May 15, 2024 WS Report: J Pod off Orcas Island!; T86A1s, T124A1, & T124Ds in Puget Sound; T65A3 & T65A5 visit Quartermaster Harbor & Eagle Harbor!; T90s & T99s explore South Puget Sound;

May 15, 2024

PHOTO OF THE DAY

T90D Kanga & T90B Piglet during their extended visit in Hammersley Inlet.

photo by Vanessa Soberanis, May 10, 2024

ORCA NETWORK

WHALE SIGHTING REPORT

We are watching and visiting the whales in their home.

Please observe, love, and respect them from a distance.

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SUMMARY

Sightings through May 12 include:

Southern Residents - On May 9, J Pod was heard on the hydrophone in Boundary Pass.

On May 10, J Pod spent time foraging around Orcas Island before heading north in the Strait of Georgia.

In next report: On May 13, J Pod was spotted in the Strait of Georgia.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On May 7, T90s spent the day in Case Inlet & Pickering Passage. T99s spent the day in Carr Inlet. T65A3 & T65A5 went into Sinclair & Dyes Inlet.

On May 8, T90s were in South Puget Sound. T99s were also in South Puget Sound. T65A3 & T65A5 spent the day in Port Susan & Possession Sound. T86A1s, T124A1, & T124Ds were in Admiralty Inlet.

On May 9, T65A3 & T65A5 went into Quartermaster Harbor! T90s & T99s were together in South Puget Sound. T86A1s, T124A1, & T124Ds were in Puget Sound. T46B1s & T46C2 were in the San Juans. T23 & T23Ds spotted near Victoria, BC.

On May 10, T65A3 & T65A5 went deep into Eagle Harbor! T90s & T99s spent the day together in Oakland Bay & Hammersley Inlet - T90s exited Hammersley alone at sunset. T86A1s, T124A1, T124Ds spotted in Rosario Strait.

On May 11, T65A3 & T65A5 were in north Puget Sound. T90s were in Puget Sound. T99s were in south Puget Sound.

On May 12, T125A & T128 were in Paradise Bay, Hood Canal. T124As & T124A4s were in the San Juans. T90s were spotted in Burrows Bay. T99s spent the day in South Puget Sound. T65A3 & T65A5 were in Possession Sound. T123s were in Haro Strait.

In next report: On May 13, T90s, T124As & T124A4s were in the San Juans. T65A3 & T65A5 were in North Puget Sound - they met up with the T99s in the afternoon after they spent the day heading north in Puget Sound.

On May 14, T19, T19B & T49As (minus T49A1 & T49A2) spotted in Rosario Strait. T65A3 & T65A5 were seen in Liberty Bay. T99s were in Port Susan.

On May 15, T65A3 & T65A5 made their way to south Puget Sound.

Humpbacks - At least one humpback roaming around Puget Sound.

Gray Whales - The gray sightings wind down as the Sounders exit inland Puget Sound to continue on their migration. Spotted this report: CRC2259, CRC2362, CRC2441, & newbie CRC2557.

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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)

Fri, May 10 - San Juans (J Pod)

14:30 - Half of Js northbound between Matia and Barnes and Clark; Humpbacks northbound on Orcas shoreline west of there. We only saw half - presume the others were further northeast.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

13:38 - J Pod is still here and foraging as well.

13:04 - Moran State Park. Foraging. West of Barnes Island. Cookie and Blackberry are here.

photos by anonymous, May 10, 2024

12:07 - These are SRKW.

Erin Johns Gless, PWWA [WSSJI]

11:00 - We left once we realized who it was. Off Clark Island.

Sara Baldwin [WSSJI]

08:47 - At the dropped pin headed north tight together, travel mode [approx. 48.721717, -122.765212].

Rose Caitlin

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Suzette Lamb

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 6:28 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 12

Where seen: coming from Doe Bay towards Lummi between the Pea Pods and the shoreline of Sea Acres

Direction of travel : East, fairly slowly

Behaviors observed: hunting, breaching

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There were 3 distinct pods that all seemed to be triangulating with each other as they traveled.

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

photos by Brett Lensing, May 10, 2024

Thu, May 9 - Boundary Pass (J Pod)

22:15 - J-Pod clicks and calls on the hydrophone at SIMRES.ca.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)

Sun, May 12 - Haro Strait (T123s)

Per Pete Ancich in WSSJI, T123s!

14:40 - Orcas (unknown number) headed from Discovery Island towards the west side of San Juan Island.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

Sun, May 12 - San Juans (T90s)

We saw a group of five from the 11:05 Anacortes/San Juan ferry!

Becky Dubeau Mattos

16:05 - A pod of at least three orcas in East Sound near Rosario Resort.

Megan Uken [WSSJI]

14:00 - Continuing north up Rosario on the east side of Blakely.

12:30 - T90s off James Island in Rosario Strait heading northwest.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Meghan McMahan

Date of Sighting: May 12, 2024

Time: 1:05 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Thatcher Pass

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Possibly 1 male

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

12:35 - Lost sight of them about five to ten minutes ago as they were heading into Thatcher.

Lorena Perezcarlos

12:19 - Headed to Thatcher.

12:06 - Straight out from Green Point Washington Park. Headed east in channel.

Tarima Cannell

12:05 - Turned into Thatcher but turned back out but now directly across Blakely.

11:48 - Looks like they may be turning into Thatcher Pass, the boats have started to turn that way.

11:22 - Still moving up Rosario slowly, closer to Lopez/Decatur side now.

11:09 - Seeing them now from Washington Park, mid channel.

Caitlyn Blair

11:00 - Looks like T90s. Heading west out of Burrows Bay.

Andoni Arrambide

10:59 - T90s heading west into Rosario now.

Brooke Casanova

As of 10:50, they continued north then west through Burrows Pass.

10:06 - Orcas still very active in Burrows and visible from our house in Skyline.

09:49 - Off the southeast corner of Allen now.

09:33 - Three orca off Young Island off Burrows. They are going south.

Discord chat

Sun, May 12 - San Juans (T124As)

12:35 - These are the T124As now aiming for Presidents Channel, northeast bound.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

08:08 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:30 to report: SAMISH Captain reports 3-4 Orca lingering in Upright Channel.

Sun, May 12 - Upper Hood Canal (T125A & T128)

T125A Jetsam

T125A Jetsam & T128 Flotsam

We had a fantastic sunny day full of brother pairs on Mother's Day! We started with T125A and T128 in Paradise Bay then T65A3 and T65A5 off of Clinton!

photos by Kyla Bivens, May 12, 2024

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Zach Szpila

Date of Sighting: May 12, 2024

Time: 5:06 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: 48.14578° N, 122.75252° W

Direction of travel : NE

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?: NA

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

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

12:31 - [Ts approx. 47.926529, -122.651991].

Kyla Bivens, PSE

12:19 - Update on T125A and T128 swimming northwest at a very slow pace. This is my last report as we have now left the scene [approx. 47.917710, -122.646966].

12:03 - This is T125A and T128. Ten minute downtimes but then long stretches at the surface.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

12:03 - It’s at 125A and 128!

Kyla Bivens, PSE

11:50 - Northwestbound at my map spot [approx. 47.893256, -122.620087].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

11:18 - Two adult males photo confirmed north side of the Hood Canal Bridge. Photo has them facing north.

[WAapp]

09:50 - Single orca mid channel of Hood Canal near Paradise Bay, headed south.

photo by Sean Quinn, May 12, 2024

07:12 - Three orcas (reported as two males, one female) seen from south end of Marrowstone Island. Exact location and direction of travel not included.

[Whale Alert App]

Sun, May 12 - Possession Sound (T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy)

T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira

We had a fantastic sunny day full of brother pairs on Mother's day! We started with T125A and T128 in Paradise Bay then T65A3 and T65A5 off of Clinton!

photo by Kyla Bivens, May 12, 2024

19:18 - Spotted two orcas (possibly mother and calf) on the Edmonds to Kingston ferry route, about quarter mile away from the Kingston ferry dock. The saddle patch is clearly visible.

Morgan Perrine

15:43 - Currently milling about mid channel between Possession and Kingston.

Joanna Bowers

14:30 - They’re heading southwest about two to three miles west of Picnic Point.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

14:22 - Heading into Possession triangle southwest pass the green buoy picking up speed.

13:56 - Whidbey side of Possession Sound about halfway between Glendale and Possession Point. Moving like molasses southbound. These two boys.

Alice Thuy Talbot

13:41 - Down by Glendale, starting to get too far for me. If they don’t u-turn in the next twenty mins I’m heading out. Thanks for the updates, all!

13:29 - Update: saw them again, near shore making their way south from Clinton.

13:00 - Just saw them! Heading south near the ferry!

Anne Scalamonti

13:11 - T65A3 and T65A5 are southbound at my map spot [approx. 47.968948, -122.346655].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

12:52 - Psych! They did a U turn - they are at the Clinton ferry now!

Melissa Peterson

12:40 - On the 12:30 Clinton/Muk crossing, saw two of them heading southeast from Hat Island.

Jill M Rotset

12:19 - San Juan Clipper is watching them. Currently headed northwest along the west side of Hat Island.

Lauren Ryan Booth

12:12 - I saw them too just off the front of the Clipper.

Samuel Gorman

12:08 - Two orcas just south of Hat Island by Clipper boat.

Penelope Alexandra

10:35 - Viewing from south side of Clinton ferry terminal, passenger pickup and drop off area. They are about mid channel still north of ferry lanes, but appear to be moving more south easterly.

10:25 - South of Hat Island out quarter mid channel about a mile from the ferry lanes southbound.

Marilyn Armbruster

08:56 - Two orcas looks like mother and calf very slowly approaching Sandy Point close to Whidbey.

Luanne Seymour

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Brocker

Date of Sighting: May 12, 2024

Time: 8:53 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Heading east, just East of the Langley Marina. ~500ft off shoreline

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira

T65A3 Amira

photos by Sharon Brocker, May 12, 2024

Sun, May 12 - South Puget Sound (T99s)

18:54 - Four plus orcas in Carr Inlet just out from Von Geldurn Cove.

Shari Larson [ONCG]

18:35 - Just saw them from Steilacoom and they looked to be headed up Carr.

