November 8, 2023

J Pod off Point Wilson Lighthouse passing by the U.S.S. Nimitz.

photo by David Soder, November 3, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through November 4 include:

Southern Residents - On November 3, J Pod made their way south down Admiralty Inlet.

On November 4, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

In next report: On November 5, J Pod passed Point Robinson in epic fashion. They then entered Quartermaster Harbor and spent the night deep in the harbor.

On November 6, J Pod exited Quartermaster Harbor shortly after dawn, porpoising high speed upon their exit. They continued to porpoise up Colvos Passage at a speed that averaged around 13 knots! Be sure to read all the details and see all the photos and videos of their visit in our next report!

Bigg's Killer Whales - On October 28, T46C2 & T123s were in the San Juans. T109A2s were in Puget Sound. 

On October 29, T34s, T36Bs, & T37s were seen in the San Juans. T109A2s were seen in Possession Sound.

On October 30, T109A2s were spotted in Possession Sound. 

On October 31, Bigg’s orcas were in Discovery Bay. Bigg’s orcas were seen in Possession Sound. 

On November 1, T109A2s were in Puget Sound.

On November 2, T35As & T38As were in the San Juans. Bigg’s orcas spotted in Port Susan.

On November 3, T137s were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On November 4, Bigg’s orcas were seen in Port Susan.

In next report: On November 6, T137s turned up in Port Susan. 

On November 7, T109A2s spotted in Puget Sound. T137s were in Penn Cove/Saratoga Passage. 

On November 8, T37s joined up with the T109A2s & T137s in Puget Sound. 

Humpbacks - HW-MN0510662 spotted in Saratoga Passage!

Gray Whales - No reports.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

K34 CALI IS MISSING

We are sad to share the news from Center for Whale Research that 22-year-old K34 “Cali” is missing. In their post, CWR states: “we have had three encounters with members of K pod in which we identified all members of the pod other than K34. K34 was last seen during encounter 36 on July 7. At the time, K34 appeared somewhat skinny, potentially indicating poor condition. Whales that are missing from encounters with their associates three times or more are very likely to be deceased, however it’s always possible that K34 shows up again. We will be able to make a more complete statement on the status of K34, and all other individuals in the population, as part of our early 2024 population update.”

K34 was born in 2001 to K13 Skagit, and was later named Cali, a Coast Salish word that means “heart”. He was a happy rambunctious calf who liked to spend time with his older siblings and play with his friend K33 Tika who was born the same year. Cali comes from a once large family that has sadly experienced many losses over the years. His grandmother K11 Georgia died in 2010 at the estimated age of 77. His mother died in 2017 at the age of 45, followed by his 28-year-old brother K25 Scoter just a few years later in 2019. His nephew Ripple, who for 11 years was the youngest member of K Pod, was declared missing and deceased last year. Cali has two remaining sisters K20 Spock and K27 Deadhead, a nephew K38 Comet and niece K45 Uhura, the newest member of K Pod born just last year.

We know from research by Foster et al. that male Southern Resident orcas who have lost their mothers have a decreased chance of survival, and since K34’s mother died 6 years ago, this may have contributed to his poor condition and possible death. With the recent paper regarding inbreeding in Southern Residents, it is more important than ever for both females and males to live long healthy lives, increase genetic diversity, and contribute to the future of the population. At 22 years old, Cali has just reached the prime of his life. If he is indeed gone, this loss will surely be keenly felt by his family as well as the entire Southern Resident population and all of us who care deeply about them. It is not lost on us that K34 was born the same year as Orca Network. As we have grown our organization and our commitment to caring for his family, we have enjoyed watching him grow from an adorable infant to a majestic adult male, and Cali will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

For more information on K34 and the Southern Resident orca population update procedures, please visit the Center for Whale Research Facebook page.

photos by Marla Smith, Orca Network

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EVENTS:

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 AT 12:30 PM

Celebration of Life for Tokitae and Ken Balcomb

Lime Kiln Point State Park · Friday Harbor

Event by Orca Network

Please join Coast Salish Elders Rosie Cayou James and Bill Bailey for a Salmon Ceremony and Celebration of Life for Tokitae and Ken Balcomb.

This event is co-hosted by Orca Network, Friends of Lime Kiln Society, and Center for Whale Research. Refreshments will be provided. Please wear black and white.

