March 31, 2023

Beautiful face of a gray whale in Port Susan.

photo by Jill Hein, March 29, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through March 29 include:

Southern Residents - 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, ending their visit to Puget Sound.

On March 25, J pod showed up in Haro Strait off SJI and made their way north.

On March 28, J pod was in Satellite Channel, BC.

On March 29, J pod went through the San Juans and into Eastsound before dark.

In next report: On March 30, J pod very slowly made their way south through Admiralty Inlet and into Puget Sound.

On March 31, J pod was spotted in north Puget Sound and made their way north up to Possession Sound. After spending some time there, they headed back south and disappeared into the Possession triangle as d fell.

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Bigg's Killer Whales - On March 21, the T99s were seen in Haro Strait. T87 & T124A2s spotted in Sidney Channel. T49A2 & T49C seen in the San Juans.

On March 22, the T65As (minus T65A5) arrived in Puget Sound and went under the Agate Pass Bridge. T49A2 & T49C were seen cruising the Victoria waterfront. The T99s were spotted in the San Juans.

On March 23, the T65As (minus T65A5)  made their way into Dyes Inlet. Meanwhile, there was a "T party" in the San Juans that consisted of T19, T19B, T34s, T37, T37Bs, & T49As.

On March 24, the T65As (minus T65A5)  headed into Hood Canal in the evening.

On March 25, the T65As (minus T65A5)  spent the day hanging out in Hood Canal. T49A2 & T49C were together in Haro Strait.

On March 26, the T65As (minus T65A5)  again spent the day hanging out in Hood Canal. T49As were in Haro Strait.

On March 27, the T65As (minus T65A5) headed north out of Admiralty Inlet.

On March 29, the T65As (minus T65A5) were spotted near Spieden Island. The T49As were spotted in Haro Strait. T65A5 & T124C were spotted in the Strait of Georgia!

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Humpbacks - One reported in northern Admiralty Inlet.

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Gray Whales - CRC21, CRC22, CRC56, CRC185, CRC383, CRC2259, CRC2356, CRC2441 were spotted. The others likely around all busy feeding.

Twelve grays confirmed in Puget Sound: 21, 22, 53, 56, 185, 383, 531, 2249, 2259, 2356, 2440, 2441.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tokitae, the oldest orca in captivity, has path to freedom after 50 years

"On Thursday, the owners of the Miami Seaquarium where Tokitae lives announced a “formal and binding agreement” with a group called the Friends of Lolita to begin the process of returning Tokitae to Puget Sound. A news release indicates that the joint effort is 'working toward and hope the relocation will be possible in the next 18 to 24 months.'" Read more here.

"We now have all the elements needed to move Toki home. First of all Toki herself, looking good, eating well, active and engaged, probably ready to travel. She’s also probably bored much of every day and night, as she has been for almost 53 years. She needs to be home for her physical and emotional health. 

Toki was the whale in the room today. Everyone who spoke declared their love for her, and their respect and admiration. Toki is the unifying force who brought us all together to carry her home. Love of Toki united Eduardo Albor with Pritam Singh, woven together by Mayor Cava and Commissioner Regalado, harmonized with spiritual guidance by Raynell Morris and diplomatic graces of Charles Vinick, and now Jim Irsay comes in to offer his good heart and deep pockets to make it all happen. 

This is now more than just a team, they’re a force field able to plow through the permitting process, seapen site selection and design, legal processes, budgeting handiwork, public involvement and presentation, all in a spirit of shared affection, respect, and reverence for Toki. 

The humans got it right today in Miami and everywhere that her life story became known or better known, not just as victim of an atrocity but as our family member and teacher who is showing us how to treat her and how to treat each other. We saw Toki’s handiwork at that table in Miami. We’ll see much more to celebrate in coming days and months. 

She is well, she is whole, and she is well on her way to swimming and diving in her real natural home now."

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

EVENTS:

APR 15 AT 11 AM – APR 16 AT 4 PM

Welcome the Whales Festival & Parade

Langley, WA

Please join us for our Welcome the Whales Festival April 15th and 16th in Langley, WA!

Welcome the Whales is an annual event to honor and celebrate the arrival of a special group of gray whales known as the “Sounders”. These whales represent almost 20 animals, part of the Eastern Pacific gray whale population. During their northern migration from Baja California, they break off the migration route to feed on ghost shrimp for two to three months each spring in the North Puget Sound waters. This year’s event is in honor of #49 Patch, one of the original Sounders gray whales who we lost in 2021.

The festival includes costume making, a parade through Langley, waterside ceremony, educational presentation by Cascadia Research Collective, Langley beach clean-up, and fundraiser gray whale cruise. We hope to see you there!

Saturday April 15th

11:00 – Costume making at the Langley United Methodist Church

1:30 – Whale and Critter Parade through Langley – come dressed as your favorite whale or marine animal

2:00 – Waterside ceremony at Whale Bell Park

3:30 – Educational Presentation by John Calambokidis of Cascadia Research Collective. This presentation will be held as a hybrid in-person/virtual. Register here for virtual.

Sunday April 16th

10:00 – Langley beach clean-up beginning at Whale Bell Park

2:00 – Fundraiser Gray Whale Cruise with Puget Sound Express. Leaves from Langley Marina. Cost $100/person. Register for the cruise here.

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SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2023 AT 2 PM – 4 PM

Welcome the Whales Gray Whale Cruise

Langley Marina

Join Orca Network for a Gray Whale Cruise with Puget Sound Express to meet the Sounders!

Our local Puget Sound gray whales, fondly referred to as the “Sounders”, represent about 20 animals, part of the larger population of the Eastern North Pacific gray whales. During their northern migration from Baja California, these individuals break off the migration route to feed on ghost shrimp each spring in the North Puget Sound waters.

You may have an opportunity to meet some of these amazing whales during our Gray Whale Cruise. The $100 registration fee includes a two-hour trip with Puget Sound Express crew and Orca Network staff and volunteers. Proceeds benefit Orca Network's education and outreach programs.

For more information about Welcome the Whales and Gray Whale Cruise registration please visit here.

Wed, Mar 29 - San Juans (J Pod)

17:00 - Sounded like they were heading into Eastsound!

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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16:28 - Several orcas passing Lopez ferry landing, eastbound.

Chad Coffey [WSSJI]

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15:35 - J26 passing Friday Harbor fast southbound.

15:25 - There is still one trailing off Point Caution, looks like leaders are probably near Turn Island.

14:50 - Leaders abeam Friday Harbor spread from San Juan side to Shaw side.

14:35 - We believe they’re nearing Point Caution still southbound.

13:35 - J-Pod southbound mid San Juan Channel off Reuben Tarte.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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01:28 - 02:04 - SRKW J pod calls, including S01, S04, S07, S10, S16, S22 on the Orcasound - Listen for Whales hydrophone at Orcasound Lab (5 km north of Lime Kiln). Single human detection at 1:28; 3 OrcaHello detections 1:40-2:04. OrcaHello AI candidates confirmed as SRKW by David Bain can be reviewed here.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]

Tue, Mar 28 - Satellite Channel (J Pod)

13:15 - J-Pod eastbound in Satellite Channel, BC.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Sat, Mar 25 - Haro Strait & Active Pass (J Pod)

Sublime video by Salish Sea Orca Squad of lovely J pod (endangered Southern Residents) grouped up heading eastbound in Active Pass, BC.

video by Salish Sea Orca Squad, March 25, 2023

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12:32 - Love hearing them. Shared a nice cup of tea whilst listening.

Christina Mullee

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10:46 - So cool! I heard them just a few minutes ago - thanks for sharing!

Juleen O'Dell

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10:30 - Northbound at Kellett and went out of my view.

John Boyd

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10:33 - Seems J pod is continuing northbound with trailers now having passed the Orcasound Lab hydrophone.

10:27 - Repeated calls, including S16s, on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone.

10:00 - Still hearing SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls, whistles, and clicks! Thanks everyone for doing such a great job annotating the Orcasound - Listen for Whales live stream this morning. 

Scott Veirs, Orcasound 

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09:59 - This is so cool.

Katie Melton

09:36 - Sweet sound. It’s amazing the magnificent size of our orcas but their voices are like a sweet little bird. Can’t get enough of it.

Dianna Cowden Root

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09:32 - Lots going on.

George Doe

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09:25 - Hearing J Pod calls and clicks on Orcasound hydrophone.

Linda Aitkins

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09:23 - Calls are loud.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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08:41 - Listen live and let us know if you hear J pod who is currently in Haro Strait heading up San Juan Island. Val Veirs saw and reported (via Whale Alert App) a few off his place. 

