November 15, 2024

J Pod passes by Point Robinson, Vashon.

photo by Marla Smith, November 8, 2024

SUMMARY

Sightings through November 13 include:

Southern Residents - On November 7, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On November 8, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound, passing by Point Robinson and hanging out in Dalco Passage.

On November 9, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On November 10, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On November 11, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On November 12, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound, making their way from Dalco Passage northward through Colvos Passage.

On November 13, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

In next report: On November 14, surprise! K Pod was discovered to be with J Pod in Puget Sound when they passed by Point Robinson!

On November 15, J Pod & K Pod made their exit north out of Admiralty Inlet. For the first time since October 19, there are no SRKWs in inland Puget Sound, ending a 28 day streak!

Bigg's Killer Whales - On November 9, T123s were in the San Juans.

On November 10, T35As, T63, & T65 were spotted in Saratoga Passage then headed to Port Susan.

On November 11, T65As (minus T65A3 & T65A5) & T137s were in Saratoga Passage. T35As, T63, & T65 were in Port Susan.

On November 12, T65As (minus T65A3 & T65A5) & T137s were in Saratoga Passage. T35As, T63, & T65 went back to Port Susan. T2Cs were in Cramer Passage, BC.

On November 13, T35As, T63, & T65 went west through Deception Pass.



Humpbacks - At least one keeping a presence in Puget Sound.

Gray Whales - No reports.

EVENTS:

November Southern Residents Youth Event

NOVEMBER 23 AT 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Langley Whale Center

105 Anthes Ave, Langley, Whidbey Island

 Join Us for a Fun-Filled Autumn Youth Event at the Langley Whale Center!

Mark your calendars for November 23rd and bring the family for a day of creativity, learning, and fun! Our Autumn Youth Event has something for everyone, with crafts, card making, and games to enjoy throughout the day. Plus, don’t miss our special educational talk about our beloved Southern Resident Orcas, starting at 11:30 am!

Discover fascinating facts about the orcas who call the Salish Sea home and learn how we can all help protect these incredible marine animals. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce young minds to the wonders of our local marine life.

When: November 23, 11 am - 4 pm

Where: Langley Whale Center

We can’t wait to celebrate autumn and our local wildlife with you. See you there! 

Webshop item: Whale Sighting Alerts Subscription 

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

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

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

Wed, Nov 13 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

16:01 - Single fin west of midchannel Kingston ferry lane viewing from Apple Tree Point.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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15:00 - They’ve all just taken off north at much faster speed now. Probably 6-7 individuals, somewhat spread out. Lost them behind a tree from my vantage for a bit.

14:52 - Lots of increased splashing & activity! A couple minor breaches about 5 minutes ago.

14:37 - They do seem to all be milling/foraging now and drifting slowly northwards with the current.

14:20 - Spotted four or so spread out mid channel between Golden Gardens and Port Madison. Generally heading south though a couple stragglers seem to be changing direction and milling about.

Jennifer Greiner Clark

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14:24 - Trending north on west side near sailboat across from Golden Gardens.

Barbara Gamrath

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14:02 - They are southbound off the north tip of Bainbridge, mid to west channel.

Conner Helms

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13:22 - I cant really keep track of how many orcas there are… between Broadview [neighborhood just north of Carkeek Park] and Jefferson Head heading north.

Sam Alhadeff [PSWS]

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12:12 - Four to five orcas heading south just passed Richmond Beach oil storage dock. Seen from ferry to Edmonds.

Kathie Morino

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09:52 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:23 to report: 0952hrs: SUQUAMISH Vessel reports via 800MHz they have spotted 4-5 orcas heading northbound, currently located just outside of Apple Tree Cove.

Tue, Nov 12 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

A return visit from the SRKWs. Couldn’t be more happier to see them again out foraging getting the much needed salmon! Viewing from Dune Peninsula Park at Point Defiance. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, November 12, 2024

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J-Pod off Southworth celebrating an abundance of chum salmon. Link to more photos.

photos by David Soder, November 12, 2024

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J Pod in Colvos Passage and as they exited. Link to more photos.

photos by Jolena Tagg, November 12, 2024

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Today was epic. Welcome back little J-Rezzies!

photo by CT Thompson, November 12, 2024

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I just need to say I'm so happy I found this group! Today was my first experience seeing the whales and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I'm crying watching my videos! Thank you for being such kind people and not only answering my silly questions but sharing the locations, education, pics etc. with one another! And thanks so much Melissa Bird for telling me where to go today. I chased them over two hours away but it was SO worth it.

Stephanie Salyers

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16:15 - Passing west side of Blakely Rocks northbound toward Eagle Harbor. View from 64th and Alki.

Mary Hartmann

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15:54 - Spread out viewing from Manchester they are closer to west side shipping lanes foraging still… I’m looking straight across to Alki lighthouse.

Noelle Morris

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15:30 - We see only two with rail slaps south east of Bainbridge facing West Seattle. 

Ying Ying Tan Golinska

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15:20 - Approaching Tillicum Village as viewed from Constellation Park. They’re in the vicinity of the white sailboat. Northbound, some tail slaps.

Steve Rice

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15:12 - Was just watching them from the Southworth ferry terminal. Lots of fins and breaches. I think they have mostly moved on heading north.

photo by Christopher Mathie, November 12, 2024

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15:10 - See spouts but too far for a good view from Bainbridge Island.

Ying Ying Tan Golinska

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15:00 - Looking good for passing east side of Blake near white sailboat. Birds eye view from Oregon and 52nd in West Seattle.

Mary Hartmann

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14:56 - Beautiful pass on the Southworth ferry.

Jami Cantrell

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14:38 - From Constellation Park spouts are barely visible in binoculars. Appear midway between north end of Vashon and Southworth.

Steve Rice

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14:32 - They are at Southworth terminal now.

Steve Gardner

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14:25 - CATHLAMET reports the group is just off SW ferry terminal, continuing north.

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14:28 - Just saw a couple of amazing breaches.

14:22 - Southern residents rounding the corner towards Southworth ferry terminal. Many of them. At least three big males.

Tom McCarthy

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14:15 - Watching them from Fern Cove now closer to Southworth side, northbound in passage headed towards Southworth ferry terminal.

Ryan Eatinger

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14:00 - All Js on east side of channel now near Colvos.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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13:40 - First group passed end of Sunset Road.

Stephanie Harlan

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13:19 - Looks like they are close on Vashon side looking across.

Elana Cashion

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13:30 - Passing Prospect Point area, northbound, west to mid channel.

13:20 - Just north of Lisabuela, hugging west side of channel now. Northbound.

13:16 - Straight out from Lisabuela, steady northbound, grouped together, mid to Vashon side.

13:12 - Pretty grouped up, Vashon side of mid.

13:08 - Leaders quickly northbound, rounded Sandford Point, approaching Lisabuela Park, appear to be midchannel.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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13:06 - Seeing blows from Lisabuela.

Jolena Tagg

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12:58 - Nearing Paradise Cove, Vashon side to mid channel, northbound.

12:46 - South of Point Richmond, island side of channel, seeing many blows coming northbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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12:41 - Have entered Colvos northbound.

Melissa Bird

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12:40 - Heading north into Colvos.

Paul Davis

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12:29 - Currently in Dalco, north of Sunset Beach, appear to be northbound for Colvos Passage at the moment.

12:13 - Seeing at least two over near by the corner that rounds to the Narrows. Others spread to Vashon across Dalco foraging.

11:59 - Leading female is off entrance to Colvos, others are spread across Vashon to Quartermaster. Westbound, some in front of ferry right now.

11:55 - Leaders have past Tahlequah, bull off Neil Point heading for us at Dune.

Melissa Bird

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11:55 - Viewing from Dune. Hugging Vashon side. Leader almost to ferry terminal. Southbound.

Jessica Huie

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11:51 - They're south of Vashon. Trending west.

11:38 - They're south of Maury off of Piner. Couple of breaches. Southwesterly bound.

David Bennett

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11:50 - Watching from Piner Point looking west to Neil Point. Appear to be moving west. Two small boats filling them.

Anna Stuart Olive

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11:51 - Leaders coming up on Tahlequah. Westbound.

11:47 - Leader crossing Quartermaster. Westbound.