San Juan Transit is offering a free shuttle to and from Lime Kiln Park, departing from the bus stop in Friday Harbor at 11:45 AM and returning at 3:00 PM.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 at 4:00 PM

FREE Youth Zoom: Meet the Northern Resident Killer Whales

Join us for a free youth event on Zoom! We will be returning to our ever popular Zoom events during the school year so all kiddos, near or far, may attend! We know you are all experts on the Southern Resident orcas, but have you ever been curious about the other resident killer whales in the North Pacific? We know we are! For November, we will have fun learning about our northern neighbors, the Northern Resident killer whales. Our presenter will be Monika Wieland Shields, co-founder and director of the non-profit Orca Behavior Institute on San Juan Island, Washington. She has been observing, photographing, and studying killer whales in the Salish Sea for the over two decades and is also the author of the book “Endangered Orcas: The Story of the Southern Residents”. In addition to acoustic communication, her whale research interests including shifting habitat usage and family social associations.

After we learn all the exciting things to know about the Northern Resident orcas, we will be bringing back a fan favorite with Kahoot trivia!

As always, our youth events are free to join for all, but you will need to register to get your own unique link to join.

Register here.

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New 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 alisa@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. 

Sat, Nov 4 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

J37 Hy'Shqa & J59

Saturday from the Kingston ferry as J pod began their descent south. They were really having a blast in the waves! 

photos & IDs by Jami Cantrell, November 4, 2023

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21:22 - Possible J pod call on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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18:15 - Viewing with scope, north end of Fay Bainbridge, I could see at least two males and two others foraging, closer to Port Madison than to Kingston. One breach. Too cold, windy and dark to stay any longer. Hope weather cooperates better tomorrow. And hope they are finding lots of salmon.

Kimberly Sylvester

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17:30 - From Fay Bainbridge confirmed northbound.

Jami Cantrell

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17:23 - At least eight to ten now northbound from Fay Bainbridge.

17:26 - Viewing from Fay Bainbridge. Seeing several fins and blows were milling for a while but the group we are watching are now trending north. Not sure if it is a confirmed flip.

Candace Gavin

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17:09 - Seeing a small group of orcas foraging between Fay Bainbridge and North Beach. Just west of mid channel.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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16:50 - Just spotted a large male swimming south. Mid-channel, slightly north of Golden Gardens.

Hays Clark

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16:37 - Out of the glare/sunbeam they are still lighting up the sea with blows and dispersed waters as they continue south. About where and to the south of where map indicates [approx. 47.717288, -122.433371]. Spread in a few groups at least.

16:30 - J pod has continued south last I saw. Seeing some blows in general area south of Richmond Beach transect Fay Bainbridge and south. Getting harder to see them in the glare and haze. When they were off the park here was easy [to see] even without binoculars, their blows and spray from powering through the chop would light up. Incredibly beautiful. I may be done for the day, undecided.

16:01 - Who I believe lead groups now transect Jefferson Head/Richmond Beach Saltwater Park steady southbound still east of mid channel.

15:57 - Found big group again [approx. 47.757038, -122.429837]. There are two larger groups traveling together east side of mid-channel half way between yellow buoy and Jefferson Head/Richmond Beach Saltwater Park One ahead of the other probably six to eight, trailing is four to six, totalling several males. At least another two to three spread to the west trailing. All steady southbound.

15:45 - At least some mid channel and west of mid, now south of the yellow mid-channel buoy between Richmond Beach and President Point, Kingston. Lost the big group, either spread or drifted west. I’ll be moving south soon.

15:34 - They’ve loosened up a bit, more abreast of one another now just hit south of map last sighting. Someone breached or cartwheeled (just caught landing). There is a male ahead and west of this group, possibly others with that male.

15:23 - 15:28 - Seeing at least ten to twelve east of mid channel due east of Kayu Kayu Ac Park in Shoreline. Whales of all sizes, tightly grouped, at least two or three males with possibly one ahead of them. Powering steady southbound in the chop [approx. 47.781132, -122.436601].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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15:20 - Saw orcas off President Point moving south. West of the channel marker.

Joanne Graves

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15:15 - Single male in view from Arness Park just south of Kingston ferry terminal pretty far out towards mid-channel steady southbound long downs.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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15:03 - Viewing from Kingston ferry dock. Lots of breaching. Looks to be southbound but can’t tell direction for certain. They are almost to Kayu Kayu with leaders passing the oil cans.