Wed, Mar 22 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

21:05 - Was hearing clear calls until about this time.

20:55 - Lots of audible calls under ferry noise.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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20:25 - Hearing them on the Port Townsend hydrophone now.

Austin Jarnagin

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20:18 - Starting to hear calls on Port Townsend.

Linda Aitkins

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20:13 - Hearing them now.

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

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19:34 - Saw 5 or so fins maybe mid channel. All were headed north. May have been too late for the lead whales.

19:24 - Distant fins at Bush Point.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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19:00 - They are just rounding the corner from us (one mile south of Bush Point), closer in, and leaders should be at or very close to Bush Point now or very soon. Porpoising and one breach before they left us.

Susan Berta, Orca Network

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19:00 - The last of the pod is about at Bush Point. Still spread out, but some are heading more to the Whidbey side. They were going very slowly but seem to have sped up in the last 10 minutes. Going north.

Mike Meyer

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18:30 - They are headed closer to the Whidbey side, more mid-channel. We're watching from about one mile south of Bush Point, should be great views from Bush and Lagoon Points in a bit! 

18:15 - Watching J pod pass by from Foulweather spread across the entrance to Hood Canal, way across the Inlet, but saw a great cartwheel!

Susan Berta, Orca Network

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18:12 - Steady northward travel, spread out between Foulweather Bluff and south end of Marrowstone Island.

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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18:08 - Spread out almost from the southern point of Marrowstone to Foulweather bluff - lots of blows and surface activity. Short down times.

18:02 - Viewing from Shore Meadow on Whidbey - they seem to be traveling north right off of Foulweather bluff, but tough to see they are far on the other side.

16:50 - Seeing lots of splashing and activity in the same area as before - off the Point No Point lighthouse.

Emily Wandres

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16:40 - I just saw 7-8 of them heading northbound north of Hansville. Maybe they flipped again?

Sarah Chen

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15:35 - Spoke with Cindi who also reported J pod flipped southbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:30 - They have now traveled about 6 nautical miles south, and quite spread out. We are on a boat south heading from Port Townsend to Kingston so we’ve had the joy of seeing them quite a bit (from a very respectful distance of course!).

15:00 - We spotted four orca, enjoying the currents, heading south from Point No Point beach in Hansville.

Ciara Huntington

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15:22 - Seeing blows between Point No Point and Double Bluff mid channel.

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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15:15 - They haven’t made much progress north but we are still seeing them in the same location - a good amount of surface activity.

14:30 - Looking south from Limpet Lane at Mutiny Bay and the whales are midchannel, east of the big ship, between midchannel and Whidbey - out from Point No Point/Hansville/Double Bluff. Slowly northbound.

Emily Wandres

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13:15 - Seems all north of the yellow buoy now. Northbound.

13:00 - Leaders out from Point No Point, northbound travel mid channel.

12:40 - Seeing blows from Point No Point, to the south, mid channel.

photo by Sara Frey, March 22, 2023

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12:26 - They are leaving my view and heading up the west side of Whidbey passing Possession Point. About a dozen of them.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:20 - Caught peek at few whales well northwest out in middle of Possession triangle (Edmonds/South Whidbey/north Kitsap) northbound travels. 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:07 - They are showing me no signs of turning into Possession. I think they are committed to west side of Whidbey Island.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:45 - Js have continued northbound travels, most pushing northwest, with 1-2 including male due south of Possession Point facing northeast about ten minutes ago. May have trended more west to. Pod has been super spread.

11:45 - Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC messaged to confirm what we presumed this is J pod.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:30 - Now noting at least one male heading to Admiralty/Point No Point direction. Steady travel [approx 47.885760, -122.447703].

Sara Frey

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11:27 - Dang, wouldn't you just know it, while watching orcas from east side through my binoculars they are off Eglon Kitsap side breaches and a tail slap but then this big ol’ bald eagle flies right through my field of view to block out the orca. Oh and that's not all, snow capped Olympics as a backdrop, blue sky and the sun is out. I just don't know where to turn.

John Carroll

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11:20 - Northbound line of sight from Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Spread from gap between Whidbey to Edmonds ferry. Several males and others. Appear headed for the triangle again. Not committed.

Sara Frey

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11:19 - Definitely some still in Edmonds side. About mile offshore steady northbound this side.

11:15 - One group in general here. Others spread west and still several east side who may have shifted more offshore, all steady northbound. Too soon to say which way they’ll go around Whidbey. Research skiff arriving on scene off Edmonds [approx. 47.814641, -122.434515].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:08 - Watching from north Edmonds 6-7 individual orcas seen north of Apple Tree, mid channel but closer to Kitsap steady northbound direction. Nearby tug moving very slowly.

Christina Lee

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11:04 - Watching pod spread across the Sound with several on the Edmonds side just outside the dive park north of ferry traffic lanes steady northbound. Seeing orcas spread across to west side.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:00 - Several orcas northbound approaching the Edmonds ferry terminal.

Sherman Page

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10:35 - A lot of orcas all size spread mid channel to either side of, in and nearing ferry traffic lanes. All northbound steady pace.

10:30 - Just pulled up to Kayu Kayu Ac Park Richmond Beach and see fins northbound mid channel south of ferry traffic lanes.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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06:48 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:54 to report: 1535hrs: 0648hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 8 orcas just east of the traffic lanes heading in a southwest direction. 

Tue, Mar 21 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

A story of survival, competition, co-existence, and persistence: endangered SRKWs swim and forage near the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry, earlier today.

photos by Steve Smith, March 21, 2023

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This guy did a mugshot series when he popped up right in front of me. Showed me his left side, his front side, his right side. I have never been so close to an orca before. It was so amazing!

photos by Alice Thuy Talbot, March 21, 2023

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J26 Mike cutting through the water along the Mukilteo shoreline. Taken from Lighthouse Park.

photo by Ariel Yseth, March 21, 2023

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18:56 - Seen from Fox Spit.

O'Lee Miyagi

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18:06 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Vessel KITSAP reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 2 orca just off the MUK terminal. No particular direction of travel.  

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Donna Neilson

Date of Sighting: 3/21/2023

Time: 5:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Inn of the Sea

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Traveling,

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They went down fairly quickly and didn't see them again.

Photos available?: No

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16:58 - Seeing at least one from Langley mid channel toward Camano northbound.

Bonnie Gretz

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16:45 - Teeny, tiny, nugget breach. This was off Sandy Point.

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 21, 2023

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16:43 - Final group north of Sandy Point. Almost an hour spread. Across channel and to the north, northbound.

16:37 - Some more Camano side. Group still south of Sandy Point.

16:25 - J pod heading northbound into Saratoga Passage still very spread out. Some approaching Langley, some south of Sandy Point still.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:09 - A few heading towards Sandy Point closer to Whidbey side. Moving back to the hill from the bluff.

15:52 - Just saw one from high bluff Sandy Point on west side of Hat Island, northbound.

Bonnie Gretz

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14:50 - Hopped on 2:35 ferry out of Clinton. When we were nearly to Mukilteo, a group of about four whales were near the shoreline between us and the dock. Captain stopped the vessel, gave them plenty of space, and waited until he visually saw them all past the vessel before resuming travel. Group included what looks like Mike and a calf.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:45 - Big guy right next to the lighthouse! 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Don Graham

Date of Sighting: 3/21/2023

Time: 2:45 PM

Species seen:

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Mukilteo

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?: 2 males

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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14:30 - Melissa Berry called at 14:48 to report an orca sighting, at least 6 including several males. Observed from Whidbey Island ferry. Breaching and feeding.

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14:25 - Large tight group rounding Mukilteo Lighthouse heading northeast.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:15 - Approaching Mukilteo ferry dock. Viewing from Glendale.

Jeanne Hamilton

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14:02 - Passing by Mukilteo at the moment heading northbound.

photo by Corbin Reiff, March 21, 2023

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14:00 - Lead J orcas, lead by J19 (thanks Ariel) off Mukilteo Lighthouse beach heading north east side of channel. Others coming 1-2 trailing beautiful in calm seas.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:58 - One more big guy just swam by Chennault Beach close to Mukilteo side. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:40 - Lead Js are milling mid channel mile south of Mukilteo/Clinton ferry traffic lanes. Slow northerly progress. Others spread in all directions to the south foraging while making forward progress.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:38 - Just saw one from Mukilteo Lighthouse, seemed pretty big with tall-ish fin.

Austin Jarnagin

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13:22 - They’re on the move, last ones are making their way north to lighthouse. Spread out from Mukilteo side all the way across the sound to Glendale side. Love when they are close enough to hear them breathing.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:19 - Two just went by (Mukilteo, Chennault beach area), heading north.

