March 27, 2024

T87 Harbeson passes close to Sandy Point, Whidbey Island.

photo by Fusako Nozaka, March 19, 2024

SUMMARY

Sightings through March 22 include:

Southern Residents - On March 22, J Pod was spotted in Haro Strait, eventually heading north through Active Pass - be sure to check out the stunning video by Salish Sea Orca Squad!

Bigg's Killer Whales - On March 18, T46s & T124Ds were in Saratoga Passage. T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On March 19, T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s made their way south in Admiralty Inlet and into inland Puget Sound - they met up with the T46s & T124Ds - all together, they went north in Possession Sound and Saratoga Passage.

On March 20, T46s, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s, & T124Ds were together in Puget Sound - T46s & T124Ds split off from the others in the afternoon.

On March 21, T46s & T124Ds made their way north in Possession Sound. T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s were in Puget Sound.

On March 22, T46B1s & T46C2 were in the San Juans. T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s were in Central Puget Sound. T46s were in Saratoga Passage. T99s & T124Ds were in Central Puget Sound.

In next report: On March 23, the T65As arrived in Puget Sound! T46s were in Saratoga Passage.

On March 24, T65As were in south Puget Sound. T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s were in Central Puget Sound. T46Bs were seen in Discovery Bay. T100s were in the San Juans.

On March 25, T65As were in South Puget Sound.

On March 26, T99s & T124Ds made their way south down Rosario Strait and the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - the T65As, who disappeared early in the morning in North Puget Sound, joined them off Fort Ebey in the evening!

On March 27, T65As, T99s, & T124Ds made their way south through Puget Sound. T18s & T49As were in the San Juans.

Humpbacks - No reports.

Gray Whales - CRC356 Carson is back! An unidentified gray whale was spotted breaching in South Puget Sound! There are now ten confirmed gray whales back inland Puget Sound: CRC22, CRC53, CRC56, CRC356, CRC383, CRC2246, CRC2249, CRC2259, CRC2356, CRC2441.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

On March 23, T109A3 Spong live stranded on Vancouver Island and unfortunately she did not survive; her calf T109A3A remains in the lagoon (as of March 27) where her mother passed away and efforts to lead her out to open waters are underway. Our hearts are with this little calf, given the name "kʷiisaḥiʔis" (Brave Little Hunter), as well as all the people who tried to save T109A3 Spong and those who continue to aid in the mission to guide T109A3A out of the lagoon in the hopes she may reunite with her extended family.

T109A3 Spong & her calf T109A3A

photo by Rachel Haight, Orca Network, 2022

Per Bay Cetology, March 23: "Using a photo of the right side eyepatch our team was able to confirm that T109A3, a 14 year old female Bigg's killer whale was the individual which stranded alive this morning [March 23] and subsequently drown as the tide came in, despite the heroic efforts of Nuu-chah-nulth and Zeballos residents to roll her back to an upright position. In an effort to remain close to its Mum, her 2 year old T109A3A, navigated the shallows and slipped into the lagoon behind her at high slack where it began to call out repeatedly. It may find its own way out but will likely need some coaxing, as killer whales often do in such situations. Our team has remained on site to document and assist with further efforts by DFO."

Bay Cetology, March 27 update: "We have spent the last few days on scene near Zeballos assisting with the necropsy of T109A3 and efforts to move her calf back into open water. Despite our best approaches the little one has shown us it is not ready to go. After a long discussion with Ehattesaht and Nuchatlaht First Nations and DFO on site last night the collective approach for now is to grieve with the little one and circle back with fresh ideas and spirit soon. No one is about to give up on kʷiisaḥiʔis (Brave Little Hunter aka T109A3A)."

NOTE: some viewers may find the following content upsetting - Link to March 23 Bay Cetology FB post that includes photos & video.

WELCOME BACK GRAY WHALE CRC356 CARSON!

On March 22, Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express, confirmed the return of CRC356 Carson as he was spotted in Saratoga Passage! Carson is the tenth Sounder to arrive this year - we can't wait until our next gray whale returns!

EVENTS:

WELCOME THE WHALES FESTIVAL & PARADE

SATURDAY APRIL 13 & SUNDAY APRIL 14

LANGLEY, WA ON WHIDBEY ISLAND

Each year, a small group of gray whales, affectionately known as The Sounders, detours from their main migration and returns to Puget Sound to feed on ghost shrimp. Our 2024 Welcome the Whales Festival honors these well-known and beloved whales with costume making, a critter parade, waterside ceremony, Langley beach clean-up, special presentation from Cascadia Research Collective, and a fundraising boat trip.

Schedule:

Saturday, April 13

11:00 - Costume Making at Langley United Methodist Church

1:30 - Staging for Parade

2:00 - Parade through downtown Langley. All are welcome to walk in the parade.*

2:30 - Waterside Ceremony at Seawall/Whale Bell Park after the parade

3:30 - Langley Beach Clean-Up

* No vehicles larger than golf carts permitted. Please contact cindy@orcanetwork.org for more information.

Sunday, April 14

12:00 - Reception and Presentation from Cascadia Research Collective (location TBA)

3:00 - Fundraising boat trip with Puget Sound Express, leaving from Langley Marina. More info and registration here.

The Round Up recipient for the month of March is Orca Network! Be sure to round your purchase up to the next dollar to help organizations like this continue the great work they do in our community!

The Goose Community Grocer

14485 State Route 525, Langley, WA on Whidbey Island

New webshop item: Whale Sighting Alerts Subscription 

Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network and Education Project is now offering our whale sightings phone/text alerts by annual subscription. 

Cost is $25.00 every 12 months. If finances is a hardship please email alisa@orcanetwork.org.  

Real-time, or near real-time, call/text alerts create opportunities for people to connect with and observe the whales in their natural habitat from shorelines and other platforms around the Salish Sea. And for those who wish to contribute to Community Science you can report your sightings to our Whale Sighting Network team who vets, records, and disperses collected data to researchers, scientists, agencies, educators, public, etc. 

Fri, Mar 22 - Haro Strait/Active Pass (J Pod)

Today was truly amazing! J Pod in Active Pass.

video by Salish Sea Orca Squad, March 22, 2024

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J Pod passing the Lime Kiln lighthouse this morning. Link to video. 

Fred Horn

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11:22 - LOUD J pod calls on Orcasound [hydrophone].

Orca Network

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14:45 - They are currently audible on the Raincoast Hydrophone in Swanson Channel off Pender Island, BC.

11:30 - All well north of County Park spread offshore and steady northbound.

11:10 - Js northbound off County Park.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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10:40 - Just caught some orcas on the live cam! They are pretty spaced out on camera from 10:34:40 - 10:35:19 and then again 10:38:47 - 10:40:13.

Amber Lee

Fri, Mar 22 - San Juans (T46B1s & T46C2)

16:00 - Four-ish (my camera says 16:11). They were at the top of San Juan Island in San Juan channel. T046B1s and T046C2.

Lucy Willis

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12:10 - Report of at least four orcas westbound abeam of Humphrey Head, Lopez Island. 

Joe [WA app]

Fri, Mar 22 - Saratoga Passage (T46s)

T46E Thor

‘Twas a whaley kind of day today - gray whale #56 Stardust meandered past my house, south bound, in Saratoga Passage this morning, and Biggs T46s headed north, no doubt passing each other en route. I heard #56 before seeing him about 500 yds off-shore (Whidbey side), what a treat! Then the T46s (four of them) spent a couple of hours slightly further north, between Maple Grove (on Camano) and Polnell Point/Navy base on Whidbey. They were very distant, but good views on such a calm day. LOVE days like this!

photos by Jill Hein, March 22, 2024

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T46E Thor

And then some days the whales end up being tiny triangles. I thought for sure I’d have the T46s pattern dialed in, because nearly every time I tried seeing them from Whidbey, they’d end up close to Camano instead. So to Camano Island State Park I went. The whales sure showed me what’s what when they all surfaced way over on the Whidbey side. I then got rained out at the park and had to leave. Stinkers.

Kat Martin, March 22, 2024

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T46E Thor

photo taken under NMFS Permit #26599

photo by Florian Graner, March 22, 2024

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18:30 - Viewing from Sandy Point watched the 46s continue south between Hat and Whidbey.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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18:00 - Southbound off Langley, closer to Camano side. 

Ryan Stringfellow

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sego Jackson

Date of Sighting: March 22, 2024

Time: 5:53 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Mid channel across from village pizza in Langley

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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17:50 - Just north of Langley, mid-channel, heading south fairly quickly.

