November 15, 2022

PHOTO OF THE DAY

A picture can’t begin to capture the magic of orcas under a full moon! From Whidbey Island.

photo by Donna George, November 8, 2022

ORCA NETWORK
WHALE SIGHTING REPORT
We are watching and visiting the whales in their home.
Please observe, love, and respect them from a distance.

SUMMARY


Sightings through November 10 include:


Southern Residents - All members of J, K, and L pod spent November 7 - November 10 foraging back and forth in Puget Sound before exiting during the evening of the 10th. On the 11th, they made their way north, turning up off San Juan Island two mornings in a row before moving on further north.


Bigg's Killer Whales - No reports received during this time.


Humpbacks - Few sightings with no IDs.


Gray Whales - Possible gray in Burrows Bay, but unconfirmed.

EVENTS/ARTICLES/ANNOUNCEMENTS


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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)

Thu, Nov 10 - Puget Sound then exiting Admiralty Inlet (J, K, L Pod)

The conditions were once again dreamy. It was a particularly meaningful encounter.

photos by Michael Dougherty, November 10, 2022

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20:28 - Hearing some faint J pod calls filtering back in to the Bush Point hydrophone.

Whale Scout

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19:51 - Starting to hear them at Port Townsend now too.

April Basham

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19:03 - SRKW calls on the Bush Point hydrophone.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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16:56 - Viewing many from Point No Point, northbound slowly, much closer to shore now. Lots of tail slaps!

Rachel Rodell

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16:54 - Northbound 800 yards out, viewing from Point No Point, lots of swimming in all different directions than gathering back up as a group to keep moving north. 

photos by Desiree Sauve, November 10, 2022

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16:54 - Northbound 800 yards out surface active tail lobbing off Point No Point.

Tony Collins

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16:30 - Some whales are north of Foulweather Bluff as viewed from Maxwelton.

Sandy Pollard

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16:18 - Watching from Point No Point, they’re far off but just west of midchannel. Really spread out, slow lazy northbound travel.

Whale Scout

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16:16 - This is a small group of four or five whales the majority are still out in the triangle.

16:05 - The leaders have made it to the yellow buoy, continuing northwest.

15:55 - There is a group inside Admiralty Inlet. Line of sight from here at Point No Point is Cultus Bay, heading northwest.

Jim Pasola

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16:05 - Watching from Maxwelton Beach. Whales are on peninsula side heading north.

Rachael Kvig

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15:44 - I just left Possession Point State Park beach and could see the blows far in the distance! 

Missy Main

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15:35 - We can see whales spread throughout the triangle, getting a little closer but not much, they're out there doing their thing.

Jim Pasola

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15:34 - Kim Paige called from north of Eglon to report orcas everywhere. Some right up again Kitsap shore heading northbound towards Point No Point with others spread heading eastbound, and looks from their vantage towards the pass towards Possession Sound.

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15:18 - There's a group of us at Point No Point just now seeing whales come into view, in the distance; appear to be heading this way.

Jim Pasola

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15:15 - Right off Possession Point. We sat and watched for a good 45 minutes. Lots of breaching, tail slapping and playful energy before it appeared all groups continued northwest as others described. Pure magic!

Sarah Sadid

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15:00 - I’m seeing blows all over in the Possession triangle. Everywhere! So cool. All heading north.

photos by Alice Thuy Talbot, November 10, 2022

-

14:58 - The last group (J35/44/57) passed Edmonds ferry terminal, all 3 pods heading north into Admiralty.

Ling's Cetacean Photos

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15:00 - They look to be headings towards Admiralty now.

14:45 - Straight out from Eglon heading north.

Jennifer Backen Matchem

-

13:50-14:15 - Watched large group from Edmonds, Sunset Ave in line with Possession Point, Kitsap side of channel. Northbound appearing towards Admiralty.

Marilyn Armbruster

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14:10 - They’ve spent the past hour passing the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. I think the last 6-7 are passing by now. Spread from Kingston side to some close by Edmonds side. Lots of activity and slow pace swimming by, going north. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:51 - Lovely views from Edmonds Marina Beach with the naked eye of several orcas. There have been at least 3 waves of orcas and a 4th on the way. Some direction changes. Relaxed whales. One was literally suspended in the same spot for a few minutes with her dorsal fin above the surface.

Michelle Goll

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L77 Matia

L87 Onyx

13:50 - At least one large male on the Kitsap side north of Apple Tree Point and appears to be committed to Point No Point direction. Approaching Eglon.

photos and IDs by Sara Frey, November 10, 2022

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13:42 - Large pod (8-10) swimming north close to land (inside buoy at Richmond Beach - now probably nearing Point Wells.

Karen Jeanne Rutter Weber

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13:39 - On the hill above Kingston ferry, lots of whales spread out mid channel. Closer to Kingston side.

Jennifer Backen Matchem

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K45

L125 Element

photos by Jami Cantrell, November 10, 2022

13:35 - Ferry crossing from Edmonds.

photo by Ashley Whitman, November 10, 2022

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13:35 - Ferry over to Kingston! Per Maegan Hage, this is L125 Element.

photos by Kat Martin, November 10, 2022

13:34 - Trailers passing Kayu Kayu. All 3 pods passed.

Confirmed IDs on J35, J47, J57.

Orca Conservancy

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13:33 - K20 & K45 passed ferry Puyallup northbound.

photo by Whale Scout, November 10, 2022

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13:30 - Seem to be trending east. Leaders at least as far as Edmonds ferry. Pretty spread out north to south.

Sara Frey

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13:33 - Further look/reference I think there are 12, maybe K.

13:21- Kingston right now! 8-10?

photos by Nate Rooks, November 10, 2022

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13:20 - Scanning from the hill above Kingston ferry. South pod is west of yellow channel marker. They are traveling northwest,.towards us!

Kimberly Sylvester

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13:15 - Seeing several at the Edmonds/Kingston ferry line mid to west shipping lanes. One male definitely on the west side.

Sara Frey

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13:12 - Close pass at Kayu Kayu Park. Pretty certain there are multiple pods. Will have to confirm later but I think we saw K45 with K20.

Orca Conservancy

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13:05 - Another group of 9 steadily northbound from President Point Beach, less than a mile offshore.

Rachel Rodell

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Name: Cathy Grant

Date of Sighting: Thursday, November 10, 2022

Time of Sighting: 1-1:30 pm

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: at least 10

Where seen (location of animals and latitude/longitude if possible): Salt Water Park to Edmonds, North bound in usual fishing boat area. (Below Richmond Beach Rd.)