11:38 - Large group off Piner Point Westbound, second group with four bulls mid way down Maury Island near the grain ship.

11:32 - Leaders have rounded Piner Point southbound heading towards Quartermaster Harbor/Point Defiance.

11:18 - It looks like they've flipped back southbound, very active off Shore Acres/Piner Point area, from Dune. Some still pretty far north, mid channel, milling.

11:10 - From Dune so location is approximate. Large group between Shore Acres & Gold Beach, south/westbound towards Maury Island. Still breaching!

11:04 - From Dune seeing some big breaches off approximately Gold Beach area, pretty close to Maury.

10:56 - Still have some near the S. channel marker buoy, one male currently east side of the buoy heading west towards Maury. Others well north of the buoy mid channel northbound. Others here reporting some off Piner Point but I haven't seen them.

Melissa Bird

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11:05 - Great now they want to breach as they're heading north towards Point Robinson. 

David Bennett

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10:57 - Seeing about six from Dash Point pier, straight across hugging into Vashon. Heading north.

Angelica Gregoire

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10:55 - Seeing intermittent blows and splashes just east of Gold Beach. Viewing from Ruston Way, so perspective may be off a bit.

10:23 - Two breaches near the yellow channel marker between Commencement and Quartermaster. Closer to Vashon side.

Mollie Segall

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10:31 - We still have at least three about mid Maury Island foraging.

10:26 - Have one male lingering off Piner Point, [approx. 47.340675, -122.457684] currently westbound, others still northbound.

10:20 - Look to be northbound. Some still near the buoy, some closer off Maury/Piner Point.

10:10 - From Dune, there's several near the south channel marker doing east/west shuffle & echoing Ashley, seeing some northbound. They could turn still.

Melissa Bird

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10:10 - Seeing some moving north, south of Quartermaster towards island.

10:02 - Ones I was seeing are now moving east back towards Commencement, just south of Dune, sightline from Tahlequah ferry terminal.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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10:07 - Still spread out, ones I'm viewing are trending north, but not steady enough or grouped enough to say that they're committed. Still a lot of foraging behavior.

Ashley S Whitman

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09:59 - They're angling towards Vashon.

09:49 - It looks like in general, they're moving west and out of Commencement Bay. I just saw one large dorsal fin. Further out approaching the white and green ship. Between three to four others moving west pretty spread out.

David Bennett

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09:48 - Seeing some moving west from in front of Dune, moving towards ferry lane.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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09:42 - Several still milling just west of the Ocean Glory ship [approx. 47.317438, -122.504208].

Jas Minka

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09:42 - Big dorsal, moving away from Commencement Bay seems to be milling like near the mouth of Commencement Bay area but further west. A smaller female in Commencement Bay seems to be milling, possibly hunting.

David Bennett

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09:32 - Kind of quiet in front of Dune currently. Several members are in Commencement Bay. All foraging. Some more active breaching today as well.

Melissa Bird

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09:30 - East side of Point Ruston.

Traci Wuchter

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09:29 - Five or six entering Commencement Bay. Viewing from the pier next to the Lobster Shop.

Stephanie Morris

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09:23 - Got some moving into Commencement Bay. There's a few that's already out in Commencement Bay. One heading east towards Commencement Bay and the larger one that's further out is also heading towards Commencement Bay.

David Bennett

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09:08 - Several milling slowly just east of the Point Defiance-Vashon ferry lane.

08:56 - Single orca milling between Dune and Vashon.

08:51 - Seem to be generally milling.

Wendy Huntington Spaulding

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08:50 - Still foraging off Dune, spread across the passage, all the way into Commencement.

Amber Stanfill

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08:48 - Several members entering Commencement Bay, from Dune looks to be some close to Brown's Point.

Melissa Bird

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08:47 - Whales are currently in front of Browns Point, headed towards the Port of Tacoma!

Kirstin Elmer

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08:53 - Look closer to mid channel now heading into the bay.

08:42 - Four or five heading around Browns Point light.

Tdancemom Gross

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08:41 - They are spread out over a wide area on either side of the big green ship.

08:36 - I see them in the ferry lane, mid-channel!

Wendy Huntington Spaulding

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Janine Mott

Date of Sighting: November 12, 2024

Time: 8:33 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Commencement Bay

Direction of travel : Milling around

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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08:15 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula Park. Seeing some out from here. Pointed east.

Amber Stanfill

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08:02 - [spread approx. 47.316411, -122.508279].

07:53 - Foraging in Dalco, definitely residents.

07:30 - Large group of orca off south Maury Island heading southwest. Multiple males, they are spread over a wide area. From ferry to Piner Point, foraging behavior, believe it’s residents.

David Michael

Mon, Nov 11 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

15:42 - Looks like they flipped. They were making progress south towards Kingston but now they’re back in between Kayu Kayu and Apple Tree northbound. 

15:30 - Breaching in between Kayu Kayu and Apple Tree Point southbound. Seeing open saddles.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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J27 Blackberry

15:00 - All just passed Apple Tree Point southbound west side of channel. They were having a breach fest out there in the waves! All seem to be at or past the ferry now. Despite a lot of breaching, they are traveling at a pretty good clip southbound. Pretty sure is J pod but doubt I will be able to see saddles as the waves and whitecaps are intense.

14:50 - Breaching orca off Apple Tree Point southbound west side coming up on the ferry lanes.

photos by Sara Frey, November 11, 2024

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13:43 - There are four orcas southbound passing Eglon/Kingston mid channel.

Melissa Peterson

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11:28 - I'm headed to Kingston again, worker said Spokane saw some to the south probably half hour ago. I'm not seeing anything.

09:57 - Saw some northbound on Edmonds to Kingston ferry mid channel, only saw three to four.

Janine Harles

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08:10 - Presumably J-pod off Yeomalt Point. Five to seven orca sighted just off Yeomalt Point. Pretty spread out and high winds, so I probably missed some. All NB [northbound] in mid channel closer to Bainbridge side.

Brent Cullimore

Sun, Nov 10 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

This morning from Apple Tree Point.

photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, November 10, 2024

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Some members of the J pod. These shots were taken from Eglon. Link to more photos.

photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, November 10, 2024

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16:12 - Still a group that appears to be off Eglon Beach.

15:57 - [approx. 47.814964, -122.464741] southbound towards Kingston ferry.

Brianne McCoy

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15:36 - They are now east of mid channel, well north of Edmonds ferry terminal, viewing from Eglon again [approx. 47.871744, -122.407237].

13:35 - Lots of breaches and tail slaps. Northbound, possibly committing to Admiralty Inlet. From Eglon [approx. 47.893886, -122.458703].

Patti Trosper

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Adrienne Kuehl

Date of Sighting: November 10, 2024

Time: 2:46 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 20

Where seen:

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?:

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13:25 - Orcas remain Kitsap side of triangle. Visual markers are two research boats. Whales have been milling in same area noted by previous reports. There has been consistent breaching the past couple hours. Stamm Overlook.

Justin Goslin

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13:02 - They are southbound, viewed from Point No Point just north of Seattle skyline in background.

Julie Page

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12:30 - North of Eglon from across the channel. Appeared to be one. Lost sight afterwards. I saw them breach by the cargo ship a few minutes ago!

Jeanine Raymond

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12:00 - 12:30 - Just watched from Point No Point - blows, male dorsal fins, and breaching near research boats but very far away and only visible with binoculars.

Julie Page

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12:24 - Three.

12:22 - Scratch that, I've seen two over there.

12:20 - From Eglon facing straight east, one orca closer to Sunset Bay side.

Ashley Millette

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12:18 - Still viewing from Eglon. Very spread out [approx. 47.884444, -122.450935].

Patti Trosper

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12:00 - From Eglon Beach.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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12:00 - Approaching Point No Point. Mid channel seeing one male. Blows but think most east of mid. Wind picking up.

Sara Frey

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11:35 - Confirmed Js if not already confirmed, spread and milling west side of the triangle.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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11:32 - Just coming into view with binocs south of Point No Point west of midchannel, male just behind research boat.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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11:18 - Orcas are north, viewing from Stamm. Kinda tougher viewing conditions. Two research boats Kitsap side of triangle pointed south.