Jodi Krause Poissant

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13:15 - J pod very spread out across channel northbound passing Glendale.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:57 - Many have stopped and milling around right in front of Chennault Beach.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:46 - Can see them from Mukilteo. Midchannel heading up towards Possession Sound. Still back towards Picnic Point/Big Gulch.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:46 - A small northbound group just passed Swiftsure on it’s starboard side as it headed south.

Steve Smith

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12:34 - They are currently in Possession triangle, spread out, all going north towards Mukilteo/Clinton. It's 3 miles to Whidbey from me, I'd say they are mid channel, maybe towards the Whidbey side. Males and females both. Leisure pace.

Mark Gronau

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12:26 - Entering Possession Sound.

11:52 - They’re spread all over the triangle. All seem to be trending east. Lots of porpoising and moving fast east in the triangle I saw 7-8? Looks like they are heading right at me in Mukilteo and then they stopped and disappeared. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:44 - Breach fest on Possession Triangle, southwest of Double Bluff. Trending towards Possession, but breaching and porpoising along the way.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:20 - Sara Montour Lewis saw salmon jumping in that area. She saw some earlier as well further south. Yay go J pod.

11:25 - Several have stalled and appear to be foraging, Mike north of Sunset Ave. Others continue northbound.

11:15 - At least half or more of the pod is keeping well to east side of the Sound. Steady northbound and if continue are on track for Possession Sound. From Sunset Ave, Edmonds.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:01 - Seeing J's mid channel northbound from north of ferry dock.

photos by Janine Harles, March 21, 2023

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11:00 - One large male and a female more towards the Kitsap side of shipping lane, mostly steady northbound. Appear to be heading towards the triangle and not committed at this time to Admiralty. Now well past the ferry line. Many more off in the distance mid-channel to east of mid channel.

Sara Frey

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10:50 - Eastbound ferry has been seriously delayed. Captain doing beautiful job with spread out pod. They’ve had to stop multiple times to let subgroups pass by as they are doing now as several groups move north off Edmonds waterfront.

10:40 - Many friends and happy humans enjoying J pod pass by Edmonds Marina Beach, some for first time. Js are still spread wide across and north south with some about mile offshore our side all steady northbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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10:22 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point. Leaders northbound mid channel, line of sight just south of the Edmonds ferry.

Sara Frey

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10:21 - I saw one breach and am looking for more whales.

10:10 - I see them approaching the Edmonds ferry.

Joni Barnes Pollino

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10:05 - Lovely J pod spread wide. Leaders approaching ferry traffic lanes Edmonds/Kingston. Some were wake skimming, not quite surfing. Was super cool. Everyone spread across channel and north south. All have picked up speed. Trailers just north of mid channel yellow buoy.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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10:01 - I just saw them from Richmond Beach neighborhood, they are getting close, but not quite to Kingston.

Theresa Holman Williams

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10:01 - Looking from Kayu Kayu in Richmond Beach. Spread out in front of Kingston ferry dock. Heading north. Very spread out, some still moving up from President Point, mid channel.

Katie Jackson McNeil

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10:00 - Leaders that I see are almost to Point Wells, line of sight from above Kingston ferry. Mid channel to east of.

Jim Pasola

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09:45 - Spotted one whale spout but not seen again [approx. 47.774113, -122.415568].

Shawn Chapman

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09:45 - J pod widely spread. Leaders in line with yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach and President Point northbound with some directional changes.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:45 - Seeing fins approaching the yellow buoy off of Kingston a few in the distance appear to be farther north of that close to the east side. Viewing from the hill above the ferry.

Jim Pasola

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09:20 - Js are widely spread. Small group off Richmond Beach includes males and female(s) loosely grouped. Others to west and southwest. Maintaining steady northbound travels.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:18 - Looks like two large, east side, north bound, almost to President Point.

Trish Moylan Davis

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09:12 - Viewing from Carkeek, seeing a group near a couple boats on west side of channel - looks like they are approaching Indianola - too far to know exactly.

Larry Benesh

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09:14 - Seeing 2 males from Richmond Beach, midchannel, northbound.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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09:05 - Just got eyes in the water from high perch Richmond Beach Saltwater Park seeing Js spread wide. Furthest north I’ve seen is male out from south end Richmond Beach mid channel. Seen others southwest of him. All steady northbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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08:55 - Seeing many exhales now in same areas, Fay Bainbridge to Richmond Beach.

08:53 - Seeing lots of single whales from Fay Bainbridge, slowly northbound, mid to east of channel. Weather deteriorating with fog rolling in.

08:15 - Long-time volunteer Sue Larkin called to report seeing at least four orcas from her place (Bainbridge) heading northbound across from Shilshole on the west side of the Sound.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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J38 Cookie

08:05 - All of Jpod has passed West Point northbound, midchannel. Loosely grouped, some surface activity (baby breeches, cuddling, spy hood, pec and tail slaps). Visibility to the north looks tough for viewing, good luck!

08:00 - Confirmed Jpod steady northbound travel, midchannel. J38.

back of camera photo by Brittany Noelle, March 21, 2023

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06:39 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:46 to report: 0639hrs: Vessel WENATCHEE reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orcas traveling North in the northbound traffic lanes.

Mon, Mar 20 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

These are my photos from our last visit with JPOD! What an amazing day! I had the day off so I followed them from the Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon where we were blessed with a close pass, to the northern tip of Vashon and all the way to Point Defiance. They were quite literally breaching the whole way! We had the most incredible pass at Point Robinson. There were so many breaches I didn't know where to look! When we went to the southern part of Vashon and hopped on the ferry, my friend Hongming pointed out the faint rainbow that Jpod was passing through. Without him, I would have completely missed the shot. Once the ferry docked and unloaded we decided to park, hop out of our cars and walk on the ferry over and over until the sun was gone. Each time was magical, from orcas swimming through a sunset's reflection to a big male waving us goodbye as the last bit of light faded away. I will never forget this beautiful surprise visit from such a special pod.

Jami Cantrell

photos by Jami Cantrell, March 20, 2023

Sun, Mar 19 - Holmes Harbor (J Pod)

In recent days, J-Pod has been in Puget Sound, and on Sunday they spent the entire day hanging out in Holmes Harbor, not a place they visit very often. We were lucky enough to catch up with them while they were in two tight groups, engaged more in resting or relaxed socializing rather than foraging. It's always such a beautiful site to see that many dorsal fins surfacing side by side. Link to FB video by Jason Shields.

Orca Behavior Institute

Wed, Mar 29 - Strait of Georgia (T65A5 & T124C)

With the return of the T65As to the Salish Sea, lots of folks have been wondering about the whereabouts of the wandering T65A5 Indy, a now 9 year-old male who has been traveling apart from his family for several years now. We had heard a couple of reports that he may be traveling with T124C, but thanks to pictures Patricia Rose snapped and shared from Neck Point and Piper's Lagoon near Nanaimo this morning, we got our first photographic documentation of him in the Salish Sea for 2023! This is one of her photos from this morning showing the two whales together. You may remember that last year, T65A5 was seen traveling with lone bull T87 Harbeson. How interesting that he's traveling with another lone bull this year in T124C Cooper! These type of social interactions are so fascinating, and are only possible to track at the level we do thanks to the region-wide open sharing of sightings and photographs from community scientists like Patricia!

Orca Behavior Institute

Wed, Mar 29 - San Juans (T65As minus T65A5)

17:55 - Heading southwest near Battleship Island.

16:30 - T65As milling and killing near Green Point on Spieden Island.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Mon, Mar 27 - Admiralty Inlet (T65As minus T65A5)

14:30 - There’s four whale watch boats far off Dungeness Spit watching Ts [approx. 48.284154, -123.071022].

Noelle Morris

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12:32 - Continuing west.

12:15 - Hunting a harbor seal, still in that general location.

12:03 - About here for location! No real direction [approx. 48.151144, -122.860933].

Brooke Casanova

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11:26 - Heading west, now west of Partridge Bank. 

Cyrilla Cook

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10:41 - Orcas passing Port Townsend right now. Northbound.

Erin Merklein

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10:49 - Well out in front of the Red Head now still steadily northbound.

10:47 - Tug boat with barge passing them in opposite direction.

10:42 - Seeing several passing northbound nearer to ferry landing of Port Townsend (viewing from far away on Whidbey).

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

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10:30 - Spotted from Marrowstone Point headed north on the border of Port Townsend Bay and Admiralty Inlet, trending east towards Whidbey. 4+ individuals.