Direction of travel (N, S, E, SW, etc) & pace? :North

Behaviors observed (traveling, milling, hunting, etc): traveling

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter? Definitely a mother and calf trailing behind the main 2 pod groups. Sorry, no pics, too far for our camera, but great view with the binocs!

-

13:00 - Seeing a bunch of blows heading north just south of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry, very spread out.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:56 - Mark Millard, WDFW called to report [at] Zero Fox Trot buoy, multiple pods up to 25 orcas. Same surface behaviors as earlier call.

12: 44 - Mark Millard, DWFW called to report 3 different groups, 15 total, one male traveling northbound, breaching, tail slapping doing what orcas do. Northbound.

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12:46 - With a group just off Point Wells with another big group headed this way. Northbound.

12:34 - We can see them south of Point Wells [Woodway] - just blows in the distance.

Kristin Wilkinson, NOAA

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12:47 - Watching from Marina Beach in Edmonds, several north of President’s Point and south of the Kingston ferry terminal, steady northbound. Leading group seems to be more Kitsap side. Many more mid channel further south.

Michelle Goll

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12:39 - Several seen from President Point Beach. Assuming northern group? Seems like a big spread.

Rachel Rodell

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12:37 - A couple are almost to the yellow channel marker.

12:34 - Seeing 5-10ish at least from Kayu Kayu Ac. Spread out, mid-ish channel, still trending north, but milling and breaching along the way. 

Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:29 - They have just arrived at President point, Kingston. Heading north.

Trish Moylan Davis

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12:15 - Per last couple reports means spread from here to here: [spread approx. 47.756232, -122.443182 to approx. 47.701873, -122.462031].

Orca Network

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12:40 - Just coming out from behind the trees. The one in front appears to be a small female. Followed by two others. Seem to be staying down a long time. Just saw a tail slap. Pretty far out. Approaching channel marker. At least eight. At least one male. 

12:29 - Just Saw a tight group of three. At least one male. Saw two earlier, behind the trees now.

12:14 - Off President Point, mid channel, northbound. 

Joanne Graves

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Oh my, so active today! This is what we saw [breaching] in Richmond Beach today too! Simply amazing!

Joni Barnes Pollino

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12:13 - Viewing from Richmond Beach. East of midchannel. Lots of breaching.

photo by Orca Conservancy, November 10, 2022

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12:12 - Group of 4-5 orcas passing Fay Bainbridge, west of midchannel close to shore. Can see research boat with small group of 4-5 east of midchannel northbound too.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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12:08 - 10’s of Southern Residents seen from Golden Gardens Beach! Near Port Madison.

Austin Richard

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12:01 - Watching from Carkeek! Mid channel. They’re moving north.

Denise Joines

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11:48 - Now can see from Carkeek. Northbound on west side.

Joe Dreimiller

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11:43 - Almost directly out from Little Coney [Golden Gardens].

11:39 - Seeing from Golden Gardens, both research boat and helicopter with them. Headed north.

Emily Peterson

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11:30 - From KOMO live feed can see one tight group northbound off Rolling Bay, Bainbridge, NW of the yellow mid channel buoy that is between West Point, Discovery Park and Wing Point, Bainbridge.

11:26 - KOMO 4 NEWS is live overhead again

Orca Network

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11:22 - Viewing from end of Valley Road, Rolling Bay. West side of mid channel, very spread out small groups.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, November 10, 2022

K35 Sonata & L108 Coho

IDs by Ariel Yseth

From West Point.

photos by Jim Pasola, November 10, 2022

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11:17 - 4 orcas Bainbridge north of Wing Point headed north. Possibly 2 juveniles.

Jane Rein

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11:17 - Right off Discovery Park. If you’re at the lighthouse you’re about to get a show.

Alexander Simenstad

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11:15 - Viewing from high bluff of Sunset Hill park. Pod coming into view looking over Discovery Park peninsula.

Whale Scout

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11:07 - Viewing from Discovery Park. Line of sight is Murden Cove. Seeing blows and breaching. Still northbound. They are to the south of yellow buoy. Still mid channel.

Candace Gavin

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[From Fay Bainbridge].

photo by Amy Douglas Ramos, November 10, 2022

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10:44 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine OPS emailed at 10:52 to report: 1044hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 10-15 orca located East of EHBR, heading North. Side note: Vessels advised the pods has flipped north from the F/V/SW route.

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10:40 - Finally see them just north of Blakey Rock. Northbound.

Brian Hollomon

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10:23 - Small group on the east side of Bainbridge, headed north followed by research boat.

Patti Waterfall

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10:20 - Donna Sandstrom, Whale Trail called reporting the pod is split in two general groups: one has cleared south end Bainbridge and the other is approaching the Alpha Tango buoy (yellow mid channel buoy) generally, all northbound. She shares researchers Mark and Maya Sears have confirmed it is L pod.

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10:15 - Watching from Magnolia. They are in the circle [approx. 47.617084, -122.481070] headed north. I see at least 5.

Emily Lawren

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10:02 - Saw a group of 6ish from Alki headed northwest towards Fort Ward area. North of Blake.

Peter Mo

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09:48 - Have a big male in the scope with open R saddle and forward leaning dorsal. Looks like L88. Northbound west of midchannel between Vashon and Blake.

Whale Scout

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09:40 - They appear to be stalled on the northeast tip of Vashon.

09:30 - Small group Vashon head, heading north.

Patti Waterfall

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09:30 - North Vashon.

photo by Ashley Whitman, November 10, 2022

09:10 - J26 Mike as seen from ferry.

photo and ID by Ashley Whitman, November 10, 2022

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09:20 - Small group still hanging out at the south end of Blake island, spyhops and breaches.

photo by Izzy Edwards, November 10, 2022

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09:34 - They are now just north of Blake Island.

09:09 -Viewing from Lincoln Park, they are spread out between north tip of Vashon and Blake.

Amie Macnab

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08:50 - It appears that the pod may have reversed course and are heading north now, approaching and through the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry lane.

08:47 - It looks like others are now returning to this area from the south.

08:39 - There's a small group that has been foraging along the south side of the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry lane for several minutes now, mid-channel.

Mike Yov

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08:33 - Seeing orca fins rise in the “superior mirage” just south of Vashon to Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

Amy Carey

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photos by Jim Pasola, November 10, 2022

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08:22 - Trailers still approaching the ferry lane.

08:15 - Just watched them heading south through the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry lane, spread out across the channel.

Mike Yov

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08:15 - William Mahoney called to report while aboard the 07:40 Fauntleroy to Southworth ferry when about mid crossing to Vashon they saw large group of orcas (20-25) moving southbound at approx. 5-10 miles per hour. Some were breaching, most just surfacing as loosely traveled together southbound. One adult male with group they saw. 