Justin Goslin

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11:17 - Straight out from Eglon, mid channel, foraging. slightly westbound but still northbound.

Patti Trosper

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11:13 - Spotted off Eglon.

Tiffany Johnson

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11:07 - At least one male around here [approx. 47.868487, -122.429086].

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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10:37 - Seeing them from Rose Point, almost the Eglon. Still south of Eglon.

Heidi Marie

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10:25 - They’re really spread out. From Sunset in Edmonds they’re spanning all the way from north Apple Tree Point to deep right of Double Bluff (that’s just line of sight), midchannel to west of midchannel [approx. 47.863601, -122.455790].

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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10:15 - They have all passed Apple Tree Point, northbound west side of mid to or past Eglon.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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09:42 - Observable from Sunset lazily cruising on a lazy Sunday morning. Milling, tail slaps, research boat visual marker.

Justin Goslin

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09:13 - Steady northbound, breaching along the way, currently in between Apple Tree Point and the Edmonds ferry terminal.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Traci Trubiano

Date of Sighting: November 10, 2024

Time: 9:03 AM

Species seen: Orcas-WSF Kingston/Edmonds run/super pod

Number of animals seen:

Where seen: Crossing on ferry(staff)

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed: Hunting,spy hopping,Tail slapping, breaching

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?:

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09:00 - They are now northbound in the Edmonds Kingston ferry lanes.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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08:59 - Watching them from Richmond Beach! Just next to the Kingston ferry.

Alice Shugart Wrolstad

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09:00 - Midchannel between Edmonds Marina Beach Park and Apple Tree Point. All of the ones I’ve seen so far (probably 10-15) are slowly northbound.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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08:30 - Watching from Edmonds fishing pier and see orcas just to the left of the Kingston ferry terminal. Found another grouping north of the ferry terminal and northbound. Must be foraging.

Most seem to be trending southbound though. Midchannel to Kitsap side.

Michelle Goll

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08:20 - Saw them [orcas] five minutes ago from the Kingston ferry, around the shipping channel.

Peter Abrahamsen

Sat, Nov 9 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

Photo of J57, J53, and J56 taken by Sara Hysong-Shimazu on November 9 while operating under permit with CWR.

Most of our behavioral data collection on Southern Residents in recent years has taken place from shore, where we get the perspective of being stationary and having the entire group of whales pass us. With the whales often spread out, we can thus get an overview of the entire "layout" of where everyone is. For example, when Js go north in Haro Strait, we might have the J19s in the lead, followed by a mix of the J16s and J14s, then J35 and J57, etc. On the water, we get a completely different opportunity to observe by having the ability to follow the same group of whales as they transit through their habitat. We may not see the entire pod, but we can stick with one social group or individual and see how their day unfolds over the course of time, who they meet up with, how their behavior changes, etc. While out with our partners at the Center for Whale Research in Puget Sound, we have had just this sort of opportunity in a place where over the last few years, we've only seen Southern Residents from shore or relatively brief views from a Washington State Ferry. One of my favorite moments thus far was seeing the five youngest members of J-Pod converge into a surface active group: J53 Kiki, J56 Tofino, J57 Phoenix, J58 Crescent, and J59 Sxwyeqólh. Nearby were two of the moms, J31 Tsuchi and J37 Hy'shqa with some other whales in their age cohort including J40 Suttles and J46 Star, also engaged in some socializing. The vocals from this group were amazing, but sadly it was raining so we couldn't get the drone up. But that's what keeps us going back for more, the chance of simultaneously eavesdropping into these moments while having the honor of watching the days of these enigmatic creatures unfold.

Orca Behavior Institute

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17:00 - Still passing Apple Tree Point. Some very close to Kitsap side, west of the shipping lanes.

16:50 - Quite a few passed Apple Tree Point Kingston, some very close to the Kitsap side and now approaching the ferry. BIG breaches and very loud thuds! It is a bit too dark for pics.

Sara Frey

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16:38 - Sara Frey called to report seeing members of J pod out from Apple Tree Point, west side of channel in shipping lanes, traveling southbound.

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16:15 - Two big breaches! Viewing from Eglon towards Edmonds, they appear to be mid channel. Direction unknown.

Sara Perovich

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14:55 - Still hearing some faint calls. 

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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14:08 - An unusually long echolocation sequence suggests some of J pod may be close to and oriented towards the Sunset Bay hydrophone. Link to clip.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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14:05 - Loud clicks and calls can be heard now! 

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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13:58 - Pretty consistent calls now.

13:53 - Echolocation + faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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13:12 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone continue.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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12:51 - Loud calls.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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12:48 - I just started hearing faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone again.

Mitch Pederson

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11:45 - A group is milling about with north changes like noted above. Our view is Kayu looking south. East of mid channel. No research boats with this bunch. 

Justin Goslin

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11:36 - Some directional changes. At least one male is pointed north now. 

11:27 - WOW! a couple more passing President Point to the right of the buoy. Couple massive breaches. Love these guys!

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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11:33 - Seeing one from Richmond Beach at least. Mid channel-ish.

Lauren 'Lo Blakeley

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11:20 - Large male passing President Point west side of channel marker. Three to five others closer to mid. Southbound.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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11:14 - Orcas moving quickly south in the murk, more mid channel from Kayu. Multiple research boats as visual markers. Orcas spread out north, south and in between boats. Kayu Kayu.

Justin Goslin

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10:59 - They are very spread out. A couple are near what I think is a research boat. Line of sight President Point to Edmonds ferry. About midchannel. A few are in between President Point and Richmond Beach. A couple more are a little further south. All heading south at a decent pace. 

10:53 - Seeing a few passing President Point right now. Closer to Kitsap side. Heading south.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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11:30 - Today I was in the ferry from Kingston and they were there. Link to more photos.

photos by Daniel Reyes, November 9, 2024

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10:53 - I spotted some of them passing the Kingston ferry terminal, and they are more on the east side of the channel.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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10:32 - Still have a few fins visible from Apple Tree Point closer to mid in ferry lanes sightline south of tank farm.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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10:28 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:41 to report: 1028 hrs MV SUQUAMISH Captain reports via 800MHz they are at a slow bell for a pod of approximately 17 orcas. 

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10:24 - Orcas pretty much to Kingston. Breaches and boat are visual markers. Murky viewing condition. South bound Kitsap side. 

Justin Goslin

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10:21 - Large male southbound Kingston ferry lane west side. Edit: more trailing and ahead of OBI/CWR still steady southbound.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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10:24 - Southbound approaching ferry lanes.

10:10 - Research boat just north of Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. West channel.

Beriah SoOrio

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10:15 - Pretty steadily southbound west of midchannel. Viewing from Edmonds Marina beach to houses at Apple Tree. OBI boat with them.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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10:08 - Foraging south end Apple Tree Point + breach sightline to tank farm west side.

photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, November 9, 2024

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09:59 - Correction: southbound.

09:49 - OBI/CWR team just found some milling between Kingston and Eglon, west side of channel. Confirmed Js.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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09:45 - Pass by Apple Tree Point.

photos by Sara Frey, November 9, 2024

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09:45 - Sara Frey called to say J pod is out from Apple Tree Point and appear to be headed south now.

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09:44 - Clearer calls.

Beriah SoOrio

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09:30 - I was going to say I just thought I saw a huge splash near Eglon, but it’s hazy for me to see for sure what I saw. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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09:25 - Two facing southbound east of Eglon west of mid, viewing from Eglon. Male/female//update directional changes breach and forage; I am at Eglon.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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09:13 - Hearing more calls on Sunset Bay now.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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08:45 - Reportedly spread and foraging in the triangle.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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08:45 - Clipper 5 saw them spread out in both traffic lanes just off Eglon.

Christopher Johnson

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08:41 - Rachel, Cindi, Sarah, & Emily report hearing calls on Sunset Bay. 