Kristin Mackenzie

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Joseph Pedersen

Date of Sighting: November 04, 2023

Time: 2:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: On ferry from Kingston to Edmonds

Direction of travel : S, SW

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I have a video, although it's grainy. They were popping up and down as they were moving.

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

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14:44 - More and more approaching the ferry lanes. Still southbound. Midchannel.

Candace Gavin

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14:40 - From the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. They were southbound.

April Basham

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14:40 - I’m on the ferry going to Edmonds from Kingston and a lot of us got a great show for a minute or two! They look like they were heading toward the Kingston ferry terminal area but I could be wrong. They move quickly!

Natalie Rose Fullmer

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14:45 - Line of sight Apple Tree Point to oil tanks. Ferry swung south and slowed [approx. 47.791366, -122.459262].

14:30 - Group of six to eight now past the ferry, west side of mid-channel. Tough to see in the chop but steady southbound travel.

Sara Frey

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14:27 - Seeing some fins approaching the Edmonds-Kingston ferry lanes. Midchannel. Southbound travels.

Candace Gavin

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14:25 - Two large males southbound west side of shipping lanes approaching the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. Now seeing few more grouped up at ferry.

Sara Frey

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12:58 - Watching from Edmonds Pier (with three Finnish exchange students!) saw a southbound breach here [approx. 47.883242, -122.491050].

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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12:48 - Male dorsal southbound directly east of Eglon where I am positioned - is west of southbound shipping lane.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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12:12 - From Stamm Overlook see breaching southbound whales on the west side of the channel looking just south of Point No Point from my vantage. I can only see them when they breach [approx. 47.909749, -122.483071].

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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09:15 - Seeing some dorsals and a big breach at the red dot [approx. 47.866931, -122.484530]. Viewing from Apple Tree Point so at least some on the west or mid channel.

Sara Frey

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08:44 - Whale popcorn, just saw three total breaches from two individuals. From Sunset Ave looking about one to one and a half miles northwest [approx. 47.844185, -122.419865].

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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08:40 - Jpod spotted in Possession Triangle, mid to east of mid channel (at least the ones I can see), facing south but more likely milling/fishing in the triangle. Choppy conditions out there today.

Brittany Noelle

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08:37 - J Pod is at Edmonds.

Christine Kutac

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08:26 - Continuous echolocation clicks for the last four minutes.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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06:48 - Staff member Alisa Lemire Brooks began hearing J pod on the Sunset Bay hydrophone which means they are in the Edmonds/Kingston/South Whidbey area. Per Alisa: “I first heard what I thought was a whistle, but wasn't sure it was Js until faint calls started. Those faint calls were followed by some louder calls. It's been quiet since shortly after the initial post.’

Fri, Nov 3 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

I hopped on the Port Townsend ferry as the Southern Residents made their way south. Best $8 I ever got to spend! Sure, they were far away, but we still got to see them!

photos by Kat Martin, November 3, 2023

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17:57 - From Norwegian Park, I have a fin to the right of the channel marker pointed west/southwest way out mid channel [approx. 47.951729, -122.562084].

Jami Cantrell

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17:35 - They are all continuing south - most off or past Skunk Bay by this time, a few stragglers training behind but all headed south and much closer to the Kitsap side, getting too far and too dark to see too well. Thank you J pod for this nice Friday night visit! 

17:19 - Thanks to Cindi's post we just looked out from ON Headquarters and found them passing by! Very spread out - leaders already to Skunk Bay, mid channel, trailers still back off entrance to Hood Canal, others off Foulweather Bluff, mid-way between us (about one mile south of Bush Point, Whidbey side) and Kitsap side. The trailers seem to be milling and foraging, lots of direction changes, so they've slowed down a bit. So wonderful to get to see them in the waning daylight! 

Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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J57 Phoenix

ID by Ling's Cetacean Photos

J42 Echo

J38 Cookie

J16 Slick

J26 Mike

16:35 - From Bush Point - looks like most have passed us. Mid to Whidbey, with several very close to Whidbey. Very spread north /south and east/west. Continuing south at a good pace.

photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, November 3, 2023

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15:37 - Hearing faint calls on the hydrophone.

Kat Maloney

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15:02 - Currently viewing them on the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry. They’re still southbound near Fort Worden now.