Paul Davis [ONCG]

17:36 - They are spread out but seem to be moving toward Fox Island and the Narrows [approx. 47.214489, -122.618952].

Jason Bryan

17:29 - They are at the mouth of Carr, heading east towards Fox Island.

Mollie Segall

17:25 - They are moving with purpose northwest toward between McNeil and Fox Island. We saw four to five, definitely the T99s.

17:17 - Still trending north, probably mid channel [approx. 47.200444, -122.610142].

17:12 - In Chambers Bay, still trending northeast [approx. 47.199423, -122.629080].

16:57 - Still eastbound close to McNeil [approx. 47.193299, -122.662462].

16:45 - We have them eastbound in Balch Passage between Eagle Island and McNeil. It’s possible they will stall for some seals [approx. 47.194776, -122.697341].

photo by Belen Bilgic Schneider, May 12, 2024

14:45 - Taking deep dives, no clear direction [approx. 47.180091, -122.837376].

photo by Joe Penrod, May 12, 2024

14:45 - They look to be heading south towards Johnson Point maybe, watching from Joemma Beach.

Marissa Rinehold

14:47 - Made a sharp east bound turn near the south end of Harstine but mid channel. Continuing east quickly.

14:36 - Quickly southbound approaching Wilson Point. Harstine Island side.

14:19 - Milling, directional changes, surface active here(ish) [approx. 47.218493, -122.846595].

14:01 - Resuming southbound travel, as seen from Joemma. Closer to Harstine side.

Mollie Segall

13:51 - Mcmicken and Harstine right now.

photos by Ramon BuKanas Gomez, May 12, 2024

13:49 - Lots of directional changes.

13:43 - Very surface active just north of Joemma, west side of the channel.

Mollie Segall

12:50 - They are heading south in Case Inlet (east side), north of Herron Island. Just viewed from the northern tip of Harstine.

Kim Fields

12:04 - Saw them heading south from Allyn about five minutes ago.

Geddie Lojas

11:32 - Allyn now.

Brittany Ruiz

11:28 - Mid channel Case Inlet, out from Allyn Pier. Milling and hunting, no clear direction.

Calypso Maritime

11:07 - Still heading north to Allyn.

10:52 - They are here [approx. 47.341949, -122.797027].

Sarah Murphy

10:05 - Orcas approaching Jarrell Cove! I think five. Heading north toward Allyn!

Teresa Saunders Westcoat

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marilee Fijalka-Carr

Date of Sighting: May 12, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM

Species seen: dolphin and orca

Number of animals seen: 7

Where seen: Pickering Passage 47.287730,-122.898989

Direction of travel : Northeast, rapid pace

Behaviors observed: Traveling in tight formation

If orcas, any males?: 1 male orca

Any unusual markings?: Too far and too fast to tell

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: First briefly sighted two small dolphins, possibly harbor porpoises. Five orcas appeared shortly afterwards, traveling in same direction. In pursuit? Surfaced 5-6 times in succession before diving for longer distance.

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

09:36 - Just spotted south of bridge heading north.

Kathy Powell

09:36 - They are heading north just about to the bridge.

David Coates

08:57 - Passed out of Hammersley Inlet heading north to Harstine Bridge. Two lucky kayakers got quite a close pass!

Michele Neary

08:32 - Five orcas passed Libby Point leaving Hammersley Inlet.

Mary Williams

08:20 - Reports in Mason County Wildlife of five orcas heading east, away from Shelton/Hammersley Inlet. Rounding Church Point and Skookum Point.

08:10 - Mid Henderson Bay northbound towards Minter/Purdy. Seeing them from right outside Glen Cove.

Corena Martinson

Sat, May 11 - North Puget Sound (T65A3 & T65A5)

T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy harass a gray whale

I'd like to share a first for me: close interaction of Bigg's killer whales and gray whales within Possession Sound! Yesterday, we took CA friends on a Mother's Day treat -- my second-ever whale watching trip -- this time out of Edmonds on Puget Sound Express's Swiftsure catamaran. We felt lucky to meet Bart Rulon and hoped to see a few of the remaining gray whales. Thanks to Orca Network and other land-base sightings, the crew and passengers were able to encounter both a pair of gray whales and the Bigg's brothers T065A3/Amir and T065A5/Indy. To our surprise, the brothers headed east along the top of Hat Island to the eastern point of the island where two gray whales were foraging. (Bart ID'd them on the fly as new individuals this year, but I failed to record their alphanumerics...) They spent about 30 minutes interacting with the pair of gray whales in an area where many recreational boats were fishing nearby. At least three times the two pairs were in VERY close proximity (<10m apart) and during the culmination of one close approach by the orcas (1-5m) the grays made some rapid fluke and flipper movements -- possibly warning the killer whales away. It was exciting to see these whales interacting -- almost physically -- and to hypothesize on-the-fly about what was going on. Were the orcas curiously observing the gray whales foraging? Was Indy considering whether either gray had a tasty looking tongue?! What other potential explanations can you think up? I was left wishing we had a hydrophone in the water to listen in on any sounds they may have made.

photo by Scott Veirs, May 11, 2024

13:55 - Per report in WIWS, they were northbound past Langley still close to Whidbey.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Michael McAuliffe

Date of Sighting: May 11, 2024

Time: 1:15 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Sandy Point

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 4 ft dorsal

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?:

T65A3 Amira

T65A5 Indy

13:10 - Sandy Point super close to shore. Northbound.

12:15 - Brothers northwestbound, see pinned location on map [48.000896, -122.342397].

photos by Marilyn Armbruster, May 11, 2024

11:55 - T65A3 & T65A5 socializing and heading southwestbound slow, 2km south of west end of Hat Island [approx. 47.999411, -122.327033].

11:39 - [Ts approx. 47.998032, -122.316705].

11:35 - Biggs 1 km south of Hat, continuing westbound slowly, T65A3 & T65A5, almost got a seal, but mostly traveling. Observed from PSE Swiftsure.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

11:15 - T65A3 and T65A5 are southwestbound [approx. 47.996738, -122.283366] after harassing two gray whales for 15-20 minutes (crc2259 and crc2557).

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

09:30 - Lost them as they headed out of Port Susan… last sighting they were trending southeast towards Hat.

09:10 - Heading south, almost out of Port Susan, slow and steady.

Janine Harles

08:30 - T65A3 and T65A5 southbound off Tillicum, Camano side.

08:13 - Southbound near Pirates Cove, can hear their blows from Tillicum. On Camano side of Port Susan.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

07:56 - Two orcas moving south past Mountain View Beach [photo shows probable T65A3 & T65A5].

Lois Carlson [PSWW]

Sat, May 11 - Puget Sound (T90s)

19:40 - Quickly moving northbound toward Eglon, less than 100 yards off the beach.

19:30 - Right off Apple Tree Point… very close to shore. Northbound with some down times.

photo by Sara Frey, May 11, 2024

19:00 - Spotted four orca south of the Kingston Edmonds ferry line, northbound.

Sherry Petersen

17:27 - Two orcas on the east side of Discovery Park lighthouse about a minute ago. Boats are stopped.

Olya Repalovskaia

17:22 - I’m in a boat off Shilshole at this spot [approx. 47.665547, -122.432909] and I saw one or two orcas come up for a breath. They appeared to be going northbound.

Stephanie Celt

16:44 - I’m not sure that they were these orcas, but in the Seattle to Kingston fast ferry and saw two orcas right in front of Discovery Park.

Kelli Russell Agodon

17:21 - Moved from south side to north side, staying northbound at a pretty quick pace.

16:29 - A few quick glimpses from Discovery Park. Long downtimes, northbound.

Pat Hussey

15:49 - T90 pod is now westbound after eating a big meal [approx. 47.619318, -122.380217].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

15:45 - Approx. in Elliot Bay just off grain elevator. They were celebrating a kill. Massive sea lion. Viewed from Myrtle Edwards Looks like northwest bound now slowly.

Jon Rosati

15:33 - Breaches off the grain elevator!! In Elliot Bay.

Taylor White

15:22 - Still in Elliot Bay just out from the grain elevator.

Aja Petee

15:01 -Still watching from Elliot Bay. Right by the Olympic Sculpture Park bridge

Kelsey Montoya

Name: Laisan Tong

Date of Sighting: May 11, 202

Time: 3:00 PM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Elliott Bay Park/Myrtle Edwards Park

Direction of travel : west and a little north

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: maybe 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

Laisan Tong

T90D Kanga

photo by Laisan Tong, May 11, 2024

14:43 - They’ve been milling about east of the cargo ship by the grain silos for a while. Six breaches in a row earlier! Obsession sailboat is close by them.

14:22 - Over by Sculpture Park, moving west. As viewed from Don Armeni boat ramp.

13:40 - Awesome close pass by Alki Point. Only my second time being able to hear them.

Steve Rice

14:51 - Heading north, hugging the coast.

14:40 - Right in front of Sculpture Park.

Cherese Taggart

14:07 - From a sailboat in Elliott Bay. It looks like they’re having some directional changes. Appear to be heading north again now?

14:00 - Looks like they’re heading south now. In front of Seattle skyline.

Grace Haaland

13:51 - Moving east and north closer to downtown just north of grain terminals.

Mary Hartmann

13:33 - They went past Alki lighthouse and are headed east across Alki Beach - look towards the cruise ships from Alki Beach.

Zerelina Mukherjee

13:31 - Just past Alki Beach house heading into the bay!

Mae Spence

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sam Tinsley

Date of Sighting: May 11, 2024

Time: 1:30 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Alki Beach, Seattle, WA

Direction of travel : NE along Alki Beach, slowish pace (5-10 mph?)

Behaviors observed: Traveling/milling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

13:28 - Close to Alki shore in line with Pier 91 cruise ships view from 64th and Alki moving east.

13:02 - Trailing group east of mid channel northbound between Vashon and Blake view from Constellation Park.

Mary Hartmann

13:03 - Closer to West Seattle now. Northeast. Passing Manchester as viewed from Emma Schmitz.

12:56 - Reaching southern tip Blake, east side of sail boats.

12:48 - Passed Southworth as seen from Emma Schmitz. Mid channel. Near boat with red, white, and black sail.

Steve Rice

12:46 - Northbound west of mid channel north tip Vashon view from Constellation Park in West Seattle.