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07:09 - Orcasound listener reported SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. This listening location maintained by Orca Conservancy and hosted by Beach Camp at Sunset Bay. As a reminder folks can review listener reports here - https://live.orcasound.net/reports. Link to clip.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

Fri, Nov 8 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

Jpod doing some heavy lifting of so many hearts today. I've never seen the Salish froth like this as they porpoised south while they passed Point Robinson, Vashon. Their rising breaths were met with large thick frothy bubbles as they cut the surface, erupting out of the water. When they moved past the north end of the Island, they were not in a hurry at all, rather slow, then once they hit Three Tree, the turbos were turned on. The salmon buffet in Dalco was waiting! Porpoising is fun to watch, but so challenging to catch on camera. It was lovely and wonderful to look out at the water today and see salmon jumping, seemingly plentiful for them right now. Watching them forage and eat in the late fall sunshine for hours brings a hope that their bellies are being filled during this extended stay down here in Puget Sound. What will the next few weeks bring? We will wait and see, but so far, it has been pretty spectacular to have them around for so long. May they continue to find the food that that they so rightly deserve to have. We love you, Jpod. Link to more photos.

photos by Marla Smith, November 8, 2024

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J26 Mike

J46 Star

From East Vashon all the way to Point Defiance ferry terminal. Link to more photos. 

photos & IDs by Jami Cantrell, November 8, 2024

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J26 Mike

photos by Mollie Segall, November 8, 2024

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My favorites from today at Point Defiance with J Pod, mostly from shore between the ferry terminal and Anthony’s as well as a trip on the ferry. What treat to spend so many hours with them. Link to more photos.

photos by Kelly Dawson, November 8, 2024

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J47 Notch & J27 Blackberry

Friday filled my heart with so much joy, seeing our beloved Southern Resident Orcas travel all the way to Tacoma and not only that, they stayed here foraging for hours! I was at work but our office knows how special this encounter would be, so I rallied the team and we all got to end our week seeing Jpod from the shores of Dune Peninsula Park. Link to more photos.

photos by Amber Stanfill, November 8, 2024

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J47 Notch

J Pod in Tacoma, seen from Vashon Island and Dune Peninsula. Link to more photos.

photos by Jolena Tagg, November 8, 2024

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J39 Mako

J26 Mike

J-pod off Dune. They just milled around for hours, hunting salmon. Link to more photos. 

photos by David Soder, November 8, 2024

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Beautiful afternoon for ~3 hours watching J Pod on a rare visit to Tacoma! They were widely spread out, swimming back and forth along Dalco Passage between the Point Defiance-Tahlequah ferry lanes and Browns Point. So fun to watch along with many others as well! Echoing some previous posts, hats off to the crew of the Washington State Ferries M/V Salish on the Point Defiance-Tahlequah run on Friday afternoon. With J Pod milling back and forth in Dalco Passage, it was amazing to watch this crew give the orcas a wide berth, while also allowing all the folks on the boat to experience it & get photos. Incredible job by this crew! Link to more photos. Link to more photos - part two.

photos by Matthew Pfab, November 8, 2024

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Just want to give a huge shout out to the MV Salish today. The captain(s) and crew were absolutely fantastic navigating the water between Pt Defiance and Tahlequah ferry dock. J Pod spent all afternoon spread wide across the ferry lanes. They made sure to slow down or stop whenever necessary. They also made sure to let the passengers aboard know that they were out there. Many people saw whales today in part due to this crew. Thank you for an awesome day!

photo by Candace Gavin, November 8, 2024

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Taken from the ferry today. It was an incredible day!

photo by Becky Adams, November 8, 2024

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J26 Mike

Wow what can you say when Jpod comes to Tacoma! They brought the love bringing so many people together and we all gave the love back!! So glad the salmon were there and to feed them for many hours. There wasn’t one parking spot left Dunes Peninsula Park at Point Defiance. Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, November 8, 2024

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J26 Mike

What a beautiful fall day for meeting the J Pod!

photo by Janelle Avice McDonald, November 8, 2024

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J26 Mike

J Pod. Link to more photos.

photos by Hongming Zheng, November 8, 2024

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These two from the J-pod seemed to stay together the whole 3 hours I was at Point Ruston. Link to more photos.

photos by Kaira Kelley, November 8, 2024

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This morning at Point Robinson.

photo by Karen Fuller, November 8, 2024

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Shout out to Sound Watch who had their work cut out for them today. Here they are furiously waving the whale flag trying to get the attention of a boat who blew right by them. The boat eventually figured it out & stopped.

Melissa Bird

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17:01 - Last report - still members spread out mid Dalco Passage, numbers unknown but at least five there. At least one male still off Dune & another closer to Browns Point. What an incredible day!

Melissa Bird

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16:42 - From Dune peninsula. Light getting low. Some seemed to go north toward Dash Point and Federal Way. The last one I saw about five minutes ago between Point Defiance and the Vashon ferry.

Jacqueline Hrivnak

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Bailey Jones

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 4:30 PM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: spotted from Owen’s Beach (47°18'46" N 122°31'43" W) traveling around Vashon Island

Direction of travel : west, slow

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: unsure but i believe so. we were too far to tell

Any unusual markings?: unsure

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: first orca spotting! they were just barely breaching their dorsals. I saw two at once but I think there was a third further west than them

Photos available?: No

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16:22 - From Dune.

photo by Paul Muhlrad, November 8, 2024

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16:20 - There's a group who seems to be trending north up East Passage. They have been directionally challenged all day however, & may come back. There's still the east-west-then east again shuffle, happening in front of Dune. We have members spread from entrance to Colvos to deep in Commencement Bay. Currently it's fairly quiet right in front of Dune.

Melissa Bird

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16:02 - Lingering and spread out all over Dalco ferry lane and eastward.

Blake Koehn

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15:55 - Two or three near the grain silo (below Stadium HS) in Commencement Bay.

Jason Cook

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15:54 - I saw four separate groups at one point.

Ryan Campbell

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15:49 - Amazing viewing from onboard Point Defiance ferry! Just in case the whales are still there at the next departure from Tacoma.

Emma Gregory

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15:40 - We saw several from Vashon spread out, too! So many whales!

Kate Kate

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15:38 - Point Defiance/Tahlequah ferry terminal. Right now.

photos by Roberta Christensen, November 8, 2024

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15:34 - Right now from Gig Harbor we can just barely see with binoculars near the ferry. We can barely see males without binos.

Suzi Wright

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15:32 - Surrounded the ferry again. Just counted seven fins all directly in front of or north of the ferry.

Charlene Engelland

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15:30 - Such a great day! From in front of Owen Beach.

Lauren Gevry

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15:52 - I’m at the ferry landing most headed east.

Holly Johnson Fox

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15:26 - We are viewing them from Dune. Heading to Gig Harbor possibly.

Laura Jewell St

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15:16 - They are moving west past Owens Beach.

Lauren Gevry

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15:15 - Still spread all over Dalco, in front of us at Dune, some in Commencement somewhere, is the word on the street!

Melissa Bird

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15:04 - Heart happy seeing all over in Point Defiance.

Julie Davis

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15:04 - Viewing from Browns Point light and we saw two to four separate. At Owen there are three to four by the beach headed west toward Dune. Hope this is worth the wait.

Kitkat Whales

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14:57 - Just saw two in front of Ruston condos. Moving towards Commencement Bay.

Laura Binczak Allen

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14:32 - From my vantage at the ferry dock whales are all around. Some moving east some literally going back and forth in the ferry lane. Jpod is foraging [approx. 47.318726, -122.492537]. As of now they’re not committed in any direction and Ruston, south Vashon, the Point Defiance ferry dock all have great views right now.

Jami Cantrell

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14:31 - Four in front of Point Defiance ferry dock, some eastbound, one westbound. All eastbound now. 

T.L. Stokes

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14:30 - A lot of activity in the ferry lane. 

Jamie Beaver

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14:27 - The groups west of the ferry are now moving with purpose back east. Seeing several trend towards Commencement with more speed than before.

Mollie Segall

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14:24 - They appear to be close to the Point Defiance ferry dock, that might be a good spot.

Kirsten Vacura

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14:22 - Three including a male moving slowly east nearing Point Defiance ferry dock.

14:07 - Some heading east. Out from Owen. A few in Dalco one pointed east. 

14:03 - Orcas in the path of the ferry! Ferry is moving slow.

T.L. Stokes

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14:08 - I wouldn’t put a committed direction for them yet. They’re foraging in Dalco. Some still changing direction in the ferry lanes.