Andrew Wright

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16:45 - These whales continuing southbound, out from maybe Bells Beach area, Whidbey side.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:06 - Seeing at least T46E surfacing just to the north of Fox Spit. They haven’t quite made it there yet. Long down times. We are getting rained out here at Camano Island State Park so this is the last report from me.

Kat Martin

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15:55 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - seeing three orcas including one male southbound passing Baby Heights Whidbey side.

Linda Aitkins

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15:48 - T46E surfacing southbound towards a little buoy. Angling towards Holmes Harbor.

15:41 - Seeing at least one male and one female about here [approx. 48.109983, -122.537884]. Southbound way over on Whidbey side.

Kat Martin

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15:38 - Viewing from Hidden Beach towards Fox Spit right now.

Mel Nasby

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15:20 - Now seeing three: One in front (female) male in middle and now female trailing.

15:18 - Big male now spotted. Passing Hidden, Whidbey side. I’ve only seen two so far, female in lead.

15:12 - I have one female don’t know if she’s leading or trailing just a hair north of Hidden Beach. Mid channel/closer to Whidbey.

Lauryn

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T46E Thor

15:12 - Getting out of my range, look like they’re between Baby Island and Bells Beach. Earlier I noticed before the three passed my house I was pretty sure I heard a whale blow about fifteen minutes before that; I wonder if one is way ahead.

15:00 - At least three orcas heading south right off Whidbey shore, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach.

photo by Aaron Gill, March 22, 2024

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14:27 - Whales are on the move, southbound in Saratoga, Whidbey side of mid.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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14:05 - All four seem to be headed south now mid channel.

13:38 - Milling around south of Long Point. Directional changes.

13:31 - Some activity with two south of Long Point.

12:53 - At least two males over by Poinell Point, with two whale watch boats... maybe moving toward Oak Harbor?

Bonnie Gretz

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12:50 - T46s slowly westbound with a big spread. T46D closest to my map spot with others to the north [approx. 48.252348, -122.590558].

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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12:45 - They went past Snakelum Point still heading north.

Kristi Kosbab

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12:40 - Seeing at least one orca west of Maple Grove (north of the boats), appears to still be northbound.

12:07 - T46E now north of the yacht club, still northbound and maybe drifting towards Whidbey side of midchannel. Haven't seen the others yet.

11:55 - T46E northbound midchannel out from Camano Island Yacht Club.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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11:36 - Just south of Race Lagoon, northbound, appeared to be T46D, Whidbey side of mid. Only one I have seen so far. On a deep dive currently.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:18 - Three orcas Saratoga Pass, south of Onamac Point northbound. 

Alexis Stultz [CWW]

Fri, Mar 22 - Central Puget Sound (T99s & T124Ds)

Last second intel and detour to catch the T99 and 124s off Olalla… they put on a show right there with a good amount of surface activity. Link to more photos.

photos by Eric Russell, March 22, 2024

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This is what a last minute whale report looks like. We headed out yesterday only knowing who half of this group was which happen to be the family of whales I studied all last year - the T99s [which] has five family members. Lots of tails and spyhops. Obviously my full heart was overjoyed but then I had to figure out who these other three whales I was seeing tagging along with them were. Turns out with my pics we were able to confirm it was the 124Ds (three family members) who were previously seen the day before in Port Susan with the T46s. I never take one single day for granted that I get to spend with these magical and magnificent animals. One thing that fills my heart even more is that every piece of information (picture and video) I get as a citizen scientist/marine naturalist in training I send directly over to any and all researcher or agency such and Orca Network or Orca Behavior Institute because together we can make a difference. Knowledge is power. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask someone. We have lots of people willing and ready to point you in the direction to find your place in this beautiful community. Link to more photos.

photos by April Janice Basham, March 22, 2024

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T99s & T124Ds

Link to more photos.

photo by Marla Smith, March 22, 2024

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Louisa Shields-Munie

Date of Sighting: March 22, 2024

Time: 4:50 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Sunset Hill

Direction of travel : NB

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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15:38 - In line with Eagle Harbor.

15:32 - Past Blakely Rocks. Very fast northbound. Mid channel. Viewing from 64th Alki.

Steve Rice

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15:20 - Headed northeast towards West Point.

David Michael

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15:18 - Quickly moved northeast. They just passed the south tip of Bainbridge on the east side.

Steve Rice

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15:14 - Video of them exiting from Rich Passage. Northbound.

April Janice Basham

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15:13 - Just south of the Bremerton ferry lines. Moving northeast.

Candace Gavin

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15:13 - Slightly further north now. Approaching this red buoy somewhere north of Orchard Point, as viewed from my location.

15:05 - Visible at the bottom left in possibly the worst quality photo I’ve ever taken (phone & handheld scope).

14:55 - Approximate location [47/559073, -122.515286]. Incredibly distant viewing from Constellation Park. They’re still northbound.

Steve Rice

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14:33 - Northwest side of Blake Island aiming towards Rich Passage.

David Michael

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14:29 - Also still two hugging Blake headed north. Almost to tip. Other one is behind cargo ship. Headed towards Manchester last I saw.

Stacy Hammrich

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14:33 - Almost to the other cargo ship. Still Manchester-bound. 

14:28 - Passing by west side of Bainbridge towards Manchester. Lost view because of cargo ship.

14:23 - Midway past Blake, headed towards Manchester porpoises near cargo ship. Viewing from Cornell Road.

Jill Denkmann

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14:19 - Pretty sure the 124Ds are with the 99s in my opinion.

14:13 - It appears they are traversing the west side of Blake Island.

April Janice Basham

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14:05 - Passing Southworth ferry terminal. Appear to be east bound at this time. All grouped up.

Candace Gavin

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13:27 - Past Command Point moving north at good pace.

David Michael

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12:54 - In Colvos Passage hugging Vashon side. Generally heading north but also milling about for the last twenty minutes. Parallel/just southeast of Andersen State Park.

Kyle Buffenmyer

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12:55 - Stalled off Prospect Point.

12:24 - Off Olalla, Vashon side heading north slowly [approx. 47.421423, -122.524188].

David Michael

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12:22 - Still stalled out with lots of surface activity. Very close to island side. Slight northward trend.

Ashley S Whitman

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12:05 - Lots of playful behavior with directional changes but have recently picked up pace slowly northbound, very much on island side of channel, just north of Lisabuela still, across from Ollala.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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11:58 - Marla Smith called to update this group with the T99s is stalled out in Colvos Passage, just north of Lisebuela, Vashon, close in on island side. They appear to be hunting, many directional changes, no committed direction.

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11:23 - At least eight orcas, including T99s, only Barakat so far as male. Lisabuela northbound. Transition to mid channel.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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11:08 - They surfaced again, Marla is seeing at least five at least one male, possibly two and a little one… seeing more as we talk. Island side of mid channel northbound.

11:05 - Marla Smith called from Lisebuela and looking south can see blows down by Point Richmond mid channel to Vashon side northbound. One male and at least two females heading north. They are on a dive and hasn’t seen since.

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This was taken when we first saw them. They went towards Point Defiance then headed north into Colvos. There was maybe four.

10:36 - Now seeing them northbound into Colvos.

photo by Anna Panasiuk Simmons, March 22, 2024

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10:33 - Transient orcas reported to be headed west off the south end of Vashon, headed west.

Amy Carey, Sound Action

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10:32 - They are around Point Defiance area.

Anna Panasiuk Simmons

Fri, Mar 22 - Central Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s)

T124A1 Bonapartes & T124A1A in the background tucked alongside mom

Exciting close pass at Dunes Peninsula. Then off to meet them coming through the Narrows! I believe these were members of the T124s. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, March 22, 2024

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T124A6 Kasuun in the lead

From the close pass at Dune Peninsula Park today!

photos by Craig Craker, March 22, 2024

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Baby orca [T124A1A] along Ruston Way.

photo by AirWaterLand Photography, March 22, 2024

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18:42 - North of bridge on Gig Harbor side moving fast north.

Susan White

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18:34 - Just passed under the Narrows directly midchannel still heading north.

Jami Cantrell

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18:30 - Very close to Gig Harbor side going under the Narrows Bridge.

Karen Caldwell

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18:30 - Scratch that they’re approaching bridge headed north.

18:27 - Viewing from the Narrows Bridge they’re heading north midchannel passed the entrance to Hales.

Jami Cantrell

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18:24 - Northbound moving swiftly towards west tower of Narrows Bridge. Viewing from Day island.

18:19 - They are headed towards Point Fosdick. Going northbound. Midchannel between Fox Island and Gig Harbor.