Mary Hartmann

12:40 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz they just passed the tip of Vashon.

Steve Rice

12:32 - Mid channel maybe quarter mile north of Lincoln Park headed toward Blake Island. We saw four.

Justin Foster

12:31 - Just resurfaced off Blake Island, east side of channel.

12:26 - Still watching. Whales are still northbound now between several sailboats. North of Vashon.

Kim Sharpe Jones

12:26 - Spotted on the north side of Vashon, mid-channel, northbound.

Billy Maze

12:19 - Spotted several whales in the wake of the ferry that is heading into the dock at Vashon.

Kim Sharpe Jones

11:47 - Spotted a few blows mid channel off Three Tree while on the ferry. Seemed to still be northbound.

Kate Hruby

11:43 - They rounded Three Free Point and are heading north west.

Shelly Sh

T90B Piglet

10:37 - Have past Point Robinson now, island side of mid channel, verrry long downtimes in a loose group. Steady northbound travel. Can see Piglet I believe, so assume rest is T90s. Didn’t get too good of a look at them as they mostly stayed under during the closest pass.

10:14 - Approaching Point Robinson island side of channel slow steady NB [northbound].

photos by Marla Smith, May 11, 2024

09:49 - Still heading north approaching Gold Beach. I think five or six whales with one large male.

AirWaterLand Photography

09:40 - Northbound on the shore of Maury Island approaching Point Robinson.

Blake Kremer

09:31 - Spotted with binoculars from Stadium District, passed Browns Point continuing northeast.

Kenzie Youngmark

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: May 11, 2024

Time: 9:15 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: East Passage, between Maury & mainland, from Browns Point through north of Gold Beach

Direction of travel : North, steady, unhurried, long dive times

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: (viewpoint was mainland side half a mile north of Dash Point SP)

Viewing started roughly 9:15, continued for ~35-40 minutes until view blocked by trees between Gold Beach + Pt Robinson I don't know them well enough yet to make IDs. 5 for sure: 1 adult male, 3 adultish-sized, 1 small. I think a 6th mid-to-adult-size but don't hold me to it. Most of the time at least one female/non-sprouter well in the lead. The others surfaced usually within 100' of the adult male. Appeared to be on the Maury side of midchannel. Direct NNE through channel (East Passage?), steady but appeared unhurried, from a line between Brown's Point/Quartermaster Harbor entrance to well north of Gold Beach. One small speedboat was ahead of them as they started past the south end of Maury, then it stopped before hitting the landslide scar. The orca passed ahead of it, then it followed them. Joined by two other smaller boats about the time they cleared Gold Beach, they were all either following or stopped/slowed to give distance. Side note: the little pairs + trios groupings of harbor porpoise nearly always visible out in the channel had moved to well inside "the crabpot line" on the east side. This is a shift I see regularly with loud boats going down passage, interesting to see them clearing-out-of-midchannel with orca passing by too.

Photos available?: No

09:13 - Heading northeast into East Passage on the east side of the TC buoy [approx. 47.310091, -122.465851].

David Michael

09:15 - Orcas under Tahoma.

09:07 - Heading into Commencement Bay. Nearing Browns Point.

08:50 - In ferry lanes.

photo by AirWaterLand Photography, May 11, 2024

08:36 - Just seen from the Vashon Point Defiance ferry!

Lindsay Walker

07:56 - Two orcas spotted just north of the Narrows/across from Salmon Beach mid channel but more on the Gig Harbor side. Moving north-bound rather quickly.

Adrienne Salzwedel

Sat, May 11 - Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Rachel Elliott

Date of Sighting: May 11, 2024

Time: 8:02 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 8

Where seen: Directly of Fay City Park on Bainbridge

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?: No

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

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

Sat, May 11 - South Puget Sound (T99s)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Angelina Douglas

Date of Sighting: May 11, 2024

Time: 9:30 PM

Species seen: Three orca maybe more

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Shelton Washington Bay

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Hunting

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were chasing seal

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

20:55 - Going out of Hammersley Inlet, looks like they had a good day with all the tail slapping. Link to FB reel.

Kim Larsen

20:28 - Two toward Arcadia that didn't loop back around and three toward Shelton that passed Walker Park but did loop back around. Just left Walker so I don't have any other updates. I had lost sight of all of them when we left.

20:11 - Two north of Walker Park still, three others turned back around back toward the marina. Lost sight of all five that I've counted.

Jenelle Walter

17:39 - Last I saw they turned around and we headed back towards Shelton.

Josh Kinch

17:10 - Right now in Oakland Bay.

17:00 - Just passed Shorecrest heading towards town look out at the Yacht Club.

16:48 - Just spotted Hammersley and let headed towards Shorecrest Beach Club.

Andrea Duane

17:06 - Current spot, three boats near them [approx. 47.214326, -123.075401].

Carrie McClellan

16:30 - It sounds like they flipped back on her by the Oakland Bay Marina. My last post, I give up on these sneaky Ts.

Amber Stanfill

16:19 - In Hammersly right now!

photo by Josh Kinch, May 11, 2024

15:50 - They were hanging by a boat just past the east end of the park at about 15:40. Haven’t seen them since then, so not sure if they continued east.

Tracie Gingrich

15:48 - All have passed Walker Park but not sure if heading out yet.

Amber Stanfill

15:48 - Looks like they’re heading out east.

15:43 - They are by Walker Park.

Jordan Caple

15:22 - They keep going back and forth. Now have disappeared. Around somewhere, just don’t know where exactly.

14:45 - They turned around again.

14:25 - They are headed out of the marina.

PS Osborne

14:21 - Just saw them at Shelton Yacht Club, not moving in any one direction.

Sofia Sherman

12:08 - At least four in front of the Shelton Yacht Club, milling around not really on the move.

Katie Brogan

11:45 - In front of the yacht club right now.

John Schaub

11:16 - Spotted just north of the yacht club [approx. 47.217830, -122.077686].

10:00 - I just spotted them just south of Bayshore but there was no place to pull over. I'm at the pull off but it's all private and not much visibility.

10:17 - I saw tall straight fins, and they were swimming in a tight circular bunch excitedly. Almost as excited as I was to finally spot them.

Elizabeth Poore-Jennings

10:44 - Headed to Walker Park eastbound.

PS Osborne

10:08 - [Ts approx. 47.239684, -122.048758].

Elizabeth Poore-Jennings

09:52 - By the yacht club, in middle lost track of them.

Nikki Skogen

07:20 - Reports in Mason County Wildlife group of orcas deep in Oakland Bay heading towards Bayshore, northbound. Video shows at least T99s.

Fri, May 10 - Rosario Strait (T86A1s, T124A1, T124Ds)

T124D Field & T124D1 Salish

Friday brought stunning weather and smooth seas - the perfect combination to spend time with these beauties (T124Ds, T124A1 and the T86A1s). This encounter was in Rosario Strait. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, May 10, 2024

T124A1 Bonapartes

T86A1 Nahanni & T86A1B

Out on a spectacular warm, sunny, smooth day with Blue Kingdom Whale & Wildlife Tours with fellow adventurers, Jill Hein, and many old and new friends, a special trip arranged by Amanda Colbert's Sea & Sky Guiding, leaving from Skyline Marina in Anacortes mid-afternoon. We first came upon a large group of active harbor porpoises, with much better views of these elusive little guys than normal! Then we headed north along Lummi Island to look at many cool birds, and some funny Stellar Sea Lions on a buoy.. .they are characters! We turned back south to catch up with the ever lovely Bigg's orcas… T124Ds: Mom Field (b. 1996), T124D1 Salish II (b.2014) and daughter T124D3 (b. 2021), T124A1 Bonapartes (b.1996), and T86A1 Nahanni (b. 2001)and her 2023 calf T86A1B. A lovely day capped off by spectacular Aurora Borealis after I got home!

photos by Bonnie Gretz, May 10, 2024

17:07 - They have continued north and are a quarter up the Orcas Island coastline now, traveling very fast along the coast.

Rose Caitlin

16:30 - Got to see these near Lummi Island - beautiful!

Bonnie Gretz

15:38 - Northbound eastern tip Blakely Island.

15:20 - 124Ds and some others. There's a 2024 calf here. I didn't catch the number.

15:13 - In ferry lane now.

15:09 - [Bigg’s] just south of ferry line. Rosario Strait. Northbound.

photo by Anonymous, May 10, 2024

Fri, May 10 - Puget Sound (T65A3 & T65A5)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mylinh Bui

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM

Species seen: orca; 1 male, 1 female

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: (48.1063445, -122.4979395)

Direction of travel : E

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1 male

Any unusual markings?: unknown

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seen from Whidbey Island by East Point looking towards Camaro State Park across the water

orcas traveling east

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

T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy

photo by Mylinh Bui, May 10, 2024

16:35 - Seen today from Langley headed north. Appeared to be two males.

photo by Andrew Scott, M y 10, 2024

15:07 - Clinton Beach, north of ferry, heading north, two orcas.

14:39 - Glendale heading north two orcas.

photo by Francie L Dailer, May 10, 2024

14:20 - We found T65A3 and T65A5 northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.908959, -122.368300]. They were being approached way too closely from behind by a couple of jet skiers so we honked and yelled at the jet skiers until they gave them enough space.

Bart Rulon Wildlife

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Grant Dull

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 7:00 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island

Direction of travel : In and out of harbor...pretty far in!

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?: Probably 1

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was in a coaching launch running a rowing practice.

T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy

T65A3 Amira

07:00 - Orcas in Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island.

photos by Grant Dull, May 10, 2024

06:43 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:57 to report: 0643 hrs: MV TACOMA Captain reports they have come to a stop in front of the BI dock because there are a couple of killer whales right in front of the dock.

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Tim Briggs

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 6:23 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: 47.6235141, -122.5336675

Direction of travel : West then East

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We live at end of Eagle Harbor so this was a quite shallow water. It was an 11' tide at that time but the area they were empties completely at 2' tide. Amazing to see them here. The rowers they cruised got an experience of a lifetime!

