May 24, 2023

Member of the T71Bs & T124Ds spyhops in Penn Cove.

photo by Marilyn Armbruster, May 18, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through May 22 include:

Southern Residents - No reports.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On May 15, the T137s with most likely T71Bs, T124A2s, & T124Ds made their way south through Puget Sound. T99s were spotted near Moresby Island.

On May 16, the T124A2s & T137s were traveling north together in Puget Sound. A few hours behind them, the T71Bs & T124Ds were seen also traveling north in Puget Sound - they "vanished" in the early afternoon. Only the T137s were seen heading north in Admiralty Inlet later in the day. T11A was in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. T99s seen off Neah Bay.

On May 17, the T71Bs & T124Ds spent much of the day in Port Susan before eventually heading north in Saratoga Passage. T137s were in Haro Strait. T124As were spotted in the San Juans.

On May 18, the T71Bs & T124Ds made their way north through Saratoga Passage and eventually into Penn Cove. T65A5 was spotted in the San Juans.

On May 19, the T71Bs & T124Ds made their way south through Puget Sound.

On May 20, likely T71Bs & T124Ds were seen heading north into Possession Sound. T125A & T128 headed north into Rosario Strait but split up on both sides of Blakely Island - T128 had a newe bite injury to his dorsal.

On May 21, the T71Bs & T124Ds spent hours hunting in Penn Cove. T124As, T124A1, & T124A4s were spotted in Haro Strait.

On May 22, the T71Bs & T124Ds headed north in Admiralty Inlet. The T46Bs were seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. T124As, T124A1, & T124A4s in the San Juans.

In next report: On May 23, the T71Bs & T124Ds were spotted in central Puget Sound in the early evening, and made their way north.

On May 24, the T71Bs & T124Ds made their way north through Saratoga Passage and spent some time in Penn Cove.

Humpbacks - Sightings around San Juans include BCX1275, BCX1602 Lorax, BCY0324 Big Mama, & BCZ0414 Zephyr.

Gray Whales - CRC22 Earhart & CRC543 were seen traveling north in Admiralty Inlet, indicating their Puget Sound visit is likely over. As of May 22, CRC53 Little Patch & CRC21 Shackleton were still in the area hanging out in Port Susan. CRC2356 Stalwart continues to explore central and south Puget Sound.

EVENTS:

Thursday, May 25, 2023 a 10 AM – 11 AM

Volunteer Coffee Meet & Greet

WiFire Community Space

Join us at Wifire Community Space for a meet and greet to learn about the many volunteer opportunities in Orca Network's programs. Meet current volunteers, board, and staff members. Ask your questions and find out what it's like to be a member of our pod! We will have applications with us, so just bring your interest! You will have an opportunity to follow us over to the Langley Whale Center for a pickup volunteer activity that day as well. There is no requirement to stay.

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Mondays in May from 11 AM - 4 PM

Langley Whale Center

We have some whale-y fun things planned for Mondays in May! Come join Taylor Stuber-Proden, our Orca Network intern from Western Washington University, in some educational crafts and activities at your local whale center. Not only will we be open Mondays now, but you will also find Taylor guiding visitors through a new activity each week at our Marine Mammal Mondays booth. Each week will be something new and exciting! Taylor is an accomplished artist and has been contributing to the whale center and Orca Network since she was young. You won't want to miss out! Stop by anytime during open hours: 11am-4pm.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 AT 3 PM – 5 PM

Orca Month Kick-Off, Hybrid Virtual/Whidbey Island

Langley Whale Center

Join Langley Whale Center, Orca Network and the Orca Salmon Alliance for a hybrid in-person/virtual Orca Month Kick-off event!

Visit the Langley Whale Center from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM to explore our exhibits and gift shop and learn more about the endangered Southern Resident orcas. Then join us for presentations from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Agenda:

3:00 - Welcome

3:10 - Virtual visits from Orca Month Kick-off events in Seattle, Friday Harbor, and Sidney, B.C.

3:30 - Presentation from Jay Julius of Se’Si’Le and the Lummi Nation. Jay will be joining us remotely from San Juan Island.

4:15 - Presentation from Florian Graner of Sealife Productions. Florian will be joining us in person at Langley Whale Center.

This event is also available as a Zoom webinar for those unable to attend in person. Register for the webinar here.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 AT 1 PM – 5 PM

Orca Month Kick-Off, Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor

Join Orca Network, Wild Orca, Friends of the San Juans, and the Orca Salmon Alliance for an Orca Action Month Kick-Off event in Friday Harbor!

ORCA DORSAL FIN PARADE: Meet at the San Juan County Courthouse lawn at 1:00 to grab a life size dorsal fin or two. We will walk as a pod on a sidewalk parade route through Friday Harbor, ending at the San Juan Island Grange at 2:00.

EVENT AT SJI GRANGE:

2:00 - 3:00 - Social time, refreshments, storytelling

3:00 - 5:00 - Hybrid In-person/virtual event

Agenda:

3:00 - Welcome

3:10 - Virtual visits from Orca Month Kick-off events in Seattle and Sidney, B.C.

3:30 - Presentation from Jay Julius of Se’Si’Le and the Lummi Nation. Jay will be joining us in person at the Grange.

4:15 - Presentation from Florian Graner of Sealife Productions. Florian will be joining us from remotely from Langley Whale Center on Whidbey Island.

This event is also available as a Zoom webinar for those unable to attend in person.

If you are near Seattle, Whidbey Island or Sidney, B.C. check out additional Orca Month Kick-Off events here.

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SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 2023 AT 1 PM – 4 PM

Orca Action Month Kickoff Celebration: Seattle

El Centro de la Raza

Join the greater Seattle community for a free event to celebrate the start of Orca Action Month on Sunday, June 4th from 1-4 pm at El Centro de la Raza in South Seattle. This year’s Orca Action Month theme is Lasting Legacies. Through this theme, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act and honor notable Southern Resident orcas who have left a lasting legacy. Storytelling from Nora Nickum author of Superpod, Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales; Music by Erika Lundahl, Right as Rain; Education booths from WA Department of Fish & Wildlife, NOAA, Seattle Aquarium, Endangered Species Coalition, Defenders of Wildlife, Washington Conservation Action, The Whale Trail and more; presentations by Jourdan Imani Keith (Seattle Civic Poet), Ken Workman (Duwamish Tribal Councilmember)and kids activities including face painting, chalk art, orca coloring, and crafts.

Mon, May 22 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Bs)

T46B2 Akela

What an exciting adventure off Sooke, B.C. A very special pod, T46Bs with a newborn calf this year! Today was wild and free.

Sooke Coastal Explorations

photos by Paul Pudwell, May 22, 2023

Mon, May 22 - San Juans (T124As, T124A1, T124A4s)

14:00 - Approaching Friday Harbor northbound.

11:35 - A friend on the water relays that these are the T124As (presumably with T124A1 and T124A4s as they were the last couple of days). They haven't made much progress - they are off Cape San Juan now - but are still northbound.

10:55 - Bigg's killer whales off Cattle Point aiming north into the Pass.

Orca Behavior Institute

Mon, May 22 - Boundary Pass

12:33 - Per report to Whale Alert App a pod of five orcas were rounding East Point, Saturna heading southbound.

Mon, May 22 - Haro Strait

14:14 - Killer [whales] just spotted by the Lime Kiln State Park lighthouse. Approx. four, maybe more.

Paul Rudd [WSSJI]

Mon, May 22 - North Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds)

13:06 - Orcas continue northbound. A little north of my pin [48.035578, -122.639082]. Small white boat following behind them.

12:30 - Orca are still northbound, mid channel. Can only see with binos because of the haze [approx. 47.983664, -122.625117].

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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12:24 - San Juan Clipper just left them heading north, west side of the channel, off Double Bluff.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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11:53 - At Point No Point. Five or six orcas. Midway between Whidbey and Hansville. Heading west.

11:32 - At Eglon. Saw five breaches. They seem to be heading northwest now.

Jan Pierce

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11:00 - We have left the scene but MV Saratoga is watching them now. Here is an updated map [approx. 47.894631, -122.466420], but they have just been playing like crazy after their meal in the same spot the whole time! 

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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10:57 - Same spot and behavior.

Kyla Bivens

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T71B1 Zengo

ID by Marla Smith, Orca Network

10:30 - Just off Whidbey. We were with PSE.

photos by Aaron Berg, May 22, 2023

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10:20 - T71Bs/T124Ds are milling on a kill. No direction [approx. 47.882414, -122.462120].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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08:30 - Got eyes on them a few miles northwest of Edmonds, really active. No direction.