Karen Caldwell

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18:13 - Not sure I'm posting in the right pod sighting, but a group of orcas (four to five) went by the Fox Island fishing pier five minutes ag. They are heading north towards Narrows Bridge. They were right down the middle [of the channel] traveling fast. One looked like a juvenile.

Pattie LaRue Warr

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17:48 - Had eyes on them about five minutes ago. They had a northeast heading. That placed them between McNeil & Ketron [approx. 47.192339, -122.621268]. But north of McNeil. 

David Bennett

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16:10 - Just saw a few heading north close to McNeil Island, from the Anderson Island ferry as it slowed for them. 

Lane Sample

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T124A1 Bonapartes alongside her calf T124A1A

13:00 - A quick and rainy pass. Fox Island Pier.

photos by Mollie Segall, March 22, 2024

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13:00 - Last we saw them was roughly the dropped pin. Hard to tell when they’re that far out. 

12:58 - They’ve headed deeper, still moving south.

12:53 - Passing Chambers Bay, Tacoma side.

Kirsten Vacura

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12:49 - Seen briefly from University Place heading towards Chambers Bay.

Roxanne Johnson Carlson

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12:40 - Theyre passing fishing pier now midchannel/Tacoma side of mid south sound.

Jami Cantrell

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12:34 - Long down times, midchannel and positioned towards the Fox Island fishing pier.

Mollie Segall

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12:31 - Passing between Day Island and Fox Island, mid channel.

Shaneé Malone

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12:30 - Headed towards the Fox Island Pier.

12:25 - This is when they went by Point Fosdick. Viewing from Day Island.

Karen Caldwell

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12:29 - According to Cherie on the Tacoma side they’re heading south fast Tacoma side of mid but haven’t made it to Day Island yet.

Jami Cantrell

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12:18 - Passing Titlow. Dove under because of train. They’re closer to Titlow side.

Brianna Aratin

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12:10 - Viewing from my drive over the Narrows they’re midchannel approaching the north bridge steady south.

11:55 - They’re right about here [approx. 47.294776, -122.541279]. They seem to be crossing over to Tacoma side of mid still heading south.

Jami Cantrell

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11:55 - They are north of the bridge.

Craig Craker

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11:48 - They're In front of Salmon Beach midchannel to Gig Harbor side still steady south.

Jami Cantrell

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11:30 - Southbound in the Narrows.

Brooke Casanova

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11:24 - Second group are now around Owen's Beach.

11:12 - Just seeing second group near anchored ship, heading west towards Dune Peninsula Park.

Anna Panasiuk Simmons

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11:03 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula, three dorsal heading west from Port of Tacoma area.

Cherie StOurs

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11:00 - Moving quickly west toward Dune.

10:53 - Nearing Brown’s Point.

10:43 - Spotted between two of the red-hulled ships (one in the middle, the other closer to Brown’s Point) heading back out.

Eileen Mccaffery-Lent

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10:44 - We are south of Browns Point lighthouse and they can in and went east. Now they are south towards Foss. [video shows who appears to be T124A1s and T124A4s per Rachel Haight]

10:20 - Two pods of orcas currently north side Commencement Bay, heading east. They came in from west and went east of us on north side of bay towards cranes.

Chris G

Thu, Mar 21 - Admiralty Inlet 

After a very long time (December 18!), I finally got to see some lovely orcas, thanks to Jill Hein with a second hand report of a group off the Admiralty Lighthouse/Fort Casey. Beautiful glassy water, and finally saw one, then a few more, as the ferry heading to Coupeville stopped. They were about mid-channel at first, and some surface activity, but then moved west toward Fort Flagler and south bound. So lovely! 

photo by Bonne Gretz, March 21, 2024

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19:28 - Started moving towards mid-channel now, I believe hunting. Still north of Mutiny Bay on Kitsap side. Too dark, so done for the day.

19:14 - Just south of Marrowstone Kitsap side. I believe there were three. Hard to tell size based on being so far away.

Heidi Bruns Shank

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18:51 - Viewing from above Bush Point - orca are mid to other, SLOWLY moving southbound. Line of sight is left of the yellow channel marker. 

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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18:46 - Two female orca northbound Lagoon Point one mile north of Lagoon Point traveling fast.

Bill Setter

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17:25 - Appear on the move south now. Approx here-ish [48.080637, -122.661046].

17:13 - Drifting slight further north and east. Still hunting behavior. At least one male, one juvenile.

16:45 - Logging approx. [48.105397, -122.665809].

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:26 - Way over by Fort Flagler. Southbound beautiful blows. So happy to see fins after a very long time!

Bonnie Gretz

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16:22 - And maybe saw the six to eight. Hard to say.

16:10 - Can see them distant from Keystone terminal, south of here, midchannel. At least five? Too far for distant. Beautiful blows make them easy to spot.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:50 - Ferry going again… see three fins, one male, one turned north but lost her now.

15:48 - At least two just south of Coupeville ferry… big breach! Mid channel Whidbey side.

Bonnie Gretz

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15:45 - Volunteer Bonnie Gretz called with update. She has seen at least one orca off Fort Casey southbound Whidbey side.

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15:46 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:52 to report: 1546hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 4 orca SB in the NB traffic lanes off Fort Casey State Park. The orca appear to be moving south slowly.  

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15:10 - Jill Hein called to relay report of orcas off Fort Casey by the lighthouse. Milling, six to eight orcas, surface active. Sighting was from about 15:00.

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13:46 - Received a call from Ben N reporting four orcas (one large, one small, two medium) off west side of Fort Ebey heading south, San Juan De Fuca into Puget Sound [unsure if into Admiralty] Near surface, surfacing frequently 300 yards offshore.

Thu, Mar 21 - North Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds)

T46D Strider

T124D3 & T124D Field

Quite the eventful day with the T46s and the T124Ds. I started the day down in Mukilteo at the lighthouse. I met up with some new faces and almost immediately, we found the T46s and the T124Ds as they made their way north. T46E and his brother T46D were spread out between Whidbey Island and the Mukilteo lighthouse. I spotted the T124Ds to the southeast of the boys and closer to us on land. These whales had incredibly long down times and it made it hard to keep track of them. At one point, they went down and stayed down for a good five to seven minutes. Upon resurfacing, they were maybe 300-400 yards out from the lighthouse. It made for a gorgeous pass with the youngster in tow. Their surfacing was brief and they went down again for another 5 minutes. When they resurfaced, they were further north and pushing offshore. I went north to Harborview park where I found the whales at the south end of Hat Island going northwest. In my mind, one of two things could happen from there. The whales could go into Port Susan or they could go into Saratoga Passage like they did the other night. I got back into my car and went north to Camano Island. I found out shortly after that the whales were headed into Port Susan. I arrived at Tillicum Beach about an hour after I left Mukilteo and watched out for the whales. Sadly, all of the whales hugged the mainland side of the channel all night. It was only when the whales were leaving did I get a nice surprise from T46D Strider in mid channel at Tillicum. No one even saw him coming! I would have missed him, too, had I left when I originally wanted to. The harbor porpoises saved the day, as I was fixated on getting photos of them. I am glad I chose to stay and stick it out for a little while longer. Gorgeous views tonight from Washington’s flora and fauna. Link to more photos.

photos by Kat Martin, March 21, 2024

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T46D Strider

T124D3 & T124D Field

From Edmonds to Mukilteo by land with the T46's and T124D's today… also seals, a sea lion screaming WHALES! And some of my favorite dorcas in Edmonds. Link to more photos.

photos by Janine Harles, March 21, 2024

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In Port Susan.

photos by Shaina Lalonde, March 21, 2024

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17:49 - Hearing lots of breaths at Tillicum. Can’t see any whales though. Just heard a loud bang too - likely a breach?

17:20 - T46D popped up by surprise right in front of Tillicum Beach (more mid channel). T46E more south and towards Sunny Shores. Have not seen others. Southbound.

Kat Martin

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16:29 - Mix of 46s and 124Ds southbound here [approx. 48.159308, -122.409925]. Strider was off to the side doing his own thing, and we left four of them grouped southbound. Initially were all very spread and long downtimes.

Trevor Derie

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16:15 - T46E and others still in about the same place. Hugging mainland quite a bit. Non directional.

Kat Martin

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16:00 - They’re pushed way over to the mainland side now. They’re making it very hard to keep an eye on them. Still viewing from CC Beach 2. Not sure on direction.

15:47 - Seeing a big male with one little blow behind him directly out from CC Beach 2. Likely hunting. Whale watch boat on scene.