Sam Kaviar

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10:24 - They found the T65As at Marrowstone Point, moving north pretty quickly. West side of channel. 

Christopher Lewman, Puget Sound Express

Sun, Mar 26 - Haro Strait (T49As)

Late afternoon, the T49As were seen heading southbound in northern Haro Strait, and could be visible from the west side of San Juan before sunset.

Orca Behavior Institute

Sun, Mar 26 - Discovery Bay

Today was amazing and then THIS happened! Discovery Bay in front of World Mark’s Discovery Bay property - we all watched from our deck yesterday for about an hour. There was one or two babies but they were definitely circling/feeding then headed north. Link to FB video.

Cathy Faulkner

Sun, Mar 26 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A5)

We are nearing Happy Birthday time for T65A6 Callisto who was first seen/documented by sightings volunteer Sara Frey on April 10th, 2018 who spotted and photographed her as brand new itty bitty calf powering southbound through some chop with mom T65A off Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Puget Sound is definitely T65A6's natal waters, her first day's beautifully documented, here's rough summary:

- T65As spent April 10-14, 2018 traveling through out all of Puget Sound to south and north.

- They left on the 14/15th where they documented Rosario Strait on 15th.

- T65As returned to inland waters and stayed continuous in Hood Canal from April 18 - May 1st (at least).

- May 4th they spent the day around Puget Sound proper.

- May 5th inland Puget Sound with a trip into in Liberty Bay, Poulsbo! They exited Puget Sound later that day, May 5, 2018. Per our Orca Network Whale Sighting Network archives.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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20:00 - Last seen headed southbound out of the bay.

19:31 - Milling across from Whitney Point.

19:19 - Finally seeing them from Whitney Point again. Headed southbound slowly on east side of the bay.

16:18 - Still heading north into the bay. Close to shore on the east side.

16:08 - Seeing them from Whitney Point.

Bre Oakley

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16:30 - Last saw them heading north into the far reach of Dabob Bay.

Brad Holm

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14:50 - Saw them in the far distance headed north towards Dabob Bay.

Melissa McCourt

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14:42 - Can see them to the right of Dosewallips Park. Northbound, long down times. Looks like they are headed into Dabob Bay.

Bre Oakley

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14:40 - 2-3 across from Misery Point boat launch, far on the other side by Brinnon. Looks like they may be going into Dabob Bay.

Briana Wever

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14:05 - Two orcas right off Black Point and mouth off Pleasant Harbor, about a quarter mile out.

Brad Holm

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14:24 - Seeing a few of them from Scenic Beach State Park, on the opposite side of the channel.

Ashley Warner

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13:39 - They’re mid canal off the mouth of the Duckabush currently. Tons of seals/seabirds out there. Headed north.

Jeff Anderson

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12:10 - Whales are across Triton Cove, look like they were going north.

Danielle Cagey [PSWS]

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11:55 - They just passed Camp Robinswold heading north.

Heather McVey

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11:55 - Three transients seen heading north [in] Hood Canal - spotted north of Eldon heading towards Dosewallips area more on the east side of the canal.

Elizabeth Storm [PSWS]

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10:49 - Lilliwaup.

photo by Stephani Cook, March 26, 2023

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10:25 - [Headed] north, currently past Ayock Point.

10:15 - A friend just called, orcas at his place on Hood Canal located north of Eagle Creek and south of Hama Hama. 

Debbera Coker

Sat, Mar 25 - Strait of Georgia

08:15 - This large group of Biggs orcas (presumably T049s) were in the Strait of Georgia off Mayne Island, heading south/southeast. They were moving fast! About 7 to 10 of them all together.

photos by Yves Tiberghuin, March 25, 2023

Sat, Mar 25 - Haro Strait (T49A2 & T49C)

16:50 - Approaching O’Neal Island headed north slowly. 

Barbara Howitt [WSSJI]

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15:41 - T49A2 and T49C just spent 15 minutes literally dragging crab pots around Friday Harbor. They’re now northbound on the San Juan side of San Juan Channel.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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14:20 - Two orcas between Lopez and Shaw. Just north Canoe Island. Headed southbound.

Kevin Lemme [PSWS]

Sat, Mar 25 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A5)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Suzy Large

Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023

Time: 4:15 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Hood Canal between Lilliwaup and Eldon.

Direction of travel : Traveling N.

Behaviors observed: Traveling & frolicking

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I’ll email photos- they’re from cell phone and far away but we’d love to know if you think they’re Orcas.

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

photo by Suzy Large, March 25, 2023

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Hey Jason Cook! My friend Mel and I met you today. You were kind enough to let us borrow your binoculars [to watch the orca]. I just wanted to say thank you again for your generosity. It made our day.

Ryan DjRyo Mayer

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This was yesterday across from alderbrook [video of T65As].

Dustin Nabors

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Some images of T65As enjoying their swim in the southern Hood Canal.

photos by Jason Cook, March 25, 2023

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T65A2 Ooxjaa

T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A6 Callisto, T65A Artemis, T65A4 Ellifrit

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

They were scattered a lot today, only came together a few times. The light was in my face all day!

photos by Jim Pasola, March 25, 2023

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I think there are two juveniles [video of T65As].

Dana Adams

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18:30 - We saw them at Holly at two different locations but didn’t have cell service. It looked like there were two juveniles, 2 males and a female. 

Jennifer Backen Matchem

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18:22 - Just passed across from Triton Cove Tidelands.

Jeannie Majercin

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18:05 - Trending north.

18:00 - T65As [approx. 47.557797, -123.009190].

Tammy Ash 

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17:55 - East side of channel by Camp Robbinswold.

Heather McVey

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17:47 - Looks like a hunt is on, west side across from Anderson Cove.

17:07 - Can see spouts from Anderson Cove.

Tammy Ash

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17:03 - Far channel (east side) heading north, past Eldon now.

Megan Murphy

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16:59 - They are heading north still, in front of Eldon.

Keley Brewster

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16:46 - They are on the east side of Hood Canal across from Hama Hama fire station.

Trudy Johnson

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Pete Pettit

Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023

Time: 4:30 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Hood canal. Jorstad to Hama Hama.

Direction of travel : North, medium fast.

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 2

Any unusual markings?: None seen

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looked as if large males were in pod together?

Photos available?: No

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16:16 - The northbound swim continues [approx. 47.532171, -123.029968].

Jason Cook

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15:53 - At Eagle Creek right now.

Keley Brewster

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15:36 - Spotted across from Eagle Creek.

Carly Kaiser

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15:35 - They passed Dewatto split into two groups: one mid channel, one little west of it. Northbound.

Jim Pasola

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15:18 - Same general area but hugging far shoreline.

Jason Cook

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15:15 - Straight across from Lilliwaup, northbound.

Carly Kaiser

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14:57 - Slowly northbound. Viewing from Lilliwaup tidelands [approx. 47.454824, -123.090576].

Jason Cook

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14:20 - Passing the Hoodsport pier, east side of canal, northbound steady pace.

David Michael

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14:00 - They are have rounded the Great Bend and are moving north towards Rensland Creek, east of midchannel but heading westerly.

Jim Pasola

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13:57 - Heading north towards Rensland Creek.

13:54 - They are right in front of our house now!

Kimberly Smith

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13:38 - Made it to Union and now appear to have turned around.

Teri Gage

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13:38 - Heading east towards Alderbrook Resort but easily seen from the marina in Union.

Theresa McCarthy Sayer

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13:35 - They have flipped and are now heading back towards Potlatch.

Jim Pasola

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13:28 - You can still see them from Union.

Theresa McCarthy Sayer

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13:25 - In the Great Bend.

photo by Cathy Preimsberger Warner, March 25, 2023

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13:20 - Just passing Union heading toward Alderbrook.

photo by Dawn DeLuna, March 25, 2023

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13:19 - Almost to Alderbrook.

Laura Lamb Stradling

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13:17 - Just off Union marina. Eastbound.

photos by Steve Illman, March 25, 2023

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13:15 - They have moved closer to the Union side and are continuing slowly towards Belfair.

Jim Pasola

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13:10 - Off Tahuya shore.

Laura Lamb Stradling

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13:01 - We are leaving Potlatch State Park heading to Union. They are still on the other side of the shore but continuing south.

Theresa McCarthy Sayer

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Pete PETTIT

Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023

Time: 1:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Holiday Beach to Hoodsport

Direction of travel : South, medium pace

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 2

Any unusual markings?: None seen

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Largest male stayed far from others. 1 mile or more ahead of others. Was told it was pod T65A

Photos available?: No

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13:16 - On south shore in front of Union right now.

12:58 - They are at the Great Bend right now.