Brian McGinn

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07:00 - Monday orcas at East side of Possession Point. They were in Possession Sound headed eastward just south of Possession Point. We could see more closer to the Point. They crossed in front of us as we were headed south. They were traversing heading eastward.

Jill Merriman

Sun, May 21 - Haro Strait (T124As, T124A1, T124A4s)

A little video short from Jason with some highlights from our encounter with the T124As, T124A1, and T124A4s on May 21st in Haro Strait: Link to FB video.

Orca Behavior Institute

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A picture perfect post-hunt tail slap from T124A4 Sabio this morning in Haro Strait.

It was lovely to see the T124A Kittiwake (who recently has been traveling at times with just her two youngest, T124A6 Kasuun and T124A7), rejoined by two of her three adult daughters. T124A1 Bonapartes, who has no known offspring and often roams on her own, was present, as was T124A4 and T124A4A, making for a total of six whales.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, May 21, 2023

Sun, May 21 - Penn Cove (T71Bs & T124Ds)

Saw some whales that I didn’t think I’d catch in time. But man what a show I witnessed! This was off the Coupeville wharf. T71Bs and T124Ds.

photos by Kat Martin, May 21, 2023

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I finally saw orcas in Penn Cove today! The T71Bs and T124Ds were an active bunch although not real close. Heavily zoomed and cropped. 

photos by Donna George, May 21, 2023

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Good morning in Penn Cove.

photos by David Holbrook, May 21, 2023

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They were eating and eating and eating! Lots of celebrating after each meal!

Linda Raines Tyner

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17:21 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park- at least two fins in front of the houses at Fox Spit. Southbound.

Linda Aitkins

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16:45 - Appeared to have resumed travel southbound.

16:10 - Orcas midchannel or east of. Big splashes, maybe another hunt? Viewing from just north of Hidden Beach parking lot.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:05 - Southbound four miles per hour. Four minutes between surfacing [approx. 48.211305, -122.582030].

Smith Siromaskul

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14:55 - Continuing southbound grouped up Whidbey side long downtimes. Nearing Race Lagoon area.

14:25 - Starting to head south.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:30 - Penn Cove.

photo by Smith Siromaskul, May 21, 2023

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14:05 - They are still here at Long Point.

Olive Alcazar

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13:55 - They are milling just east of Long Point now. Still surface active.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:40 - They are approximately in this circle [approx. 48.232697, -122.639511].

Emily Lawren

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13:35 - On the move east passing Long Point now.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:25 - We departed and then came back for a brief last look and they are still very playful and milling in place [approx. 48.240542, -122.659924].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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13:00 - Continuing to mill in same spot northwest of Long Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:40 - Saw a couple breaches from Camano Island Yacht Club Way over on Whidbey side north of whale boat.

Shelly Greybeck

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11:55 - 12:30 - Continuing to mill in same spot northwest of Long Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:28 - Orcas are just circling around the whale watching boat visible on Long Point for about 30 minutes now.

Olive Alcazar

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12:28 - Still here, so exciting to watch!

Patricia Phillips

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12:00 - IE5 is with them. They’ve kind of stalled, last I saw [approx. 48.229119, -122.657940].

Kat Martin

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11:40 - Continuing to trend east, some surface activity.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:30 - T124Ds and T71Bs are still milling on a meal! They got distracted for about 20 minutes chasing a rhinoceros auklet which finally met its demise. Now they are back to their meal again. A bald eagle even swooped in to try and grab the auklet but missed. That poor bird had a bad day!

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Charles Niedzialkowski

Date of Sighting: May 21, 2023

Time: 11:20 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Penn Cove right off Coupeville

Direction of travel : Heading east when we saw them, out of the Cove

Behaviors observed: Breaching, feeding off large fish

If orcas, any males?: No large dorsals seen. All smallish.

Any unusual markings?: Unknown

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Two commercial whale boats were seen, one larger hydrofoil type boat with red stripes and one smaller Odessey inflatable type craft.

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11:06 - This was my favorite photo of the day at in Penn Cove.

photo by Emily Lawren, May 21, 2023

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11:25 - Still milling, drifted east with current.

11:05 - Same spot, very surface active, lots of tail lobs.

10:45 - Out from Coupeville wharf, a little to east, on a kill, probably midchannel.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:44 - Milling with directional changes straight out from the Coupeville boat ramp, more on the north side.

Bonnie Gretz

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10:39 - Visible from the Coupeville wharf.

Jessica Hutchings

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10:15 - Westbound passing Monroe Landing.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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10:14 - Spread out and long downtimes but definitely heading into Penn Cove.

10:05 - Visible from the Coupeville pier with binoculars. At the mouth of Penn Cove with no real direction at the moment.

Melanie Holbrook

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08:00 - Group of six orcas heading up Saratoga Passage mid channel couple miles north of Hidden Beach heading north.

Aaron Gill

Sat, May 20 - Rosario Strait/Thatcher Pass (T125A & T128)

T128 Flotsam was sporting a nasty looking gash this afternoon on the left side of his dorsal fin that wasn’t there the last time we encountered him. While wounds like this can look bad, they aren’t altogether uncommon (especially on Bigg’s killer whales) and their ability to heal is remarkable. I won’t be surprised if there’s no obvious scar in just a few weeks! This one looks like teeth marks, possibly from a Steller sea lion or maybe even another killer whale. This definitely goes beyond the typical “rake mark” though into more of a deeper bite! We only saw T128 as his brother was on the other side of Blakely Island. Read more here on our blog.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Jason Shields, May 20, 2023

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T125A Jetsam

T128 Flotsam

T128 Flotsam

I was on the 15:30 tour on the IE5. We arrived on scene with T125A at approx. 16:30. He was continuing to travel north, when about ten minutes after following him, he flipped south. We stayed with him for about another 20 minutes, and left the scene at approx. 17:00. During this, I had been keeping eyes on the report of T128. I knew he had went west through Thatcher and was on the other side of Blakely Island. I don’t know what time he flipped back eastward, but T128 was traveling eastbound when we first arrived on scene. At around 17:15, we slowed down as we approached Thatcher Pass, with him in the distance. At that point in time, he was eastbound. He hit the the eastern edge of Thatcher Pass, about to enter Rosario, and suddenly flipped back west. We stayed him with him for only a few surfacings, then headed north to go through Peavine Pass to look at T125A again. We arrived back on scene with him around 18:05, and he hadn’t made much progress but was still pushing southbound against the strong current. 

They got within five to six miles apart before T128 flipped back west in Thatcher Pass.

photos by Rachel Haight, May 20, 2023

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21:07 - Just saw T128 at the Lopez ferry terminal, he was heading west - he turned southwest through Upright Channel

Faith Owens

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18:15 - T128 was westbound nearing the Lopez ferry terminal.

17:10 - T128 now going back east through Thatcher Pass - sorry do not have an update on T125A!

16:40 - T128 west of Thatcher Pass heading slowly north. His brother is in Rosario.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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15:30 - Saw at least one male orca from the ferry [approx. 48.528451, -122.796508].

Lisbeth Odén

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13:03 - Very distant views as they head northbound past Deception Pass.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:30 - We left T125A still northbound [Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - approx. 48.370426, -122.707093].

11:54 - T128 and T125A are northwest-bound from my blue spot on the map. T125A is a mile or two to the east of T128. The mark notes where T128 is currently [Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - approx. 48.342224, -122.810177].

Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express

Sat, May 20 - Puget Sound (Likely T71Bs & T124Ds)

19:45 - The orcas were about half mile south of the Clinton ferry terminal headed northbound.

Melissa Simmons

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20:22 - Just took the Clinton to Mukilteo Ferry and saw three orcas headed towards Clinton - the ferry going into Clinton would have had a much better view.

Debra Hughes

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16:15 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 16:20 to report: orca 5/20 @ 1615 PUYALLUP Master reports small pod of orca (2-3) mid channel ferry lanes between EDM/KING headed North.

Fri, May 19 - Active Pass

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Cody Brentzen

Date of Sighting: May 19, 2023

Time: 6:52 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Active Pass southern entrance heading towards the strait

Direction of travel : N/E

Behaviors observed: Travelling

If orcas, any males?: 1 Male with very large dorsal fin

Any unusual markings?: Not sure

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looks like a baby was with two adults

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

Fri, May 19 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds)

19:23 - In front of Blake Island Marina, lots of surface activity, direction changes, maybe hunting.