15:31 - Tracking from CC Beach 2. FINALLY saw more than just T46D. Definitely a female or two in the mix now. Might be hunting.

Kat Martin

-

15:21 - I’m tracking at least one at CC Beach 2. Far away mainland still. South of Kayak Point.

Thomas McKane

-

14:49 - Still only seeing T46D northbound hugging the mainland side. No idea where anyone else went. Viewing straight out from Tillicum Beach.

14:38 - WAY on the other side of Port Susan. About at McKees Beach now. Viewing from Tillicum Beach.

Kat Martin

-

14:37 - T46D northbound on mainland side just south of Tillicum, haven't seen the others yet.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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13:45 - Northbound into Port Susan, Camano Island side, slow. T46s.

13:30 - Can see them from Sandy Point. Northbound. Can't tell if they'll go Port Susan or Saratoga.

13:15 - They are back northbound, closer to Hat Island.

13:05 - T46s suddenly flipped southeast. Could see Strider in the distance, 46s appeared to head his way. Well south of Sandy Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

13:06 - We are seeing some on the west side of Hat Island. Appear to be northbound.

12:48 - Viewing from Harborview Park. Seeing at least three at the south end of Hat Island. Still angled eastbound. Pushed off of shore quite a bit though.

Kat Martin

-

12:30 - T124Ds at least off Edgewater Beach approaching Port of Everett pier eastbound loosely grouped. I haven’t seen Strider.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

12:30 - From Edgewater Park in Mukilteo.

photo by Matthew Irby, March 21, 2024

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12:27 - T46E and two others were traveling north up the west side of Hat Island. Long downs.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

-

12:25 - Believe the other three T46s, close to Whidbey side, northbound, near Brighton.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

12:25 - Passing the Mukilteo Lighthouse. Still close to the mainland side. Northbound.

Kat Martin

-

12:16 - Who looks good for T124Ds off Mukilteo closeish, about quarter mile offshore approaching boat launch. Strider apparently moved offshore ahead per others.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

12:12 - Orca Network we think you might have 124Ds on that side, I think we have rest of 46s.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

12:07 - Nice group coming close Mukilteo side. Gonna be a fun pass! Northbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

12:08 - Seeing who we think is Thor from Mukilteo lighthouse. Northbound.

Kat Martin

-

12:06 - Two males approaching Clinton Whidbey side.

Joe Dreimiller

-

12:05 - From sounds of the squeals down the beach (Mukilteo Lighthouse) Strider is coming. 

Orca Network

-

11:58 - Got them, whale watching boat is trailing them Mukilteo side heading northbound towards Lighthouse Park.

Ed Pearson

-

11:57 - Thanks to Rachel seeing Thor northbound west side of channel sightline last house north end of Glendale. Hoping Strider keeps to this side! From Mukilteo Lighthouse Beach. And keep getting faked out by same log sitting cormorant.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

11:51 - Thor Whidbey side of midchannel. A couple others. Slow travel north.

11:35 - Can see fins approaching Glendale, northbound, still south of here. Midchannel, maybe slightly Whidbey side of.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

11:26 - T46D with close pass northbound at Picnic Point. Mukilteo up next.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

-

11:20 - Earlier several eyes on from Stamm reported seeing the orcas continue north towards Possession, and then from Haines Wharf reported northbound passing by there at 11:20 or so. Mukilteo up next if they keep course.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

10:45 - They’ve continue northbound travels north of Sunset Ave keeping to Edmonds side. Strider still close inshore approaching soon Stamm Overlook.

Orca Network

-

10:32 - Viewing one male, maybe Strider, right in front of Edmonds Waterfront Center!

Anna Hogenson

-

10:30 - All are turning inshore just northend of Edmonds Marina.

10:22 - Strider just passed by Marina Beach Edmonds slow northbound quarter mile offshore. Keeping along the shoreline. Others shed and offshore.

10:07 - Trailing male just surfaced/submerged maybe 109 yards off Point Wells still northbound.

10:04 - Who I believe is Strider just went by closer inshore off Kayu Kayu Ac Park passing a clearly unaware sea lion thrashing around feeding (video). Strider slow northbound travel trailing others to the southeast by about half mile.

09:58 - Small group of three at least is approximately [47.790044, -122.431098] northwest of Point Wells (tank farm) east of mid channel slow slow northbound travel. Dives are long (about eight minutes), surfaces brief and at times shallow. Males(s) easier to see of course.

09:45 - Long dives. Now Kayu Kayu northbound.

09:30 - Group of at four to seven, including male (and possibly second separate on inside) continues slow steady pace northbound off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park transect Jefferson Head. East side of channel, about quarter of way across. Viewing from Richmond Beach.

09:20 - Group is approaching Richmond Beach Saltwater Park well east of mid channel slow steady northbound travel.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

08:38 - I take that back. One male, two females I think and perhaps a juvenile. Midchannel continuing north. Should be across from Golden Gardens/Shilshole Marina.

08:37 - At least three, all female I think. West of midchannel approaching level with Fay Bainbridge. Clipper moved on.

08:33 - One fin seen behind slowed Victoria Clipper midchannel west of ship canal entrance. Northbound. Likely more fins there.

Sandra Prow

-

07:12 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:39 to report 0712hrs: Vessel CHIMACUM reports via 800MHz they've spotted a small pod of orcas feeding off Duwamish Head. 

-

07:31- Good morning - just got a report from an island community member on the fast ferry from Vashon to Seattle of whales just north of Alki. No clear direction, but maybe west to southwest. 

Amy Carey, Sound Action

Thu, Mar 21 - Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s)

Passing Point No Point. They pushed way off. Looks possible the 124A group.

photo by April Janice Basham, March 21, 2024

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17:20 - Candace reports they've passed Point No Point, northbound, pushed midchannel, Whidbey side.

17:01 - Orca northbound at Point No Point, looking towards Picnic Point. West side of channel. Couple of calves and some females. 

Candace Gavin

-

15:31 - John Miller, WSF Marine OPs, emailed at 15:52 - 1531hrs: Vessel SPOKANE reports via 800MHz they have slowed on their approach to KING due to 4 orca NB just off the KING terminal.

-

10:40 - Small group now off north end of Vashon ferry dock. Two to three.

Dave

-

10:35 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:45 to report: 1035hrs: Vessel CATHLAMET reports via 800MHz they've spotted approximately 7 orcas off VASH heading North in the south-bound traffic lanes. 

Wed, Mar 20 - Admiralty Inlet

17:40 - Orcas headed south in Admiralty Inlet. Tend to be favoring closer to Port Townsend. Approximately three of them. Last seen a few minutes ago here [approx. 48.130010, -122.747099]. Saw them once again about five minutes after initial posting - changed directions a few times (circling?). Haven’t seen them since. Tug with big barge passed them so perhaps they dove deep.

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

Wed, Mar 20 - Central Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds in afternoon after splitting from T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s)

TParty at the Dunes today. Was able to see two groups of the Tpod today off Dune Peninsula and close to the south coast of Vashon Island near the ferry around 15:00. The first group consisted of what looked to be two females and a juvenile and the second group was of about seven. Two large males a few females and juveniles. The Ts were guessing close to three quarter mile away and these are what I have. The two kayakers had a much closer encounter. Link to more photos.

photos by Craig Killer, March 20, 2024

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T124A4 Sabio & T124A6 Kasuun

Members of T46’s & T124’s viewing at Point Defiance Marina and Titlow Beach. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, March 20, 2024

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T46D Strider

From Dune - we just happened to be in Tacoma so the whole family stopped by for a quick view. I didn't shoot much as they were not close. This is the trailing group of the 46s. The lead group of small fins passed earlier and even farther away. Link to more photos.

photos by Jim Pasola, March 20, 2024

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T124A1A & T124A1 Bonapartes

Link to more photos.

photo by Hongming Zheng, March 20, 2024

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19:20 - Saw the northbound group pass by from Des Moines Marina mid channel. Large male in the group.

Mandy Michelle

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18:55 - Probably getting closer to the Des Moines Pier, mid channel northbound channel. We are heading there so I don't have eyes on them anymore.

18:36 - Viewing now a pod possibly hunting mid channel from Redondo boat ramp, travel northbound.

Keri Simons

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17:47 - Pod heading north between Murray Island and Dash Point.

Eric Elgar

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17:35 - Group two is in East Passage off Dash Point milling, numbers & direction unknown, at least one bull in this group [approx. 47.325436, -122.439001].

Melissa Bird

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16:44 - Second group of of five to seven including the two boys now in Point defiance/Tahlequah ferry lanes headed eastbound, mid channel-ish. Washington State Ferries doing a great job, giving them lots of space.