Jami Cantrell

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14:01 - Many groups spread all across Dalco to Commencement Bay, some more north towards Piner Point Maury Island. Everyone foraging [approx. locations: 47.328412, -122.457236; 47.299350, -122.470684; 47.329551, -122.534561].

Melissa Bird

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14:00 - From Owen Beach!

photo by Steve Paul, November 8, 2024

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13:58 - Some straight out mid channel from south Vashon ferry dock.

13:57 - Three orcas milling in Dalco near the little boat. 

T.L. Stokes

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13:54 - Watching from south end of Vashon. Many whales now appear committed west but have been lots of direction changes. Some as far west as off Dalco Point (southwest corner of Vashon) with some still east of ferry lanes.

Amy Carey, Sound Action

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13:49 - Can’t wait to get these on the computer, quite possibly the best ferry pass I’ve had. Watching her swim underwater was magggical.

Jami Cantrell

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13:46 - We’re at Dune out on the point and it’s a perfect view of all sides! They do seem to continue west but we can still see tons & they mill back and forth so it’s a great vantage point.

Andrea Schvaneveldt

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13:43 - Big white yacht just powered by one orca off Point Defiance. Orca was headed west.

T.L. Stokes

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13:36 - I've got some foraging closer to entrance of Narrows! We"ll see what they do! From Dune they are lined up in front of Sunrise Beach [approx. 47.328863, -122.536778].

Melissa Bird

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13:31 - Ferry is literally surrounded!

Charlene Engelland

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13:27 - Just watched the ferry leave Vashon, go way off course towards Gig Harbor, plow into a huge group & THEN stop. The normal ferry lane is clear. Anyways... BIG group west of the ferry lanes foraging, others eastbound near Quartermaster Harbor. Link to Youtube video.

Melissa Bird

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13:24 - Orcas right now, between Vashon Island and Point Ruston.

Jenn Copia De Seguridad

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13:23 - Widely spread in highlighted area. Have been milling back and forth in this area for over an hour, viewing from Dune Peninsula [approx. 47.317587, -122.508506].

Matthew Pfab

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13:28 - Ferry came to full stop for three in its path.

13:20 - One orca right in front of the ferry. 

T.L. Stokes

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13:20 - Counted at least five between Tahlequah and Point Defiance just now from Gig Harbor. Appears ferry has stopped because they are directly in ferry lane.

Charlene Engelland

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13:15 - Foraging all over from Dune to Vashon. A few close up to Dune currently.

13:14 - Blackberry came over to say hello! This was at Dune.

Melissa Bird

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12:58 - Viewing from Dune, we have whales west of the ferry and two heading southeast of us at Dune too. Whales spread all across the channel.

Jolena Tagg

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12:19 -They are approaching Vashon ferry area.

Tracey Carrillo

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12:16 - I’m at Owen Beach and see one in front of Browns Point.

Angie Poteet

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13:09 - Viewing from south end Vashon ferry dock. Research boat waving flags to stop a couple boats. Seeing three to four swimming back towards Commencement and another group heading west, a few milling mid channel. 

T.L. Stokes

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13:05 - Huge spread east and west of ferry lanes, some heading east, some heading west, some foraging, no decisions are being made.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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13:00 - They are all over at Dune!

Kelley McDonald Smith

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12:58 - Still viewing from Dune. So incredible - all seem to be moving west still spread out. Some west of ferry line. Have seen many breaches and almost don’t know where to look! They’re everywhere.

Andrea Schvaneveldt

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12:53 - Some finally west of ferry lanes, westbound, ferry doing a great job making a wide swing around them, mid-ish channel.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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12:50 - Ferry is stopped. Several in front of Point Ruston too.

Glenn Rumery

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12:50 - Have been watching from above Point Ruston with view from Browns Point to Tahlequah. Many whales have been spread out in Commencement. It appears now all are west of Quartermaster.

Ed Rickert

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12:42 - Viewing from Owen. Several by Neill Point on island side, others directly in ferry lanes about mid channel. Lots of directional changes. Looks like foraging.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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12:25 - Some still east of ferry lanes, approaching Tahlequah terminal moving westbound, Soundwatch on scene.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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12:18 - See from Ruston.

Tracey Carrillo

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12:13 - Leaders have crossed Quartermaster, westbound towards Tahlequah. Others spread out all over. Whale soup!

Melissa Bird

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12:07 - My husband is on the ferry. He reports that captain said photographers (probably others) could remain on board. Sounds like the departure from Vashon will be orca friendly.

Stephanie Harlan

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12:03 - Very spread out, heading westbound approaching Tahlequah/Point Defiance ferry lanes, mid channel.

11:53 - Some passing mouth of Quartermaster, seeing them come into view approaching Tahlequah ferry terminal area, south/westbound-ish.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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11:45 - One group just south of Piner Point, one close to buoy. Lots of foraging, surface activity.

Melissa Bird

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 11:45 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 15

Where seen:

Direction of travel : ;

Behaviors observed: traveling w/trailer 3 milling

If orcas, any males?: y

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Most of the group has cleared south tip of Maury now. One male + 1-2 others milled a bit just east of Summerhurst (SE tip of Maury) then continued south.

Photos available?:

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11:42 - Lead group is porpoising southwest past the yellow channel marker off of the southern tip of Maury/out from Browns Point. Midchannel to island side. Moving quickly.

Mollie Segall

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11:39 - Very spread out. Some off Dash Point & others approaching Quartermaster Harbor.

Oscar Brown

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11:24 - Southbound in front of Sandy Shores mid channel.

Marlin Black

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11:33 - Large group coming up on the S. channel marker buoy, they are all around it. This may be Shore Acres group that cut over. Haven't picked up the other group heading for mainland again.

11:27 - The group I saw near Shore Acres is south of there, behind a corner so I can't see them. Should be popping out near Piner Point sometime soonish.

11:21 - Have a group still well north of S. channel marker buoy, more mid channel off Gold Beach. Boat with them as well. Currently westbound towards Dash Point.

Melissa Bird

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 11:27 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 15

Where seen: Spread out from S of Maury tip to Gold Beach

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: y

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Less surface activity, leaders well south of Maury tip and did not turn into Quartermaster or bay area. Most are before/in front of Shore Acres (that I keep calling South, may have typo'd in earlier report). One male in midchannel brief turn east and north then back south now while I type this. Forecast excellent view from Dash Point/Brown Point/Vashon/etc any second now

Photos available?:

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11:20 - Nice breach off Dash Point.

Oscar Brown

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11:15 - Melissa Bird thank you we see them from Dune right where you said! 

Kelley McDonald Smith

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 11:15 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 15

Where seen: Maury spread out from Shore Acres to Gold Beach

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: traaveling

If orcas, any males?: yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: More than 15 but too spread out for accurate count. Leaders south of Shore Acres, bulk behind them between Shore Acres to north end of Gold Beach. Some boards. Mostly Maury side, 5x or so have moved more midchannel. Wish they'd head to mainland side I am watching salmon jumping like mullet in the Gulf and a seal eating one it caught near an earlier baitball

Photos available?:

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11:15 - Back to more committed southbound travel coming up on Shore Acres, surface active. Research boat with them [approx. 47.360354, -122.429865].

11:01 - From N. 45th & Stevens, up high with binoculars I can see they are still well north of Tacoma, off Gold Beach, north of the channel marker buoy, close to mid channel but on Maury Side, milling, trending southbound. From Dune or Ruston, look behind the buoy & in front of the tall grey tower in the background to find them.

Melissa Bird

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 11:01 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 15

Where seen: Off Maury spread out over a couple of miles

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: traveling, some tailslapping not as much breaching as 5 mins ago

If orcas, any males?: yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Leaders well south of Gold Beach, bulk just passing Gold Beach, some still north of there. Most on Maury side of channel, 2x traveling closer to midchannel. 2x harbor porpoise mid-channel to mainland side may confuse watchers. Just before their arrival there were several baitballs w/heavy bird activity on mainland side between Dash Point and Dumas but they don't appear to be interested in checking out mainland side or foraging.

Photos available?:

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11:10 - Saw a full breach here [approx. 47.338095, -122.433703]. Viewing from above Point Ruston. 

Ed Rickert

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10:53 - Surface active between south Vashon and Ruston area watching from Des Moines Marina.