Kimberly Smith

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12:50 - They were right off Ayers Point till the boat showed up. They're now heading southwest out into the Great Bend.

Jim Pasola

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12:42 - We are at Potlach State Park. They are on the opposite shore. At least two of them.

Theresa McCarthy Sayer

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12:15 - Just south of Hoodsport dock - further towards the other side than they've been.

11:53 - Just passed Glen Ayr, still going south.

Carrie Thomas

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11:15 - Southbound, Rest-a-While.

11:05 - Southbound, Octopus Hole.

10:40 - They turned back north, out of my view, probably west side, near Lilliwaup to Eagle Creek. Southbound.

10:35 - Four, one small, 200 yards west of Dewatto bay, circling and breaching.

10:20 - Saw two or more, just south of Dewatto Bay, southbound, east shore. One large one very close to shore.

Steve Illman

Fri, Mar 24 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A5)

19:34 - My friend texted me saying that she saw two orcas off their bank in Hood Canal around 18:00, east side of the fjord across from Thorndyke Bay, circling a school of fish, accompanied by many birds but no pinnipeds visible. Southbound.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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18:03 - Saw some 10 minutes ago in the canal mid-channel north of Bangor (probably off Lofall, I'm looking north from Vinland) heading south, but haven't seen them in the last couple of minutes.

Keith Kriebel

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15:30 - Four to five orcas deep in Port Ludlow, swimming back and forth, then grouped up and left, haven't seen them since.

Debbie Ayers

Thu, Mar 23 - San Juans (T19, T19B, T34s, T37, T37Bs, & T49As)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #12:

“We got on scene at 1255 north of the east end of Johns Island. Mark had reported that T19, T19B, the T34s, T37, the T37Bs, and the T49As (minus T49A2) were present and they were in three groups when we got there. The T34s and T37s were in the lead in a tight group heading southeast into what used to be relatively calm seas but was now a 1-2 ft. lump that could get cameras wet…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #12.

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Nothing says "springtime in the Salish Sea" like a T party, and we had our second one of the month this afternoon in San Juan Channel! T19 and T19B (who have split off again from the other two T18s); the T34s, T37, and T37Bs; and the T49As were all present - a total of 15 whales. Around the corner from our viewing spot they reportedly took a sea lion in Spieden Channel, but the party continued into San Juan Channel with a lot of feasting and socializing over the next two hours. 22 year-old male T49A1 Noah, pictured here, was on the periphery of the group for most of the afternoon. He switches between traveling with or separate from his family, and often spends most of the winter traveling with his younger brother T49A2 Jude who has more permanently dispersed from the family. It was nice to see Noah back with mom and younger siblings again today. For those who may be wondering, "T party" is an unofficial regional term for a large gathering of Bigg's killer whales, since the word "superpod" doesn't really apply to them the way it does to resident killer whales. There is no formal definition, but our OBI just-for-fun definition is it has to be more than a dozen whales from three or more families to qualify as a true "party".

Orca Behavior Institute

T49A1 Noah

photo & ID by Monika Wieland Shields, March 23, 2023

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A group of 15 Bigg's killer whales was heading our way, but then veered off in the other direction. It turns out they were just snagging a sea lion for dinner. We caught up with the T34s, T37, T37Bs, T49As, and T19 and T19B in San Juan Channel where thankfully both the wind and seas had died down by early evening. Here is Jason's highlight video of the encounter, capturing the whales' lazy socializing that followed the post-hunt feast.

Orca Behavior Institute

video by Jason Shields, March 23, 2023

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17:25 - All 15 whales now slowly southbound mid channel between Jones and Yellow.

16:20 - Trending south in San Juan Channel - T34s and T37s near O’Neal, T19 and T19B and T49As spread out but also around.

15:17 - Spread and milling between Limestone Point and Jones.

13:55 - Bigg’s killer whales Green Point, Spieden Island. Milling. T19 and T19B here as well as the T34s/T37s, maybe others.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

Thu, Mar 23 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5)

Another beautiful but cold/windy day for whale watching! Two photos of T65A2 Ooxjaa, first from just south of Brownsville marina, and second as he passed Point White Pier, BI. The other T65A members were way on the Bremerton side.

photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, March 23, 2023

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Dyes Inlet - Ooxjaa is beautiful! 

photo by Noelle Morris, March 23, 2023

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All things considering, yesterday was a pretty darn good day! After spending the morning with my grandma, I decided to go find me some whales. Hehe. I started in Bremerton and got a close pass at Bachman park, then hurried to the Manette Bridge to watch them below. I got out of my car and started to run to get to my spot on the bridge in time. Well…I fell so hard that I stressed my brain out and I legitimately almost passed out. (I mean it was bad I’ve been sleeping all day) I couldn’t drive after that because I was so disoriented, so I rode with my friend Mike. We continued down towards Lions Park area and saw that they stalled out and began hunting by the Bremerton yacht club. We decide to take a chance and go see if we could find a spot over there. Lucky for us our friend Noelle has connections and not only able to get in the club, but a nice fellow named Jim let us ride on his boat. We saw the pod at least a mile away and slowed the boat down to approach to a respectable distance without disturbing them. All of a sudden T65A2 appeared out of nowhere and we quickly turned the engine off. Our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; oh how I’ve missed the T65As. 

Jami Cantrell

T65A2 Ooxjaa

photos by Jami Cantrell, March 23, 2023

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19:59 - Heading out. Too dark to track them. They're still going east.

David Bennett

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19:56 - Mid channel passing Lions Park, heading south toward Warren Ave Bridge.

Katie Bradshaw

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19:52 - They are circling mid channel.

Linda Bancroft Weinacker

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19:51 - Heading back out towards Warren Ave Bridge.

Debbie Dunn Gonzalez

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T65A6 Callisto, T65A2 Ooxjaa, & T65A Artemis

T65A2 Ooxjaa

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

19:40 - Just passed Pat Carey overlook approaching Lions Park losing light, good night.

photos by Jim Pasola, March 23, 2023

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19:31 - Got eyes on them again. Looks like they're getting closer to us here at the park. About mid-channel.

David Bennett

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19:30 - Still moving very slowly just made it back to the mouth of Phinney Bay.

Jim Pasola

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18:45 - Heading into the Narrows out of Dyes inlet. Thank you for the visit! They were fighting the current so moving slow.

Teresa Walton

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18:45 - They're continuing east very slowly. Right off of Rocky Point.

18:15 - They have turned east moving slowly off of Erland's Point.

Jim Pasola

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18:00 - Hanging out near Silverdale. Not surfacing too often. Can see them pretty good with binoculars from Chico boat ramp.

Carillon BeCraft

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17:51 - Got eyes on them seem to be going northerly. Maybe milling action in the water.

David Bennett

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17:14 - We just left Tracyton, they looked to be headed towards Chico.

Hayley Widhalm

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17:04 - Stalled at Rocky Point and went east. They came back out just as we left, heading north!

Kenna Huff

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16:59 - Spotted by Rocky Point.

Elizabeth Williams

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16:53 - They moved out of Phinney Bay heading for Silverdale.

Jim Pasola

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16:47 - Still by yacht club.

Sarah Payne

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16:12 - Orcas in Bremerton right off the yacht club right now!

Matt Leach

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16:06 - They seem to be hunting by the Bremerton yacht club area.

Jami Cantrell

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16:02 - They have gone under the Warren Avenue Bridge past the Bremerton Marina and at the moment into Phinney Bay.

Jim Pasola

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15:50 - They are going into Dyes Inlet, just went under the bridge.

Crystal Thompson

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15:48 - Heading into Chico under the Manette Bridge.

Traci Siasat

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15:27 - Approaching Bachman Park heading towards the shipyard.

Jami Cantrell

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T65A3 Amira

15:00 - Illahee public dock.

back of camera photo by Noelle Morris, March 23, 2023

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15:01 - They just passed the port of Illahee dock.

Tammy Ash

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2:56 - Just passed Illahee dock southbound. Amira on Bremerton side, Ooxjaa (I’m assuming) Bainbridge side and the others midchannel.

14:20 - Whales passed Brownsville, Bainbridge side southbound. Long down times.

Jami Cantrell

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14:01 - Whales passed Liberty Bay southbound.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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13:47 - At the mouth of Liberty Bay!

Amy Douglas Ramos

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13:28 - Between Old Man Park and Agate Pass Bridge about 15 mins ago.

Lee Mello

-

13:23 - They just passed, going south.

Tammy Ash

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13:!3 - Southbound now in Agate Pass, nearly to the bridge.