Kat Martin

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14:35 - Slowly southbound about here [approx. 48.129717, -122.727080].

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

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14:12 - Very distant watching from Fort Casey - not to Fort Worden yet. Way on Port Townsend side, south bound.

Bonnie Gretz

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14:03 - Just west of Port Townsend still southeast bound spread out a bit and moving fast. More on the Port Townsend side of the channel vs. the Whidbey side.

Kevin Phillips

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13:49 - Was just going to say I wasn’t hearing anything but some really faint calls are coming in now.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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12:38 - J-pod, and possibly more, are inbound (eastbound) from my map spot [approx. 48.209409, -122.828787]. We are leaving to go look for other whales we can watch. It looks like they are headed for Puget Sound.

Bart Rulon, PSE

Sat, Nov 4 - Possession Sound/Port Susan

15:19 - Looks like there are five of them.

15:00 - “Orcas headed south going by North Tyee” from Port Susan chats.

Sam Wallace

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11:58 - I just had a family come into the LWC who saw six plus from the ferry. South of the ferry lanes, moving south. I’m not sure what ferry they were on.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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11:45 - We're watching them head towards Port Susan from the ferry at the Clinton dock. Just one dorsal fin and a blow!

Eric [WIWS]

Fri, Nov 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T137s)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #68:

“The animals disappeared for nearly five minutes as Mike 1 slowed, and the guys began the encounter at 1600. When they reappeared, the whales – quickly confirmed to be T137 and her offspring – were travelling northeasterly in a tight group. The four whales continued along the northern edge of Border Bank for another ten minutes before erupting to the surface after a prolonged dive, apparently hunting.”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #68.

Thu, Nov 2 - San Juans (T35As & T38As)

14:25 - T35As and T38As northbound from Turn Island towards Friday Harbor.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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12:03 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:09, to report: SAMISH ferry reports via 800MHz they've spotted 8-10 orcas milling about between Frost Island and Willow Island [in Lopez sound, between Lopez and Blakely Islands].

Thu, Nov 2 - Port Susan

08:38 - At least four orcas reports off Tulalip Shores mainland side traveling southbound. 

[Port Susan group me chat] 

Wed, Nov 1 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

T109A2D & T109A2 Fuser

Who says November's a dull month? The first day offered a brief but sweet encounter with the T109As as they passed close to the south end of Lagoon Point, having sneaked quietly past Bush Point earlier in typical transient orca fashion. All eyes were on the water trying to guess where they might surface next. They wasted no time gliding north in Admiralty Inlet, before later changing direction and heading back south to their favorite haunts.

photos by Sandy Pollard, November 1, 2023

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17:38 - Last seen from Shore Meadows approaching Foulweather Bluff. Long down times, they have stayed grouped up, maybe a bit east of mid. Still southbound. Good luck everyone!

17:05 - Whales passed 50 yards off shore at Bush Point. They have continued south, but have pushed out.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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16:46 - They are off the coast of Bush Point now! Saw them with the naked eye!

Chelsea Gallegos

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15:59 - They are still slowly making their way to the south Lagoon Point beach.

15:45 - Friend called to say they are southbound passing Lagoon Point north beach close to Whidbey still.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:41 - Direction change - at Lagoon Point southbound.

Heidi Bruns Shank

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14:20 - Well south of Ledgewood but following Whidbey shore still. Maybe on a hunt.

13:50 - A bit offshore but still Whidbey side, aiming north, maybe northeast, passed Lagoon Point.

13:45 - Now in view of Lagoon Beach north still northbound near shore.

13:35 - Approaching Lagoon Point south beach.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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13:01 - 13:20 - Five killer whales, T109A2s present, Bush Point, northbound slow hugging shore, toward Lagoon Point - R/V WDFW 572 [approx. 48.040178, -122.613564].

Kwasi Addae

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12:55 - Still northbound out of my view. They must be close to or past Bush Point by now. The PSE boat has moved away.

12:45 - Two miles south of Bush Point. Steadily northbound. Close to Whidbey shore (they might pass really close to Bush Point). Being trailed by a PSE boat.

Mike Meyer

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12:04 - Northbound from Double Bluff now.

Trevor Tillman

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10:33 - Here heading north. Definitely four, possibly five. One large male and one that looks pretty small [approx. 47.906488, -122.429115]. 