Ali Saccone

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 10:52 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 12

Where seen: Maury - East Channel Gold Beach

Direction of travel : south

Behaviors observed: traveling, breaching

If orcas, any males?: yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: breaching, spread out still heading south towards south end of Maury/Quartermaster Bay entrance/Dash Point etc

Photos available?:

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 10:45 AM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 10

Where seen: East Channel just north of Gold Beach

Direction of travel : South, fast

Behaviors observed: quick travel some surface active, very spread out

If orcas, any males?: yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Maury side of channel, Lots of them, far more than the usual small T-pod, very spread out, should be great view from Dash Point/Browns Point and Defiance soon

Photos available?:

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10:33 - Very surface active with several breaches around the corner of Point Robinson.

Mollie Segall

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Beautiful pass at Point Robinson

Hannah Marie Munro

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10:31 - Beautiful pass at Point Robinson. Very spread out in groups and singles, island side of channel all southbound, some surface activity and porpoising. Lovely, lovely Jpod.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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10:33 - Southbound approaching Gold Beach still island side but a bit more spread out in the channel.

10:22 - Seeing two groups just passing Point Robinson close pass island side still southbound.

Dan Hyde

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10:07- Leaders passing Point Robinson way over on the mainland side of mid channel, still southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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09.50 - Couple more passing north end of Maury. Southbound.

09.37 - Lead group passing Three Tree Point. Southbound.

Mark McGough

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09:32 - Trailing male on island side now south of Glen Acres, going southbound, others very spread out east-mid just north of Three Tree.

09:02 - Seeing some mainland side of mid channel, southbound, just south of Glen Acres.

08:49 - Spread out, seeing more now in line with Dolphin Point, east side of mid channel, southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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08:48 - Two breaches just south of Dilworth, view from Colman Pool.

Mary Hartmann

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08:33 - So far have only spotted one male just south of Brace Point mainland side of mid, southbound, still looking for others.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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08:31 - Two breaches just south of Dolphin Point. Seeing orcas spread from Vashon ferry dock to Dillworth.

08:15 - Southbound mid channel just north of Dillworth. View from Colman Pool.

Mary Hartmann

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07:55 - Passed Fauntleroy ferry heading south in same path east of Vashon, viewing from Manchester.

Noelle Morris

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06:59 - Spotted from the WALLA WALLA [47.58587, -122.45318].

WA app

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We were on the Chimacum. So exciting!!

Jennifer Bauer Perdue

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06:40 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:43 to report: CHIMACUM Captain reports vessel has slowed for 10 Orca heading SB from Tyee [Bainbridge Island]. 

Thu, Nov 7 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

Those sun rays.

photos by April Janice Basham, November 7, 2024

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16:59 - One trailer surfacing close to Mukilteo side! Steady northbound.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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16:53 - Looks like one orca heading north east towards Everett (in the Muk/Clinton ferry lane).

Kristina Brown

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16:53 - Trailers approaching ferry lanes, between Gendale and Clinton. Viewing from lighthouse park. Whidbey side of channel northbound.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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16:52 - Can see them continuing north from Howarth Park. Mid channel.

Holly Bailey Aprecio

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16:48 - They are close to that ferry. I’ve seen three to four.

Anna Blank

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16:47 - Ferry is stopped and they have it surrounded.

Paul Kelly

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16:46 - Just saw one from the Clinton ferry dock in the ferry lane north bound.

Bonnie Gretz

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16:40 - Friend reports: watching from above the ferry and whales are approaching Mukilteo ferry lanes, northbound, spread out but seemingly more mid to Mukilteo side now.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:32 - There’s still one large male just kinda hanging out near Chennault Beach doing circles.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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16:30 - Seeing multiple fins and exhalations from Whidbey just north of Glendale, more Mukilteo side of mid. Will be in the ferry lanes shortly.

Durand Dace

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16:25 - A couple trailers are passing Glendale northbound Whidbey side of channel.

Ed Pearson

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16:16 - Just passed Glendale - heading to Mukilteo/Cllinton ferry lanes.

Amanda Grace

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15:40 - They are past Possession and near Glendale heading towards Clinton ferry!

Missy Main

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15:43 - A couple more have showed up closer to the Mukilteo side passing Chennault Beach.

15:32 - Four more have gone past the buoy headed towards Possession Point. Others are strung out along the Whidbey shoreline headed north towards Clinton.

Ed Pearson

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15:35 - Friend reports: whales approaching Glendale, northbound, very spread north/south and Whidbey side to mid.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:20 - A few have made it into Possession Sound but still not committed on a directions. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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15:17 - Watching from Picnic Point with binoculars. About four in between Cultus Bay and the main buoy in the passage. Moving north.

Kelci VanTulder

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15:16 - One is hugging the Beach at Possession Point park going northbound. Those of you on the beach must have a great view. Jealous. Another by the buoy headed the same direction.

Ed Pearson

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14:56 - Beach Camp hydrophone is getting whales.

Paul Kelly

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14:54 - Spotted here in between the two research boats [approx. 47.888781, -122.404813]. Lots of calls.

14:49 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Isabelle Ivankovich Busby

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14:51 - From Edmonds some are still foraging in the Triangle but drifting somewhat eastbound towards Possession Beach and the mouth of Possession Sound. Red research boat with them as a point of reference.

April Janice Basham

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14:35 - Spotted quite a few of them, probably the pod. they’re way west near Eglon point area slowing moving northbound up the channel.

Roxy Reid

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14:28 - Seeing several close to Whidbey shore, trending eastbound approaching Cultus Bay. Directional changes, foraging. Still viewing from Stamm.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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14:23 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Linda Aitkins

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14:07 - Others still spread out north of Eglon. Some directional changes but trending northbound. Appear to be midchannel, maybe slightly west.

14:01 - Line of sight Cultus Bay, northbound approaching Possession Point. Spread out. The ones I'm seeing are closer to mainland side. Some surface activity.

13:41 - Viewing from Stamm overlook. About midchannel. Line of sight just north of Eglon. Appear to be trending north but spread out foraging.

Nikol Damato, Orca Network

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13:40 - Believe I’m seeing the ones on the west side moving southbound now. At least on male appears to be traveling southbound over some distance as opposed to foraging.

Sara Frey

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13:36 - They’ve drifted slightly west but still foraging in the same general area.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:57 - Make that three or four!

12:47 - I am at Stamm overlook, Edmonds I can see one orca mid channel slowly northbound.

Joni Barnes Pollino

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12:44 - Js spread and foraging in the triangle, more to east than west but wide spread.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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12:10 - Foraging in Possession triangle again. Similar spot to yesterday [approx. 47.877889, -122.384073]. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:44 - Watching from Sunset in Edmonds as they approach Possession Point.

Sara Morales

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11:40 - Several orcas north of the Kingston - Edmonds ferry.

photo by Paul J Pickett, November 7, 2024

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11:23 - All Js spread over miles north/south and east/west, mostly north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes now going north.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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11:20 - Nice pass by Blackberry on the ferry today Edmonds.

Janine Harles

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11:08 - Steadily northbound mid channel halfway between Apple Tree and Eglon now.

Marty Jones

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11:06 - Viewing from Apple Tree Cove - seeing a cluster of whales north of ferry lanes, a couple in the ferry lanes and one male still south of the ferry lanes, all northbound and midchannel.

Jenny Klis

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11:13 - They are pretty spread out! I see one closer to Apple Cove now and a few still passing Kingston.

10:50 - Watching from the Edmonds Marina Beach Park. They’re closer to Kingston and trending north.

Sara Morales

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10:48 - Saw them on our 10:30 Kingston to Edmonds crossing!

Jeanne Yu

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10:43 - Several orcas headed north in front of Kingston harbor. Watching from Edmonds fishing pier.

Marty Jones

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10:35 - On the ferry, whales sighted between Richmond Beach and South Edmonds. Mid channel heading northbound.

Janine Harles

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10:27 - Orcas northbound approaching Kingston, mid channel - at Richmond Beach, Shoreline.

John Slomnicki

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10:11 - Got word orcas off Kingston headed north towards Hansville.