12:59 - Likely heading for Agate Pass, motivating to the SW in front of downtown Suquamish.

12:48 - About a half mile out in front of Suquamish, throwing some large prey around with their tails. Maybe three adults and a baby.

Ben Blankenship

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08:58 - Orca headed south, just past Kingston, mid channel. One for sure and maybe others.

Trish Moylan Davis

Wed, Mar 22 - Victoria waterfront (T49A2 & T49C)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #11:

“Upon rounding the marker at Shoal Point, Mark and Brendon spotted the dorsal fin of a large bull abeam of McLoughlin Point, and the encounter began at 0812. The first whale to surface was T049C, a 25-year-old bull with a history of visiting Victoria's harbour. Moments later, a sprouter surfaced nearby, and Brendon identified him as T049A2, the 16-year-old nephew of T049C. This pair has been observed traveling together on several occasions in the past and had recently been sighted the day before heading west in the San Juan Islands…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #11.

Wed, Mar 22 - San Juans (T99s)

This was the T99s.

Clinton Duckworth

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16:49 - Secondhand update that these whales (or others) might have been seen heading southwest down Upright Channel.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Suzette Lamb

Date of Sighting: 3/22/2023

Time: 1:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: on the north side of the middle Peapod Island in between Sea Acres and Doe Bay

Direction of travel : West, very slowly

Behaviors observed: tightly bunched group, moving very slowly and staying underwater for minutes at a time before surfacing only briefly

If orcas, any males?: not sure

Any unusual markings?: too far to see

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

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

Wed, Mar 22 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5)

WOW! What a gloriously gorgeous evening to be kayaking to Agate Pass Bridge at sunset. I heard from a friend that the T65As were done with a kill up in Suquamish and had gone into stealth mode. I turned toward home (back to Manzanita Bay) and shot some amazing shots of the sunset. I just couldn't bring myself to keep paddling toward home, even though the sun was setting. I am soooo glad I turned around and saw this incredible family under the bridge. Several blows right below the bridge (from my view point anyway) and it seemed that they were going to turn around and head east. But they didn't. I paddled out into the middle of the channel. And here they came. They swam past me at a good distance. But it was just me and them. Such a powerful experience to witness their peacefulness on their level. After they passed me, I reached for the shore. Still had about an hour to paddle home as the sun had set and darkness was deepening. The water and air was still. And I continued to hear their blows, along with those of sea lions and seals, my entire paddle home into the dark. PURE MAGIC! Enjoy!

Kimberly Sylvester 

video by Kimberly Sylvester, March 22, 2023

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This was an amazing encounter at Agate Pass Bridge. The tide was going out and the orcas seemed to struggle a bit. They actually went under the bridge multiple times. After looking at the photos there are five orcas.

photos by Tammy Ash, March 22, 2023

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Out from Suquamish dock earlier.

photo by Scott Gethers, March 22, 2023

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T65A6 Callisto & T65A4 Ellifrit

T65A Artemis & T65A4 Ellifrit

T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A6 Callisto

Watched the T65As from Suquamish Dock to a little beyond the Agate Pass Bridge. Beautiful evening. This last light capture from Agate Pass Bridge. Whales were southbound. All five came up together.

photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, March 22, 2023

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T65As seen from the beach at Old Man House Park.

photo by Peggy Mauro, March 22, 2023

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19:39 - Agate Bridge. They went under going south; was a struggle for them.

Tammy Ash

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19:06 - Heading towards the Agate Pass Bridge now.

Jennifer Backen Matchem

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18:50 - Peggy Mauro messaged she is with Jen Matchem watching from Suquamish dock, T65As are straight out from the dock due east about a mile heading south.

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18:34 - Have been watching them straight out from Indianola sandspit close to Bainbridge side. All the sea lions, porpoises and harbor seals headed in towards shore. Three harbor seals are 10 feet away from me off the beach! Bet a nice view from Suquamish dock (I have scope)!

Deanna Deery-Schmitt

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18:22 - Hunting at Suquamish dock.

Tammy Ash

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18:23 - They’re hunting in the bay between Suquamish and Indianola docks.

18:12 - Straight out from Suquamish dock heading this way.

Jennifer Backen Matchem

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18:17 - Jen Matchem also called to report on the four orcas (female, two males, one juvenile) who have made some directional changes and now appear to be hunting in Port Madison between Indianola dock and directly out from Suquamish dock.

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17:47 - Looks like they are headed towards Agate Pass.

Tammy Ash

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T65A2 Ooxjaa

ID by Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

16:05 - Two orca just passed Apple Tree Point, Kingston, west side of shipping lanes southbound. Male and female.

photos by Sara Frey, March 22, 2023

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16:00 - Sara Frey had called to report seeing two orcas, female and male, off Apple Tree Point heading southbound on the Kitsap side. She got photos and posted in other thread when we didn't know if Js or these Bigg's. Ariel Yseth was able to ID male as T65A2. We'll see who all else from the family is here!

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13:30 - Cindi Crowder Rausch just called, from the north side of Bush Point she caught a glimpse of one orca heading southbound off Bush Point, Whidbey side for sure.

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13:06 - One, maybe two, headed south straight out from Lagoon Point South Beach.

Cheryl Connor

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12:17 - Lone orca southbound off Lagoon Point, Whidbey. 

photo by Bill Setter, March 22, 2023

Tue, Mar 21 - Haro Strait (T99s)

03-21-23 T099s, Haro Strait, SJI

15:18 - 15:25, 4-5 orcas appeared suddenly to my left as I was at the shore trying to photograph horned grebes. Viewed from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve, initially two pairs quickly traveling north/up island about 1/4 mile from shore. The first pair doubled back to join the second pair and then they continued together up-island. I thought I counted 5 orcas although the T99 family has 4 members and I only saw 4 together at any time, so 4 orcas for sure, T99; T99B; T99C and T99D. T99C is huge with an impressive girth. In one of the photos his bite mark scar can be clearly seen. What a lovely surprise on a lovely almost-spring day!

Michelline Halliday, SJI

T99D Puck & T99C Barakat

T99C Barakat & T99 Bella

T99B Holly

photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, March 21, 2023

Tue, Mar 21 - Sidney Channel (T87 & T124A2s)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #10:

“Dave was working in CWR’s photo-ID office when he heard over the radio that Mark Malleson had found a small group of transients (T87 and the T124A2s) heading north off Gordon Head on his way home from a PoW trip. Dave ran down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 1245. Mark stuck around long enough for “Orcinus” to arrive on scene off the southwest corner of D’Arcy Island and the encounter started at 1306…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #10.

Tue, Mar 21 - San Juans (T49A2 & T49C)

17:17 - We’re leaving but they’re heading west towards Griffin Bay. More towards the top of the bay.

17:15 - Heading south in San Juan Channel. East of mid channel. Spread a bit and long dives.

Sara Hysong-Shimazu

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16:25 - T49C and T49A2 were at the bottom of Upright Channel, unsure of direction from there.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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15:35 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 18:06 to report: 1535hrs: Vessel TILLIKUM reports via 800MHz they have slowed on their approach to LPZ, as 2 orcas surfaced between the vessel and the slip. Direction of travel is west. 

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Saw this guy heading eastbound as I approached the Lopez terminal today on the 3:40 ferry. A second, a female, came very close to ferry but missed the shot, then it looked like a seal kill occurred from a far off the stern.

Fred Felleman

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Hi Alisa, My spouse was on the Friday Harbor to Anacortes run yesterday [21st] and at about 4 they saw a 2 kws - sounds like maybe north end of Upright Channel

One was a big male with not so good looking fin…

Brad Hanson, NOAA- NWSFC

Mon, Mar 20 - SJIs (T49As)

17:00 - Watched a small pod of six orcas pass Doe Bay on Orcas Island. Swimming with them were two very small calves. Quite a sight seeing them so young swim in unison. It was my birthday, too. Anyone know which pod has 2 calves right now? Transients probably? The pod was headed east by Doe Bay, Rosario Strait, males and females together, about 5-6 adults and two very small calves together.

EJ Jacobs

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[PSWS] w/follow up by Alisa - Per Monika: I think the two males [T49A2 & T49C] met up with the rest of the T49As (the Thatcher whales) and ended up over there.

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15:45 - Long-time volunteer Dick Snowberger called at 16:43 to report orcas off Lopez ferry dock probably 1/2 mile to mile off ferry dock about an hour ago. Appeared to be transients 3-5 animals, believes one male and one youngster in the group traveling together easterly direction. As seen from ferry Kaleetan pulling into ferry dock.