Orca Network

-

16:30 - These were taken from Dalco View on Point Defiance.

Mark Goddard

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16:23 - Group with 46E & D off Point Defiance after a short hunt. Heading east into Dalco.

David Michael

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16:20 - Group of five to seven midway between Vashon and tip of Point Defiance looking towards Gig Harbor side from Tahlequah ferry terminal, group includes at least two males plus others, milling and somewhat trending south/west, grouping up.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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16:13 - They turned and are heading toward the tip of Point Defiance.

16:08 - Second group midway between Owen Beach and Vashon. Lost them as they looked to be heading toward southwest part of Vashon.

Alisa Miller

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Owen Marshall

Date of Sighting: March 20, 2024

Time: 6:07 PM

Species seen: Black fin white body

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen:

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?: A bunch of seals come by the waters edge away from the whales

Photos available?:

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16:06 - Trailing group now west of Owens, moving steadily westbound, mainland side of channel.

Orca Network

-

16:06 - These were taken at Owen Beach.

Lyndsey Carter

-

15:57 - Four are rounding Point Defiance and one large male is trailing behind about to pass through the south Vashon ferry lane.

Mariah Vicary

-

16:01 - They were moving pretty quickly around the corner of Point Defiance last I saw, they dove close to here and haven’t popped back up. From what I could tell they seemed committed south west.

Jami Cantrell

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15:50 - Lagging group with 46D & E passing Dune westbound nearing ferry lane.

David Michael

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15:57 - Now heading west through Dalco.

15:43 - Trailing group heading southeast across channel towards Commencement Bay. 

15:15 - Seeing fins from Dune peninsula, look to be southbound. still north of the group of Kayakers off the east side of Maury. Trailing group.

Brooke Casanova

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Chris Cooper

Date of Sighting: March 20, 2024

Time: 3:10 PM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: In front of Sandy Shores Drive on Maury Island

Direction of travel : SW

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: At least 1 male

Any unusual markings?: Couldn't see any

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

Photos available?: No

Wed, Mar 20 - South Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s in afternoon after splitting from T46s & T124Ds)

T124As

I was so happy to finally greet some killer whales to South Sound. I’m looking forward to more opportunities and hoping for (safe but) closer viewpoints one day. This is only the beginning! Thank you to all who report their sightings, so I may have these incredible opportunities and help others along the way. Link to more photos.

photos by Marie Wils, March 20, 2024

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19:34 - First group is here [approx. 47.268128, -122.703459] I have eyes on them now.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

-

19:11 - In Carr. Some were closer to the south side. Some are way out there. About three quarters of the way past McNeil. Can hear them.

David Bennett

-

19:13 - They went up into Carr Inlet.

18:52 - Just got sight of the first pod heading into Carr Inlet. I am viewing from Fox Island west wall beach. They are about mid channel.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

-

18:42 - Stalled for a hunt but heading between Fox Island and McNeil now.

Laura Kozar Batanian

-

18:27 - First pod is milling around by the red buoy off of Steilacoom. I’m viewing from Fox Island. Lots of directional changes and surface activity and a few spy hops.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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18:18 - About here now [47.201303, -122.611813].

Laura Kozar Batanian

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18:16 - Sighting towards Ketron from Fox pier. From our vantage point their right of the buoy in front of Ketron. But south of the buoy.

David Bennett

-

18:00 - Seeing four from Orchard Point looking towards mid Fox Island.

Paul Davis

-

17:52 - South is in this general area still steady south [approx. 47.190116, -122.608463].

Jami Cantrell

-

Orcas passed Fox Island pier then to everyone’s surprise a gray whale breached off to the south!

Laura Kozar Batanian

-

17:27 - Group one off the south end of Fox Island.

Chris Drechsel

-

17:22 - Heading towards Fox Island Pier, first group viewing from Titlow.

Cherie StOurs

-

17:18 - Group one spotted between Fox Island and Day Island!

Shaneé Malone

-

17:07 - Heading southwest approaching Fox Island. FIrst group. Viewing from Titlow Beach.

Cherie StOurs

-

16:30 - We saw them when we were driving over the Narrows Bridge! 

Leslie Peif

-

16:41 - First group is under the Narrows more Tacoma side it looks like; we are at Gig Harbor and they look pretty far away.

Steve Simons

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16:20 - Leading group was milling in Salmon Beach area, appeared to be trending towards Narrows.

Kirsten Vacura

-

15:54 - One group of about four plus moving westbound approaching the Point Defiance/Tahlequah ferry lanes from around the Point Ruston area, mainland side of channel, other group possibly still hunting, but are now trending west/southwest towards Narrows from tip of Point Defiance area, but not sure if committed yet.

Orca Network

-

15:55 - Lead group is rounding point of Point Defiance headed south in the Narrows.

Jami Cantrell

-

15:50 - Just lost them as they were rounding toward the tip of Point Defiance.

Alisa Miller

-

15:46 - Heading west toward Gig Harbor.

Steve Fogard

-

15:37 - Seeing a group west of Owens, sightline from Tahlequah ferry terminal approx. here [47.325581, -122.531029].

Marla Smith, Orca Network

-

15:26 - Lead group is moving steady west through Dalco, island side of channel between two boats.

Brooke Casanova

-

15:00 - Seeing first group from Owens marina, still near the east tip south end of Maury heading west.

Cherie StOurs

Wed, Mar 20 - Central Puget Sound (T46s, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s, T124Ds all together in the morning/early afternoon)

Some highlights of [the] visit to Tacoma by the Bigg’s/transients. Link to more photos.

photos by Jason Cook, March 20, 2024

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T46E Thor

Today was packed with whales spread everywhere from Seattle to Vashon by the time we caught up to them. The weather wasn't nearly as beautiful as it has been the past few days, but a little grey never slowed me down before. It's always a gift to be around these beautiful animals and they always deserve our love and respect. Today we saw the coast guard out on the water attempting to practice procedures informing watercraft of the whales being within the proximity as the hope is to ensure better safety and awareness about whales/cetaceans navigating through the Salish Sea and how to be made more aware. Working on who was all here today for this T Party but I can say I saw the T122, T46D, T46E ,T46F, T124A, T124A1, T124A1A, T124A4, T124A4A, T124A6, T124A7, & T124Ds. Link to more photos.

photos by April Basham, March 20, 2024

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T124A1A & T124A1 Bonapartes

Link to more photos.

photo by Marla Smith, March 20, 2024

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*At this point, the T46s & T124Ds split from the T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s* 

Steve Rice thank you for posting. I could see them with binoculars from the pier in Des Moines..

This is great!

San Wolf Jamison

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14:38 - Looked like a decently close pass by Point Robinson, as viewed from Des Moines.

photo by Steve Rice, March 20, 2024

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14:21 - Can barely see trailing orcas from Point Robinson, mid channel to just island side of, approaching Gold Beach still steady southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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14:05 - Saw one male passing Point Robinson headed south. Haven't seen the others yet, viewing from MVP.

Isaac Gibson

-

14:02 - Most have passed Point Robinson, two big groups spread by about half mile, mid channel to just mainland side of, steady southbound.

13:47 - Leaders approaching Point Robinson, mid channel, southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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13:30 - Looks like maybe full group and not just leaders. Still steady southbound mainland side approaching Des Moines marina.

13:19 - Viewing from just north of KVI, seeing two leaders mid-channel mainland side. Southbound with Coast Guard boat following.

Ellen Weir

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13:00 - Trailers past Glen Acres area now and have continued southbound, spread out.

12:50 - Seeing leaders passing Glen Acres, mid channel to slightly island side of, steady southbound, spread out a bit.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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12:30 - Past north end of Vashon and coming down east side of Vashon as viewed from Brace Point.

Nicole Na

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12:40 - Sounds like all present from yesterday, Strider & Harbeson [T46B1s, T462, & T87 were NOT present] are off together, east of the rest of the group.

12:20 - Approximate location [47.529320, -122.437403].

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:18 - Past Vashon ferry dock as viewed from Emma Schmitz. Heading down east side- presumably, I should say.

Steve Rice

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12:12 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, orcas in line with Southworth ferry terminal, mostly southbound, very little surface activity right now. Unclear if they are heading to Colvos or East Passage.

Robert Reeder

-

11:54 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz overlook traveling south mid channel still.

Jack Bonfiglio

-

Male is T46E Thor

11:53 - On the east side of Blake as viewed from Constellation Park. Moving fast south.

Coast guard vessel following behind.

photo by Steve Rice, March 20, 2024

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11:38 - From Alki, pod is midchannel southbound. At a quick pace.