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08:09 - Saw a group approaching Vashon northern tip, 5 minutes ago. Looked as if they will be heading south down east side of Vashon.

Mickiala Gonzales

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07:48 - Currently on the Southworth fast ferry and we had a bunch of them we had to slow down for.

Jennifer Marsalla

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07:46 - Currently one group off Alki headed south, east side of Vashon. Smaller group headed towards the northern tip of Vashon, not sure which way they are headed, trending southward. Viewing from the Southworth fast ferry.

Hunter Sasser Oetinger

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07:39 - A decent sized group of orcas are slowly moving southbound, north of Vashon. About midchannel. They'll be approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lane soon.

Tim Peters

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07:18 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine OPs, emailed at 07:31 to report: 0718hrs: Walla Walla spots 30 orcas. Vessel reports a pod of 30 orca whales just North of Alki Point, in the vicinity of Elliott Bay, heading South - spotted by WALLA WALLA.



Wed, Nov 9 - Puget Sound (J, K, L Pod)

17:18 - I have seen 3 dorsal silhouettes northbound on Kingston fast ferry [approx. 47.667109, -122.449751].

Jenny Klis

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16:55 - Close to Brainbridge east side, off Wing Point, headed north.

Jane Rein

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jon Aquino

Date of Sighting: 11/9/2022

Time: 3:15 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: North end of Vashon heading around Blake Island

Direction of travel : NNW

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: At least 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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15:02 - John Miller, WSF Marine OPs, emailed at 17:09 - to report: 1502hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to a group of 3 orca one mile east of Blakely Rock. Direction of travel is northerly - spotted by KALEETAN.

17:05 - Group of 5-6 orcas quickly moving in outer Elliott Bay northbound. Some lovely breaches! West of midchannel.

16:40 - Seeing orca blows and fins to the south under beautiful pink Mount Rainier from Manitou Beach bluff. Bainbridge Moving north.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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17:12 - They were mid channel to Bainbridge side. We were watching them through binoculars and waning daylight from West Point Lighthouse a few minutes ago, mid-Bainbridge, north of Eagle Harbor. Steady northbound.

16:25 - Beautiful sunset views of many orcas from Magnolia Bluff across Bainbridge Island.

Michelle Goll

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16:27 - Last of the trailers passing Bainbridge & Bremerton Ferry Lanes, northbound.

Melissa Bird

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16:30 - It was a gorgeous fall day for whale spotting in Puget Sound! Orcas currently spread out from Space Needle to south of Alki. All northbound travel.

16:10 - Now off yellow channel marker.

16:00 - Viewing from Rockaway. Line of sight seeing lots of surface activity off Lincoln Park.

photo by Susan Marie Andersson, November 9, 2022

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16:14 - Seeing 2 behind small boat between Bainbridge Island and Alki. Much closer to Bainbridge Island. Seen w binoculars from 63rd.

Kathleen Fife

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16:12 - John Miller, WSF Marine OPs, emailed at 16:59 to report: 1612hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to approx. 39 orca just east of the SB shipping lanes near Blakely Rock. Direction of travel is northerly - spotted by KALEETAN.

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16:11 - Trailers are a large group! Approaching south end of Bainbridge.

Melissa Bird

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Name: Meredith Everett

Date of Sighting: Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Time of Sighting: 16:00

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: ~20

Where seen (location of animals and latitude/longitude if possible): Off Blakely Rock, Bainbridge Island

Direction of travel (N, S, E, SW, etc) & pace?: N

Behaviors observed (traveling, milling, hunting, etc): Hunting

If orcas, any males? (4-5 ft dorsal fin): Yes

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Amelia Jennings

Date of Sighting: 11/9/2022

Time: 4:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 8

Where seen: In between Blake and Bainbridge Islands, viewing from Me Kwa Mooks park. We don’t know exactly how many.

Direction of travel : N, very slow

Behaviors observed: Milling, several breaches

If orcas, any males?: At least 3

Any unusual markings?: Too far away

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

Photos available?: No

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16:02 - Trailers off north end of Blake, leaders in the ferry lanes to the north. [They] have Bainbridge ferry stalled up there.

15:42 - Spread out from entrance to Colvos, to south end of Bainbridge. Northbound, still waaay over there.

15:34 - Colvos group headed back north, approaching Blake, leaders past Blake, streaming past a container ship moored to the north of Blake.

Melissa Bird

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15:32 - At least 7 northbound SRKWs near research boat from Constellation Park. 

photo by Robin Sinner, November 9, 2022

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15:30 - Off Restoration Point, Bainbridge Island.

Susan Marie Andersson

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15:23 - Some off north tip of Vashon, some off south tip of Blake & some mid way down Blake. Northbound. The group that was off the north of Vashon potentially dipped into Colvos. 10 individuals at least. I finally caught a breach on video!

Melissa Bird

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Beautiful resident orcas everywhere! They didn’t make it to Point Robinson and we could see them in the distance, we were so excited and then they flipped heading north. Off to Southworth to see an exciting and beautiful pass there!

photos by Cherie StOurs, November 9, 2022

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15:20 - Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout called to report there are members of all three pods (J, K, and L) present today. Her video posted [in Facebook thread] has at least some Ks. But she also earlier saw a mix of J and L pod boys, thinks J27 Blackberry in mix. Also saw L87 and who looks like L82. Per Ariel Yseth, “based on video I got from the ferry dock, looks like the L11s were present as I saw one that was either L77 or L94.”

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14:56 - Trailing group passing Vashon ferry terminal.

14:47 - Can confirm L87 & L82 passed Vashon ferry dock. Trailing a group that contained K34.

Whale Scout

-

15:13 - Viewing from Me Kwa Mooks, leaders just passing south end of Blake Island now.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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15:17 - In the channel between Blake & Vashon. Currently angled towards us at Alki & very active!

15:09 - Large group in the entrance to Colvos, leaders approaching south end of Blake.

Melissa Bird

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15:06 - Large group, 11 plus, east side of north Vashon. Too far away to identify.

Patti Waterfall

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15:05 - I see multiple blows on the east side of Blake Island, viewed from Emma Schmitz, just south of Tillicum Village.

Mary Hartmann

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15:03 - Viewing from Lincoln Park, the majority of the group has gone up along the east side of Blake Island, past the island headed northbound.

Linda Podiak

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14:55 - Very large group off north end of Vashon. All I can see is back-lit blows, but it's REALLY cool. Leaders approaching north tip of Island, still up tight to island.

14:45 - Leaders passing north end of Vashon Island, close to Island, Northbound.

photo by Melissa Bird, November 9, 2022

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14:55 - At Constellation Park seeing lots of blows near Vashon.