Sat, Mar 25 - Samish Bay

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sarah Foster

Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023

Time: 18:42 

Species seen: I THINK it’s orcas

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Looking out on the Samish Bay by oyster/clam nets

Direction of travel : W

Behaviors observed: Hunting? Unsure

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: My photos are bad. They are far away.

Photos available?: No

Wed, Mar 22 - Haro Strait

00:25 - Orca blows heard one mile south of Landbank. The orcas are traveling northbound/up-island very close to shore, hearing inhalation and exhalation. Estimate 4-5 orcas, with intermittent long dives of silence. 

00:38 - The orcas are at Point Edwards now (just south of Landbank. If vocalizing, they could be heard on LK hydrophone in 15 minutes or so.

Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]

Thu, Mar 23 - Admiralty Inlet

13:42 - Looks like a gray whale just north of [Point] Wilson breaching like crazy [confirmed humpback].

Ryan Johnson

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Tom Silliman

Date of Sighting: 3/23/2023

Time: 12:20 PM

Species seen: humpback

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Near old Keystone wharf

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: cruising, surfaced twice then disappeared

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: ID'd by dorsal fin. Brief appearance and 20+mph wind precluded photo opp.

Photos available?: No

Wed, Mar 29 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca

14:04 - Based on how the tail looked and the head, I think it’s a gray. Still out here and making direction changes frequently.

13:43 - Now south. And when going east, it was north of [approx. 48.398028, -122.6683020].

13:33 - Gray, Deception Pass headed east.

Emily Peterson

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13:53 - Gray whale feeding near West Beach at Deception Pass Park. Initially popped up very close to shore, seems to be going back and forth.

Silver Hubble

Wed, Mar 29 - Admiralty Inlet

18:25 - Gray whale close to shore northbound Lagoon Point.

Bill Setter

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17:28 - Ana Sing Des and Pip Gordon, Bush Point, Whidbey called to report they are seeing one large humpback [photo confirmed as gray later up island] traveling northbound very close to shore.

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15:01 - But it appeared to be heading north, farther into the bay.

14:53 - Spotted a gray whale in Useless Bay, Whidbey Island! Down for a long time. Feeding on ghost shrimp?

Ellen Molbak Welsch

Wed, Mar 29 - Saratoga Passage

18:00 - 18:15 - Three grays moving north towards Summerland.

Peg Boley [CWW]

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16:18 - Headed fast south towards Bells.

16:10 - Near Fox Spit headed towards the Camano side.

Jessica Hutchings

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15:06 - Second gray heading south close to Camano side. Saratoga Passage just south of Onamac. They are just messing with me today.

14:50 - Saratoga Passage. Now seeing traveling south, mid channel. Do not know if same gray or new going south just past Onamac Point.

14:23 - Saratoga Passage, gray heading north, mid channel just south of Onamac Point. Long down times.

Marie Heil

Wed, Mar 29 - Port Susan (CRC21, CRC22, CRC56, CRC383)

09:59 - Cindy Hansen (Education/Advocacy Coordinator) & Jill Hein (board member) report three grays south of Kayak Point but on Camano side of Port Susan, circling. One is CRC22 Earhart.

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An amazing day on the water with Cindy Hansen. We found FIVE Sounders, the sun was out, the lighting ‘mostly’ good, and the water calm. We saw CRC #21, CRC #22, CRC #56 and CRC #383. The 5th one we didn't get a good enough look at to try to ID. 

photo by Jill Hein, March 29, 2023

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07:45 - Thought to be 3 grays northbound off Tyee (southern end).

John Cavanaugh [CWW]

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07:30 - One to two being reported between Beach 2 and 3 at Country Club (that’s across from between Warm Beach and Kayak Pt) no discernible direction. 

Thomas McKane & Greg Mann [CWW]

Tue, Mar 28 - Semiahmoo Bay

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Elissa Potvin

Date of Sighting: 3/28/2023

Time: 5:30 PM

Species seen: Gray?

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Semiahmoo

Direction of travel : Northeast

Behaviors observed: Hunting

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, Mar 28 - Saratoga Passage

18:57 - Baleen whale slowly heading up Saratoga Passage. Looks like a gray. It’s just past Sandy Point heading toward Langley harbor direction.

Luanne Seymour

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16:40 - Two grays Camano State Park heading north.

Natalie Herald

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16:27 - Gray passing Camano State Park, northbound. Not staying up very long, so hard to get shots. Now past boat launch. 

Krista Paulino

Tue, Mar 28 - Port Susan

08:20 - Four gray whales off of Pirate Cove.

John C Storbeck [PSWS]

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09:10 - Just saw three gray whales right off of Tyee Beach headed south.

Wendy Johnson [CWW]

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07:28 - Gray just off shore heading south from Country Club just past Port Susan Terrace/Cameron Rd. 

Fern Lee [PSWS]

Tue, Mar 28 - Possession Sound

08:20 - A solo gray is traveling from southwest Hat Island towards Saratoga Passage. About 400 yards offshore.

Lori Christopher

Mon, Mar 27 - Port Susan

17:40 - 17:50 - Took some pictures of a gray whale spotted at Kayak Point.

photos by Xanth Moen, March 27, 2023

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17:50 - Gray continued northbound travels towards Warm Beach. Hopefully images taken by others on the pier can help us ID. Beautiful night pass and new term by youngster I was viewing with: “a grayle”

17:42 - Just passed by Kayak Point pier northbound swift pace. Surfaces couple times then shallow dive repeat then deep dive.

17:18 - Gray whale off point at McKees Beach few hundred yards offshore heading northbound toward Kayak Point [approx. 48.126200, -122.367020].

15:55 - At least one gray remains in Port Susan. Mid channel southwest of Kayak Point (south side) milling back and forth. Sun is blazing and sitting in little rain squall overhead from the east, bit surreal. 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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15:33 - Blows being seen from Mission Beach, Tulalip.

Hannah Blake

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14:18 - Viewing two gray whales across from Tillicum Beach on Stanwood side. Have passed Kayak Point. Southbound.

Linda Aitkins

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13:00 - Port Susan, three grays in the Pirates Cove/Tillicum Beach area of Camano Island. Report of two more coming on from the south near Camano Head.

John C Storbeck

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11:20 - From View Street at Country Club, Beach #1.

Thomas McKane

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10:25 - I just saw a single spout in Port Susan between Mountain View and Port Susan Terrace. Appears to be heading south.

10:20 - I saw one blow from Kayak about twenty minutes ago, when that gray boat was heading south. 

Linda Raines Tyner

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10:58 - I’m still seeing the three from CC2, two are closer to Stanwood and one is heading more mid channel now. All still heading slowly south.

09:26 - There are three grays closer to the Stanwood side across from CC2. They were spread out a little while ago but are now grouped up. Slow trend southward.

Charvet Drucker

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09:44 - There’s two now near each other.

08:46 - South of Warm Beach. Pretty large spout.

photo by Thomas McKane, March 27, 2023

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08:13 - Spout in front of Country Club area near Kayak Point. Moving quickly south so should be at Beach 3 and Tillicum shortly. Much closer to mainland than Camano.

Thomas McKane [CWW]

Mon, Mar 27 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca

12:57 - Gray at Moran’s Beach County Park.

Sarah Geist

Mon, Mar 27 - North Saratoga Passage

10:04 - Moving fairly fast now west of Mariner’s Cove.

09:52 - Gray whale off Mariner’s Cove heading west, mid way out.

Paul E. Belanger

Sun, Mar 26 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca

16:00 - I probably saw the same whale this afternoon. I started seeing the spout around 4 pm. Deception Pass State Park.

Marion HW

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Carol Kruse

Date of Sighting: 3/26/2023

Time: 11:26 AM

Species seen: Gray, I think

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Deception State Park West Beach

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?: Very limited view of the body of the whale, but repeated sightings of spout/blow

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

photo by Carol Kruse, March 26, 2023

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09:21 - Freesia Krogstad called Orca Network to report a gray whale off West Beach at Deception Pass State Park. The whale is milling back and forth ~400 yards offshore. Whale is sounding, they saw the fluke.

Sun, Mar 26 - Possession Sound

17:12-17:16 - Likely first gray whale I reported (16:40) now off Jetty Island close in moving southbound, towering illuminated blows hang suspended. Whale barely surfaces [approx. 48.005366, -122.238832].

18:40 - This whale continues steady travel same course toward Camano Head.

18:18 - This gray has steadily been traveling angling northwest toward Camano Head.

17:40 - 17:48 - Gray whale, first spotted 17:40, few surfaces then sounded, under 7 minutes, 3 surfaces and sounded. Westbound. Beautiful illuminated tall blows [approx. 48.023527, -122.315243]. Side note: tide super low and can see feeding pits off very north end Jetty Island/ Snohomish Delta.