Candace Gavin

-

10:16 - Looks like they’ve stalled, possibly hunting. They are generally in same area [approx. 47.716941, -122.450189] making directional changes. Male surfaces facing north, others making disturbance short distance away.

09:58 - Grouped pod (too far for numbers but includes at least one male) roughly out from Carkeek Park, mid channel steady southbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:07 - Large pod, five to seven [orcas] going south mid channel... Just south ferry close to boat. Mostly one group with two separate. Saw from Kingston ferry, was on the 08:50 ferry headed to Kingston. Moving quickly south. 

Casey Bizelli

Tue, Mar 19 - Campbell River, BC (T100Bs & T101s)

Video highlights of the orcas that traveled past Campbell River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. T101s and T100Bs (to be confirmed!); need to watch on a big screen (vs. phone) to see the fins. At 3:10-ish marker, all six surface within seconds of each other (including new calf).

Filmed from shore. Link to video.

Heather V. Baskey

Tue, Mar 19 - Admiralty Inlet (T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s - met up with T46s & T124Ds who were in North Puget Sound)

Tonight was absolutely amazing. Had ourselves a little T-party this evening off of Camano. These guys were leaping, breaching, splashing, tail slapping, rolling, just absolutely everything. It was one of the longest socializing events I have observed so far. Truly spectacular!

Link to more photos. Link to video.

photos by Charvet Drucker, March 19, 2024

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Male is T46D Strider

What an absolute treat tonight was. After flying in a plane to have lunch in Yakima, I got home and almost immediately hopped into my car to take a chance at seeing some whales. I was tracking these guys from my phone all day while I was on the other half of Washington. I’m amazed they went north this slowly. When I finally left my house, I got myself to Mabana in record time. The whales were leaping and bounding everywhere. The babies could hardly keep themselves in the water. The big boys, T46D and T46E, kept a watchful eye on everyone as they all trekked north through Saratoga Passage. We watched them slowly peel away from the Camano side and over to Whidbey, as the sun set for the night. I have a feeling they’ll stick around, but we can’t say for certain! It was a good night with friends old and new. I’m reminded, so easily, why I love living here. All shots taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos.

photos by Kat Martin, March 19, 2024

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T46D Strider & T46E Thor

T87 Harbeson in the lead

It was a beautiful week for watching whales! The T46s, T122 and T87 spent some time along our shores, sometimes distant, sometimes near. It's always breath taking. And the thing is, even when they're distant there is always so much to see! 

photos by Donna George, March 19, 2024

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T46E Thor

What a gorgeous day with the orcas! When I heard about several pods getting together (T-party!) and heading up Possession Sound, I decided to head north and catch a ferry to beautiful Whidbey Island. Always my lucky day when I find my sweet whale friends on the same ferry! From shore with telephoto lens. Link to more photos.

photo by Fusako Nozaka, March 19, 2024

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T87 Harbeson

T124A4 Sabio in the lead

At Point No Point, waiting for and watching the 46s far in the distance toward Seattle, I was completely surprised by another incoming group appearing on my left, very close to shore at the point. I was far down the beach to the south so not as close as I could have been. Reading a report of another possible group earlier I had scanned to the north for some time before rounding the point to the south and had given up on their existence. These whales must have been out of sight in Skunk Bay at the time. It was quick and caught me off guard but I managed a few pictures before they blew by. Link to more photos.

photos by Jim Pasola, March 19, 2024

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19:15 - Finally moseyed their way past Mabana, midchannel closer to Whidbey side. Tons of wrestling and playing. Wind has picked up drastically. I’m heading out. Beautiful evening with whales.

Sam Wallace

-

18:58 - Per a friend viewing from Bells Beach - line of sight is Mabana, orca are mid channel, spread, and moving northbound slowly.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

-

18:48 - Orcas are visible from Camano Island State Park, still midchannel with lots of surface activity. Slow trend northbound. I think they're still around Mabana.

18:03 - Orcas are north of Langley, moving faster northbound now. I think they're on the Whidbey side of midchannel.

17:45 - Orcas are moving north spread out, I think around midchannel north of Sandy Point.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

-

16:55 - Shifted way over to Camano side. Verrrrrry slow northbound. Near Pebble Beach area.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

16:54 - Orcas are visible from Mabana, still south of Pebble Beach northbound.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

-

16:47 - Seem committed to Saratoga Passage for now at least. Northbound past Camano Head, Camano side.

Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network

-

16:00 - Orca moving north into Saratoga Passage.

15:31 - There are orca between Camano Head and Clinton - three boats are with them.

John C Storbeck

-

14:45 - They are passing between Whidbey & Hat Island. Northbound. Spread in groups.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

14:14 - We saw five! [approx. 47.974076, -122.346532]. They were just in the ferry lane.

Nicole Oliver

-

14:12 - About 500 yards out from Clinton ferry terminal, mostly grouped, northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sarah Denham

Date of Sighting: March 19, 2024

Time: 2:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Mukilteo Clinton ferry lane

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Stay under for long periods of time

If orcas, any males?: 1 male

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

-

14:12 - I can see a few hunting/milling in this area. No general direction [approx. 47.998922, -122.365794].

13:47 - Straight out from Mukilteo now. Large group together northbound.

Holly Bailey Aprecio

-

13:32 - I can see them in the distance from Mukilteo Lighthouse Park.

Lisa Marie Sutherlin

-

13:27 - Northbound Possession Sound midchannel, two groups about quatrer mile apart. Almost to Glendale. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:57 - They are officially off Possession Point passing the green buoy!

12:45 - They are traveling east along the south side of Whidbey very quickly. Still in Cultus Bay.

12:33 - Eyes on both groups heading towards Cultus Bay.

Brooke Thompson

-

12:30 - I’m not sure which group I’m seeing or where to post but there’s still a group here milling and splashing [approx. 47.857824, -122.446451]. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

-

12:23 - Can see them (with binocs) from Sunset Drive in Edmonds looking northwest.

Nicholas Alexander Rubesh

-

12:20 - Viewing from Sunset and the two groups are approaching Maxwelton headed east from Point No Point.

Brooke Thompson

-

*Both groups [T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s] & [T46s & T124Ds] appeared to merge at this point*

-

T87 Harbeson

Male is T46E Thor

12:08 - They’re heading towards Mukilteo [approx. 47.885624, -122.464717].

11:50 - A few families just met.

photos by Nicole Oliver, March 19, 2024

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12:06 - Both groups should be together still in the same location, possibly moving east now.

11:45 - Large group here heading for Possession at the moment [approx. 47.880123, -122.430668].

Trevor Tillman, PSE

-

11:45 - They are much farther off the west shore than that. I'm at Point No Point, I can just see blows; here are I think two whale watching boats with them. Looking at the two boats from here there is a group to the south and a group to the north of the boat's line of sight, they are well east of the boat from what I can tell. Group to the south, triple breach!

Jim Pasola

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11:44 - Lots of activity. Three orcas breached at the same time. At least five and one large male in this group. 

11:39 - Has group hunting out from Eglon [approx. 47.855556, -122.490397].

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:30 - This group [T46s & T124Ds] has moved much farther offshore, still northbound, I can barely see blows now from Point No Point. It's misty over there, I can see they are in front of a ferry. It looks like the two groups are headed for each other.

11:05 - From Point No Point I can see them [T46s & T124Ds] far off in the distance looking right at Mount Rainier. They appear to be moving offshore, maybe northeast, difficult to determine from here.

11:05 - A group [T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s] just surprised me completely incoming from the left, a group of five to seven leading whale look like Harbeson. Moving quickly southeast.

Jim Pasola

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09:40 - [T46s & T124Ds] Kingston group passing directly out from Apple Tree Point northbound Kingston side - beautiful! No camera but still water with marine layer lifting - I hear their blows [video in FB comments].

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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09:21 - [T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s] spotted in Skunk Bay, southbound closer to Hansville side. I did hear air blows. 

Martha C. 

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08:26 - [T46s & T124Ds] Orcas mid channel off Jefferson Head. Two to three individuals spotted, one male further south. Appear to be northbound.

Logan Baker

Mon, Mar 18 - Haro Strait (T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s)

15:15 - Different group of Bigg's killer whales, previously inbound off Victoria, are now zig-zagging their way north up mid-Haro

Monika Wieland Shields,Orca Behavior Institute

Mon, Mar 18 - Rosario Strait

07:05 - Just had at least two orcas pass us in the fog southern Rosario Strait. They were southwest bound moving slow. Could be more but visibility was low [approx. 48.444172, -122.754691].