10:24 - We may have a second group. I’m watching my group at Possession Bank. I’ll try to get a count. 

09:57 - They’re here. Currently facing south. But I think they’re milling. Tail slaps [approx. 47.881572, -122.467543]. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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08:40 - Just passed Apple Tree Point, northbound travel, very close to shore.

Sara Frey

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08:05 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:15 to report: 0805hrs: Vessel SPOKANE reports via 800MHz they've spotted 4 orcas feeding in the vicinity of Apple Tree Cove. 

Tue, Oct 31 - Discovery Bay 

13:00 - Approximately five orcas sighted at Beckett Point. They traveled deep into Discovery Bay toward Mill Point. They hung out around Mill Point for an hour or two. Long down times and then a lot of splashing. I was too far away to see details of their behavior but I think there was some tail slapping and maybe a few breaches. Maybe a post-kill celebration after a stealthy hunt? They reappeared at Beckett Point around 16:15. Taken from a bluff about a mile away from Beckett Point into glaring sunlight with a 2000 mm zoom lens. Looked like they headed out of Discovery Bay toward Miller Peninsula or Protection Island around 16:15. 

photos by Steve Grace, October 31, 2023

Tue, Oct 31 - Puget Sound

15:37 - Three to four orca, one big male passing Mukilteo ferry terminal headed north. Twenty minutes ago.

Janet Chaykin

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12:05 - Saw one blow looking from Haines Wharf to Possession Beach. No fins seen.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Gina Cohen

Date of Sighting: October 31, 2023

Time: 8:45 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Between Southern tip of Whidbey and Edmonds ferry dock mid channel

Direction of travel : East

Behaviors observed: Hunting

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Feeding with seagulls following

Photos available?:

Mon, Oct 30 - Possession Sound (T109A2s)

18:13 - I can’t actually believe my eyes but they are in the exact same spot I saw them this morning, about midway between Clinton and Sandy Point, mid channel. Milling and possibly hunting with long down times. An absolute gift. I can still see them, roughly in the same area, and I think they may be heading to bed soon. Mostly just under the surface and they appear to alternating between being on their backs and sides.

Sarah Sadid

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17:20 - The T109A2 pod flipped northbound towards Tulalip along the edge of the delta.

17:10 - The T109A2 pod passed Tulalip and are swimming along the Snohomish delta eastbound toward Everett.

16:24 - The T109A2 pod is southeastbound exiting Port Susan on the mainland side. Aiming towards Everett.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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15:42 - Small group of orcas moving from south from southern part of Mckees Beach, mid channel but definitely mainland side.

Brent Enloe [PSWW]

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09:50 - Lori reported eastbound once they hit top of Hat, will be interesting to see where they show up.

9:50 - Three orcas at northwest corner heading east, close in very active. These are transients.

Lori Christopher [HIWS]

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09:35 - Sarah Sadid called to report seeing at least three orcas (no males visible) approximately mid way between Clinton and Sandy Point heading northwest slowly. As viewed from Hat Island.

Sun, Oct 29 - SJIs (T34s, T36Bs, & T37s)

T34, T37, T36Bs.

Yanwei Cai

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13:23 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:24 to report: KITSAP Captains reports 12 Orca heading SB near LOPEZ/SHAW. 

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12:05 - T34s/T37s southbound in San Juan Channel near Point Caution. Per Sara Hysong-Shimazu, 36Bs are also in the mix.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Sun, Oct 29 - Possession Sound (T109A2s)

14:00 - They headed north toward Camano, per folks watching at Sandy Point.

Caitlyn Blair

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14:00 - I just got here and briefly had a glimpse, they seemed to be going to Port Susan.

Hongming Zheng

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13:40 - My last post as we leave the T109A2 pod. Nearing Sandy Point northwest direction. T109A2A was very playful and turned around, swam over towards us, breached three times and circled around the boat, before heading back over to join the rest of the pod again.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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This weekend while running errands on the mainland, we of course had to take a quick detour to see the T109A2s nearby in Saratoga Passage! It was a classic Pacific Northwest scene complete with autumn sunshine and Mount Baker in the distance.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 29, 2023

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13:40 - Passing Sandy Point northbound now, lots of surface activity - maybe a mile offshore now; can’t tell if they might be heading to Port Susan.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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13:22 - Update northwest direction [approx. 48.006444, -122.366538].