19:15 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz, whales between north end of Blake Island and Blake Island marina, west of shipping lanes.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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19:18 - I spotted them from my deck on California Ave east of the park thanks to this sighting! That boat was a great marker.

Mae Zing

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19:00 - Just coming up on Lincoln Park soon mid channel southbound, viewed from Manchester, small black silver aluminum boat following.

Noelle Morris

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13:58 - We just ran into passengers as we were departing in Edmonds who said that saw four orcas going southbound from Kingston. I did not see them so I cannot confirm but several people stated they saw them.

Kristin Mackenzie

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13:57 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine OPs, emailed to report: MV SPOKANE Captain reports via 800MHz broadcast, a pod of about 8 orca SB in the traffic lanes between KING & EDM.

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Fri May 19 13:54:23 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.79505,-122.49396 [Kingston]

Number Sighted: 4

Submitter Name: Liam Antrim

Whale Alert App

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12:00 - They flipped to the north going through a bait ball on Possession Bar with some gulls feeding. They are milling and likely eating a meal [approx. 47.883859, -122.434238].

11:43 - Update southwest direction [approx. 47.882043, -122.418179].

11:23 - Update. Now they are trending south again very slowly from my map earlier.

11:15 - Now they are trending more in a westerly direction from my map spot.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:11 - Out in front of Picnic Point Beach closer to Edmonds side than the Peninsula.

Mark Gronau

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11:06 - Good morning! Swiftsure on scene we have Ts here off Possession Bar. We have the T124Ds and the T71Bs. They appear to be traveling slowly southbound.

Shannon Huevel

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11:06 - The T124D pod and T71B pod are milling at my map spot. A slow southbound trend [approx. 47.871597, -122.379686].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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10:45 - Orcas spotted in Possession triangle. Five to six females, didn't notice any males. No direction of travel, maybe trending south. Mid channel, not much activity, Swiftsure on site. 

Mark Gronau

Thu, May 18 - San Juans (T65A5)

If I could interview one Bigg's killer whale, it might very well be T65A5 Indy: What made you disperse from your family at the age of 5? How have you navigated social relationships without your mother, getting yourself accepted into so many unrelated family groups? Why do you only briefly reunite with your matriline? What do you think about when you're all on your own? I definitely have a soft spot for those whales who raise a lot more questions than they answer, and T65A5 is undoubtedly one of those whales. This photo was taken as he passed Reuben Tarte County Park in San Juan Channel this afternoon, traveling today by himself and now 9 years old.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, May 18, 2023

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photo by All Aboard Sailing, May 18, 2023

Yellow Island and Biggs/Transient Orca T65A5 – May 18, 2023 - “What a beautiful day for a sail. Today we had a plan to visit Yellow Island Nature Preserve. It was absolutely gorgeous with the wildflowers in full bloom. On our way back to Friday Harbor we got to see young orca, T65A5, southbound along San Juan Island as he went by Friday Harbor. As we were waiting for the orca to clear Shipyard Cove, a bald eagle grabbed a Pacific Rockcod and flew right by us. The fish was still wriggling! A…”

The Howitts, All Aboard Sailing

Read more and see more photos here.

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Beautiful day out on Island Explorer 5. On the way back to Anacortes, we caught up with T65A5, Indy (b. 2014) all by himself again, near Neck Point, also very distant [looks]! 

photo by Bonnie Gretz, May 18, 2023

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15:30 - Halfway down Griffin Bay heading for Cattle Pass.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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14:15 - Past Point Caution still close to shore. 

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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13:05 - T65A5 southbound from Reuben Tarte on San Juan side.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Thu, May 18 - Penn Cove (T71Bs & T124Ds)

T71B1 Zengo

After getting home from a lovely day on the water on Island Explorer, my wish came true and the T71Bs and T124Ds circled back from Oak Harbor and came into Penn Cove after they had traveled north up Saratoga Passage! T71Bs are Hood, the mom, b. 2000, 71B1 Zengo, b. 2013, and 71B2 Tasli, b. 2018. T124Ds are Field, the mom, b. 1996, 124D1 Salish II, b. 2014, and 124D3, b. 2021. First caught up with them about mid-cove by the mussel docks, and they started to move east, so we all re-located to the Coupeville wharf. As they were still fairly far away, we wished they were closer, and with very little warning, suddenly they were right at the wharf, maybe 50' or less away, had to really back off the zoom lens! They were very active right in front of us, including a lovely spy hop! They then moved further east, so we headed off to the boat ramp. They were still fairly close there, but after we went to Long Point, they had moved over to the north side, but their blows in the sunset light were beautiful!

photos by Bonnie Gretz, May 18, 2023

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T71B1 Zengo

Started my day pouty as I missed them at Sandy Point area. I was being a whiny poo poo butt. Tuly. I left and headed to the Goose, picked up a little bit of groceries, including a pint of Talenti ice cream. Well, whale, saw the update, thanks to Cindi, of the orcas out a bit from Penn Cove and Oak Harbor. So what did I do, yep, got up to Long Point around 15:30. We watched them for sometime. A few of us started giving up as they had not been seen heading into Penn Cove. Transients are transients, Sneaky Ts. they eluded us with super long downtimes. Rachel caught them west into the Cove mid channel out from the Pottery Place. And that is about how far they headed west before turning back east. We all decided to go hit up the Coupeville Wharf. Again they were between the west side of the wharf and north side of the cove. So still a bit away.  

Then boom, whoah, they came straight towards us, right to the wharf. My telephoto lens had been all the way in, I’m fumbling trying to move it out as fast as I can as they were smack dab right at our feet, practically. I was shaking. It was so flippin' cool.

photos by Marilyn Armbruster, May 18, 2023

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Some days, patience pays off. Today was one of those days. I watched the T71Bs and T124Ds cruise up Saratoga Passage just out of the range of my camera for hours. It was getting cold, and I was ready to call it a day, but something told me to keep going just a little longer. Glad I listened to my gut. We were rewarded with an EPIC pass at Coupeville Wharf! Met so many people on the beach today, and I was honored to share my binos with someone who had been coming from Illinois to volunteer at the Penn Cove Water Festival for nine years and saw his first orcas this evening!

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, May 18, 2023

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I’m new to the island and I saw the orcas tonight from the Coupeville Wharf area. Just beautiful. 

Shay Wende

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19:50 - Moved out towards the north side as they exited Penn Cove, beautiful back-lit blows!

Bonnie Gretz

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19:40 - Approaching Long Point eastbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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19:07 - They are headed towards Long Point. 

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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18:56 - Alllena Arcisvewski called to report seeing two orcas off Coupeville, off Main Street across from the wharf. 

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19:00 - Coupeville boat launch.

18:50 - Came right up to the Coupeville wharf, so incredible.

18:20 - Approaching Coupeville wharf eastbound midchannel.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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18:00 - Somewhat trending east. About mid channel [approx. 48.226183, -122.707603].

Marilyn Armbruster

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17:35 - Appear to be hunting [approx here 48.226884, -122.715149].

17:25 - Orca in Penn Cove. Near pottery store, east of, breach!

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:37 - Appears to be aimed towards Oak Harbor/Penn Cove [approx. 48.244235, -122.620180]. Quite choppy out.

Marilyn Armbruster

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16:00 - Watching from Oak Harbor hill, I can see the hunting. Two whales just breached at same time! So cool.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:47 - Looks like hunting behavior still.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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15:27 - From Long Point line of sight is Polnell Point. They look to be stopped for a snack.

15:00 - Orcas are traveling west [approx. 48.245129, -122.627403].

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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14:00 - Off Onomac heading north.

photo by Aaron Gill, May 18, 2023

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13:42 - Passing Cove Beach now, Onomac next.

Thomas McKane

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13:16 - SJC leaving T71B's and T124D's mid-channel between Lowell Point and Baby Island.

Allison Montgomery

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13:15 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. They are mid to Camano side. Passing Camano State Park, continuing northbound at a steady pace.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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12:40 - Viewing from Camano Island State [Park] at least two fins, line of sight Elger Bay to east Point. Mid channel. Was to the left of the sailboat.

Linda Aitkins

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12:36 - Northbound spread out and hunting with lots of stealth [approx. 48.098767, -122.468887]. T124D pod at least Plus T71Bs.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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12:11 - Mabana now, mid channel.

Thomas McKane

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11:15 - Reported small pod of orcas heading northwest toward Saratoga Passage nearing Sandy Point at that time. Unless they changed course would be up into Saratoga Passage. 