Tyson Parker Reed

Mon, Mar 18 - T46s & T124Ds (Saratoga Passage)

As the T46s and T124Ds traveled south just off shore from Sandy Point - you can’t see them in the video, but listen with the volume up. Link to FB video.

Dori Dace

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T46s and T124Ds from Camano Island State Park today! It was a quick pass but so beautiful under the mountains. Link to more photos.

photos by Serena Tierra, March 18, 2024

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From the Camano State Park this afternoon. T46s and T124Ds. Link to more photos.

photos by Charvet Drucker, March 18, 2024

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Brothers T46E Thor & T46D Strider

When they went by us at Possession Point Waterfront Park around mid channel we could hear their blows even at that distance and then we went to Possession Point dive park and they flipped and came back by about thirty feet offshore and it was so so loud we thought it was a train on the mainland at first. It was amazing!

photos by Ed Pearson, March 18, 2024

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20:15 - They continued south/southeast well south of Sandy Point now.

20:05 - Wow. They flipped. Now southbound 100 yards off Sandy Point. Their blows sound INCREDIBLE.

19:45 - Halfway between Sandy Point & Langley very close to Whidbey.

19:36 - They've committed Saratoga, Whidbey side.

19:32 - They're nearly to Sandy Point. Spread. One surfaced fairly close to the point.

18:43 - Off Brighton Beach, still northbound.

18:35 - Nearing Clinton ferry lanes. All but the boys closer to Whidbey. Haven't seen them but guessing more mid. Northbound.

18:15 - They are north of Glendale, T124Ds close to Whidbey, others further out. Still northbound.

17:44 - Possession Point Waterfront Park. T46D T46E tight together. T124D1 & T124D3 hanging out 50 feet offshore. Overall trend northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Kayla Young

Date of Sighting: March 18, 2024

Time: 6:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Glendale beach

Direction of travel : Towards Clinton ferry mid channel

Behaviors observed: Traveling slowly

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

photos by Kayla Young, March 18, 2024

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17:41 - Just passed at the park northbound AWESOME!

Ed Pearson

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17:35 - FINALLY! Close to shore northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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17:36 - Super close to Whidbey shoreline.

17:31 - Look like the are coming northeast back into Possession Sound.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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17:22 - Now eastbound again!

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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17:15 - They look to be milling about in Cultus Bay.

Brooke Thompson

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17:15 - Stalled approx. here [47.899831, -122.398830].

17:11 - Possibly stalled on a hunt now friend reports.

17:05 - Friend reports the orcas are westbound close to Whidbey nearing Cultus Bay.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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17:05 - There’s a pod south of Possession Point between the buoy milling with a large male.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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16:59 - They are out of sight from from here at Possession Point Park and I can't see the sail boat. Sorry, they may have turned west around the tip of Whidbey.

16:45 - Past Meadowdale now, Whidbey side of mid-channel.

16:40 - Moving rapidly south now even with Picnic Point Park.

16:36 - Passing Possession Point State Park mid channel south and west of the tug and barge.

Ed Pearson

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16:10 - Viewing from Glendale: still mid to other. Spread a bit north/south. Slowly moving southbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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15:56 - Viewed some big breaching from Mukilteo side! I live on hillside up ferry dock - Went to get telephoto camera and lost view of them.

Mary Ann Macomber

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15:39 - Viewing from above Clinton ferry. Our friends are south of the ferry lanes. Mid to other. Lots of surface activity with a big breach. Likely milling on a kill.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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15:20 - Ta’Leah Van Sistine called Rachel to report they were on the ferry heading back to Mukilteo after day shadowing Rachel and spotted the orcas still to the north of ferry lanes heading southbound.

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13:54 - Aiming for the northside of Hat Island about a mile north. Right now could either go on east or west side. Just cannot tell yet. To me appears more easterly. Viewing from south side Sandy Point high bluff.

Marilyn Armbruster

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13:35 - Milling on a hunt northeast of Sandy Point. Three breaches in a row from what looked like T124D3.

12:58 - Just north of Pebble Beach, southbound, Camano side.

12:32 - Out from Saratoga Woods, midchannel, southbound, grouped out.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:22 - Southbound, seeing from Mabana. Mid channel, maybe closer to the Whidbey side but not sure.

Charvet Drucker

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12:06 - Orcas have grouped up , mid channel, have passed East Point. Still southbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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11:51 - They were spread out a bit earlier, now grouping back up. Southbound midchannel off East Point, south of Camano Island State Park.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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11:48 - Out from Camano Island State Park, Camano side. Southbound.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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11:45 - Southbound Camano side of midchannel off south end Camano Island State Park.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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11:42 - They just rounded the corner around Camano State Park. Moving at a very fast pace south. (Out of my view now).

11:33 - A pod of five to six, I'm guessing Strider. Heading towards Bells Beach.

11:22 - Heading south, mid channel.

11:19 - Orcas spotted from Cama Beach [approx. 48.168023, -122.534374]. Working to get a direction and possible IDs.

Holly Bailey Aprecio

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08:30 - Northbound Whidbey side Race Lagoon area.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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T46D Strider

photo by Holly Bailey Aprecio, March 18, 2024

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T124D Field

T46D Strider

08:00 - Solo trailer [T46D].

07:50 - Orcas one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach heading north. Leaders three to four.

photos by Aaron Gill, March 18, 2024

Fri, Mar 22 - Port Susan 

07:43 - Port Susan had a Gray spotted heading north off Sunny Shore, last seen heading north off McKees Beach at 08:00.

John C Storbeck

Fri, Mar 22 - Penn Cove

19:14 - Gray whale in Penn Cove, north Whidbey Island. Headed west towards Monroe Landing.

Kevin Phillips

Fri, Mar 22 - Central Saratoga Passage

16:49 - Has moved north.

16:30 - Second gray one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. No direction long downtime.

16:20 - Gray feeding off Whidbey shore one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach trending south.

Aaron Gill

Fri, Mar 22 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch, CRC56 Stardust, CRC356 Carson)

13:37 - CRC-356 is back and swimming with 53 and 56! Just north my first post.

13:28 - Gray Whales CRC 53 and 56 northbound at my map spot [approx. 48.197519, -122.557471].

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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CRC56 Stardust

11:01 - Going back and forth but predominantly southbound.... lost him now. This is CRC56 Stardust per Rachel Haight, Orca Network.

10:45 - Southbound by Race Lagoon, Whidbey side of mid-channel.

photos by Jill Hein, March 22, 2024

Fri, Mar 22 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade)

11:30 - Dan Gulden reports two grays headed south passing Meerkerk Gardens area, fairly close to shore.

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10:02 - Friend reports: Grays are now southbund past Hidden Beach parking lot, maybe angling towards Holmes Harbor.

09:35 - Earhart & Cascade still here just north of Hidden Beach - last update from me for now.

09:14 - Serena Tierra, Orca Network, has identified these two grays as CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade. They are still feeding close together, in the cove north of Hidden Beach, with trend southbound.

08:57 - Actually two here feeding at Hidden Beach.

08:52 - Gray whale feeding in cove just north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Fri, Mar 22 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC2356 Stalwart)

16:59 - Gray popped up inside the buoys at Sandy Point just now. Passed us and continued south. Link to more photos.

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 22, 2024

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16:02 - We’ve got a gray milling around the Sandy Point area.

Luanne Seymour

Fri, Mar 22 - Lower Saratoga Passage

11:00 - 11:25 - Sammi, Christy’s goddaughter saw blows north of Sandy Point. Grey traveling now along the southwest tip of Camano head northbound towards Pebble Beach Beach along the Camano Island shoreline.

Marilyn Armbruster

Thu, Mar 21 - Upper Saratoga Passage (CRC56 Stardust)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mieke Lee

Date of Sighting: March 21, 2024

Time: 2:39 PM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Rockaway Beach Camano Mid channel Saratoga passage

Direction of travel : N slow

Behaviors observed: Traveling being followed by a whale watching boat

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Mid channel traveling slowly N

Photos available?: No

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14:28 - This is #56.

Trevor Derie

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14:15 - Gray north of Onamac point mid channel heading north slowly.

Matt Henning

Thu, Mar 21 - Upper Saratoga Passage (CRC2356 Stalwart)

CRC2356 Stalwart

ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

08:00 - A gray just passed by Mariner’s Cove/Whidbey/Upper Saratoga, heading south along the beach. It was grazing, but not lingering, so moving along fairly quickly.

photo by Marianne Parry, March 21, 2024

Thu, Mar 21 - Central Saratoga Passage

19:10 - The three are continuing southeast midchannel or further out from Hidden Beach.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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18:30 - Would I believe to be three grays are heading south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach off Whidbey interesting behaviors.