12:58 - All five of the family members are together now near shore just northwest of my last map.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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12:59 - Just saw three orcas heading north into Saratoga Passage. That was from the Clinton ferry terminal.

photo by Alyssa Casassa, October 29, 2023

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12:49 - Viewing from home now a distance away from Mukilteo side but able to see them surface! I see a whale watching boat also - such calm waters for enjoying the viewings. 

Mary Ann Macomber

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: George Simmel

Date of Sighting: October 29, 2023

Time: 12:35 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Saratoga Passage just north of ferry route

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Ferry left the Clinton terminal very slowly and there was a whale-watching tour near to the whales.

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

photo by George Simmel, October 29, 2023

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12:45 - Update northwest direction. T109A2A, B, and C are closer to Whidbey than my mark. 109A2A and her youngest 109A2D are spread out from the others to the northeast of my mark last time we saw them [approx. 47.978103, -122.346464].

12:28 - T109A2 pod northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.964680, -122.345047].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:49 - Per Natalie in WIWS: Orcas just passed Possession Point going northbound toward Clinton.

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09:55 - Whales headed north off Apple Tree Point in Kingston! Unsure what type, but looks like at least three. Blowing!

John Butler [PSWS]

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09:55 - Sara called back to say saw more orcas to the north surface active. Saw three to four blows. Hasn't seen original group again. Sea is rough. Sara added “around the Eglon area, mid channel, surface activity then disappeared.”

09:44 - Sara Frey called to report at least three to four orcas southbound out in the channel out from Apple Tree Point, Kingston.

Sat, Oct 28 - San Juans (T46C2 & T123s)

Per Monika Wieland Shields, OBI, in WSSJI, T46C2 is also traveling with the T123s.

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13:45 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:09 to report: KITSAP Master reports a small pod of orca (6) by FHBR and headed NB. 

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15:00 - Still northbound offshore off Reuben Tarte.

14:00 - Just passed Point Caution heading north FAST.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI] 

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15:22 - Northbound [approx. 48.648809, -123.064368].

14:25 - Northwest steadily [approx. 48.590098, -123.063153].

13:40 - At the mouth of Friday Harbor. 

12:54 - Southwest bound [approx. 48.563317, -122.900800].

12:43 - They turned to follow the west side of Lopez. Southbound.

Smith Siromaskul

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13:00 - T123s and T46C2 heading southwest down Upright Channel.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sam Garson

Date of Sighting: October 28, 2023

Time: 12:34 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Next to Lopez

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed: Jumping

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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12:23 - Approaching Lopez Island ferry terminal slowly.

Smith Siromaskul

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11:45 - Six Bigg’s between Lopez and Blakely Islands heading northwest.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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11:39 - Several orcas seen off west side of Blakely Island from ferry.

Kevin McPhee

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11:20 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:22 to report: Captain [of KALEETAN] reports 4 Orca near Blakely Island milling about. 

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T123A Stanley & T123 Sidney

IDs by Rachel Haight & Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

11:21 - Found a pod of orca. At least six between us and the shoreline to the northeast [Blakely Island]. No real direction. Sort of northwest. Very very active.

photos by Smith Siromaskul, October 28, 2023

Sat, Oct 28 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

17:08 - We can see them from Picnic Point with binoculars. They are much closer to Point No Point. They are still milling about!

Erin Hochschild

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16:09 - They appear to be heading northwest at the moment towards Admiralty. 

Missy Main

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15:52 - Missy Main called Orca Network to report seeing pod of at least four orcas, including male, off Possession Point - first the orcas were east of the green buoy off the point and now to the west of the buoy. Possible trend west but appear to be milling around.

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12:28 - They changed direction a bit aiming towards Possession Point now and picked up the pace northbound [approx. 47.820473, -122.479768].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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12:30 - Fast travel east/northeast off Apple Tree Point Kingston. Southbound shipping lanes.

12:15 - Stalled at Apple Tree Point Kingston [for] ten minutes and now heading directly east/northeast.

photos by Sara Frey, October 28, 2023

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12:15 - Apple Tree Point.

photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 28, 2023

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12:12 - Update on the T109A2 pod. They just made a quick kill, ate their meal, and are now northbound again [approx. 47.813606, -122.474095].