Greg Snyder

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14:40 - Still seeing blows moving north, viewing from north Vashon ferry dock, line of sight is Fauntleroy ferry. They are spread north and south between ferry lines. Mid channel.

Candace Gavin

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14:41 - From Alki, seeing many backlit blows close to Vashon northbound.

Melissa Bird

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14:20 - At Seahurst and see lots of northbound blows just north of Point Beals. 

Peter Mo

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14:18 - Marla Smith reached her northern viewing spot to see distant pass of northbound orcas with trailers passing by out from south of Glen Acres. All northbound.

-

14:13 - [approx. 47.507307, -122.442592].

Crystal Thompson

-

14:12 - Another eight or nine all heading north.

14:08 - Small groups heading north. Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound, Burien.

Orca Conservancy

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14:10 - Just saw another male orca headed north. 

14:01 - Just saw two orcas off 152nd in Burien heading north!

Noelle Ronning-Richards

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14:21 - Huge amount of orcas moving through at a medium pace in this area right now. Hard to count. Spread out. Seeing blows from an estimated 15-20 orcas.

14:07 - Confirmed seeing a group northbound, at least 7 I’d say, close to Vashon side, from area near Fauntleroy dock.

13:55 - I swear I’m seeing spouts from the leader mid channel from Lincoln Park near the ferry terminal!

Linda Podiak

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13:25 - Spotted some in Tramp Harbor, along with a sea lion. Breaching. Went north.

Nancy Bachant

-

13:18 - Seeing splashes from Point Robinson looking to KVI.

Whale Scout

-

13:24 - Trending north now.

13:11 - Just north of KVI [approx. 47.424921, -122.414566].

Peter Mo

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13:06 - Pod ate dinner at Des Moines marina and seems headed back north. Might be another pod going south still. They were about as far south as marina and kind of milled around then headed back towards KVI. Around half a dozen I would say.

Scott Hill

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13:02- Marla Smith updates from Point Robinson: Seeing blows and breaches now without binoculars just north of the Point. Still southbound very spread out still.

12:48 - ETA adjusted to maybe little later, orcas are being a little pokey. They are getting closer, very spread and foraging.

12:40 - Update from Marla Smith whose planted at Point Robinson. Seeing leaders approaching the point, ETA 20 minutes out.

-

12:38 - Heading south towards Point Robinson, Des Moines. One group very close to Vashon shore, another group more in middle of channel.

Scott Hill

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12:28 - Viewing from Three Tree, there's still quite a few foraging closer to the Vashon side just under the towers. Still heading south.

Alejandra Sweeney

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12:00 - Spotted orcas from Three Tree Point heading southbound.

Liza Deras

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Sneddon

Date of Sighting: 11/9/2022

Time: 12:00

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: From Three Tree Point South shore, could view pod towards Southwest near Vashon island

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

-

11:55 - They put on quite a show in the Arroyos, still heading south towards Three Tree Point.

Karen Eilers Rains

-

11:46 - Pretty sure everyone is past the northern tip of Vashon, still heading south. Was especially awesome to have them pass on the mainland side. 

Orca Conservancy

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11:46 - More updates from Marla Smith above, and she updates she is still seeing many stream by her (south of Glen Acre, Vashon). These orcas like others are southbound but more on the mainland side. Superior Mirage makes getting numbers difficult.

11:42 - Now a male has passed by south of Glen Acres closer to Vashon side. And more spread in singles and small groups.

11:39 - Another group (~ 3-4) now passing south of Glen Acre, mainland side. Superior Mirage is bad.

11:34 - Leader just passed now south of Glen Acre, Vashon southbound mid channel/mainland side quickly. Others way back to the north.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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11:33 - Beautiful group of 10+ slowly trending south. East side of shipping channel [approx. 47.482464, -122.383860].

Orca Conservancy

-

11:35 - Lots of blows farther south, closer to Vashon, north Vashon. Viewing from Fauntleroy ferry.

11:30 - Large, single male just south of Fauntleroy ferry dock, southbound & mid channel.

Mari McMaster

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11:30 - Taken from Lincoln Park.

photo by LieShia Ong-Sintzel, November 9, 2022

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11:27 - Marla Smith is viewing from just south of the north end of Vashon. She has seen some fins in the haze little bit ago and now reports a leader male passing the ferry lane, looks to be east side of mid channel and south of Fauntleroy ferry terminal, he's still moving south as he angles more towards mid channel.

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11:24 - Still visible from Lowman Beach 10 blows, just north of 3 towers.

Mary Hartmann

-

11:07 - They are south of the Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry lane now.

Greg Snyder

-

11:00 - At Fauntleroy dock! 

Stephanie Harlan

-

11:00 - They were split in a few groups. One went west out of side just north of the tip of Vashon. Another group went south on the west edge of Vashon [approx. 47.528501, -122.437700].

Peter Mo

-

11:03 - And now more blows east of Vashon ferry at the moment, cannot tell if they are north or south of that ferry crossing.

10:59 - From Bainbridge Island ferry looking south, there are many blows north end of Vashon. West side of channel from my POV.

Kimberly Sylvester

-

10:53 - K37 taken from MV Kitsap.

photo by Whale Scout, November 9, 2022

-

10:52 - They are zooming, large group past Vashon ferry terminal now.

Emily Garnell

-

10:50 - About 10 orcas dorsals, blows between just south of Vashon ferry and north tip of Vashon, mostly west side but one large dorsal cruising south slowly mid channel. Most everyone seems to be foraging around, both directions but generally slow south direction. Big pod of about 5-6 just surfaced together by Vashon ferry dock. My viewing angle is from Emma Schmitz facing slightly southwest.

Russ Mann

-

10:48 - Leaders now in front of Blakely Island from my vantage point. Southbound traveling in small groups.

10:45 - Leaders are between tanker and Blakely Island. Foraging behavior, southbound [approx. 47.545642, -122.458903].

Orca Conservancy

-

10:30 - Many orcas heading south, some at lower point of Bainbridge Island some in front of Manchester. Mid channel.

Paul Steyn Benade

-

10:21- Had video of J27 and possible J14s passing Alki Point southbound, midchannel.

Whale Scout

-

10:20 - Southbound orcas from Constellation with Restoration Point and Manchester fuel depot backgrounds.

photo by Robin Sinner, November 9, 2022

-

10:18 - There is a few groups of 5+ moving west now off Fort Ward. Not far from a large container ship (parked).

Peter Mo

-

10:16 - I just came across on the Bainbridge ferry, we passed them all on the north side of their travel. So hard to count them but definitely more than 30 orca! 5-6 groups. One group, trailers, of 10+.