Mike Moberly [PSWS]

Wed, May 17 - Haro Strait (T137s)

Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #21:

“Just a few minutes out into Mitchell Bay, the whales were spotted at the south end of Kellett Bluff and the encounter began at 0917. All four members of the T137s were heading north in a tight group along the rocks at the bluff. Once they had passed Kellett Bluff, the T137s loosened up into two groups of two with T137A and T137D being around 150 yards to the southwest of T137 and T137B…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #21.

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The T137s have been getting around! On May 14 they returned to the Salish Sea and were seen near Race Rocks in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On May 15 they were in southern Puget Sound, and May 16 in northern Puget Sound. Then today, we caught up with them in the southern Gulf Islands! This is T137B Tempest, who if you ask me often gets overshadowed by her three family members. She was lunging after a small sea lion in this photo, a brief but very active hunt that took place right as a BC Ferry was transiting through at fully speed few hundred meters away. Some wonder if the noise of the large vessel traffic in the area might actually help Bigg's killer whales sneak up on prey. I don't know if it aids them, but it certainly doesn't hinder them, as we regularly see successful hunts in close proximity to ferries, freighters, cruise ships, and the like.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, May 17, 2023

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08:36 - Orcas traveling north. Passing San Juan Island County park.

Kathy Holmes [WSSJI]

Wed, May 17 - San Juans (T124As)

photo by All Aboard Sailing, May 17, 2023

Orcas T124A’s by Waldron and Prolific Wildlife – May 17, 2023 - Today we had glassy calm seas just about everywhere we went except for some winds just outside of Friday Harbor upon our return. It was a gorgeous day with wildlife all around. On White Rock there looked like more harbor seals than we’ve ever seen. We met up with a family of Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T124A’s hunting a harbor seal north of Waldron Island. After they moved on to the north we checked out another...

The Howitts, All Aboard Sailing 

Read more and see more photos here. 

Wed, May 17 - Port Susan (T71Bs & T124Ds)

Super super far away but I was happy to have snagged any photos of these guys! I did a lot of bouncing back and forth trying to catch up but I think they were just too sneaky. Check out the photo of T71B2’s flukes I caught!

photos by Kat Martin, May 17, 2023

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T124Ds and presumed T71Bs in Port Susan today with harbor porpoises and loons. I spent three hours at Tillicum watching them and they were too far away for pictures for most of that time. But the water was calm enough that we could still hear their blows from miles away in between the loon calls!

photos by Serena Tierra, May 17, 2023

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20:30 - Right around here [Baby Island area - approx. 48.100182, -122.520821].

Kat Martin

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19:05 - Past Fox Spit now, grouped in pairs of twos - directional changes (east & west) mid channel.

18:55 - Passing Fox Spit, Whidbey side - fighting the current.

Emily Wandres

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:

Sighting Time: Wed May 17 18:07:00 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.04908,-122.43728 [btwn Langley & Bells Beach] 

Number Sighted: 6

Submitted Comments: heading northwest

Submitter Name: Dennis Headley

Whale Alert App

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17:14 - Perhaps have stalled, perhaps directional changes or on a kill? Just can't tell right now. Pretty much same area as above post/map.

17:00 - North of Tulalip southbound [approx. 48.053125, -122.325607].

Marilyn Armbruster

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15:51 - Very sneaky with long downtimes. Still east of midchannel last seen north of Tulare.

15:37 - Orcas are committed southbound straight out from Tillicum in line with McKees, east of midchannel.

15:02 - Milling with lots of surface activity, may be hunting again [approx. 48.176876, -122.394814].

14:50 - They are split into two groups, lead group flipped northbound and is now north of Warm Beach, may be going back to meet up with the other group.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:45 - Moving south near Warm Beach on the mainland side.

Thomas McKane

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14:47 - They either flipped or split up. There is a group milling with lots of surface activity north of Warm Beach.

14:45 - Orcas southbound passing Warm Beach, east of midchannel.

14:40 - Orcas committed southbound, look to be trending east as well.

14:20 - Lots of breaches now, still in the same spot.

14:11 - Orcas still milling in the same area [approx. 48.163295, -122.412869].

13:46 - Viewing from Tillicum, orcas are north of here midchannel, line of sight to Juniper Beach. Some surface activity, may be trending south.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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13:19 - San Juan Clipper is leaving them trending south, closer to Camano side, off Kayak Point. Confirmed T124Ds and others.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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13:18 - Viewing from Kayak Point. They’re way on the other side near Camano Island. Saw about three surface. Unsure of direction. Clipper is with them.

Kat Martin

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12:22 - Northbound northwest of Kayak Point closer to Camano [approx. 48.182863, -122.419992].

Melanie Knudson

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11:59 - Looks like last update per chat, northbound Tillicum Beach.

11:37 - Orcas reportedly in Port Susan, northbound, area of Sunny Shores, per PSWW Chat.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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09:00 - Volunteer Cindi Rausch just called to relay sighting from a friend who sent her a message reporting they were on the 09:00 ferry from Mukilteo to Clinton this morning when the ferry had to stop for a small pod of orcas who were heading northbound on the east side of the island (Whidbey). 

Tue, May 16 - Neah Bay (T99s)

Neah Bay [in the] afternoon.

Eric Johnson

Tue, May 16 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T11A)

Good to see "Rainy" today!

photos by Paul Pudwell, May 16, 2023

Tue, May 16 - Puget Sound (T124A2s & T137s)

T124A2B Litton, T137A Jack, T124A2A Agafia, T124A2 Elkugu about to surface, T137 Loon, T137B Tempest, T137D Wright

Mother and son duo T137 Loon & T137A Jack

T137A Jack, T137B Tempest, T137 Loon

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Networ

Out on Chilkat out of Edmonds today. We caught up to the T137s and the T124A2s near Vashon Island! We also found California and Steller sea lions and seals! Thank you Captain Tony!

photos by Janine Harles, May 16, 2023

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T137A Jack

T137A and T137B just 20 feet offshore at Bush Point this evening.

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, May 16, 2023

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20:05 - They passed Lagoon Point northbound. Never saw the rest.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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19:45 - T137A Jack heading out Admiralty northbound at Sunset from Bush Point. Just a beautiful way to the end the night. Whales and great friends.

photo by April Basham, May 16, 2023

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My view of Rachel Haight and the whales.

photo by Emily Wandres, May 16, 2023

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19:15 - Jack and Tempest are only two we've seen since I've been spotting. They hunted south of Bush Point and then proceeded to swim by us just feet offshore. After I cut the video, I ran alongside Jack as he surfaced three more times.

18:35 - Northbound Whidbey side south end Mutiny Bay.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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17:45 - Got to see them. They went past Point No Point on a mission. Northbound still. They were closer to Point No Point then went out mid channel.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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17:12 - Eglon. Visibility low but I'm seeing one male committed to Admiralty. Steady northbound.

Jenny Klis

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16:45 - T124A2s and T137s now more mid channel by way of channel widening. Sightline from Sunset Ave approaching Eglon [approx. 47.847331, -122.450731] steady north/northwest. Too soon to know if committed toward Admiralty but seems more that way than Possession at this time. I’ll likely loose them soon in the very superior superior mirage. It’s amazing.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Kara Kanaby

Date of Sighting: May 16, 2023

Time: 4:10 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Off north side of Kingston Edmonds 4pm ferry going to Edmonds

Direction of travel : Westerly-

Behaviors observed: Breaching and possibility hunting as you could see fish jumping out of the water

If orcas, any males?: Not sure

Any unusual markings?: To far to see details

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Tried to get photos but failed to zoom in

Photos available?: No

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16:08 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:17 to report: 1608hrs: Captain reports the vessel PUYALLUP has slowed due to 2 orca moving in a northbound direction, in the SB traffic lanes, due east of the Kingston terminal. SPOKANE is aware and has also slowed.

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16:05 - Ts appear to have moved over east a bit, now west of mid channel (or to about southbound shipping lanes) in about the ferry lanes. Photo is general location (they are west of that). Steady northbound grouped [approx. 47.799711, -122.445709]. From Sunset Ave, Edmonds.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:04 - They are in the ferry lanes. Lucky ferry goers!

16:00 - Apple Tree Cove - all seven are just south of the Edmonds ferry lanes. Cruising steadily northbound. Long down times.

Jenny Klis

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15:36 - They were going north close to shore by President Point about 15 minutes ago. They were on a mission. Six of them.

Corrie Beamer Urquhart

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15:35 - They just past President Point!

Trish Moylan Davis

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15:04 - Approaching President Point now.

Brian Livingston

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14:26 - Watching from Faye still moving northbound.