11:49 - The T109A2 pod is northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.793316, -122.466944].

Bart Rulon

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11:03 - A pod just went by Jefferson Head headed north. At least one male didn’t get a good count, probably around six.

Tanner Ibara

Sun, Oct 22 - Strait of Georgia (T2Cs)

Time: 13:00 - 14:00

Location: Near Marina Island in Strait of Georgia.

Type of Whale: Orcas. Our tour operator mentioned that one of the male orca (largest) was Rocky 

Sighting details:

- part of Bigg's transient orcas group.

- There are two adults including Rocky.

- One Female with at least two small orcas (there could've been more as well)

- They were traveling at brisk pace, however once they stopped and took swift turns. Either they were playing with each other or stopped for resting or they managed to hunt. We didn't see any animal being tossed or anything so can't confirm that for sure.

Saurabh Shankar

T2C1 Rocky

photos by Saurabh Shankar, October 22, 2023

Sat, Oct 21 - Strait of Georgia (T36Bs & T36, T34s, T37s & T37As)

Four pods of Bigg’s killer whales (T36Bs & T36, T34s, T37s and T37As) took turns hunting a large male Steller sea lion in the Strait of Georgia north of Sucia Islands near the US/Canada border. It was a T-party of about fifteen orcas, maybe twenty orcas! NOTE: I put a warning on this video for viewer discretion. However, the video does NOT show blood or injuries but does show the orcas trying to take it down or injure and confuse the sea lion. Link to video.

Mike Maddox

Fri, Nov 3 - Possession Sound

16:10 - They have trended north and are currently logging just north of the ferry lane.

15:41 - Katie was right! It’s two whales. I’m above the Clinton ferry. They are in the ferry lanes for sure. From my vantage point they are in front of the Mukilteo lighthouse mid channel.

Donna George

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14:58 - Think it might be two individuals. Watching from Clinton ferry terminal, seeing two fins right after one another. Mid channel, northbound in the ferry lanes.

Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network

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13:38 - A friend of ON relayed report from their friend Janae who spotted a humpback breaching in Possession Sound and then heading eastbound toward Everett. Viewed from Madrona Supply Co. in Clinton, looking at Clinton ferry/Mukilteo route. It was just slightly northeast of Clinton ferry terminal.

Sat, Nov 2 - Possession Sound

10:36 - Staff member Rachel Haight called back to report she saw a tall blow (too tall for orcas and no fins) of who she presumes is likely one of the humpbacks who have been keeping a presence. Whale was probably half way between south end of Hat Island and the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry lanes. Sighting was brief and super choppy sees so cannot provide direction or if whale was milling. 

Wed, Nov 1 - Haro Strait

14:16 - There is a humpback currently foraging around on The Whale Museum's livestream as well.

Jenny Klis

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10:30 - During our weekly Orcasound team call, Leslie Nevin Veirs heard three blows and observed a large humpback northbound only 25 meters offshore of the Orcasound Lab location (between Snug Harbor and the Center for Whale Research; about five kilometers south of Roche Harbor).

Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]

Wed, Nov 1 - Saratoga Passage

09:10 - Two whales (humpback) heading north in Saratoga Passage. Just passed us down here on the south end, Gull Way. Maybe a quarter mile off the beach. Pebble, Summerland they should be in sight any time now.

Mike Moberly [CWW] 

Tue, Oct 31 - Haro Strait

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Tue Oct 31 16:00:00 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.55846,-123.17318 

Submitted Comments: south bound, 100 m offshore

Submitter Name: Val Veirs

Whale Alert App

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09:07 - Thanks to Ambur Lee for messaging again today with another report a humpback is again feeding in Haro Strait off Lime Kiln. Viewed via the webcam.

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08:00 - Humpback feeding north of Lime Kiln.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

Mon, Oct 30 - Haro Strait

17:28 - Haro Strait humpback. Thanks to Ambur Lee for messaging about spotting this humpback while watching the Lime Kiln webcam.

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13:26 - Humpback breach north of Lime Kiln.

12:07 - Humpback off Bellevue Point from Lime Kiln feed. Heading south.

Cheryl Kolb [WSSJI]

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08:50 - Humpback heading up island third plus mile from shore.

Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]

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07:40 - Humpback traveling up island from Eagle Point. Close to shore.

Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]

Mon, Oct 30 - Saratoga Passage (HW-MN0510662)

HW-MN0510662

ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

17:35 - Now heading more towards Camano State Park. Mid channel.

17:00 - One and a half miles north of Hidden Beach now heading south. Per Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, the ID is HW-MN0510662 who's been seen many times inland Puget Sound this month.

photos by Aaron Gill, October 30, 2023

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17:04 - Volunteer Heather A called to report the humpback is milling around in Saratoga Passage about a mile north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island. Whidbey side of mid channel. Hanging around but was facing north last dive.

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11:09 - Just saw a humpback from shore, close in, northbound, from Camano State Park. 

Coni Jones Carrothers 

Sun, Oct 29 - Haro Strait

17:49 - Small humpback passing County Park northbound currently!

Devid Neiwert [WSSJI]

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11:20 - Humpback passing by San Juan County Park moving north, not far from shore.

Ursula Valdez [WSSJI] 

Sun, Oct 29 - Puget Sound

15:05 - We’ve spotted a young humpback whale at my map spot northbound [approx. 47.637771, -122.475699].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sun Oct 29 15:03:26 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.64323,-122.46353 (mid outer Elliott Bay)

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: John

Whale Alert App

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10:00 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:09 to report: Captain [of PUYALLUP] reports one Humpback Whale, 1.3 miles off tyee heading North. 

Sat, Oct 28 - Active Pass

17:30 - Two humpbacks leisurely swam eastward in Active Pass with the setting sun illuminating their blows. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island. 

photos by Karoline Cullen, October 28, 2023

Sat, Oct 28 - Haro Strait

15:35 - 15:45, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, a single humpback in a big hurry traveling north/ up-island, 1/4 mile from shore. It was chilly out and in combination with how fast and vigorous the humpback was moving, the blow towered huge and white above the whale. Very impressive! The humpback was traveling fast; as fast as an orca who's in a hurry. Photographed from shore.

Michelline Halliday, SJI

photos by Michelline Halliday, October 28, 2023

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17:13 - Large humpback heading south from Snug Harbor area.

Michael Wojciechowski [WSSJI]

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12:00 - Humpback at Lime Kiln right now.

Patrick McAnn [WSSJI]

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08:58 - Tuned back in (couldn’t take the super loud ship noise) and hearing intermittent vocals again.

08:11- Humpback whale has been vocalizing in Haro Strait off west side San Juan Island. Audible on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone this morning of and on with more vocals again now (and increasing ship noise too). Thanks to Jason Lee Bell for original hearing on SJ group. 

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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07:55 - Hearing fish groans and grunts!

Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]

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07:44 - Some nice loud vocals now.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network [WSSJI]

Fri, Oct 27 - Haro Strait 

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Fri Oct 27 15:13:40 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.55000,-123.24000 [SE of D’Arcy Island]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Scott

Whale Alert App

Wed, Oct 25 - Holmes Harbor

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Wed Oct 25 10:23:10 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.01938,-122.5293 

Submitted Comments: Feeding. South end of Holmes Harbor. Many sea lions, harbor porpoises and seals. 

Submitter Name: Catherine Drews

Whale Alert App

Fri, Nov 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Minke Whale Sighting:

Sighting Time: Fri Nov 3 13:01:44 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.09579,-122.92042 [Diamond Point, Sequim]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Ray

Whale Alert App

Sun, Oct 29 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Minke Whale Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sun Oct 29 11:00:33 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.09562,-122.92518

Number Sighted: 1

Submitted Comments: One large very shy minke between Diamond Point and Protection island headed west fast

Submitter Name: Marta 

Whale Alert App

Fri, Nov 3 - Puget Sound (orca and/or humpback?)

12:56 - On my way to water in Ballard now so hoping I can confirm with binoculars but humpbacks trick me so maybe not. The one I heard of was near Discovery.

Ashley Johnson

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Anne McGee

Date of Sighting: November 03, 2023

Time: 11:41 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Manchester on ferry route to Seattle

Direction of travel : Toward Seattle

Behaviors observed: ?

If orcas, any males?: ?

Any unusual markings?: Don’t know

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

Photos available?: No

Wed, Nov 1 - Puget Sound 

10:18 - They are at [Edmonds] Marina Beach Park. They are heading south. [follow up] Not sure if any males. There was three to four. But I lost them after my post. [video doesn’t appear to show orcas].

Jessica Isla