Paul Hebert

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10:10 - From President Point to Point Wells tank farm group heading north midchannel/east.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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10:10 - At least ten northbound in between Kayu Kayu and President Point. I haven’t spotted any north of Kingston yet.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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10:02 - J11s and others spread and foraging mid channel off Point Jefferson, trending north.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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09:50 - We have just spotted them northbound at President Point.

Trish Moylan Davis

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09:45 - Viewing from Richmond Beach. One female, northbound, a mile or so off shore, then a group of at least 5-ish foraging closer to Port Madison. All generally pointed/drifting north. I haven’t spotted a southern group from here yet [approx. 47.736734, -122.451666].

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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09:31 - Viewing from Sunset Hill Park. Very spread out mid channel traveling northbound. They were spread out in three groupings. I counted about 15 whales.

Alyssa Casassa

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09:30 - Viewing from Fay Park, one male foraging east of mid channel south of tanks.

Michele Wyzga

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08:45 - This gal just headed in toward Carkeek - photo taken from North tip of Golden Gardens 5 minutes ago.

photo by Sarah Nickel Smith, November 7, 2024

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09:15 - Out from north Shilshole… looks like research boat may be waiting for them.

08:40 - Head to Fay Bainbridge... there are a few west of mid channel… moving in singles very slowly north.

08:19 - Seeing some whales approaching Shilshoe northbound west/east of mid channel.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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07:29 - Some have flipped and are now milling/hunting, off Bainbridge Island between Yeomalt and Wing Point. Lots of salmon jumping in the area!

07:05 - Ten to fifteen orca, very spread out. Northbound, mid channel off Wing Point, Bainbridge.

Brent Cullimore

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07:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:15 to report: 0700hrs: WALLA WALLA Vessel reports spotting a pod of orcas 1 mile north of Tango in the traffic lanes, heading north.

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06:35 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:40 to report: 0635hrs: PUYALLUP Vessel reports they have slowed down for a pod of 6 orcas currently located 1/2 mile off Blakely Rock, headed northbound.

Wed, Nov 13 - Deception Pass (T35As, T63, T65)

T35A Lester, T65 Whidbey, T35A1 Opal

T63 Chainsaw

T35As, T63, & T65 in Deception Pass. Link to more photos. 

photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, November 13, 2024

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Deception Pass. Link to more photos.

photos by Jo Stein, November 13, 2024

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T63 Chainsaw

13:18 - I watched them from Washington Park Anacortes continuing northbound pretty close to Bird Rocks. 

12:07 - Viewing from Moran Beach looking north through binoculars . I see many exhalations near the pin on the map [approx. 48.438761, -122.713177]. Northbound travel. 

photos by Kevin Phillips, November 13, 2024

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I have Chainsaw and 35A in a quick look at my camera.

Sarah Geist

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11:45 - Did appear to start heading north out from Rosario Beach. I had to leave so last update.

11:35 - They've continued west now off of Deception Island.

11:14 - Snuck under the bridge, I didn't see. Now northwest, west of the bridge.

10:52 - Possibly stalled on hunt east of bridge closer to north shore of the pass.

10:44 - Not to bridge yet, off Strawberry Island now.

10:31 - I see four to five orcas off Yokeko Point facing west towards Deception Pass Bridge.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network 

Wed, Nov 13 - Saratoga Passage

16:17 - From friend: Still moving north. Between East Point and Hidden Beach.

16:00 - From friend: Whales are milling between East Point and Camano Island State Park, but still drifting northbound mid channel.

15:42 - From friend: Spread across the channel and north/south, passing East Point heading north - at least one big fin.

Sarah Geist

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14:50 - Two orcas spotted off Pebble Beach on Camano headed north in Saratoga Passage. Long dives, not much surface activity, moving fast.

Brianne McCoy

Tue, Nov 12 - Cramer Passage, BC (T2Cs)

T2C3 Lucy

T2C1 Rocky, T2C Tasu, T2C3 Lucy

T2Cs in Cramer Passage. Link to more photos.

photos by James Willson, November 12, 2024

Tue, Nov 12 - San Juans

11:54 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:05 to report: 1154hrs: TILLIKUM Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed upon entering Wasp Passage for a pod of 5 orcas heading west bound.

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There was a small baby with them when they went by and one large male in the mix. Because of the baby, my guess is two groups of Ts traveling together.

Neill Barham [WSSJI]

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09:01 - Orcas sighted at Eagle Point, at least eight to ten animals, headed down island towards South Beach.

Lodie Laurieanne Gilbert Budwill [WSSJI]

Tue, Nov 12 - Saratoga Passage (T35As, T63, T65, T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T137s)

14:54 - [T35As, T63, T65] Seeing Chainsaw from Kayak looking over to Tillicum. Very quick glimpses.

SeanahLisa Sauer

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13:06 - [T35As, T63, T65] Northbound mid channel.

13:05 - [T35As, T63, T65] Passing Tyee now, Chainsaw in the back.

Thomas McKane

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12:40 - [T65As & T137s] Spotted three orca southbound in ferry lanes mid, Whidbey side. Possible 137s.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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12:44 - [T65As & T137s] they are on a mission. Already through the ferry lanes. Still southbound. Still Whidbey side.

12:34 - [T65As & T137s] the larger group has passed Hat and is continuing south, Whidbey side. They will be in the ferry lanes soon.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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T35As, T63, T65 group continued north into Port Susan while the T65As & T137s group continued south into Possession Sound.

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12:01 - So we think the 65As and 137s joined up and are now SB [southbound] off Sandy Point. Rounded the point, Whidbey side.

11:51 - Friend reports other group of three to four (at least one male) southbound mid channel. [Now] third group! Whidbey side of mid southbound [approx. locations: 48.048923, -122.395177; 48.050759, -122.380758; 48.051677, -122.368741].

11:45 - Suspected Chainsaw in the video, and friends now viewing see them a bit south of pin of original report & confirm Chainsaw & others.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:45 - Two orcas between Langley & Camano. Closer to Camano. Heading south through Saratoga.

Summer Bowlin

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11:30 - I think this may be a second round? I saw a few ahead but maybe they are looping around/taking time? I'm not sure how to tell the difference but definitely some serious surfacing action.

11:25 - Video taken at 11:25

11:20 - Just saw three or four [orcas] headed southbound towards Langley, Camano side. Some surface activity [approx. 48.063609, -122.399297].

Harriet Wright

Mon, Nov 11 - San Juans

21:22 - Seems a bit of a stretch, but this might be an acoustic detection of the same group? 21:22:56 PST - Bigg's calls on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone in Haro Strait. Listen to this OrcaHello clip that has wonderful reverberation in an otherwise very quiet underwater soundscape. Link to clip.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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08:28 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:46 to report: 0828hrs: Vessel YAKIMA reports they have slowed for a pod of 4-6 orcas located off Leo Reef heading westbound.

Mon, Nov 11 - Possession Sound (T35As, T63, T65)

T63 Chainsaw

As they were leaving Port Susan.

photos by Susan John, November 11, 2024

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T63 Chainsaw on right

photos by Linda Raines Tyner, November 11, 2024

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15:41 - Just saw five south of Pebble Beach. About center of the channel [approx. 48.048923, -122.371145].

Lizzy Grim

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14:00 - I saw at least one fin south of Hat Island maybe mid between Clinton & Everett southbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:32 - Spotted from Langley! Northbound into Port Susan, east side of channel.

Lauren Dyke

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11:26 - Southbound mid channel, between Kayak and Country Club. On another hunt!

11:23 - Chainsaw and group in Port Susan, last seen on a hunt between Kayak Point and Mountain View.

Linda Raines Tyner

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11:20 - T63 & others out from Kayak Point in Port Susan.

PSWW GroupMe

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09:08 - Bunch of orcas! By the [Hat Island] yacht club! Headed west. Lars saw them first.