Kimberly Sylvester

-

10:15 - Seeing them from Me Kwa Mooks now. Leaders are passing Manchester.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

-

10:08 - Spotted 3-4 heading west along the coast in front of Port Blakely. I'm at Alki.

Peter Mo

-

10:13 - Leaders are now milling mid channel just north west of Alki Lighthouse

10:07 - Still moving clearly south in groups of 2-5.

10:02 - Coming into view from Alki now, just north of Bainbridge ferry lane. At least a dozen mid channel heading south. Closer to Bainbridge.

Shannon Donegan Saam

-

09:59 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:08 to report: 0959 Vessel reports via 800MHz spotting a pod of 10-15 orca heading southbound, located just outside of Elliott Bay, East of the traffic lanes - spotted by KALEETAN.

-

09:57 - 2 large males and a female viewed through scope from Alki Beach.

Whale Scout

-

10:00 - Got them all now (out from behind the trees) all fairly spread out mid channel heading towards Alki Point. South of the ferry lane.

09:48 - I have them in sight out front of the marina in Magnolia (I'm in WQA). Wow! Huge pod. They look to be turning into Elliot Bay. I've seen two groups, lost track of the front larger group. I got a glimpse of the second smaller group that seems to be crossing the ferry lanes now between Seattle and Bainbridge.

Amy Martino

-

09:17 - Tough to count! More than 20 total. Some spread out closer to mid channel. Couple groups of 5,6 passed between green buoy and West Point. Southbound. Viewing from Sunset Park. Two trailers between buoy and West Point. Must’ve seen 30+.

Gnar McKnee

-

09:14 - One family tightly grouped together about 12 to 15 whales hugging the coast just south of Discovery Park.

09:00 - Scanning from Rolling Bay on Bainbridge Island. Appears to be 40 plus whales. Spread out north to south about 2 miles. Some up next to the shore at Discovery Park. Most mid to east channel.

Kimberly Sylvester

-

08:35 - Orcas spread out between Shilshoe and Bainbridge, southbound. Counted at least 6. Could be more ahead of them.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

-

08:48 - Mark Millard, WDFW called to report 5 orcas, including male, off Shilshole heading southbound.

-

08:47 - They are spread out all the way from the north end of Shilshole down to in front of Magnolia. Just saw a big breach in front of Shilshole.

-

08:35 - Kimberly Sylvester called she is viewing 35 + orcas from Rolling Bay looking across to Shilshole and sees orcas from N to S from south of Discovery to N of Shilshole. Haven’t scanned much further north. A lot of males. Maybe another super pod.

-

8:30 - Now they are pretty well right in front of Shilshole, heading south. They are pretty spread out north to south closer to the Seattle side (we live in Kingston), maybe a dozen or more? One group of at least 4 and then several singles. A big bunch at any rate moving at a good pace. Through the binoculars have seen some breaches, tail and fin slaps too.

Chris Beamer Otterson

-

08:22 - I see a bunch of orcas (10 or more) off of President Point, Kingston mid channel going South. I assume the residents.

Corrie Beamer Urquhart

-

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jim Owens

Date of Sighting: 11/9/2022

Time: 8:00 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 25

Where seen: Jefferson Pt, Kingston

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Traveling/hunting

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: More whales then we've ever seen traveling together.

Photos available?:



Tue, Nov 8 - Puget Sound (J, K, L Pod)

November 8: Mountains, moon and whales - what a spectacular combination highlighting the three natural wonders as dusk fell on Southern Residents foraging off Possession Beach Park before nightfall. Magical moments indeed.

photo by Sandy Pollard, November 8, 2022

photo by RJ Snowberger, November 8, 2022

-

Good night, Residents. 

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, November 8, 2022

-

17:10 - Whales have passed Possession boat ramp in the moonlight, heading toward Mukilteo-Clinton ferry lanes. Magical moments.

Sandy Pollard

-

17:08 - Still seeing fins and blows from Picnic Point with line of sight towards Possession Point. Some north of Possession Point and some south still of it. All are directionally headed towards Mukilteo/Clinton.

April Basham

-

17:09 - Spent the last 45 mins watching them as if they were in a parade. 1-3 passing at a time spread from Mukilteo to Whidbey side. I have to guess at least 30 or more? Losing light and listening to them breathe. So amazing! They’re all going north to the Muk/Clinton ferry.

Alice Thuy Talbot

-

17:02 - Christine called to report they are seeing large pod of orcas, including little ones, currently between Possession Point, South Whidbey and Shipwreck (north of Picnic Point on mainland). Heading north up into Possession Sound. They been watching them go by for about 10 minutes.

-

16:40 - Bunch of whales approaching Possession boat ramp at speed. Mid channel, northbound towards Mukilteo/Clinton.

Sandy Pollard

-

16:30 - They were hanging around the green buoy at the south end of Whidbey. Splashing and tail slapping for a bit treading north still. They look like they’re heading into Possession. I just saw one closer to Mukilteo side.

Alice Thuy Talbot

-

16:30 - Another big group of 10ish+ are approaching Possession Point, heading north towards Possession Sound. It seems like the initial group has traveled north and should hopefully be able to be seen from Mukilteo soon [approx. 47.896852, -122.382815].

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

16:20 - Approx. half-a-dozen whales north of Edmonds ferry lane on Edmonds side. Probably foraging but hard to tell for sure as the dorsals rise among the whitecaps.

Sandy Pollard

-

16:15 - I can see VERY distant fins and blows to the south from Clinton bound ferry, near Possession Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

16:15 - They’re really spread far apart, hard to tell but definitely more than a dozen of them. 

16:00 - There’s a bunch porpoising heading northeast in Possession triangle.

Alice Thuy Talbot

-

16:05 - Seeing a big group spread out between Possession Point & Picnic Point. Some even further north heading towards Possession Sound. Milling and breaching, but generally trending north.

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

15:03 - Seeing several dorsal and breaches mid channel. Viewing from the boardwalk by Edmonds ferry. Still northbound.

Candace Gavin

-

14:47 - Another group northbound here [approx. 47.813377, -122.407020].

L105, not K37. Also L85.

14:35 - Got a good view of L82 (my favorite) with L87 and possible K37 just outside the Kingston ferry terminal.

14:23 - Standing on Kingston ferry still at the dock. Whales are northbound mid channel just north of the midchannel marker.

13:45 - Saw some in midchannel south of Kingston Edmonds run. From the 13:35 Edmonds ferry. Northbound.

Whale Scout

L87 Onyx

photo and ID by Whale Scout, November 8, 2022

-

13:10 - Several breaching out from Richmond Beach.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

12:54 - [Passing] Discovery Lighthouse an hour ago.