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

Not helpful for identification but fascinating given how shallow it is at the end of the harbor. 47.6235141, -122.5336675. As noted in my report, it was an 11' tide but that spot will empty at 0' tide. They were so shallow! [This is where Amira & Indy were in Eagle Harbor at a hide tide!]

photo by Mothy Riggs, May 10, 2024

Fri, May 10 - South Puget Sound (T90s & T99s)

T90B Piglet

So cool at Walker Park. Link to more photos.

photos by Nikki Fae, May 10, 2024

Here are some pictures from this morning. So peaceful to see them all alone.

photos by David Coates, May 10, 2024

They’re back, been in and out since 17:00 - 18:00… this time they lingered for near ten minutes. Link to video.

Curt Dorn

When - May 10 & 11 th

Where - Hammersley Inlet/Oakland Bay

At least one male, traveling, circling, tail flaps, body slaps. Absolutely Breathtaking. Unfortunately, some boaters have no respect for the orcas hunting and playground. All in all Spectacular! Beautiful day watching about six or more transient orcas

Wendy Allan

23:30 - When we were out looking at the auroras at the Herron ferry dock (Case Inlet), we could hear a pod of orca [T90s] headed north mid-channel.

Randy Witter

23:00 - Orcas did pass through Pickering Passage from south to north, right by my place near Jarrell's Cove. I heard their blows while watching the Aurora. Magical!

Teresa Saunders Westcoat

21:00 - Some group puffed out by the house going to Arcadia. We could hear, not see. Hammersley.

PS Osborne

20:45 - Hammersley Inlet, four to three total, one male. Heading east, traveling.

Caprice Fasano

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Caprice Fasano

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 8:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Hamersley Inlet

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Maggie Mahoney

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 8:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Hammersley Inlet, Shelton, WA

Direction of travel : Easterly

Behaviors observed: Breaching, tail slapping, playing

If orcas, any males?: 1 male adult

Any unusual markings?: Not seen

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

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

20:19 - A group of at least four just headed east past Walker Park.

Laura Fedorko

20:20 - T90s passed walker Park eastbound. T99s still hanging back west of Walker Park.

19:48 - I joked T90B would head east for awhile, then flip back west porpoising back on the flood tide just to see how fast he could go, and sure enough, here T90B comes racing back west, porpoising away from us, towards his family, his family headed towards him. So incredible to see.

19:34 - T99s have gotten much closer, eastbound, T90s have been moving slow, 99s about even with them now. Still west of Walker Park.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

19:30 - Just seen Oakland Bay marina heading towards Walker Park.

Christina Mullein

19:22 - T90B continues east along Hammersley south shore, made some progress away from us. Others west of us, aiming east. Other group further west - presume 99s.

19:07 - Pods seem split, one was headed our direction, the other appeared to turn toward closer to the marina... waiting to see if the eastbound group pops up continuing east or not.

19:10 - T90B Piglet popped up feet offshore in front of me alone. Eastbound. Right off Walker Park. Slow due to current. Wow.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marcia Rohlik

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 7:06 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Oakland Bay, Shelton WA

Direction of travel : West to east heading for Hammersley Inlet

Behaviors observed: Slow traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1 mâle.

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

19:05 - Seem to be approaching Walker Park, eastbound.

18:50 - Spotted them eastbound from road, so returned to Walker Park.

18:35 - Milling in same spot.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

18:04 - They are still in Shelton [approx. 47.215065, -123.079335]. Milling around in the same area they keep going to in Shelton.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

18:00 - Continuing to mill in area between Munson Point & marina - longer down times now.

17:29 - Milling near Munson Point.

16:54 - West of Walker Park westbound.

16:45 - Again westbound approaching Walker Park.

15:50 - East past Walker Park, eastbound, still active.

15:40 - Slow trend east approaching walker park, active.

15:15 - They've been stalled hunting between Munson Point and the marina.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

15::41 - They were headed past Walker Park again now they are rounded to Church Point. Another amazing pass.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

15:42 - They we’re out there all day. Still at Walker Park.

Ash Navone

14:34 - They are headed back in front of Walker Park headed into Shelton.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

14:20 - According to a gentleman at Church Point they flipped again towards Walker Park.

Jami Cantrell

14:10 - They went back towards Shelton. I’m off Agate by Agate Store.

Carolyn Lockmon

14:09 - Walker Park pass [video in FB comments].

Elsarape Rodriguez

13:50 - They gave us the most wonderful pass at Walker Park. Headed back towards Arcadia.

Jami Cantrell

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: wendy allan

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 1:47 PM

Species seen: Transient Orcas

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Hammersley Inlet

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Spectacular day. The Orcas were in Oakland Bay/Hammersley Inlet most of the day and into the night! Directional changes, tail flaps, rolling. One boater was disrespectful and traveling at a pretty good speed knowingly the Orcas were in the area. Several individuals from shore were trying to slow the boater down.

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

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marcia R

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 11:55 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Oakland Bay near Shelton

Direction of travel : Eastward out of Bay via Hammersley Inlet

Behaviors observed: Traveling. Had been hunting out of our view near the marina.

If orcas, any males?: Unknown as high bank view.

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were being followed too closely by a small teal green boat. It would slow as it got close but chase at high speed. My photo of it is too pixelated when I zoom in. We saw it come into the Bay from Hammersley and head up toward the marina at high speed, then reappear behind the pod as it left.

Photos available?: No

12:43 -They came close to us at Walker Park, then back to the marina…and then back towards Walker…

12:26 - Visible from Walker Park!

Elsarape Rodriguez

12:20 - Hunting just north of yacht club.

Steve Gardner

12:20 - They’re about right here on a hunt [approx. 47.214303, -123.083724].

Jami Cantrell

11:50 - Passed Walker Park west bound.

Steve Gardner

11:33 - Stunning pass at Walker Park. They’re heading towards the Oakland Bay marina very slowly with some intermediate milling.

Jami Cantrell

11:11 - I'm not sure if you get messages back on here. But they [orcas] turned around and are heading back [westbound] towards Walker Park into Oakland Bay still in Hammersley.

Adam Kapa

11:07 - According to someone on Mason County Wildlife Page they made it to Church Point and flipped me. So they’re heading back to Walker Park!

Jami Cantrell

11:04 - I saw them heading back up Hammersley Inlet from Shorecrest about 30 minutes ago.

Angela Rockwell

11:00 - There were eight orcas passing through Walker Park. They went into the bay and came back out towards Hammersley Inlet. Three boats rushed up on them around 13:00 and they went hidden. Back into the Bay. But there were definitely eight orcas. They’re still in that area.

Ash Navone

T90B Piglet

10:46 - At least four I think five heading out of Hammersley Inlet now.

photo by Adam Kapa, May 10, 2024

10:30 - They sped east back by Walker Park, passed us, maybe slowed a bit but still eastbound. Their blows are the best sound ever.

10:19 - Definitely approaching us eastbound!

10:16 - I can see them again, from Walker Landing near Munson Point, possibly eastbound towards us.

09:54 - Was told they went around the corner towards Oakland Bay, I no longer see them.

09:49 - They are west of Walker Park. Long downs, haven't seen again yet.

09:43 - Westbound past Walker Park - I just missed them! Looks like they're all together.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

09:50 - From Shorecrest, they were heading west from Walker Park toward downtown Shelton at the time. Not sure where they are now.

09:45 - Just past Jacoby Park on shorecrest heading into Shelton, northwest. Closer to the west side. Saw at least four, possibly two more behind but hard to tell.

Vanessa Soberanis

09:46 - Heading west towards Shelton marina.

09:34 - They are milling around just east of Walker Park. Viewing from the park.

Shayna Rumsey

08:52 - A pod past our house on Hammersley Inlet heading in to Shelton. I am thinking there might be around six. They had passed my house, so it was a bit hard to see the details. They just passed Libby Point.

Sheila Bayard

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Ian Gunn

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 9:03 AM

Species seen: Orca headed toward Shelton

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Hammersly Inlet Libby pont

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?:

08:59 - Approaching Skookum Point westbound. At least five.

08:36 - Approaching Arcadia Point westbound!

PS Osborne

07:50 - The south sound group just passed thru Pickering Passage southbound. There were five of them.

David C.

Thu, May 9 - Victoria, BC (T23 & T23Ds)

T23 Janice, T23D4 Sixx, T23D Axle, T23D3 Robin, T23D5

T23 Janice

Stills of the Bigg's pod (5) off Ten Mile Point, Victoria, this afternoon. (T023 - Thank you for the ID, Paul Pudwell!) Link to more photos.

photos by Jenna Darcie, May 9, 2024

Onboard MV Saratoga/Puget Sound Express as T23D’s navigated around Victoria. Link to more photos.

photos by Jason Cook, May 9, 2024

T023 and the T023Ds in Baynes Channel, off of Cadboro Point. Link to Youtube video.

Gerald Graham

Thu, May 9 - San Juans (T46B1s & T46C2)

We had a spectacular sail with Bigg's/Transient orcas T46B1’s and T46C2 who happened to be coming down Upright Channel after we casted off. After sailing north up San Juan Channel with the orcas we broke away to explore the Wasp Islands. As we turned south to head back to Port, the orcas flipped back south, too. The orcas escorted us right back to Friday Harbor!

Captains Barbara and David Howitt

photos by All Aboard Sailing , May 9, 2024

Per John Boyd, T46B1s and T46C2.

13:40 - Looks like they’ve veered more west, possibly aiming towards Friday Harbor now.

11:30 - Four orcas heading northwest from Thatcher Pass towards the Lopez ferry terminal.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

13:20 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:34 to report: 1320hrs: CHELAN reports they have slowed due to 6 orcas in the eastern side of Upright Channel, moving south toward Cattle Pass.

11:25 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:36 to report: 1125hrs: YAKIKMA reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 6 orca in the west entrance to Thatcher Pass, moving north into Upright Channel.

Thu, May 9 - Quartermaster Harbor (T65A3 & T65A5)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Ted Detrick

Date of Sighting: May 09, 2024

Time: 8:37 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Orchard Rocks

Direction of travel : NW

Behaviors observed: Mom and baby?