16:40 - Seeing blows of at least one gray whale west Jetty Island out from south entrance to Everett Marina. Whale is milling.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

Sun, Mar 26 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21, CRC22, CRC383, CRC2356)

18:32 - Three spouts and tails heading south through Saratoga. Seeing them off yacht club but hugging Whidbey side.

Dma Work

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16:40 - Last saw blows at the north side of Penn Cove (from my perspective. They were likely still pretty mid channel). They seem committed to continuing south closer to whidbey side, but might swing into the cove

Sam Wallace

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16:15 - They looped behind Polnell Point and turned south/southwest. From our perspective at the Maple Grove boat launch they are directly in front of the Navy Exchange, but are still a ways off shore. Trending south/southwest.

15:30 - They crossed the channel to Polnell Point, and turned around. They’ve now rounded the south edge of the point and are pointed towards Oak Harbor/Whidbey.

14:36 - With Sam Wallace at Maple Grove Boat Launch. They are still grouped together, still a bit south of the boat launch. Might be crossing the channel towards Crescent Harbor/Polnell Point.

Linda Aitkins

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13:55 - Continuing north now passing Rockaway Beach (from my line of sight on Whidbey), heading towards Madrona on Camano Island.

Jill Hein, Orca Network

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13:16 - They are just about to pass the Yacht Club.

Sam Wallace

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13:09 - San Juan Clipper is with 4 grays northbound at Onomac Point.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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12:27 - Looks like they’re at Onomac now. Heading to the Yacht club to see if they pass there.

Sam Wallace

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12:08 - Now halfway between Camano and Whidbey, hanging out north of Cama Beach.

photo by Andrew Spitznas, March 26, 2023

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CRC22 Earhart

ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

12:05 - One of the two (or three).

photos by Thomas McKane, March 26, 2023

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11:45 - Map for CRC 21, 22, 383, and 2356 northbound [approx. 48.154272, -122.524752].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:45 - At least 3 grey whales heading north in Saratoga Passage. About a mile north from Cama Beach.

Jennifer Johnson-Fong

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11:41 - Awesome! Viewing southbound from Camano City!

Patricia Phillips

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11:38 - Shackleton (CRC 21) raised his tail flukes too! He rarely ever raises his flukes up, but he’s done it twice so far today.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:37 - Viewing from Cama State Park. Seeing 4 spouts, flukes, and a nice tail dive. Northbound. Appears to be heading towards Coupeville. So amazing.

Linda Aitkins

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11:35 - Can finally confirm there are three. Took a while to get them to all come up together. Continuing north.

Kevin Doar

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11:30 - MV Swiftsure has four here! (21, 22, 383, and 2356) [approx. 48.147324, -122.522736].

Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express

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11:21 - Viewing from Cama State Park. Whales heading northbound with deep dives.

11:15 - Seeing two, possibly three, blows north of Hidden Beach closer to Whidbey.

Linda Aitkins

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11:00 - Dead on in front of the Cama Park cabins.

10:46 - Two to three heading north. Seeing lots of dives with tails [approx. 48.129897, -122.540985].

Kevin Doar

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10:59 - Adult and suspected juvenile or baby hunting off of Cama Beach, moving slow and diving.

Stephanie Hellekson

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10:31 - I am a complete novice, but I believe we just saw them at Camano Island State park. heading roughly north.

Pablo Trejo

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09:35 - Allie Hudec called Orca Network to relay report from her neighbor who reports watching three grays off Fox Spit, feeding then heading south towards Bells Beach [both private communities]. Grays then turned back around so maybe socializing. She’ll be heading over soon to take a peek and report back what they are up to.

Sun, Mar 26 - Puget Sound

16:15 - Spotted a whale headed south near Restoration Point on Bainbridge Island. Somewhat confident it was a grey whale.

Mary Dombrowski

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08:13 - Gray whale just passing behind the ferry coming into Kingston. Southbound.

Casey Bizelli

Sat, Mar 25 - Port Susan

18:12 - Seeing two, possibly three blows in Port Susan across from Kayak Point dock, between Cavalero Boat Ramp and Barnum Point. Slowly going south. Also seeing porpoises.

Linda Raines Tyner

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09:04 - Possible gray whale off Country Club Beach 2 [Port Susan] heading north.

Erik Brzozowski [PSWS]

Sat, Mar 25 - Possession Sound (CRC185, CRC383, CRC2356)

12:30 - Gray whale CRC-2356 is back! Westbound from my mark on the map at Camano Head [approx. 48.050506, -122.358717]! 

11:45 - Crc 383 northbound [approx. 48.062495, -122.337153].

11:15 - Crc 185 milling [approx. 48.012223, -122.262965].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

Fri, Mar 24 - Saratoga Passage

16:20 - Grey headed slowly south mid channel off Onamac point, making a few dives.

Steve Boskovich [CWW]

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12:16 - Tracked a fast moving grey from Mabana to Summerland and out at Pebble Beach a little before noon. Three big blows along the way and gone.

Thomas McKane [PSWS]

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10:14 - Gray whale in Saratoga Passage off Onamac Point, no direction noted. 

Marianne Crawford [PSWS]

Fri, Mar 24 - Possession Sound (CRC22, CRC383, CRC2259, CRC2441)

11:50 - CRC 2259 milling at the blue mark in my map [approx. 48.004525, -122.298097].

11:15 - Crc 22, 383, and 2441 eastbound from my map [approx. 48.014656, -122.310789].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

Fri, Mar 24 - Port Susan

18:02 - Reports of two grays northbound at McKees Beach in Port Susan.

Linda Raines Tyner

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09:13 - Spouts in Port Susan, off North Tillicum. Heading north. 

Tudi Bohn [CWW]

Wed, Mar 22 - Possession Sound

17:34 - Tom & Judy Nowak called from Mission Beach to report 8-10 baleen whale sightings traveling different directions throughout the day, presume grays going north. Three in channel right now (reports as probably humpbacks, but we’ve had no humpbacks confirmed. -alb).

Tue, Mar 21 - Port Susan

12:20 - Viewing from Kayak Point Park: Two grays were in Port Susan, one was at the southern tip of Camano Island, between Tyee and Camano Head. Just saw the blows. The other was traveling steadily north, mid-channel. Saw the tail several times, and finally got a pic, though it’s far away, and way zoomed in. Mid-channel between Cavalero Boat Ramp and Barnum Point. Also saw porpoises.

back of camera photos by Linda Raines Tyner, March 21, 2023

Tue, Mar 21 - Possession Sound

CRC531

12:21 - Leaving #531 and #2440 between Hat Island and delta.

photos & ID by Janine Harles, March 21, 2023

Tue, Mar 21 - Penn Cove

11:34 - Just saw a single grey whale breaching in Penn Cove less than 20 minutes ago. Headed towards mussel beds. Visible from Monroe Landing.

Natalie Brown

Tue, Mar 21 - Holmes Harbor

08:59 - Amy Reynolds called to report seeing a whale they thought likely a gray, in Holmes Harbor off Harbor Sands (south of Beverly Beach) 50-70 feet offshore. Watched several surfacings and some splashing and could smell the whales breath!  

Sun, Mar 26 - Puget Sound

10:30 - Ethan Allen called Orca Network at 11:05 to report baleen whale, not sure species, looks like humpback (seen quite a few) but this one appeared to have irregular dorsal some deformity, strangely flattened. Just inside Blake Island, between there and old harbor pier Port Orchard. Traveling very fast southward toward Southworth and Colvos Passage.

Fri, Mar 24 - Hood Canal

10:00 - My son and I both saw a humpback or grey whale just 100 feet north of the Hood Canal bridge. Heading west.

Ryan Dicks

Wed, Mar 22 - Possession Sound

(Reported as humpback but grays in area)

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Wed Mar 22 11:36:21 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.00669,-122.29386 [SE Hat Island] 

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Lana Miller

Whale Alert App

Wed, Mar 22 - South Puget Sound

I watched a whale in Case Inlet, on the northwest side of Herron Island. While I usually post my sightings, I wasn’t sure what kind of whale it was so I held back. I first spotted it north of the island, between Harstine and Key Peninsula. It appeared to be heading north slightly. Then I spotted it primarily closer to Herron, at the north end and on the west side. I never observed strong blows, just uneventful surfaces. The whale appeared to have a flatter back and smaller dorsal fin than the humpbacks I usually see visit the area. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I live on the Case Inlet side of Harstine Island, directly across the north tip of Herron Island. 

Jerilyn Evans