Jan Barnes

-

12:21 - Passing northbound soon out of sight from Sunset Hill.

Whale Scout

-

11:44 - A couple of big groups passing Shilshole Bay, almost straight out from Meadow Point, breaching along the way. Looks like around 20-30.

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

11:30 - Orcas quickly NB [northbound] at West Point. Too rough out here for pics! Several males, only saw 7 or 8 in the group.

Tim Ferris

-

11:30 - Viewing from Rolling Bay bluff on Bainbridge, to West Point Lighthouse, fun spy hops and 4-5 traveling together heading north.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

-

11:26 - It sure feels like they're more than 20 whales out there. They just passed the yellow channel marker. Traveling northbound.

11:15 - Viewing from Skiff Point. Orca are traveling northbound. East side of the channel. Approaching West Point from my point of view. Glorious sun is out!

Kimberly Sylvester

-

11:23 - Viewing group northbound off Shilshole. Little little baby with this group.

11:11 - Group passing West Point now.

11:05 - From Sunset Hill Park looking over West Point Lighthouse, 10ish whales traveling northbound, well east of midchannel. Will probably be decent close pass at West Point soon if they keep going.

Whale Scout

-

10:57 - From West Point, whales still south of Discovery Park. Whales continuing northbound, appear to be midchannelish. looking through my photos it appears the group that passed close to West Point were a mix of Js and Ks.

photos by Brittany Noelle, November 8, 2022

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10:34 - I’m at the south end of Magnolia Boulevard, saw 3 or more head north.

Jan Barnes

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10:30 - From Magnolia Bluffs, group appears north of Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lanes northbound. As everyone is reporting, visibility is suboptimal due to wind and white caps.

Brittany Noelle

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10:27 - Saw a group, no idea what size, but many. Heading north past downtown Seattle. Saw from Bainbridge. Visibility is tough because of white caps.

Siobhan Bailey

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10:05 - The two surfacing I saw, one might have been north, one was south.

Kate Hruby

-

09:54 - 1 or 2 whales just west of midchannel from the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry.

Save the North Pacific Right Whale

-

08:12 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine OPs emailed at 08:49 to report: 0812 log entry: Vessel reports via 800MHz spotting a pod of 10-15 orca in Elliott Bay, heading South. 

 - reported by TACOMA.

-

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting 

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue Nov 8 8:12:02 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.61568,-122.44297 [North of SEA/BI ferry traffic lanes]

Number Sighted: 4

Submitter Name: Martin Stamat

Whale Alert App

-

L88 Wavewalker

L82 Kasatka

07:47 - At least 5, maybe 7+ - they just passed close and south. 

07:35 - Orcas (at least 2 apparent adult males and a calf, probably more) seen once from Seattle’s Discovery Park southbound, approximately here: (47.6762921, -122.4627670) [mid channel north of between Skiff Pt, Bainbridge & West Pt, Discovery Park, Seattle]. 

IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks

photos by Raphael Fennimore, November 8, 2022

Mon, Nov 7 - Puget Sound (J, K, L Pod)

We managed to get out on a whaler today off Shilshole to see the SRKWs. There were definitely different groups, I think we maybe got out there to catch the tail end of the middle group and then the last group. 

Michael and Catherine Dougherty

“ID Notes for Michael’s photo set: Hi Alisa, And Hi Mike and Catherine! Thanks all for sending on the photos. Looked like a nice day! Here's who I see in the photos but they are in alphanumerical order, not in order by picture: J19, J35, J37, J40, J41, J47, J51, J57, J58, J59, K14, K26, K36, K37, K38, K42, L22, L25, L54, L72, L77, L85, L86, L87, L88, L90, L91, L94, L103, L105, L106, L108, L113, L115, L116, L117, L118, L119, L121, and L125. Many of them show up in multiple photos. Let me know if you have trouble finding any of the whales on the list and I can tell you where I saw them. Mark Malleson had all of J, K, and L pods coming in on the 6th. I got out later that afternoon and saw all members of L pod. Thanks again for sharing the photos!”

Dave (Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research)

photos by Michael Dougherty, November 7, 2022

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16:16 - 3 whales still well south of boat ramp. Slightly to Whidbey side of mid channel. Visibility deteriorating rapidly.

16:02 - At least two whales now. Maybe a bit closer to Whidbey side says my better half. Foraging.

16.00 - Seeing dorsal fin from Possession boat ramp heading north, appears closer to Mukilteo side. Ferries beware!

Sandy Pollard

-

16:30 - A friend from Whidbey just texted and says they have eyes on them in Cultus Bay. They said they saw at least 20 from Cultus and that they were grouped in groups of 2-3. Then went to Possession Beach and saw them pass there.

15:00 - A couple have passed the Maxwelton Point (seen from Ocean Ave) and are heading towards Cultus Bay. Quite a few others are heading that way, as well.

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

15:00 - Apple Tree Point Kingston - Had one group with a male, adult female and few others very close to the Kitsap side. Another large group with male just passed the ferry line. 

photos by Sara Frey, November 7, 2022

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14:53 - Volunteer Sara Frey called to update on those she is seeing. Most have been well offshore, but now she has a group right off Apple Tree Point, Kingston (north of ferry terminal) which includes big male who is foraging. She did get saddle image of him and thinks a female she’ll share later. They are about 100 yards offshore. Sara sees more out in channel, she watched a lot of big males go by earlier. Seeing some still south of ferry traffic lanes, and now while on the phone another big male heading her way. Also another ~ 10 just crossing the ferry lanes, maybe trending northbound, lots of foraging. The Superior Mirage has been bad all day making it difficult, all could see was males floating for a while. Hard to say where the leaders are.

-

14:40 -Another group just passed the westbound ferry. Closer to the Kitsap side. Northbound. Large male and others.

Sara Frey

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14:37 - You can see them off the Kingston ferry breaching, heading towards Point No Point. Probably two mile distance from ferry.

Shannon Heuvel

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14:34 - There are quite a few (5-10ish) in between Point No Point and Possession Point, so it’s possible that they’re heading to Possession Bar and aren’t quite ready to exit out Admiralty yet. Breachfest in the middle of Possession Triangle.

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

14:21 - Confirmed J26 K26 K35 K20 and the baby K45 in the mix!

Ling's Cetacean Photos

-

14:20 - Seeing more to the south of the Edmonds marina. Approaching ferry lanes. Large male.

Sara Frey

-

14:17 - Have been watching SRKWs stream by for a half hour out in middle from Edmonds fishing pier. Whaleapolooza!