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The Rich Passage fast ferry passed at 38 knots within 200 yards

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

T65A3 Amira

T65A5 Indy

13:00 - 13:45 - It took me an hour to find Indy and Amira in Quartermaster after they kept flipping, but finally found them deep in inner Quartermaster off of the Burton loop shores, between portage and the Burton Marina just after 13:00. They were milling, maybe a little hunting, then flipped and headed back towards Jensen's Point around 13:20 and were nearing Dockton midchannel by 13:45 when I lost them.

photos by Marla Smith, May 9, 2024

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sean Fay

Date of Sighting: May 09, 2024

Time: 12:30 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Docton Park

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?:

08:42 - At least two orcas off Gold Beach, Maury/Vashon Island right now. Close to shore. Moving slowly south.

photo by Barbara Weber, May 9, 2024

Thu, May 9 - Puget Sound (T86A1s, T124A1, T124D)

While exiting Colvos this afternoon.

photos by Mollie Segall, May 9, 2024

20:05 - Friends at Golden Gardens seeing lots of splashing and spouts mid channel trending north. Probably this same group!

Tony Tilt, PSE

17:00 - On east side of Blake Island. Very distant. Still northbound. Viewing from Constellation Park.

Steve Rice

16:22 - Exiting Colvos northbound quickly. Long dives. Lost them as the ferry approached.

15:58 - Still slowly approaching Southworth, now on the island side. Could be long down times or just that it’s hard to see in the chop.

15:35 - Blows approaching Southworth but still a ways away. Approximately Wilson Creek area, mainland side. Edit: for more location context they are between frageria and southworth right now.

14:10 - Orcas passed Ollala according to a secondhand report of someone at the beach by the market. Next spot would be Southworth.

Mollie Segall

13:37 - Five or six with a small one in there. I didn’t see any males but didn’t get a great look at them.

13:31 - Passing Point Richmond.

13:27 - Abeam Point Richmond, in the middle.

13:22 - North bound in Colvos. South of Point Richmond going north.

Chris Tolman

12:36 - At the Tacoma Narrows, pointed southbound But not committed any direction yet. have to go to work. So this is my last report.

12:24 - Spotted two trending southwest again.

12:20 - After slowly milling back and forth in Dalco, I respotted the orcas trending north towards Colvos. Too early to tell if committed. Last sighting was in that triangle closer to the mouth of Colvos trending north.

Ashley S Whitman

12:13 - Visibility is poor with the wind, but I’m at Owen seeing blows north of the tip of Point Defiance.

Kirsten Vacura

11:50 - We have departed but the orcas were still milling on their meal and circling around at my map spot [approx. 47.327722, -122.540008].

11:43 - Update on T124A1, T124Ds, and T86A1s [approx. 47.325897, -122.531442]. Still aiming southwest but very slowly. They appeared to be stalled, possibly eating a meal, for a while.

11:10 - T124A1, T124Ds, and T86A1s are southwestbound from my map spot [approx. 47.322745, -122.511127].

Bart Rulon Wildlife

11:27 - On the Vashon side.

11:18 - Spotted in front of Puget Sound Express viewing from the boathouse and they are close to the whales.

Kitkat Whales

10:55 - Approximately five orcas traveling west in front of Quartermaster.

Ed Rickert

Thu, May 9 - South Puget Sound (T90s & T99s)

21:16 - Seen around the red drop pin in the photo. Seem to be headed east towards Vaughn out from Treasure/Reach Island. They’ve been milling around in that area for the past half an hour. Lots of directional changes [approx. 47.352166, -122.812782].

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

19:42 - They're milling in this area [approx. 47.283545, -122.702499].

David Bennett

20:02 - At Stretch Point.

Richelle Little

19:40 - They are currently headed southbound mid channel towards Stretch Island at a slow pace. They are around the red pin on this photo [approx. 47.335420, -122.808778].

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

19:27 - From other thread: Mid channel, off the northern tip of Reach Island, slowly heading southbound.

Karalena Smith

18:33 - [Ts approx. 47.359956, -122.811311].

18:29 - [Ts approx. 47.354993, -122.809936].

18:24 - At this moment in the time it seems like they’re heading north towards Rocky Bay/Victor.

18:07 - Headed towards Allyn… actually milling between Stretch and Treasure Island [approx. 47.347368, -122.812687].

Jami Cantrell

T99C Barakat

T99B Holly & T90C Tigger

18:00 - Five orcas came through in front of Treasure Island, Case Inlet. Northbound, then southbound, headed for Stretch, then flipped! And came back in front of Treasure 20:20. Big show! They seem to have been having fun out in front of Treasure, but perhaps headed back to Allyn now. Link to more photos.

photos by Claudia Putnam, May 9, 2024

17:04 - Picking up pace now. Angling towards Stretch Island still northbound. Almost to north Hartstene Point.

Candace Gavin

16:57 - They were pretty far but putting on a show. Seen from the bridge.

Tania Christine Cho LaMew

16:53 - T90s and T99s are still northbound towards Hartstene Point. They are moving very very slow. Grouped up.

Candace Gavin

16:32 - I reported the boats, and the orcas are now moving north!

16:13 - They are still here doing alllll the breaches, spy hopping, tail slapping, just playing!!! It’s SO lovely! Hard to count how many, but definitely two BIG males! And those big males are doing all the breaching!

15:52 - I’ve got eyes on them! Watching from Jarrell's Cove marina beach! They are about 10 feet off shore of the Shelton side! Couple of folks on the beach are getting one hell of a show!

Elsarape Rodriguez

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marilee Fijalka-Carr

Date of Sighting: May 09, 2024

Time: 4:05 PM

Species seen: orcas

Number of animals seen: 7

Where seen: North shore of Pickering Passage, opposite to Jarrell's Cove 47.291677,-122.893958

Direction of travel : east and north

Behaviors observed: Milling, interspersed with traveling. Spy hops, rolling and lots of tail slaps. Male breached once. Guessing hunting.

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?: Not that we could see.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Appeared to be one juvenile. Was in the middle of a lot of milling with three females at one point.

Photos available?: No

14:28 - They are approaching the Harstine Bridge and should be visible from there at this time. Still southbound in Pickering.

April Janice Basham

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sarah Strozyk

Date of Sighting: May 09, 2024

Time: 2:22 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: (47.2636482, -122.9255919)

Direction of travel : N, slowly?

Behaviors observed: Miling

If orcas, any males?: 1 maybe

Any unusual markings?: No

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

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

13:47 - At least six, maybe nine orcas southbound just north of Hartstene Pointe marina.

Cammy Malm LaRiviere

14:07 - They are approaching Jarrell's Cove still southbound Pickering Passage.

13:36 - They are all be southbound Pickering Passage at this time. Just reached Hartstene Point.

13:04 – All nina members of both pods present still northbound Case Inlet, Stretch Island side.

April Janice Basham

12:39 - Orcas seen mid channel Case Inlet between Heron and Harstine Islands, heading north.

Ben Reynolds

12:25 - Passed Harstine Island State Park heading north.

Kenzie Erickson

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Pam Rhubart

Date of Sighting: August 09, 2024

Time: 10:00 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Dana Passage

Direction of travel : North heading from Boston Harbor into Case Inlet

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?: Yes. At least one.

Any unusual markings?: No

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

Photos available?: No

09:50 - They have now crossed over in front of Squaxin and Harstine Islands and are near Hunter Point (very north end of Eld Inlet) but I have now lost sight for any added direction. However, I was still able to HEAR them when they were that far north of me. Stunning morning on the shores of Eld Inlet.

photo by Kim Merriman, May 9, 2024

ID NOTES: Based on photos and video shared by Kim Merriman can confirm at least some members of both Bigg's matrilines the T90s and T99s are together.

Orca Network

09:22 - Orcas have exited Eld Inlet heading north. Mid channel. Super long down times now.

Kim Merriman

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Bill Shelmerdine

Date of Sighting: May 09, 2024

Time: 8:30 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Eld Inlet. 47d 08'47.16"N, 122d 55' 50.35"W to 47 07 04.58"N; 122 57' 02.44"W

Direction of travel : S initially into Eld Inlet, then back N toward Squaxin Passage

Behaviors observed: Traveling with brief milling.

If orcas, any males?: 2 males

Any unusual markings?: No

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Have pictures with a few poor saddle shots (male and female), and a couple of fin shots... Usually when they come into this inlet, they stay a bit longer...

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

T99C Barakat & T90B Piglet

photos by Bill Shelmerdine, May 9, 2024

08:15 - They [orcas] crossed over to Eld [Inlet] and headed south on the far shore before they moved to mid channel.

07:59 - Whales coming down Dana [Passage]! Headed south into Budd [Inlet]. Far shore. Lots of blows. Can’t tell number. They are passing into a hot spot.

Kim Merriman

Wed, May 8 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T125A & T128)

T125A Jetsam

Sailing off of Point Hudson.

photos by Brian Simmons, May 8, 2024

Wed, May 8 - Admiralty Inlet (T86A1s, T124A1, & T124Ds)

T124D Field & T124D3

While the T99s and T90s have decided to extend their stay in the south Sound, and T65A5 and T65A3 continue to make the east side of Whidbey their new home, we were hoping to have some new whales join the fray. An early report brought us hope for just this… new whales. This interesting little mix of whales was first spotted by Port Townsend. We picked them up at Lagoon Point where we sat for well over an hour watching them make slow progress against a strong ebb tide. It wasn't until south Lagoon Point that we were able to get ID photos. Our little menagerie includes the T124Ds, T124A1, T86A1 and T86A1B! I think extended family members of these matrilines have been seen today up in the San Juan Islands. I'm glad these beauties decided to break away and head down Admiralty to pay us a visit. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, May 8, 2024

From photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, was able to confirm the mom as T86A1, who would be traveling with her calf T86A1B, born 2023.

Fun mix of whales! ID update - Cindi & I believe T124Ds are also present. Then there is another mom with a fairly little calf were still trying to figure out.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

12:12 - South of Bush Point, approaching Mutiny Bay, mid-channel southbound.

Heidi Bruns Shank

11:45 - Bush Point pass [video in FB comments].

Nikki Clarke

11:32 - Approaching Bush Point boat launch southbound, Whidbey side.

11:10 - Working on IDs, but it's tough! We've got T124A1, but I'm not sure if the other 124As are here. Now south of Lagoon moving south faster, Whidbey side.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

11:09 - Left Lagoon Point heading south.

Terry Roth

10:48 - Moving south now, out from Lagoon Point proper, Whidbey side. Looked like maybe five-ish? No males.

10:35 - Drifted more east, slowly getting closer to Whidbey, getting easier to see.