Tanner Ibarra

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14:10 - One and a half miles north of Skiff Point. Northbound at three to four knots. Jack is separate by 700 - 800 yards. He is closest to Bainbridge.

David Scott

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13:50 - Kristin spotted them further north almost to Kingston terminal sightline from Kayu Kayu. Large group. I can see who looks good for all seven including male (Jack)

13:40 - Seeing blows and fins on far side of the Sound north of President Point, Kingston. Steady northbound. Thanks Trish.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:41 - Passing Murden Cove still northbound. Staying closer to Bainbridge side.

13:12 - Approaching the Bainbridge ferry dock. Still northbound. Closer to Bainbridge side.

Candace Gavin

-

13:12 - Past Eagle Harbor now.

13:02 - Passing Blakley Rock, looking from 64th Alki.

Steve Rice

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12:51 - Viewing close to Akli Lighthouse Staying to the eastside of Bainbridge. Trending north.

12:30 - Viewing from Beach Drive. Currently between Blake and Bainbridge. Long down times. Trending north.

Patti Waterfall

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12:33 - Headed west around the north end of Blake Island.

Candace Gavin

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12:15 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, looks like first group may be heading toward the west side of Blake Island, still northbound.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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12:00 - Heading through Vashon ferry lanes now, heading north toward Alki.

Lis Moe

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12:11 - Midway between Lincoln Park and Blake Island.

12:00 - Past Southworth as seen from Lincoln Park. Need binoculars.

Steve Rice

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11:50 - Looks like there are multiple groups! I am with the T137s and T124A2s (edited w/corrected IDs by Kyla) [approx. 47.499369, -122.439539].

Kyla Bivens

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11:34 - Northbound, getting close to Vashon Ferry Terminal. Chilkat, Saratoga, and Clipper all on scene. Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound.

Shari Tarantino

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11:29 - Janine Harles messaged the T124A2s (edit w/corrected IDs) and T137s are out from Glen Acres, Vashon (north of Dilworth Point) on Vashon side heading northbound.

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10:45 - Saw at least two just north of KVI, northbound close to shore on Vashon side.

Ellen Weir

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09:00 - A pod of four orcas (including a male) passed by close inshore off Point Robinson, Maury/Vashon Island heading slowly northbound. 

John Robinson

Tue, May 16 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds)

15:35 - Near research boat view from 64th and Alki, Murden Cove in background.

Mary Hartmann

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15:20 - Group passed Alki Lighthouse headed north between buoy and West Seattle shore.

Patti Waterfall

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15:12 - Orca off Constellation Park in West Seattle.

photo by Robin Sinner, May 16, 2023

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15:05 - Reached southern tip of Bainbridge from my perspective.

14:59 - Approaching Manchester viewed from Emma Schmitz. By research boat. Northbound. Still closer to mainland side.

Steve Rice

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14:37 - Viewing from far away in Southworth, big splash activity right in front of Lincoln Park pool house.

Kathleen Cage

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14:35 - From Lowman, two orcas northbound, just reaching south end of Blake Island.

Trileigh Tucker

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14:28 - I can just see splash activity. Almost to north end. Lincoln Park. Northbound.

Kathleen Cage

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14:23 - Close to shore! Can see without binoculars!

14:16 - Passing by Lincoln Park!

photo by Rachel Williamson, May 16, 2023

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14:00 - Spotted from Brace Point. Heading toward north end of Vashon.

Steve Rice

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13:49 - Also, they are pretty spread out and moving slowly north.

13:45 - All six just passed Shorewood on the Sound, heading north. Eastside of shipping channel.

Shari Tarantino

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12:50 - Two females just passed Three Tree Point. Northbound fast and spread out.

Rachel Bernal

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Thank you to the person who posted about 08:30 that they saw the Tacoma group split and head toward Marine View Drive! I was able to see them from Dick Gilmour scenic turnout, Cliff House parking lot, and again Browns Point lighthouse and the Dash Point fishing pier beach as they headed around Point Robinson. It was amazing to see this group of five! 

Nancy KF

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12:03 - There are four orcas in front of Marine View Park in Normandy Park.

Kyle Moffitt

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12:00 - Viewing from the Des Moines marina. We’ve seen several porpoises and seals hugging the shoreline on this side. Generally heading northward, but they’re going slow. They’re close enough I can see them without binoculars, and I could hear their blows.

Marcie Evans

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11:06 - Group passing straight out from Point Robinson, grouped up very much on the mainland side headed northbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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11:05 - Three mid-channel between Woodmont Beach and Point Robinson heading northbound.

Dan Hyde

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11:00 - Four to five moving north slowly [approx. 47.353919, -122.332802].

David Michael

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10:55 - Almost to Point Robinson, watching from Des Moines.

Tony Juarez

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10:30 - Marla Smith reports from Point Robinson that this group is just south of and approaching Point Robinson northbound.

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09:53 - Looks like the cut over from Browns Point heading by Gold Beach and possibly heading north lost them. 

Cherie StOurs

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09:49 - They seem to be heading more towards Maury.

09:44 - They've passed. Heading north midchannel. Milled momentarily.

David Bennett

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T124D Field

09:45 - Taken from Browns Point.

back of camera photo by Ashley S Whitman, May 16, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Susan Ramos

Date of Sighting: May 16, 2023

Time: 9:45 AM

Species seen: Orca pod

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: North of Browns Point Lighthouse going North east of Maury island

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Traveling

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Took video but too far to get details

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

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09:37 - Passed lighthouse and continuing up shoreline viewing from Ruston Way.

Cherie StOurs

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09:33 - Moving away from Browns Point, apparently heading towards East Passage. I am guessing they are heading north towards Point Robinson.

09:24 - Heading north from the scrap barges, heading towards Browns Point.

Blake Kremer

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09:24 - Lots of surface activity! They were milling and now approaching houses along the beach towards Browns Point.

Brooke Casanova

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09:20 - Spotted from Theas Park west of the scrap barges.

Justin Smith

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09:23 - Stalled at Cliff House.

09:10 - Right in front of Cliff House.

Chrystal Lampman

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09:10 - Watching from Browns Point by tug boats.

Tony Juarez

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09:09 - Seeing blows out near the scrap car barges from old town dock.

Brooke Casanova

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09:00- In Commencement Bay. Looks like three to four to me.

Krista Baker

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08:53 - Seeing them west bound leaving port area and going towards Browns Point. I’m seeing multiple blows but no tell tale dorsal fins. Viewing from binoculars from the south.

James Rempt

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08:50 - Still in the same area, though gradually drifting west.

08:23 - Pretty far into the port.

Eileen Mccaffery-Lent

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue May 16 8:06:00 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.27681,-122.46512 [Northern Fish pier, Commencement Bay, Tacoma] 

Number Sighted: 4

Submitter Name: Tim

Whale Alert App

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07:40 - Spotted two to three off Ruston Way moving east, but they did a deep dive and we lost them.

Kala Escobar

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mark Bennett

Date of Sighting: May 16, 2023

Time: 7:09 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Owen Beach heading towards Dune Park

Direction of travel : E

Behaviors observed: Probably hunting

If orcas, any males?: Not sure

Any unusual markings?: Too far away

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

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

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07:00 - They were near shore at Point Defiance marina. Then they went east towards Dune Peninsula.

Melissa Malott

Tue, May 16 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Dee Freeman

Date of Sighting: May 16, 2023

Time: 5:12 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Between Dickinson and Johnson point around the mouth of Henderson inlet.

Behaviors observed: Appeared to be hunting

If orcas, any males?: Not sure

Photos available?: No

Mon, May 15 - San Juans (T99s)

T99B Holly

photo & ID by All Aboard Sailing, May 15, 2023

Biggs/Transient Orcas T99’s near Moresby Island – May 15, 2023 - Gorgeous day in the San Juan Islands with temperatures reaching a whopping 84 degrees! Today we visited some of our favorite places including a sail along the Orcas coastline, Flattop Island, New Channel, and Stuart Island. There were bald eagles scattered all over in the tree tops and harbor seals were busy resting on the rocks. We met up with a family of Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T99’s as they were southbound in..."

The Howitts, All Aboard Sailing

Read more and see more photos here.

Mon, May 15 - Puget Sound (T137s & others)

Sunset orcas as they passed Titlow Beach, Tacoma.

photo by Cherie StOurs, May 15, 2023

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T137A Jack

T137 Loon

From[the] pass at Fox Island fishing pier between 20:30-21:00. It was so dark by the time they got to us and they did a deep dive as they passed the pier.

photos by Jolena Tagg, May 15, 2023

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Cuddle puddle in the Narrows. Watch for a flip & reversal, & then swimming backwards at 33 seconds in. One of my favorite behaviors & the third time I've filmed it happening. Link to video.