Michelle Goll

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14:15 - Trailing group (very large) south of Kingston ferry. Slowly northbound. Research boat is still with them.

Orca Conservancy

-

14:07 - Now viewing from Ocean Ave in Edmonds. Leaders seem to be in between here and Eglon, angled towards Admiralty.

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

14:00 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point Kingston. Several large males northbound in the glare at midchannel. The ferry briefly stopped. Others are likely too far east to see.

Sara Frey

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14:08 - The small research boat is passing now with a group of 10+.

14:00 - Just watched about 10 orcas swim past my house just south of the Kingston ferry. Spread out a bit, two distinct groups and some outliers. 2 or 3 big males. Northbound. Swimming fairly steadily but throwing in a few spy hops and tail slaps for good measure! Just saw three more.

Lucy Falla

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13:40 - A really tight group bringing up the rear, all right about the yellow channel marker off Kingston.

Jim Pasola

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13:36 - Viewing from Marina Beach. Leaders just passed north of the Kingston ferry. Very far. Sometimes can see blows without binoculars, but can’t see fins without binoculars.

Orca Conservancy

-

13:21 - I’m at Kayu Kayu Ac and there are leaders past Kingston. Definitely north of Richmond. Research boat is almost to Point Jefferson.

Our Wild Puget Sound

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13:10 - The leaders from my line of sight, Kingston, are straight across to Richmond Beach. I see the research boat with the trailers, line of sight Space Needle, all the rest spread out between.

Jim Pasola

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13:05 - Check out KOMO 4 FB page, they have a video of the whales across from Golden Gardens! Link to footage.

Vanessa Egerdahl

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12:59 - Leaders are well past the yellow channel markers spread from it to the east, steady northbound.

Jim Pasola

-

12:52 - Seeing so many blows from Kayu Kayu Ac. The haze is so wild today, though, that it looks like they’re flying above the horizon.

Our Wild Puget Sound

-

12:45 - From the bluff above the Kingston ferry, the lead whales that I see are nearing the yellow channel marker. There are many whales.

Jim Pasola

-

12:38 - Seeing blows from Marina Beach here in Edmonds. Still pretty far away though. Looking toward Bainbridge.

Shannon Heuvel

-

12:14 - Very large group right in front of research boat.

12:08 - Leaders visible from Richmond Saltwater Beach. Looking Southwest. Multiple groups east of midchannel north bound. In line with Fay Bainbridge.

Orca Conservancy

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12:08 - The leaders are still way north, not too far short of Richmond Beach, line of sight from Faye Bainbridge, seem to be moving quickly.

11:55 - I'm seeing what must be the trailing group north of West Point, in front of Shilshole Bay taking the same trail as the previous group far in the distance; multiple blows 15 to 20.

Jim Pasola

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11:57 - Correction - Much larger than 3-5.

11:51 - Viewing from Sunset Hill. 3-5 about due West of Golden Gardens, northbound.

photo by Adam Domanski, November 7, 2022

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11:50 - Still at Golden Gardens, both south and north.

Vanessa Egerdahl

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11:48 - More orca shenanigans.

photo by SarahWB @TwistedStas2, November 7, 2022

-

11:47 - Positive ID for J38 and K33.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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11:40 - What a glorious day. Received the message that the SRKWs were off of Bainbridge and I geared up and ran out the door. Sitting atop my favorite spot to watch for them, I was bundled up in my heavy coat, hood up, and set up the scope. Instantly, I saw the Kingston Fast Ferry going VERY slowly. As I looked through the scope, I could see fin after fin after fin. It was too cloudy to see blows at that time. This was the leading group. They were bunched together and traveling north. Just south of Shilshole. Then, south, there was another group. Same thing, mostly tightly grouped and traveling north. Watch both groups for a bit. Getting ready to leave, and then I noticed another boat, a research boat. Yet another huge pod of orcas. Here is my view, not great conditions, but a glorious sight from my perspective. I don't have a fancy camera with which to share better photos. I see many other posts here with better quality photos and video. But I can guarantee that the eyes on the other end of this scope were streaming tears of joy to see these amazing creatures travel together. To do what they do and not see any boats harassing them was a treat. I have never seen so many whales all in one day from one spot. Thank you Orca Network for all you do!

Kimberly Sylvester

video by Kimberly Sylvester, November 7, 2022

11:36 - Watching steady small groups of whales slowly northbound, out from Golden Gardens Bathhouse. Sight line from just south Of Fay Bainbridge Park.

photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, November 7, 2022

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11:30 - South group has flipped and now northbound. All whales northbound.

11:20 - South group still southbound. Near West Point. North group still northbound near Golden Gardens.

11:15 - Rain stopped, visibility improved. Viewing from Golden Gardens. Large group milling, trending northbound just south of Golden Gardens. Another large group a mile or so south. They are trending southbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

11:24 - There is a group right in front of Shilshole Marina.

11:15 - Viewing from Fay Bainbridge, I can see multiple blows just north of West Point Lighthouse, not yet to Shilshole Marina, they are slowly drifting northbound.

Jim Pasola

-

10:42 - 11:49 - From Magnolia Discovery Park shore today. I'm hoping they were eating a lot. I wish them all full bellies and space from boats to allow them to successfully echolocate their food. And to not have the boats scare away their prey. It's pretty cool from having spent so much time working directly with rescue dolphins to seeing orcas wild from the shore. 

photos by Jennifer Godfrey, November 7, 2022

-

10:38 - Eyes on whales from Golden Gardens, northbound, east of midchannel.

Brittany Noelle

-

10:33 - They are spread east side of midchannel to midchannel. Trailers are nearly out of sight at Magnolia now. Northbound. Guessing leaders at or past West Point. 

10:05 - Whole lot of whales steady northbound east side midchannel, as viewed from Magnolia.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

-

10:26 - @wsferries makes Monday traffic jams delightful 

photo by HoneyDuck @HoneyDuck95, November 7, 2022

-

10:21 - So lovely! Per Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC, at least some members of all three pods (J, K, & L) are present today.

-

09:57 - All ferries stopped now.

09:54 - Seeing at least 3 whales northbound east/midchannel Elliott Bay.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

-

09:57 - I just watched several off of Alki, next to where the ferry was stopped. Best way to start the week.

Lisa Claydon

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09:44 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine OPs, emailed at 09:44 to report: 0927hrs: WALLA WALLA spots 7 orca in a northerly direction, just off Restoration Point. 0940hrs: WALLA WALLA at bare steerage due to 5 whales just North of Alki Point.