10:29 - They finally popped up again after not seeing them for 20 minutes. They've moved slightly south and slightly east of last map pin.

10:02 - Orcas approx. here, too far for numbers, IDs yet [approx. 48.092919, -122.643888].

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

10:00 - We are here right now doing less than two knots. Pointed to Bush [approx. 48.081626, -122.625580].

08:30 - Still watching from Point Hudson. More east than southbound with the strong ebb.

07:51 - I'm watching some killer whales from Point Hudson going south mid-channel Port Townsend Bay [approx. 48.118992, -122.713303].

Christopher Lewman, PSE

Wed, May 8 - Port Susan/Possession Sound (T65A3 & T65A5)

18:40 - Two heading south passing Glendale midchannel.

Francie L Dailer

18:22 - Glendale should be up soon.

18:00 - South of ferry southbound closer to Whidbey side.

Joe Dreimiller

17:51 - Yes. Watching them currently just south of the ferry lanes fairly close to the island. Southbound at a drifting pace. Just saw spouts in the middle of the ferry lanes.

17:40 - At least two orcas in the ferry lanes, barely south of Clinton.

Paul Kelly

16:30 - Update: Two orcas on southeast side of Hat, just went around the point heading west.

16:00 - Spotted along the east side of Hat Island southbound, close to the island.

Lori Christopher

14:19 - Amira and Indy southbound in Port Susan. Passed Tillicum and in travel mode. Last seen at Tyee.

Linda Raines Tyner

14:08 - Heading southeast off Tyee.

14:04 - Off Tillicum now, have moved offshore but still on Camano side. Just went on another long dive.

13:44 - Orcas are southbound near Pirates Cove, just outside the buoys.

13:30 - Nice group of harbor porpoises (10+) just passed Tillicum southbound, no orcas yet.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

12:53 - Orcas passing CC2 going south bound. Close to Camano side. Moving quickly.

Linda Aitkins

T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy

photos by Thomas McKane, May 8, 2024

12:37 - Northbound now. Midchannel from Cavalero boat launch.

Maia Jewell

12:22 - Seeing two orcas out from CC2 miid channel northbound.

Linda Aitkins

11:06 - Midchannel north of Tillicum, line of sight to Kayak Point Pier. Slowly northbound.

10:56 - Orcas northbound off Tillicum, Camano side of midchannel. Edit: T65A3 and T65A5.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

10:30 - Pair of orcas feeding just shy south of Tyee.

Kim Ewing [CWW]

10:30 - Was watching two orcas about a mile south of Tyee store.

Christi Smith [CWW]

10:13 - Alex Vanderzee (Cascadia Research) messaged to report one of their boats Robustus encountered two killer whales in Port Susan, North Camano Head on Camano side while doing gray whale surveys. The orcas are heading northbound. Description from John Calambokidis. Possibly it is T65A3 and T65A5, description matched their profile anyways. Alex will confirm if their boat Ziphid encounters them on their surveys.

08:52 - Saw two heading north between Hat Island and south end of Camano. Seen from Brighton Beach near Norton Lane.

Francie L Dailer

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Claire Jensen

Date of Sighting: May 08, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Crossing Clinton ferry line near terminal

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?:

Photos available?: No

Wed, May 8 - Case Inlet/Hammersley Inlet (T90s)

Hammersley Inlet today. Link to FB reel.

Kim Larsen

Evening visitors today.

photo by Curt Dorn, May 8, 2024

21:31 - No blows for 15 minutes - they were somewhat distant too, but think they maybe flipped eastbound.

21:16 - Have been hearing blows consistently but not getting much louder, think they're milling east of us.

21:04 - At Walker Park, you can hear a dog barking, a peacock calling, and approaching orca blows. Presume still approaching us at Walker Park westbound. Haven't seen yet in the fading light.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

20:22 - Some whales have flipped and are heading back west toward Libby Point.

19:15 - Four orcas just passed us eastbound in Hammersley Inlet at channel marker #6.

[approx. 47.206203, -122.010632].

Michele Neary

19:05 - Ran into a fisherman who said they past Libby Point eastbound 15 minutes prior.

18:05 - East of Walker Park eastbound still.

17:55 - Nearing Walker Park eastbound, can start to hear their blows.

17:45 - Still west of us at Walker Park, but making some slow progress east finally it seems. There's a huge flood tide, it's been crazy watching how fast it's coming in.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jeanette Lewis

Date of Sighting: May 08, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Oakland Bay (Shelton)

Direction of travel : Looks like they're heading back out towards Hammersley Inlet

Behaviors observed: Probably hunting, mostly underwater except to come up to breath

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I will have to email you photo's & video a little later (have to transfer files from camera to computer first), I was pointing mostly west to south west so was looking into the sun, not sure how well you'll be able to see any markings.

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

photos by Jeanette Lewis, May 8, 2024

17:15 - Group essentially in front of Shelton marina slowly coming around from Oakland Bay back into Hammersly… may have tucked back up into Oakland Bay. Group of us at Walker Park waiting for inevitable pass. Heading back up Hammersly.

Aletha McGee

17:00 - Heading east.

16:40 - Towards town.

PS Osborne

16:18 - Four orca over by Shelton Marina. Just circling for the moment. As viewed from Walker Park.

Candace Gavin

16:10 - Four orcas westbound in Hammersley Inlet past Walker Park, towards Shelton [back of camera photo shows T90B Piglet].

Gayle Swigart

16:09 - They are at Walker Park now.

15:43 - Two orcas Hammersley Inlet heading west towards Walker Park.

PS Osborne

15:35 - Orcas in Hammersley Inlet. At least three. Just passed Libby Point heading toward Shelton.

Mary Williams

15:03 - Looks like they have exited all the way back out towards Nisqually. Possible perfect timing to meet the 99s who are VERY close to the same area around the corner.

14:32 - From the Harstine Bridge they are coming southbound now.

April Janice Basham

12:30 - Still in Case Inlet. In the center between Vaughn and Stretch. Two or three orca. Deep dives and long down times.

Donna DeBree-Moore

09:45 - Delayed report messaged to us had the T90s up off Grapeview heading northbound toward Allyn. Report and Gorgeous video by Steven Venetta.

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marilee Fijalka-Carr

Date of Sighting: May 08, 2024

Time: 9:15 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Pickering Passage, just west of Jarrell's Cove

Direction of travel : West, turning to south around the bend of the north shore of Hartstine Island, leisurely pace

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?: Too far away to distinguish

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Possibly same group as sighted traveling the opposite direction yesterday

Photos available?: No

08:50 - Three fins passed Dougall Point southbound into Pickering.

Liz Wolk

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Ray Drury

Date of Sighting: May 08, 2024

Time: 7:30 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Allyn, North Bay

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Wed, May 8 - South Puget Sound (T99s)

18:40 - Herron Island area. Seen in the Key Peninsula group near the ferry dock about 30 minutes ago. They’d been hanging around for about 30 mins at that location.

Stephanie Burton

17:10 - Loitering at Ballow.

17:02 - Northbound Ballow.

17:00 - Hunting at Fudge Point.

Doug Olson

15:40 - Saw three orcas at confluence of Dana Passage and Case Inlet mid channel but closer to Harstine. Went down and lost them, but lots of porpoise and seals moving in larger pods south in Dana to steer clear.

Cesca Quagliata

14:45 - Saw three from Zittels. Heading towards Boston Harbor Marina.

photo by Paul Davis, May 8, 2024

14:27 - They took a long dive right about here, have not spotted them again. Unclear if they turned to go up Carr or are continuing to Case now [approx. 47.172487, -122.747286].

14:09 - It looks like they’re turning north to head up into Longbranch, still at the mouth of it now.

13:56 - Just finished a hunt, pray sharing, and breaching. Continuing west towards Zittles [approx. 47.130890, -122.750781].

Steph ZP

13:35 - Delayed report on our island group that they were northbound past the Anderson Island Riviera Marina, headed toward chambers. Checking now to get eyes on them.

12:46 - Just confirming that these are the T99s.

12:27 - Southbound between Ketron and Anderson after going down for a while. About halfway down Ketron.

12:16 - Steadily southbound headed between Ketron and Anderson Island. Not yet to Ketron. One boat close by.

Belen Bilgic Schneider

12:12 - Just saw three orcas heading southbound just south of McNeil Island (looking straight across from Steilacoom). There is a small boat moving same direction close by.

Jennifer Tebaldi

12:10 - From Anderson Island ferry terminal, they seem to be headed east into Chambers, three to four individuals [approx. 47.200484, -122.630076].

Belen Bilgic Schneider

11:55 - Hugging McNeil going around towards Anderson.

Brooke

12:16 - Heading slowly in this direction [approx. 47.183043, -122.662342].

11:50 - Approaching south end of McNeil.

11:23 - Just spotted them [approx. 47.238951, -122.670594].

Laura Kozar Batanian

11:00 - Just passed in front of our house on southwest side of Fox (near old navy pier) and took a deep dive. Popped up minutes later heading toward middle of Carr, south towards Narrows. Looks like they are angling toward south end of McNeil.

Blake-Linda Worland Little

09:00 - Viewing orcas from Kopachuk [State Park] currently on the far side of Raft Island.

Vicki Flood

Tue, May 7 - Sinclair Inlet/Dyes Inlet (T65A3 & T65A5)

T65A5 Indy & T65A3 AMira

T65A3 Amira

T65A3 and 5 visit Dyes Inlet. So lucky to see these two here near Tracyton pictures from Erlands Point.

photos by Eric Russell, May 7, 2024

T65A5 Indy

T65A3 Amira

photos by Jim Pasola, May 7, 2024

19:15 - Close to the shoreline in Manette, headed towards Bachman Park - beautiful!

Shelley Speer

19:08 - Just by Manette Bridge.

Loretta Lorie Flatray

19:07 - Passed Manette Bridge.

Madelyn Messic

19:07 - Past Lions Park about 15 minutes ago heading north.

18:30 - I guess they turned around and went back into Dyes Inlet.

Karen McClung Sansgaard

18:45 - Heading southbound towards Lions Park now.

Stephanie Morton Hoffer

18:30 - Heading south.

