the Snohomish River Delta.

Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express

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CRC383

ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

12:30 - Two groups of grays in Possession Sound directly west of Everett marina [approx. 47.998625, -122.277528].

photo by Smith Siromoskul, March 16, 2023

Wed, Mar 15 - North Saratoga Passage

We had two gray whales in our neighborhood (Polnell Point in Oak Harbor WA) this morning! They hung out out and appeared to be feeding quite awhile. 

Greg & Terra Parham

photos by Greg & Terra Parham, March 15, 2023

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08:30 - This morning a gray whale is 50 feet offshore on the east side of Polnell Point. I saw one gray whale, neighbors report two gray whales are present.

Steve Rothboeck

Wed, Mar 15 - Saratoga Passage

16:10 - I can confirm it is at least three of them traveling together, there might be a fourth.

16:05 - Definitely two grays traveling together just passed the cabins at Cama Beach. Still heading south mid channel still visible from Hidden Beach.

15:56 - Heading south in Saratoga across from Hidden Beach, visible with the naked eye mid channel. There might be a second one close by.

15:50 - Gray whale heading towards Camano Island. I can post a picture with the link to location [approx. 48.211803, -122.544815].

Silver Hubble

Wed, Mar 15 - Possession Sound (CRC53, CRC2440 & others)

15:50 - Gray whale northbound just east of this location, seen from the ferry. Looks like 2440 [approx. 47.989638, -122.339743].

Alexandra Vanderzee

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13:15 - CRC53 southbound south of Clinton aiming toward Possession Point.

Justine Buckmaster

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10:25 - We are at Legion Park in Everett and are watching (we think) three gray whales just beyond the jetty, feeding!

Stephanie Brenaman

Wed, Mar 15 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Gary Wilson

Date of Sighting: 3/15/2023

Time: 4:12 PM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Between Eagle Island and Anderson Island

Direction of travel : West, straight line, est 4-5 kts

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?: Brown and white deposits on back

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

Photos available?: No

Sat, Mar 11 - Saratoga Passage 

17:58 - Heather Anson North Bluff Road, 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, called to report there are two gray whales close to shore, swirling around each, flippers moving around [Feeding]. Then would circle around and do same thing. 

Fri, Mar 10 - Possession Sound 

08:00 - Tom and Judy Nowak, Mission Beach called to report on some baleen whales, message said they are seeing them almost everyday, and reported most of them as humpbacks now. A cow and calf have been swimming off their place. (only adult grays have been photo confirmed in this area, but we leave open possibility of humpback in the mix -alb)

Fri, Mar 17 - Holmes Harbor

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Toni Cooper

Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023

Time: 12:34 PM

Species seen: I think humpbacks [likely harbor porpoise]

Number of animals seen: 12

Where seen: Holmes Harbor

Direction of travel : South I think. Headed out of inlet

Behaviors observed: Looks like feeding

If orcas, any males?: ?

Any unusual markings?: 0

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, Mar 14 - Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: B Newnum

Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023

Time: 1:15 PM

Species seen: Uncertain. But I have photos for help identifying

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Not far offshore of Meadowdale Beach, tide going out

Direction of travel : Combing the area circling or back and forth

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?: ?

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was intrigued that it didn't seem to be moving north or south and that it was alone.

Unless of course it was mating....?

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