-

09:25 - This morning off Emma Schmitz photo of orca near Manchester cargo ship and at 9:41 am off Alki ferry passengers watching orcas.

photo by Robin Sinner, November 7, 2022

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09:20 - Donna Sandstrom, Whale Trail called to report seeing residents stretched the length of Blake Island, foraging with slow trend northbound.

-

09:20 - Whales face flipped northbound with leaders past Alki.

Brittany Noelle

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09:00 - Wow. Just saw 5-6 large dorsals and blows all north of Blake Island where the fast ferry was hanging out for a moment. Pointed northward but several just hanging out near the surface. Mid-channel.

Russ Mann 

-

09:04 - Lots of surface activity. May be moving north again. Direction not clear.

09:00 - Several off South Beach.. Viewing from Lowman.

Kristin Hoelscher Lauver

-

08:55 - Seeing fins from north tip of Vashon to south tip of Blake. A couple were headed back north slowly, including one big one. Seem to be hanging out around there, across/north of Southworth ferry.

Russ Mann

-

08:35 - About 5+ were heading south, rounding the tip of Alki Point. Seen from Vashon water taxi.

Liz Riddle Sorensen

-

08:48 - I just rode the Vashon ferry, they were looked like mid-channel. Spread out at least two large males.

Jim Pasola 

-

08:40 - About 5-6 dorsals spread from the south tip of Blake to the north tip of Blake, largest one in the middle or past (southward). Spread from Blake shoreline to mid-channel.

08:30 - 2 fins and blows approximately west of Rustica restaurant, in line with the big container ships on the west side. Mid-west channel. Southbound moving moderate pace.

Russ Mann

-

08:18 - Large group just passing yellow midchannel buoy.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

-

08:05 - Just spotted them from Weather Watch Park. 

Steve Rice

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08:16 - Confirming SRKWs! Open saddles visible.

08:00 - From Constellation Park, leaders about to Alki-Restoration Point. Appear to be west of mid channel.

Brittany Noelle

-

07:37 - Seeing lots of blows from south of Alki Point, but no fins yet.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

-

07:08 - At least 6 orcas spotted just now, just off Wing Point, Bainbridge Island, traveling south.

Jane Rein

UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES

Tue Nov 8 Puget Sound (SRKW sub pod or Ts in???)

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue Nov 8 15:29:01 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.57455,-122.51213 

Number Sighted: 5

Submitter Name: Scott Kruse

Whale Alert App

Orca Network follow up: yes, time was 3:30. No images. They were close to north side of Blake island and were heading east. 

HUMPBACK WHALES

Wed, Nov 9 - San Juans

13:00 - There were 3 humpbacks near Battleship Island northbound.

John Boyd [WSSJI]



Wed, Nov 9 - Admiralty Inlet

14:35 - Ana Sing Deo called, she and Pip Gordon of Bush Point saw at least one, maybe two humpbacks in Admiralty Inlet traveling southbound very close to Whidbey side, just passed by the Bush Point lighthouse. 



Tue, Nov 8 - Washington Narrows/Dyes Inlet

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue Nov 8 17:30:40 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.59020,-122.68884

Number Sighted: 1

Submitted Comments: Seen from shore lions park 

Submitter Name: Bethany

Whale Alert App



Tue, Nov 8 - BC

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue Nov 8 9:38:30 PST

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.69627,-123.46842

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Denis Barnard

Whale Alert App



Tue, Nov 8 - Puget Sound

15:15 - Seeing blow of possible humpback just east of midchannel marker (from 1515 EDM/KING ferry) [approx. 47.799446, -122.429891].

Whale Scout



Mon, Nov 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Kate Pagan

Date of Sighting: 11/7/2022

Time: 3:45 PM

Species seen: Humpback

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: (48.1449313, -122.7796606)

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed: Traveled past Battery Tolles, medium speed, milling off North Beach County Park

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES

Thu, Nov 10 - E Strait of Juan De Fuca

Whale Alert App: 10:20 report of unknown species. Looks for sure baleen whale, and we are leaning gray. Off West Whidbey between Joseph Whidbey State Park and Libbey Beach. 



Tue, Nov 8 - Burrows Bay

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Cynthia Nielsen

Date of Sighting: 11/8/2022

Time: 3:40 PM

Species seen: Gray or humpback - see clip

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Burrows Bay, off Skyline in Anacortes WA

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Breach, then down several minutes, then a series of short dives

If orcas, any males?: Not orca

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

photo by Cynthia Nielsen, November 8, 2022

ABOUT ORCA NETWORK/QUICK LINKS
Orca Network is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats.
Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network involves citizens in helping researchers track the movement of whales, and encourages people to observe whales from their homes, businesses, ferries, and shorelines.
Whale reports are sent in to our Sighting Network and emailed out to researchers, agencies, and citizens on our network, and posted on our website (MAP of sightings also on website) and social media pages. Whale reports and observations are sent in by a variety of sources, and while we do our best to obtain accurate species and individual IDs, Orca Network does not guarantee the accuracy of any report or whale identification.
Report Sightings to Orca Network:
  • Call 1-866-ORCANET (1-866-672-2639) & choose sightings option
  • Email sightings@orcanetwork.org
  • Facebook: DM or post on our page
  • Website form: https://www.orcanetwork.org/report-sightings

  • Please include: Date/Time - Species (describe if unknown) - # of Animals - Location of Cetacean(s) - Direction of Travel & Behaviors
Visit Orca Network's Langley Whale Center - Whidbey Island:
  • Location: 105 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260
  • Telephone: 1-360-221-7505
  • Hours: Generally open 11am-4pm, Thurs-Mon, but please call for current schedule.
  • Museum: Exhibits - Specimens - Educational Materials - Lending Library - Movies to view
  • Gift Shop: Books - DVDs & CDs - Field Guides - Clothing - Jewelry & more
LANGLEY WHALE CENTER Facebook
Be Whale Wise:
All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Killer whales have special protection in Canadian and U.S. waters. Be sure to educate yourself about current protections, including regulations with specific distances and recommendations for viewing killer whales. The rules apply to all types of watercraft, including motor boats, sail boats, kayaks, and paddle boards in Washington State.

Report Harassment of Whales:
  • In WA/US waters call NOAA Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964
  • In CANADIAN waters call DFO Violations Hotline: 1-800-465-4336
(Include watercraft name, registration #, description, and photos/video when possible)
BE WHALE WISE - Regulations & Guidelines
SHARE THE WATER Facebook
ORCA NETWORK'S PUBLIC VIEWPOINTS MAP
CENTRAL PUGET SOUND MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING NETWORK
BUSH POINT & ORCASOUND HYDROPHONES
SUBSCRIBE Whale Sighting Reports
SUBSCRIBE Tokitae/Lolita Updates