Terri Sue Samuels

18:10 - Can see them from the Tracyton Boat Launch. Looks like they were heading northwest.

photo by Mackenzie Dunham, May 7, 2024

18:05 - Can see them off my porch towards north - I’m across from Lions Park. Milling about mid-channel looks like they may be turning north again [approx. 47.598473, -122.658688].

Stephanie Morton Hoffer

17:48 - Coming up on Lions Park.

17:23 - Approaching Tracyton that side too.

Eric Russell

17:03 - Heading south in Dyes Inlet.

photo by Eileen Tonge Kollars, May 7, 2024

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Blake Mayberry

Date of Sighting: May 07, 2024

Time: 4:33 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Phinney Bay

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

16:30 - Two passed Tracyton Boat Launch heading toward Silverdale. Dyes Inlet.

Stacy Simmons Wright

16:30 - They passed the Tracyton boat launch and are heading for Silverdale.

Jim Pasola

16:24 - Just saw them off my porch heading deeper into Dyes. Well past Lions Park going towards Silverdale [approx. 47.593781, -122,656228].

16:00 - 16:15 - They’re heading deep into Dyes towards Silverdale. Passed Lions Park area.

Stephanie Morton Hoffer

15:00 - They were deep in Sinclair. Near Port Orchard marina looking towards Rich or Port Orchard waterway.

Chloe Cooper

14:50 - Amira and Indy are deep in Bremerton Harbor almost to Gorst but now heading back north.

Jim Pasola

14:57 - Slowly headed back north towards Bremerton Marina on shipyard side.

14:37 - Amir and Indy at end of Sinclair Inlet by Gorst on Port Orchard side and headed slowly back towards Bremerton.

Mike Maddox

13:55 - Amira and Indy passed Bachman and are in Sinclair Inlet near Naval shipyard now.

Stephanie Morton Hoffer

13:40 - I just returned from viewing Amira and Indy from Illahee, past Manette, and deeper into Bremerton harbor. I left without my phone. Last time I saw them was about 13:40 they were heading deeper into the harbor towards Port Orchard.

Jim Pasola

12:40 - Two heading through Illahee - slow moving mid channel, headed south.

Kirsten Harbour

11:30 - At least two orcas, likely the 65A brothers mid channel on my marker south of Battle Point [approx. 47.645208, -122.593325].

Grayden Kelbert, PSE

06:38 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:46 to report: 0638hrs: SEALTH Vessel reports via 800MHz that they've spotted three orcas in Apple Tree Cove heading southbound.

Tue, May 7 - Carr Inlet (T99s)

T99D Puck, T99C Barakat, T99B Holly

So sunny in Carr Inlet today.

photos by April Janice Basham, May 7, 2024

19:02 - Update: three orcas south of Kopachuck, heading south at a pretty good clip. Will probably be at Penrose area soon if speed and direction continue.

18:50 - Spotted two orcas across from Kopachuck on the west side of Carr Inlet. Perhaps two young males?

Sarah Richey Guenther

18:20 - Single male, southbound. Henderson Bay, Key Peninsula side at Cutts Island.

Gary Furuheim[PSWS]

17:30 - I have an unconfirmed sighting report (from a friend of a friend). They were heading south from Purdy. We are just south of Kopachuck State Park and are keeping an eye out!

Sarah Richey Guenther

15:30 - Saw them right outside our house [Day Island] three to four surfacing, as they headed north.

15:04 - Seems like they are heading slowly back into Carr now, have been watching them for the past 15 min from Fox Island spit, they appear to be closer to the Key Peninsula side, hard to see with naked eyes from the beach.

Samuel Tebb

14:20 - T99s were stalled at my mark but generally trending southbound [approx. 47.271577, -122.692768]. They were not in a hurry.

Candace Gavin

14:17 - Basically right off Penrose is my best guess.

14:03 - Visible from fox island sand spit now but wayyyy on west side.

Sarah Montgomery

13:41 - Southeast bound approaching Fox Island [approx. 47.281589, -122.709014].

David Michael

13:40 - No longer visible from Kopachuck. Maybe someone at Penrose can spot them. Last seen with two boats.

Brittany Hays

12:36 - Southbound [approx. 47.326139, -122.715796].

David Michael

12:32 - Slowly heading southbound along west shore, straight out from Kopachuck State Park.

Steph ZP

12:21 - They’re milling here [47.316949, -122.719328].

Robyn Socal

10:41 - They are out in front of Minter now.

10:31 - Yes, orcas. Not sure how many there were some little guys and a couple of big ones. They are heading back away from Purdy toward Minter very close to the Key Peninsula side

10:12 - They [orcas] are in Henderson Bay near the Purdy Bridge.

Billy Watson

10:28 - Henderson Bay milling.

Season Oltmann

10:28 - Also a small group three to four in Henderson Bay about half a mile south of Purdy bridge slowly moving south.

photo by Mark Diegel, May 7, 2024

10:23 - [orcas] Still at Purdy spit, no obvious direction yet.

Bonnie Leback

10:12 - They [orcas] are in Henderson Bay near the Purdy Bridge.

Billy Watson

Tue, May 7 - Pickering Passage/Case Inlet (T90s)

T90 Eagle, T90C Tigger, T90B Piglet

T90 Eagle in foreground, T90B Piglet in background

photos by April Janice Basham, May 7, 2024

18:44 - I saw a comment in Puget Sound Whale Sightings 20 minutes ago saying they have left Allyn and are headed back south.

Ashleigh Risley

18:41 - They went by [Allyn] a while ago. Headed south.

Sue Comer

17:20 - T90s are northbound towards Allyn. They are at the north tip of Treasure Island (Reach) grouped up closer to island side.

Candace Gavin

17:27 - They are approaching the tip of Harstine.

16:49 - They are northbound towards Allyn.

16:02 - They have reached Jarrell's Cove still northbound in Pickering.

15:52 - Northbound approaching Jarrell's Cove.

April Janice Basham

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marilee Fijalka-Carr

Date of Sighting: May 07, 2024

Time: 3:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Pickering Passage, either side of Jarrell's Cove, following the north shore of Harstine Island.

Direction of travel : North, leisurely pace. Observed over approximately 30 minutes.

Behaviors observed: Traveling. Surfaced x2-3 at a time, then submerged for a distance before repeating.

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?: Too far away to tell.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Being followed by two recreational/fishing boats. They at least were going very slowly and on the offshore side, but were also following along the north shore for some time (>30 minutes).

Photos available?: No

15:02 - Northbound from somewhere around here [approx. 47.258787, -122.921989].

14:57 - Steady northbound still [approx. 47.247464, -122.925594].

14:40 - All have passed under the Harstine Bridge steady northbound. Beautiful pass.

14:16 - They flipped and are headed back north towards the Harstine Bridge.

13:57 - They’re about a half mile south of the Harstine Bridge still headed south.

Jami Cantrell

13:00 - 13:10 - Passed Jarrell Cove heading south.

Shelley Grossman Schneider

12:40 - Rounded Dougall Point heading south into Pickering Passage. Four fins.

Liz Wolk

11:51- Case [Inlet] side. Near Heron [Island] now and appear to be hanging around a bit now.

11:45 - Four or so just passed Harstine Point. Heading south.

Jonathan Dent

11:00 - In Case Inlet heading south from Reach/Treasure on the far side close to Key/Vaughn.

photo by Claudia Putnam, May 7, 2024

09:50 - They are heading north towards Stretch Island.

Tanya Hoskins

09:48 - Five minutes ago heading north from Harstine Point, moving fast.

Cammy Malm LaRiviere

09:15 - Orcas just north of Jarrell's Cove. Hunting at the mouth of the cove. Lots of water slapping. Seals are swimming like crazy the opposite direction.

Teresa Saunders Westcoat

08:56 - Spotted just now between Harstine Island Bridge & Jarrell’s Cove heading north.

photo by Steven Venetta, May 7, 2024

08:19 - Just north of Harstine bridge in Pickering Pass, headed north.

photo by Nick Wenzel, May 7, 2024

06:00 & 06:50 - At least three orcas reported in Totten Inlet this morning, first heading south at 06:00 then heading back north at 06:50 in the middle of the inlet.

R Peterson [OSS]

Tue, May 7 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Nicki Giles

Date of Sighting: May 07, 2024

Time:

Species seen: Orca, female, alone, looked like a transient fin

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: 47.242100, -122.563280

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Traveling north bound

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Mon, May 6 - Puget Sound

Near Keyport.

photo by Patti Shell, May 6, 2024

Mon, May 6 - Puget Sound (T90s & T99s)

I decided to head to Narrows Park in Gig Harbor when I heard that orcas were on their way south in Colvos. After waiting nervously a while, I saw them come around the corner through my binoculars, heading south towards the bridge.They were still pretty far away, but it seemed like the pod might have been split in two, one closer to Salmon Beach, and the other closer to the Tacoma side. There was some splashing and activity in those two different areas for a little while. I lost them a couple of times for a little bit, they might have just been under during this time. Then all of a sudden they seemed to meet up and all four orcas surfaced right underneath the Narrows Bridge. They seemed excited, like they just had a kill perhaps, one smaller orca did a backflip and I saw belly, which I unfortunately did not get a picture of, but it was amazing to see so close and in person. I watched them pass under the center of the Narrows Bridge, and as they started hugging the Tacoma side, and continued passed Titlow and the marina, I last saw them around 19:20, still heading south. It was a beautiful day to see them!

photos by Sally Milligan-Smith, May 6, 2024

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Bob Kruger

Date of Sighting: May 06, 2024

Time:

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: 47.66527559549944, -122.44400137369323

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?: Yes, one.

Any unusual markings?: No

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

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

photo by Bob Kruger, May 6, 2024

T99C Barakat & T90C Tigger

photo by Marla Smith, May 6, 2024

Sun, May 5 - Saratoga Passage (T99s)

T99C Barakat

Orcas in the mist…T99s gliding past Sandy Point.

photos by Donna George, May 5, 2024

UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES

Sun, May 12 - BC

12:42 - Sharon Mitchell just called to report orcas right now while on their journey in Canada. They are currently underway off the tip Sara Point heading up Homfray channel toward Desolation Sound and see at least four orcas, including at least one male & smaller one. Orcas are too distant for photos/videos. A lot of spy hopping, even while we were on the phone. Beautiful Mother’s Day.