Melissa Bird

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Kept asking the universe for a pass through the sunset & I got it! They had been doing a lot of long deep dives & I thought for sure they wouldn't get to this spot on time or they'd be underwater when they did, but they gave me this amazing gift. Yesterday was a pretty hard day for me, & here the orcas are again, visiting me at low points, to raise me up. Link to video.

Melissa Bird

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21:00 - Pod has passed Fox Island pier still headed southbound.

Candace Gavin

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20:50 - Just watched from east side of Fox Island. Heading south mid channel.

Barb Pritchard Hulbert

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20:33 - Passing north end of Day Island now, more mid channel, leisurely southbound.

20:29 - Just passed Point Fosdick southbound Gig Harbor side.

Melissa Bird

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20:28 - Steady southbound with long down times, at the mouth of Hales Passage.

Brooke Casanova

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20:19 - Have passed Narrows Beach closer to Gig Harbor side.

Melissa Bird

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20:12 - Southbound they passed the bridge I say mid channel. Closer to Gig Harbor.

David Bennett

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20:07 - Under Narrows Bridge now.

Gary Karen Rudd

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19:59 - Steady southbound, seeing multiple fins approaching the Narrows from Hidden Beach, seem to be heading more towards Gig Harbor, midchannel.

Brooke Casanova

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19:42 - If you're at the Narrows Bridge. They should be in view. Long down times. Frisky swimming when they surface. Lots of spray in these winds. They're southbound.

Kathleen Cage

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19:45 - Got eyes on them. Southbound. They've slowed coming towards this current [approx. 47.287779, -122.535395].

David Bennett

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19:42 - We're now in boat. Hugging Gig Harbor shoreline. Group is steadily southbound swimming towards Narrows. They're midchannel/Tacoma shoreline.

Kathleen Cage

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19:34 - Still Gig Harbor side. Moving south. Almost to Point Evans.

Jack Sasser

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19:30 - Milling near Salmon Beach. Looks like eight or nine. Two groups close together. Viewing from Parkside development.

Kathy Wilson

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19:27 - Now midway past Salmon Beach. Southbound still.

Stace Gordon

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19:27 - On Gig Harbor side now approaching Point Evans, steady southbound.

Melissa Bird

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19:21 - Reversed again! Southbound headed to Salmon Beach. Mid channel.

19:16 - Now back near Point Defiance - reversed direction.

Stace Gordon

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Male is T137A Jack

19:15 - All grouped up again. They drifted back north a bit, but are southbound again. Still off Narrows Viewpoint.

19:09 - Still milling off Narrows Viewpoint cuddling & socializing. Some may have split off & continued south, haven't seen the bull in a few minutes.

photo by Melissa Bird, May 15, 2023

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19:05 - Stalling before Salmon Beach now.

Stace Gordon

-

19:01 - Rolling & cuddling & a flip reversal! Right off Narrows Viewpoint, approaching Salmon Beach. Just beautiful. Still southbound.

Melissa Bird

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18:55 - Now southbound in the Narrows approaching Salmon Beach. Closer to Tacoma side.

Stace Gordon

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18:53 - From Narrows Viewpoint on Five Mile Drive, they are just north of the Viewpoint, Tacoma side but not up close, slowly southbound. Maybe napping.

Melissa Bird

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Beautiful view of them passing Owen Beach.

photo by Xian Shell, May 15, 2023

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18:48 - About five, including one male. Southbound. Close to Tacoma shore. Approaching Salmon Beach very soon. Lots of surfacing. 

18:44 - One male. Close to Point Defiance Park shoreline. Halfway between point and Salmon Beach.

back of camera photos by Kathleen Cage, May 15, 2023

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18:42 - Heading to Narrows Beach. Titlow be on the look out! Boats are trailing them.

David Bennett

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18:41 - I've got one juvenile/female, just rounding Point Defiance. Close to shore. Southbound down Narrows.

Kathleen Cage

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18:40 - Southbound Narrows from tip of Point Defiance eight plus during their crossing of Dalco towards Narrows. Repositioned now. We’ll see if they make the bridge before the big thunderstorm moves across.

Jason Cook

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18:35 - Just lost sight of them rounding Point Defiance from Owen Beach.

Jolena Tagg

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18:36 - One male, just surfaced. Mid Dalco, headed south right for Point Defiance. Four juveniles/females, behind male referenced above. I'm viewing from mouth of Gig Harbor.

Kathleen Cage

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18:30 - They're past Vashon look to be angling towards Narrows so far.

David Bennett

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18:29 - Appear to be directed towards the Narrows off the west end of Vashon. Thinking the adult male is Jack.

18:25 - Have passed ferry terminal on Vashon side still westbound. Moving with purpose.

Melissa Bird

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18:19 - They're moving at a pretty good pace. Past where I marked [approx. 47.324003, -122.496011].

David Bennett

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18:17 - Have crossed Quartermaster & are off the east tip of Vashon, westbound towards ferry terminal. At least six with at least two adult male.

Melissa Bird

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18:17 - Starting to round Vashon from Quartermaster. Southbound and westbound groups [approx. 47.332343, -122.471821].

Jason Cook

-

17:58 - Same group is crossing Quartermaster Harbor entrance halfway to Vashon.

Reid Wilkes

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17:58 - Counting at least four about to. Ross Quartermaster Harbor, put a little further than they had been. Still seeing one male with them.

17:54 - About here and active [approx. 47.338966, -122.458902].

17:50 - Have a small group, at least three with adult male, who just rounded the southeast end of Maury Island, westbound, towards Quartermaster Harbor, close to Island side.

Melissa Bird

-

17:50 - Quartermaster Harbor entrance closer to Maury side.

Reid Wilkes

-

17:20 - More active. Breaches and tail slaps. Southern trend mid channel.

Stace Gordon

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17:13 - Marla Smith called back to report the orcas still out from, but now passing, Gold Beach, Vashon. They are surface active, not sure if on a hunt or drifting with their meal? Still moving southbound very very slowly. Two groups: larger group is offshore, island side of mid channel. At least eight in larger group, thought she saw one group go south, and then this larger group, so possibly others circled back. Still lots of surface activity as they continue on very slowly. Heat haze is real, photos super pixelated making ID difficult, but could see super pointy fins. Also of note, a couple of bolts of lightening around Mount Rainier in the background.

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17:20 - Spotted what appears to be midchannel a little west of Gold Beach. Several individuals with breaches. I really think I saw at least five. One really big dorsal. And probably not midchannel; a lot closer to Maury.

Reid Wilkes

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16:48 - Marla Smith called to report she is seeing orca fins off Maury Marine Park heading southbound slowly, Vashon Island side. Does see one male, thinking group is split? She is relocating to try for another vantage point.

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16:45 - Orca in East Channel between Gold Beach on Maury Island and Dumas Bay on mainland. 1645 on 5/15. Closer to Maury Island but still mid-channel. At least 7 with 1 male. Circling with some tail slapping and pectoral fin slapping. Maybe feeding. Trending north.

Burt Miller, WSF

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16:49 - Continue to meander in two groups; very slow drift southward.

16:39 - Confirming the group is split. One group a bit south of the other.

16:29 - Just west of Saltwater Park. Closer to Maury. Still not much direction and long down times.

Stace Gordon

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16:15 - Across from Dash Point. Way out close to Vashon. Heading south. Too far out to guess how many are in the pod.

Eric Elgar

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15:45 - We are seeing two off Robinson Point lighthouse with binoculars. South of the lighthouse.

Brook Bowman

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15:58 - Near southern end of Marine Park. Not moving in any direction. Hunting this area still.

15:34 - Seeing them just off southeast Maury Island. No clear direction. One obvious male. About six females. Lingering.

Stace Gordon

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13:00 - Michael Dougherty reports seeing maybe five to six blows from the Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry, just south of ferry closer to Vashon side. Too far to ID or get direction but almost certainly killer whales - saw numerous surfacing & behavior/blow pattern, etc. all consistent w/killer whales. Blows way too big & behavior not right for porpoises, and too grouped & synchronous etc, to be minke/gray/humpback. I'd say we saw maybe four to five surfacing.