Aaron Gill

Thu, Mar 21 - Port Susan

16:42 - One gray feeding right on shore here [approx. 48.070306, -122.362665].

Trevor Derie

Wed, Mar 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Patrick Meehan

Date of Sighting: March 20, 2024

Time: 1:50 PM

Species seen: Grey whale

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: 48.3463114, -123.3991999

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Surfaced for air then submerged again, was not travelling quickly

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Waa flying overhead on a helijet, location is approximate. Was almost underneath the helicopter

Photos available?: No

Wed, Mar 20 - Port Susan

13:08 - Gray 56 mid channel off of Spee-Bi- Dah heading south.

Tony Tilt, PSE

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09:30 - Port Susan - we had two grays spotted off Tulalips Shores, Spee-Bi-Dah, Sunny Shore heading north along the shore last seen approaching McKee's from the south. No reports since 09:30.

John C Storbeck

Wed, Mar 20 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)

16:01- Still one gray near Sandy point milling and feeding.

Luanne Seymour

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14:37 - Sandy Point in Langley. 

Debbie Drerup Walterhouse

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14:08 - [video of gray].

Rhema Neas-Gass

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13:45 - Possibly two gray whales feeding at Sandy Point, north of the point. Visible from Cascade Ave bluff.

Katie Davis Watkins

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13:18 - Patricia called to report gray whale is still feeding between Langley and Sandy Point having a good time.

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13:15 - Grey feeding between Sandy Point and Langley.

photo by Patricia Friedman, March 20, 2024

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12:23 - Gray #53 feeding halfway between Langley and Sandy Point.

Tony Tilt, PSE

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11:30 - One gray whale by Langley Marina southbound.

Donna George

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08:50 - Gray whale feeding outside the office window in downtown Langley, just south of Whale Bell/Sewall park. Gray is now pushing offshore and heading northeast towards Camano Island. 

Dan Gulden

Wed, Mar 20 - South Puget Sound

My first time seeing a gray whale breach today, and we didn't even know it was there! This happened southeast of Fox Island Pier, while scanning for the T124As and T124A4s, saw a jumping whale a few hundred yards ahead of where I expected the orcas… and it looked like a gray whale! I pointed my camera in that direction just in time to get the second breach. The orca pod ignored the gray whale and continued southbound. To help ID this gray whale, at the end I included some very distant back and fluke shots. Also including: T124A1's tiny baby! Link to more photos.

photo by Hongming Zheng, March 20, 2024

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18:02 - It looked like it was cutting across the channel last I saw.

17:51 - Hundred percent a gray! I didn’t get pictures but Hongming did. The orcas were approaching and it breached twice. They then moved separate ways to avoid each other. It seemed like the gray was warning them off. Crazy to the south of the pier out from Chambers.

Jami Cantrell

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17:38 - Orcas passed Fox Island Pier then to everyone’s surprise a gray whale breached off to the south!

Laura Kozar Batanian

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17:35 - Group one had a gray whale with them. At Fox Island Pier.

Lily TucSar

Tue, Mar 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)

19:00 - Little Patch in Holmes Harbor. Out from Saratoga Community boat launch, mid channel. Southbound into Holmes.

Marilyn Armbruster

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14:52 - Little Patch slowly circling just north of Langley.

Trevor Derie

Tue, Mar 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC56 Stardust)

CRC56 Stardust in Saratoga Passage. I went to Mabana in the afternoon to look for the orcas and found this gray as he moved north after feeding near Summerland. After waiting for the orcas for a while, I decided to move to Camano Island State Park. The orcas didn't make it that far north before dark, but I did find Stardust again. He had stayed close to shore and was just coming out of Elger Bay at sunset. I've been really missing watching the grays at sunset lately and this was exactly what I needed. All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos.

photos & ID by Serena Tierra, March 19, 2024

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19:21 - CRC56 now northwest of Camano Island State Park boat launch, continuing northbound and pushing offshore. Long downtimes. Goodnight Stardust.

19:03 - Gray, likely CRC56, slowly heading northwest off Lowell Point.

18:44 - Gray is north of Baby Island now, appears to be turning into Holmes Harbor.

18:37 - Gray milling on Whidbey side of Saratoga, just south of Baby Island.

17:59 - I think there's two grays on the Whidbey side, I'm seeing blows north of Baby Island (from my perspective), possibly trending north.

17:43 - Stardust moved back over close to shore, still slowly northbound north of Mabana. Blows are echoing nicely off the bluffs.

17:35 - CRC56 is north of Mabana, northbound and trending offshore. I saw a blow from another gray on the Whidbey side between Bells Beach and Fox Spit (likely the same one from earlier moving south).

17:23 - CRC56 Stardust now off Mabana boat launch, slowly northbound on Camano side.

17:18 - Gray is trending northwest between Summerland and Mabana.

17:12 - Gray is milling, possibly trending north.

17:08 - At least one gray still off Summerland.

16:41 - Seeing blows from a gray on the Whidbey side of Saratoga, around Fox Spit area, not sure about direction of travel. Viewing from Mabana.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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16:00 - [gray] still feeding same location, close to shore, south of Summerland. Spending long times under water.

15:40 - Two grays coming north from Pebble Beach; still south of Summerland. They're feeding again, same place as yesterday.

Peg Boley [CWW]

Tue, Mar 19 - Lower Saratoga Passage

photo by Christy Grant, March 19, 2024

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14:21 - There were about four spotted by Hat Island! So cool! [approx. 48.054203, -122.347077]. This guy was taking a snooze.

photo by Nicole Oliver, March 19, 2024

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13:30 - Now seeing at least four spread from Camano Head towards Gedney [Hat Island].

13:11 - Two more grays, one at Camano Head logging. One about a mile east of Camano Head southbound.

Trevor Tillman, PSE

Tue, Mar 19 - North Puget Sound (CRC2441)

13:13 - Gray whale fifty feet off shore at Glendale moving south. ID by Serena Tierra, Orca Network confirms CRC2441.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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12:27 - Clinton. Clinton side. We went slow till halfway across channel.

12:25 - Could hear blow load and clear. Two different colors. One was pink and gray mottled.

12:24 - Saw two from ferry.

12:21 - Slowly heading south.

Tamra Baublitz

Mon, Mar 18 - Central Saratoga Passage

17:50 - Gray whale heading north right off would be shore one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach.

Aaron Gill

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18:01 - Heading north, seen and heard from a mile north of Hidden Beach, gray whale? About eight surfacing blows!

Francie L Dailer

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15:23 - Spotted one gray whale about 400 feet off the Greenbank shoreline, about one mile south of Wonn Road/Greenbank Farm. Heading steadily north. Attached is a short video clip with Mount Baker in the background. 

Martha Poppy Sinclair

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13:00 - 14:00 - Gray spouting and feeding close to shore off East Point.

Shannon Kavanaugh

Mon, Mar 18 - Lower Saratoga Passage

17:50 - There were also three grays in southern Saratoga Passage heading northbound south of Pebble Beach, Camano.

Orca Network

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14:54 - Blows just south of Camano Head. Pretty sure they are grays.

Maia Jewell

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14:28 - On Puget Sound Express. Just saw at least two gray whales near Camano head. Feeding very close to shore.

photo by Maxcey Sligh, March 18, 2024

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14:00 - Gray just south of Camano Head. Milling?

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:30 - Gray whale just south of Camano Head. No direction.

Donna George

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11:40 - Two grays just passed us slowly heading south very close in to shore. Saratoga Passage, south end of the island, Gull Way.

Mike Moberly [CWW]

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10:53 - The other gray off Sandy Point likely went south.

10:51 - Another one here [approx. 48.060535, -122.398700].

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10:24 - One Gray whale just out from Sandy Point, milling

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Mon, Mar 18 - North Puget Sound

16:30 - Seeing a few blows (no tall dorsal fins, so I’m presuming it’s a gray) from Sunset Ave looking out towards Possession Point on the west side of the channel.

Brooke Thompson

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12:54 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:55 to report: Vessel KALEETAN reports one possible gray whale SW direction while heading to KING.

Sun, Mar 17 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch)

Here’s an updated photo of Little Patch’s side. We couldn’t figure out who it was, initially, as he has just gotten to be so incredibly white! Little Patch has a skin disease of sorts and it is insane to see how it has changed the skin condition over the span of just a year! Link to more photos.

photo by Kat Martin, March 17, 2024