Fri, May 10 - Haro Strait

08:04 - My mom saw a single female orca very close to shore, southbound from Landbank. She waited a half hour but saw no others and couldn’t determine whether it was a resident or transient.

Justine Buckmaster [WSSJI]

HUMPBACK WHALES

Sun, May 12 - Haro Strait

16:00 - Humpback down by the second Land Bank turnout, at the surface for about three minutes, then dove and fluked. Per my friend, slowly northbound, per my friend who gave the report.

15:50 - Second hand report of a humpback at Lime Kiln

Katie Onthesalishsea [WSSJI]

Sat, May 11 - Rosario Strait

09:40 - Two humpbacks in Rosario heading southwest, closer to Fidalgo side of strait.

Lisa Blohm

Sat, May 11 - Puget Sound

14:16 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine OPs, emailed to report: Walla Walla Master reports humpback whale off Waterman Point - very close to vessel (rub rail) near miss, moving very slow.

Sat, May 11 - Puget Sound

16:30 - Humpback spotted about 75 feet off shore in Normandy Park.Between Marine View Park (Des Moines) and The Cove (Normandy Park). No pictures because it happened so fast! But it was beautiful!

Caitlin Duncanson

14:00 - Now the whale is closer to Point Robinson middle channel. Lots of fin slapping and breaching. Heading north east.

Emily Gause

11:00 - Point Defiance boat ramp.

Lindsay Muma

Fri, May 10 - San Juans (BCY0324 Big Mama & others)

13:51 - [Humpbacks] There are two adults and a little one

13:38 - Two Humpbacks have arrived [off Moran State Park] coming southbound.

photo by anonymous, May 10, 2024

12:28 - Two more humpbacks here [approx. 48.773400, -122.913291]. Maybe Split Fin? I don’t have an ID shot yet.

11:37 - Big Mama plus one other! Lots of slow direction changes, maybe feeding. Long dives.

Sara Baldwin [WSSJI]

Fri, May 10 - Puget Sound

17:56 - One seen off of Brown’s Point lighthouse headed north.

Amy Bagwell

15:30 - The humpback was at the mouth of Quartermaster Harbor moving east. Appeared to be a juvenile.

David Michael

14:40 - Sailing vessel Wind Dancer reporting humpback off Point Defiance heading east/northeast.

Scott Markowitz

14:00 - Humpback spotted heading north in the Tacoma Narrows past Point Defiance.

John McRae [PSWS]

12:34 - Right down in Steilacoom. Followed it from shore west and it made its way into the Narrows south of Fox Island! Definitely a small dorsal! Humpback for sure!

12:25 - Grey or baleen whale [confirmed humpback] seen from Sunnyside Beach!

photo by August Brown, May 10, 2024

Thu, May 9 - Haro Strait

Young humpback named Bagheera was on the west side today.

John Boyd [WSSJI]

12:00 - Humpbacks(s) or minke(s). Mid Haro off Smugglers. Up island. Thrashing about. Quarter mile off shore.

Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]

Tue, May 7 - Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: David Freeburg

Date of Sighting: May 07, 2024

Time: 4:30 AM [assume PM]

Species seen: Humpback

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Brownsville Marina

Direction of travel : Very large pattern back and forth for 45 minutes

Behaviors observed: Traveled slowly back and forth over 1/2 miler for 45 minutes

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Definitely a humpback. Got some very good looks at it.

Photos available?:

Tue, May 7 - Rich Passage

At 07:15 report of at least 3 [humpback] whales in Rich Passage near Fort Ward. No direction included.

Shannon [WA app]

Tue, May 7 - Elliot Bay

15:44 - Unknown species whale passing Seattle Aquarium south moving quickly. Looks like a possible humpback.

Robyn Riley

Tue, May 7 - South Puget Sound

12:25 - A baleen whale (probably a humpback whale) surfaced close to shore at Chambers Bay. Appeared to be milling around this general area. Viewed from the beach near the golf course.

Carrie

GRAY WHALES

Sun, May 12 - Port Susan

08:03 - Grey in same location as yesterday, feeding near Warm Beach.

Thomas McKane [PSWW]

Sun, May 12 - Possession Sound (CRC2259, CRC2362 Thidwick, CRC2557)

CRC2557

CRC2259

CRC2258We ended with watching CRC2362, 2259, and newbie 2557!

photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, May 12, 2024

13:30 - SJC departing two grays between southern tip Hat Island slow travel east. CRC 2259 confirmed.

Angelica Patyten

Sat, May 11 - Port Susan

08:00 - Grey around Warm Beach little past mid channel.

Thomas McKane [PSWW]

Sat, May 11 - Possession Sound (CRC2362 Thidwick & CRC2557)

17:45 - Crc2557 and crc2362 are milling at my map spot [approx. 48.001725, -122.258235].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

15:00 - Another gray whale between Jetty Island and entrance to Everett Marina, northbound.

10:15 Two at southeast Hat.

10:00 - One off of southeast Hat.

Janine Harles

Fri, May 10 - Port Susan

07:42 - Spouts off Warm Beach.

James Piotrowski

Fri, May 10 - Possession Sound (CRC2362 Thidwick, CRC2441, CRC2557)

17:45 - At least two grays headed towards Mukilteo. Too far out from Mission Beach to identify. Still mid channel.

Jaime Shields

13:42 - CRC 2362 and newly named newbie CRC 2557 are circling around at my map spot [approx. 48.004210, -122.297482].

Bart Rulon Wildlife

12:37 - SJC leaving two grays. One off southeast Hat, second between Hat and Priest Point midchannel. One IDed as CRC2441.

Alli Montgomery

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: John Shackman

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 6:33 AM

Species seen: Possibly Gray

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Between HAT & JETTY Island

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Thu, May 9 - Port Susan (CRC2259)

11:57 - cross post: Gray north Tillicum [Port Susan] southbound inside the buoy on a very low tide. [ID: possibly CRC2259. Cascadia Research left 2259 in this same area around 11:25 per Alex Vanderzee]

Debbie [PSWW chat]

Thu, May 9 - Saratoga Passage

14:43 - Friend reports gray off Langley heading north.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Wed, May 8 - Possession Sound

10:51 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:52 to report: KITSAP Captain reports one gray whale south of CLINT dock heading South.

Wed, May 8 - Saratoga Passage

10:35 - Grey hanging around Sandy Point.

Susi Prescott

09:28 Looks like it’s heading south past Sandy Point.

Luanne Seymour

10:50 - Not sure if the same one but at the same time frame I saw a gray breach in beteeen Hat and Sandy Point, mid channel. Unsure of direction because I'm losing it in the horizon line from Muk/Everett.

Ashley Johnson

09:15 - Cindi Raush called to report seeing baleen whale (presumed gray) out from mouth of Port Susan traveling southbound, but then made direction change and may be northbound or milling. While on the phone whale was breaching.

09:11 - Cindi spotted gray whale off Sandy Point and it breached!

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

08:30 - 09:00 - Watched grey from Sandy Point area - s/he is or was skirting along the shore (Whidbey) heading southbound from Sandy Point. Beautiful morning.

photos by Marilyn Armbruster, May 8, 2024

Wed, May 8 - Puget Sound

My partner works for the Port of Seattle and has seen a grey off Pier 69/Bell Harbor. Came up for air today and surprised the heck out of him and the birds in the vicinity.

Aleda Escalona

Tue, May 7 - Port Susan

17:36 - Southbound currently between Mountain View and Port Susan Terrace. Dinnertime for this gray.

17:05 - Still one gray slowly southbound at north end of Mountain View.

17:00 - Moving slowly south toward Mountain View.

16:56 - Viewing from McKees Beach in Port Susan. Blows at south end of Country Club 3 on Camano Island. Appears to be a solitary gray.

Linda Raines Tyner

11:38 - I was tracking one grey near Warm Beach but have lost it now.

Thomas McKane

07:15 - Gray by CC Beach 3 slowly headed south.

Tim Jenkins [PSWW]

Tue, May 7 - Possession Sound

10:00 - Swiftsure has a gray mid channel east of Possession Point [approx. 47.893286, -122.361758].

Grayden Kelbert, PSE

08:50 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:27 to report: 0805hrs KITSAP Captain reports they've spotted a single grey whale just north of the MUK/CLIN crossing, mid-channel, heading in a northwest direction.

08:38 - Good morning! Viewing one gray, I think northbound, but am going to try to get a closer look! Mid-channel-ish off of Mukilteo [approx. 47.936164, -122.340413].

Stephanie Brenaman

MINKE WHALES

Wed, May 8 - Puget Sound

15:38 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:45 to report: 1538hrs: WALLA WALLA Vessel reports 1 minke whale, 1 mile east of Restoration Point moving north.

Wed, May 8 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Llyle Morgan

Date of Sighting: May 08, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM

Species seen: Minke

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Off Hope Island

Direction of travel : W

Behaviors observed: Feeding

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Tue, May 7 - Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Heidi Stamm Mueller

Date of Sighting: May 07, 2024

Time: 4:35 PM

Species seen: Minke

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Port Orchard Channel. Bainbridge side, across from Illahee Dock

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Slow traveling

If orcas, any males?: N/A

Any unusual markings?: None

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Lived here almost 30 years and this is first minke sighting at my house.

Photos available?: No

UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES

Thu, May 9 - Haro Strait

12:00 - My wife and I watching the Lime Kiln cam right about noon today and caught this, it went on four to five different times in just a few minutes in slightly different locations. The camera never zoomed in but we thought we could see a whale tail twice after this video, but hard to see. [Appears to show a baleen, likely humpback but unconfirmed.]

Randy Vining Jr

UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES

Sat, May 11 - Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Theodore Waltz

Date of Sighting: May 11, 2024

Time: 1:15 PM

Species seen:

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: off Chinese Reconciliation Park

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Fri, May 10 - Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Kaleb Merwin

Date of Sighting: May 10, 2024

Time: 12:05 PM

Species seen: Likely orca, only partial dorsal fin and spouting observed.

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Salters Point Beach, 47.1693135, -122.6124554

Direction of travel : NE along shore, meander

Behaviors observed: Milling, slow travel

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?: Dorsal fin seemed short/blunt

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: First time sighting, I could be wrong on ID. Certainly a whale, but maybe not orca.

Photos available?: No

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