Sat, May 6 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Dee Freeman

Date of Sighting: May 06, 2023

Time: 7:15 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Mouth of Henderson Inlet between Dickinson and Johnson Points

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Milling

If orcas, any males?: Not certain

Any unusual markings?: Not noted

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

Sat, May 20 - Oregon Coast

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Cammille Regennitter

Date of Sighting: May 20, 2023

Time: 5:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Off coast of Yachats Oregon

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Yes 1

Any unusual markings?: No

Photos available?: No

Tue, May 9 - Oregon Coast

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Kenny Merritt

Date of Sighting: May 09, 2023

Time: 11:00 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 8

Where seen: Bandon Oregon Beach side of face rock

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Two

Any unusual markings?: Hard to tell

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: All sizes possible babies or younger whales

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

Mon, May 22 - San Juans

13:10 - I think humpback spotted from the ferry to Friday Harbor [approx. 48.530046, -122.950840].

Shannon Moore

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13:04 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:45 to report: Log entry 1304hrs: Vessel CHELAN reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single minke whale [video confirmed humpback] at Turn Island and have come to all-stop. Whale is headed southwest.

Sat, May 20 - Haro Strait (Zephyr BCZ0414)

Zephyr the humpback.

Andrew David [WSSJI]

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16:35 - I can't see anything for sure, but WW boats at north end of Landbank, moving up island.

Carol Kinkelaar Skully [WSSJI]

Sat, May 20 - Puget Sound

14:52 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:58 to report: 1452 hrs: MV SALISH Captain reports one (1) humpback moving west to east in Commencement Bay. 

Thu, May 18 - San Juans (BCX1275 & BCY0324 Big Mama)

I thought it would be all over the net; Big Mama returned.

Tracey Arms

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BCY0324 Big Mama

BCX1275

Beautiful day out on Island Explorer 5. Found a humpback up near Patos Island, with distant but lovely looks. Thanks to HappyWhale, it was identified as BCX1275. We then found Big Mama, BCY0324, one of most loyal and prolific Salish Sea favorites! Also distant looks at her. On the way back to Anacortes, we caught up with T65A5, Indy (b. 2014) all by himself again, near Neck Point, also very distant! 

photos by Bonnie Gretz, May 18, 2023

Tue, May 16 - San Juans (BCX1602 Lorax)

photo by All Aboard Sailing, May 16, 2023

Humpback whale BCX1602 “Lorax” and the outer islands – May 16, 2023 - “Today we picked up our passengers from Orcas Island and thought it would be fun to circumnavigate Orcas Island. As we were near the top of Spring Pass a humpback whale was spotted near Flattop Island heading North. It was identified as BCX1602 "Lorax". We had some great views of the whale and then continued our journey to sail around the outer islands: Patos, Sucia, Matia, Puffin, Barnes and Clark. Winds really…”

The Howitts, All Aboard Sailing

Read more and see more photos here.

Tue, May 16 - South Tacoma Narrows (NOTE: there’s been a confirmed gray whale in area) 

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue May 16 17:34:22 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.22825,-122.56283 [S of Day Island] 

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Stone

Whale Alert App

Sun, May 14 - South Puget Sound

16:30 - Saw a blow and a humpback dorsal fin and then a tail three times near Dupont from the shore.

Jaron Banks

Sun, May 7 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Dee Freeman

Date of Sighting: May 07, 2023

Time: 7:15 AM

Species seen: Maybe humpback

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: East of Dickenson Point

Behaviors observed: Close to shore, back and forth, hunting?

Photos available?: No

Mon, May 22 - Port Susan (CRC21 Shackleton & CRC53 Little Patch)

12:18 - CRC 21 and CRC 53 are at the north end of Port Susan right now, southbound [approx. 48.180277, -122.419677]. 

Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express.

Mon, May 22 (CRC2356 Stalwart)

CRC2356 Stalwart

ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

18:30 - Under Tacoma Narrows. 

photos by Ryan Dicks, May 22, 2023

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18:16 - Going south with tide movement under bridge.

18:12 - Whale just north or under Narrows bridge. Moving fast center to Tacoma side.

Susan White

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16:30 - Just barely caught this passing south from Point Robinson. Could only see the breathing from the blowhole. No tail, fin or fluke to help identify. Only one.

photo by Jennifer Bull, May 22, 2023

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16:27- Humpback [gray was later confirmed in the Narrows] heading north, mid channel by Salmon Beach, Narrows, Tacoma, WA. Is still here, splashing around.

16:42 - It's too close to the Gig Harbor side for me to know 100%, they're still lingering in the same spot. No movement north or south.

Sophia E

Sat, May 20 - Puget Sound (CRC2356 Stalwart)

I saw this [whale] yesterday [May 20] also! It was so exciting!

Erynn Bosch

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15:32 - [Gray] Just now in Commencement Bay, right by Lobster Shop.

James Hartline [PSWS]

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15:14 - Saw from Ruston Way at going east.

Morgan Straus

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15:12 - The gray in Commencement Bay is like mid channel. I'm looking towards Browns Point and the lighthouse from Dune Peninsula. Trending east.

David Bennett [PSWS]

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15:01 - Gray whale at Point Defiance on the ferry just a few minutes ago.

Becca Weldon [PSWS]

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14:42 - Small gray whale off Owen Beach, surfaced three times now.

Stacie Saenz

Fri, May 19 - Port Susan

16:15 - Grays are spotted between CC3 and Tillicum, heading to Tillicum. Three whales seen.

Sherry Ji [PSWW]

Thu, May 18 - Possession Sound

06:15 - There were spouts just outside the jetty about 06:15 this morning. Single [spout] like gray. 

Paula Jean Bafaro [HIWS]

Thu, May 18 - Puget Sound 

15:20 - Sound Action just had a community member report the whale traveling west at Point Dalco.

Amy Carey, Sound Action

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14:30 - Grey whale between Vashon and Maury. We are in a small boat at the tip of Maury island. We think he went between Vashon and Maury. We heard a few tail slaps and I got a few long distance pics with my iPhone.

photos by Kris Johnson-Collison, May 18, 2023

Wed, May 17 - South Puget Sound (CRC2356 Stalwart)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Emma Kaija

Date of Sighting: May 17, 2023

Time: 8:12 PM

Species seen: Gray and possibly an orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Mid point between Carr Inlet and the Narrows

Direction of travel : N stopped to do surface behavior then continued north

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Maybe 1

Photos available?: No

-

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Colleen Moe

Date of Sighting: May 17, 2023

Time: 5:45 PM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Nisqually Reach to Nisqually delta area to Ketron Island

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Traveling

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

-

CRC2356 Stalwart

16:45 - Nisqually Reach to Ketron Island eastbound.

photos by Colleen Moe, May 17, 2023

Tue, May 16 - Samish Bay

13:31 - Baleen whale (likely gray) at Larrabee State Park. Second graders at Birchwood Elementary spotted the whale foraging back and forth!

Casey C

Tue, May 16 - Holmes Harbor

07:20 - Looked out the window across from the golf course and saw a gray whale surface in Holmes Harbor. It was heading towards Freeland Park but hasn't resurfaced.

Cindi B

Tue, May 16 - Port Susan

06:50 - [Grays] moving south, closer to Camano side.

06:38 - Two grays mid channel in Port Susan at Beach 2 Country Club [across and south from Warm Beach on mainland side].

Thomas McKane [CWW]

Tue, May 16 - Puget Sound (CRC2356 Stalwart)

From Day Island when you were at the Fox Island pier. So cool! 

photo by Karen Caldwell, May 16, 2023

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Gray Whale Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue May 16 19:30:27 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.26200,-122.67200 [NW Fox Island] 

Number Sighted: 1

Reported Animal Status: Live

Submitter Name: Katie Ohtake

Whale Alert App

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17:37 - Just surfaced again. Heading southbound.

17:32 - Spotted single whale across from Fox Island fishing pier.

Pattie LaRue Warr

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17:28 - We received a call (no name given) reporting a single gray whale in Southern Puget Sound across from Tacoma Narrows Marina heading southbound. 

-

08:00 - Well past Fox Island. Still southbound headed toward Anderson Island area.

Ashley S Whitman

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07:18 report via Whale Alert App from Sylvia of gray whale off Point Fosdick southern Tacoma Narrows.

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07:24 - [Gray whale 2356] It’s still around Point Fosdick now. I thought it was northbound.

06:55 - Possibly a humpback [confirmed gray whale 2356] northbound north of Point Fosdick but not to the Narrows Bridge yet. [Gig Harbor]. I’m viewing from Day Island. I heard him blow on our side then he crossed.

Karen Caldwell

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CRC2356 Stalwart

ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

Beautiful golden hour encounter with CRC2356/Stalwart in the South Sound on May 16th, 2023.