Britta Jacobs [HIWS]

Mon, Nov 11 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T137s)

T137A Jack

T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A6 Callisto

Spent the afternoon looking for one group of whales... only to catch up with a different group near dark. This is the T137s and the T65As (-A3 & A5). Link to more photos.

photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, November 11, 2024

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T137D Wright

T65A4 Ellifrit & T137 Loon

T65As & T137s. Link to more photos.

photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, November 11, 2024

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T137A Jack & T65A2 Ooxjaa

T65A2 Ooxjaa

From Camano Island State Park.

photos & IDs by Kat Martin, November 11, 2024

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16:25 - All grouped up southbound close to Whidbey shore south of Race Lagoon.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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T137A Jack

T137 Loon & T65A2 Ooxjaa

16:05 - Just watching several (4-5) southbound about to pass Race Lagoon, close to Whidbey... missed them northbound!

photos by Jill Hein, November 11, 2024

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15:30 - Seem to be steady south bound now southeast of Long Point, at least one trailing, but the rest grouped it seems.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:05 - Several blows and a fin near Kalamut Island seen from Camano yacht club.

Brianne McCoy

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14:32 - Friend reports seeing blows from Long Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:53 - Passed Cama and continuing northbound towards Onamac. Groups split, some mid channel, closer to Camano. The rest are Whidbey side.

Charvet Drucker

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13:40 - Seeing two dorsal fins (one tall) well north of Onamac Point moving north quickly, closer to Camano, as seen from Hidden Beach.

Sandy Pollard

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13:37 - Was viewing the whales from Camano Island State Park about 30 minutes ago. I wanted to confirm T65A2 was with T137A.

Kat Martin

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13:05 - All seem to be more Whidbey side now continuing northbound near area of Hidden Beach.

12:55 - 137s & 65A4 passed by East Point angled northwest towards Hidden Beach. 137A appeared to be more Camano side. The other matriline went north Camano side ahead of these guys.

12:45 - North of Bells, another matriline has appeared [rest of T65As].

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:44 - Last saw them a few minutes ago from Langley looking north east - they're probably visible from Camano Island State Park.

Korey Cox

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12:25 - Moved quickly northbound past Langley.

Korey Cox

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12:00 - Was milling but have/are slowly northbound [approx. 48.050300, -122.397924].

Marilyn Armbruster

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11:41 - Northbound past Pebble Beach! Viewing from Langley!

Lauren Dyke

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11:37 - Confirm! Jack is here. 137s and Indy (updating the whale I thought was T65A5 is T65A4) They have passed Sandy Point. Northbound into Saratoga.

11:25 - Orcas right off Sandy Point, Whidbey headed north into Saratoga Passage. Photos appear to show T65As & Possibly T137s. Will update soon.

11:05 - Five orcas fast northbound Whidbey side past Brighton Beach.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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10:50 - Orcas are being reported northbound fast through the Clinton ferry lanes. 

Orca Network

Sun, Nov 10 - Saratoga Passage/Port Susan (T35As, T63, T65)

T63 Chainsaw

T63, T65, & 35As are in the mix.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, November 10, 2024

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16:00 - Orcas had made progress northward, either drifted with their meal or in resting, shallow surfaces, hard to keep tracking. Last saw them around 16:00 north of last location, I then got talking with someone and haven’t found them again. Several seals have been hugging this side at the park.

15:35 - Stalled out out from Kayak Point County Park. Appears they’re hunting. Lots of directional changes and gulls swooping in. Still mid channel.

15:18 - Count at least eight, maybe nine? Including little bitty one. They stayed grouped but separated a bit, some direction changes, and have now grouped back up. Continue slow northbound out from McKees.

15:10 - Pod is grouped traveling slow steady pace northbound out from just slightly southwest of McKees Beach keeping mid-channel. Hello Chainsaw and others.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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15:05 - North of Tillicum Beach, line of sight to Kayak Point, continuing northbound midchannel.

14:48 - Just south of Tillicum, slowly northbound midchannel.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:28 - Northbound into Port Susan, Camano side, nearing after area.

Charvet Drucker

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14:03 - Viewing from Sandy Point they have entered Port Susan.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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13:38 - See pin for location [approx. 48.045480, -122.347455]. Group may be headed for Port Susan.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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13:24 - Friends report five to six, after milling are now east of Sandy Point, traveling east/northeast, possibly headed to Tulalip.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:47 - Milling and splashing a bit north of Sandy Point. Closer to Whidbey side of Saratoga Passage.

Luanne Seymour

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10:20 - Group of three or four orcas off of Fox Spit. Seem to be milling back and forth. Link to FB video.

Michelle Sterett Bernson

Sat, Nov 9 - San Juans

15:54 - Orcasound listener reports hearing whale sounds. Review of the 30-second clip indicates Bigg's killer whales -- close calls and more distant lower-amplitude ones. Link to clip.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

Sat, Nov 9 - San Juans (T123s)

T123A Stanley on right

14:56 - Coming up less frequently now.

photo by Daria Gosztyla, November 9, 2024

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13:40 - KALEETAN W/H reports the pod is just off Lopez dock. Vessel is holding in at Lopez until clear.

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12:30 - We are reporting an orca spotting in Thatcher Pass. Three orcas, one big one and two smaller ones, heading east when viewed from Sylvan Cove on Decatur.

photo by Gaea Haymaker, November 9, 2024

Fri, Nov 8 - San Juans

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Mary Anne Butcher

Date of Sighting: November 08, 2024

Time: 10:43 AM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Spieden Channel

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Spotted 4-5 orcas traveling west to east through Spieden Channel.

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

photos by Mary Anne Butcher, November 8, 2024

Wed, Nov 13 - Haro Strait

11:37 - Seeing spouts on Lime Kiln camera. Humpbacks.

Jan Deccio [WSSJI]

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07:30 - Two humpbacks spotted one mile south of Lime Kiln in very rough conditions. Direction undetermined so far.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

Wed, Nov 13 - Puget Sound

13:45 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:14 to report: 1345hrs: SUQUAMISH Vessel reports a single humpback whale located mid-channel on the EDM/KING route heading northbound.

Mon, Nov 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Liam Taylor

Date of Sighting: November 11, 2024

Time: 4:40 PM

Species seen: Humpback?

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: 48.3152002, -123.3904677

Direction of travel : ?

Behaviors observed: In one area and breaching

If orcas, any males?: ?

Any unusual markings?: Not super close

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

Photos available?: No

Sun, Nov 10 - Puget Sound

11:17 - Just saw an enormous humpback slowly rise and blow in front of our house, 100-200 yards off the beach at Richmond Beach Park. It rose up a few more times but we weren’t quick enough to get a photo. Still it was exciting to see!

Debra Brown [PSWS]

Sat, Nov 9 - Puget Sound

Looking for JPod in Tacoma, which didn’t stay over from the previous day but got a surprise humpback instead (07:30). Link to more photos.

photos by Cherie StOurs, November 9, 2024

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Humpback by the Point Defiance/Tahlequah ferry.

photo by Jason Cook, November 9, 2024

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07:41 - Humpback whale just went westbound southern Vashon side of mid westbound.

Jami Cantrell

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07:39 - Humpback feeding south east corner of Vashon facing west. South east of Vashon facing west viewing from Point Defiance marina.

Cherie StOurs

Fri, Nov 8 - Dalco Passage

I thought I saw a humpback in Dalco but wasn't sure, and was distracted by J pod.

T.L. Stokes

Thu, Nov 7 - Puget Sound

11:26 - Saw the humpback pass Edmonds northbound.

Iravasa Athem

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11:25 - Another humpback! Northeast bound in Possession Triangle [approx. 47.835174, -122.427789].

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

Thu, Nov 7 - Puget Sound

12:00 - [humpback approx. 47.685833, -122.455095].

11:56 - Still viewing from Sunset Hill, mid channel.

11:20 - Humpback still here! Staying on the surface, no breaches or flukes but we see it’s hump popping up.

10:57 - Viewing one humpback from Sunset Hill, mid channel, still where previously spotted.

Imma Dahlia

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09:50 - Humpback northbound midchannel in the middle of a massive bait ball [approx. 47.702776, -122.447918].

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

Thu, Nov 7 - Puget Sound

12:15 - Minke! Pointed west [approx. 47.858252, -122.400612].

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

Tue, Nov 12 - Possession Sound

14:49 - I'm seeing exhalations near Glendale from Possession Park. Through binos I may have seen a baleen exhalation, the ones I saw were rather big and not like any orca exhalations I've ever seen. I'm thinking possibly humpback, but I never saw the animal or any dorsal to be 100% sure.

Kevin Phillips