These past few years, my heart has held the desire to see our greys in north Puget Sound. I thought that door closed again this year, as they're now continuing their journey. It was a surprise when this beautiful individual showed up in the south Sound. CRC2356 Stalwart, thank you for gracing me with your presence for my first true encounter with your species. It was a privilege to see you gracefully glide through glassy water in first morning light while listening to your blows echo across the channel. Wishing you safe travels wherever you go. 

photos by Ashley S Whitman, May 16, 2023

Mon, May 15 - Skagit Bay

16:31 - Single baleen whale one mile south of southern entrance to Swinomish Channel going south.

Xavier Von Herdringen

Mon, May 15 - Port Susan

16:32 - It’s still there, same general area.

15:30 - Warm Beach area, not going any direction.

14:46 - Grey straight across from Country Club Beach 1 on the mainland side [South Warm Beach]. Single spout, not sure of direction yet.

Thomas McKane [CWW]

Mon, May 15 - Central Puget Sound (CRC2356 Stalwart)

17:32 - The gray whale is back and forth in front of the cranes in Commencement Bay.

Candace Gavin

-

16:58 - Just saw a baleen fluke near port of Tacoma viewing from Ruston Way.

Cherie StOurs

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16:48 - Update on gray location [approx. 47.295104, -122.424196].

16:26 - Gray whale is eastbound into Commencement Bay.

16:08 - Gray surfaced about 150 feet offshore of Dune Park. Just outside of Vashon ferry lanes. Northbound.

Candace Gavin

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16:09 - Grey just off the shore at Dune, Point Ruston.

Corey Bartlett

Mon, May 15 - Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (CRC22 Earhart & CRC543)

17:00 - 17:30 - Saw what I thought was a gray whale (but someone closer thought it was a humpback) right off Point Wilson. Saw the flip of the tale as it went by the Point. Exciting day on a paddle board! No pictures.

Carolyn Berglund

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16:42 - Two gray whales were headed north about two miles north of Marrowstone Point well over on the west side of Admiralty Inlet. Seen from the ferry five minutes before docking at Port Townsend. 

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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13:30 - 14:00 - Yay! Finally saw my first grays of the season, as they are leaving, bittersweet. After missing Gretchen pass through yesterday, both Howard Garrett and I were able to see Earhart and 543 (thanks Alisa and Bart for IDs!) out off Foulweather Bluff and Hood Canal entrance, as they head out Admiralty.

Susan Berta and Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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13:53 - Crc22 and crc543 are northbound from my mark on the map [approx. 47.964086, -122.609576].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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12:05 - Two gray whales spotted on northwest side of Point No Point! Milling offshore Point Not Point boat launch and just did a deep dive. Looks like they are heading northbound now. North closer to the Hansville shoreline.

Carly Vester

-

11:53 - We just saw two [Gray] whales close to the shore at Point No Point by Hansville!

12:19 - Two about the same size right next to each other. Definitely heading north up the sound towards the Hood Canal.

Rubie Baker

-

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Elaine Armantrout

Date of Sighting: May 15, 2023

Time: 8:10 AM

Species seen: Gray whales

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: A mile north of Possession Point east side of Whidbey Island near shore

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Blowing and diving. Saw flukes, no dorsal fins

Photos available?: No

Sun, May 14 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Colleen Moe

Date of Sighting: May 14, 2023

Time: 4:45 PM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Nisqually Reach to Nisqually delta area

Direction of travel : E

Behaviors observed: Traveling

Photos available?: No

-

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Colleen Moe

Date of Sighting: May 14, 2023

Time: 2:00 PM

Species seen: Gray

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Nisqually reach to Devils Head

Direction of travel : W

Behaviors observed: Traveling

Photos available?: No

Sat, May 20 - Rosario Strait

05:45 - Jordan Light, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:55 to report: 0545hrs 1 Minke whale heading east bound near the CHELAN [approx. 48.520094, -122.732940].

Fri, May 19 - Haro Strait

09:50 - Minke whale(s?) spotted right out in front of the lighthouse at Lime Kiln. We spoke to the folks in the lighthouse, one of whom thought I may have seen a harbor porpoise but since looking at photos of the dorsal fin (example below) and surfacing presentation, I have not a single doubt that it was indeed a minke! I believe there were at least two and they were only about 50 feet or so from shore.

Hanne Brolander [WSSJI]

Sat, May 20 - Puget Sound

13:30 - We saw a lone whale heading north in the Colvos, towards Sunrise Beach. Maybe a humpback?

Claudia Tolar [PSWS]

-

13:52 - Now it’s going south.

13:49 - Unidentified whale going north in Colvos passage just south of Richmond Point.

Krissy Ecklund Mettlach [PSWS]

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11:30 - Saw a baleen whale - think it was a humpback, off of Point Robinson.

Jennifer Bull

Fri, May 19 - Puget Sound 

21:45 - Same whale passing Spring Beach again now heading south (southwest Colvos near Dalco).

21:05 - Sound Action just had a community report of baleen whale headed north at Spring Beach, southwest Colvos Passage.

Amy Carey, Sound Action

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20:00 - Tacoma side now.

19:43 - Whale north of Narrows Bridge moving north center.

Susan White

-

18:27 - Whale passed Fox Island about 15 minutes ago heading north. Surfaced twice but only got a quick glimpse. 

Sarah Scharmen Bratsch

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13:12 - Whale just surfaced in front of my house just north of old Navy pier on Fox Island. It looks small, took a deep dive while I was trying to identify. Humpback? Or? Heading towards Hale Passage.

Blake-Linda Worland Little

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12:35 - My friend is just north of Sunnyside Park in Steilacoom and about 15 min ago saw/hear spouts and saw whale tail, but she couldn’t ID anything and no photos. She said it was moving north.

Sherry Mezger

Thu, May 18 - Puget Sound

16:43 - A single whale passed by Salmon Beach just now on the Gig Harbor side headed towards the bridge.

Leah Falk

Wed, May 17 - South Puget Sound

15:00 - Saw a non orca at the south end of Harstine Island. I was in a kayak along the opposite side of the channel so not sure if it was a young humpback or gray. Heading east towards Anderson Island.

Laura L Ware [PSWS]

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12:15 - Baleen whale (think humpback) just headed south into Budd Inlet right near Cooper Point and western shore. Heard one blow, saw a back and then the fluke. No photo. Slow rolling surface. Only saw that one and now out of sight.

Kim Merriman

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08:56 - I’m currently kayaking near Jarrell’s cove, Harstine Island. A bit ago I heard and saw big spouting. I saw a large tail fin go beneath the surface. It was headed north toward Grapeview.

Cynthia Hockman-Chupp

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07:30 - It swam under Harstine Island Bridge. Southbound. 

Gretchen Stewart

Mon, May 15 - Saratoga Passage

10:05 - Baleen whale heading north at a good clip only popping up once in a while. Mid channel Saratoga Passage, closer to Camano off Onamac.

photo by Aaron Gill, May 15, 2023

Mon, May 15 - Possession Sound

07:51 - Two blows seen south of ferry heading toward Glendale. Suspect mom and calf humpback but no binoculars alas.

07:20 - Possible humpback seen by fellow passenger at Clinton ferry dock heading south into ferry lanes. He said the whale breached. Will try to see more from the ferry when they load shortly and will let crew know.

Sandy Pollard

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07:09 - Large fluke just off Brighton. Too far away as I'm on the ferry, but it looked like it was traveling southwest toward the ferry. WSF had chatter about it now among the crew. I didn't see it, but the crew radio was talking about a whale "between us and Tokitae" as we pulled dock in Mukilteo, so there could be a whale there, too.

Durand Dace

Sun, May 14 - Telegraph Cove

I’m not sure where to report what I’m pretty sure I saw what looked like a beluga whale right near Telegraph Cove (in Victoria, BC) at around 12:00 - 12:30. I know it’s likely impossible that it was a beluga but it looked exactly like one and I got a good look cause I was kayaking close by it. It had the same exact head like one and was bigger than a porpoise. It was the head shape that made me realize it couldn’t have been a porpoise. Just wanted to share in case there have been other sightings too. Thanks!

Sara

*In 2021, a beluga whale made its way into Puget Sound. It's always possible another has wandered south, so if you happen to see anything that resembles a beluga in the Salish Sea, we’d LOVE to hear about it!

Fri, May 19 - South Puget Sound (unconfirmed Dall's porpoise)

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Dall's Porpoise Sighting:

Sighting Time: Fri May 19 14:18:51 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.11862,-122.66534 [E Nisqually Reach area off Dupont]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Kat

Whale Report App