October 15, 2023 WS Report: Js, Ks, and some Ls visit Puget Sound!; Members of T37As, T99s, T109A2s, & T137s travel all around Puget Sound!; Unknown humpback designated as CRC20898!;

October 15, 2023

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Humpback CRC20898 breaches in front of Mount Baker.

photo by Alli Montgomery, October 6, 2023

ORCA NETWORK

WHALE SIGHTING REPORT

We are watching and visiting the whales in their home.

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

View as Webpage

SUMMARY

Sightings through October 12 include:

Southern Residents - On October 11, Js, Ks, and some Ls made their way east in the Strait of Juan de Fuca; they spent some time near San Juan Island before heading towards Admiralty Inlet.

On October 12, Js, Ks, and some Ls spent the day in Puget Sound.

In next report: On October 13, Js, Ks, and some Ls spent the morning in Puget Sound before heading north out Admiralty Inlet in the late afternoon.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On October 6, T18s & T137s were in the San Juans. T123s spotted in the San Juans. T109A2s were in Puget Sound.

On October 7, T35As, T36As, T38As, & T123s were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. T137s were in Saratoga Passage. T109A2s spotted in Puget Sound.

On October 8, T37As & T99s were in Port Townsend Bay. T109A2s & T137s were in Puget Sound.

On October 9, T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T99s, T109A2s, & T137s were in Port Susan.

On October 10, likely T37A, T37A2, T37A4, & others were in Possession Sound.

On October 11, T99s & T109A2s were in Admiralty Inlet. T37A, T37A2, T37A4, & T137s in Saratoga Passage. T35As & T38As were in Rosario Strait.

On October 12, T137s were in Saratoga Passage. T109A2s were in Puget Sound. T37A, T37A2, T37A4, & T99s also in Puget Sound.

In next report: On October 13, T109A2s were in central Puget Sound. T99s & T137s were in Saratoga Passage.

On October 14, T37As, T99s, & T137s were in Admiralty Inlet. T109A2s were in Puget Sound.

On October 15, T99s were in Port Susan. T137s were in south Puget Sound. T109A2s spotted in central Puget Sound. Likely T37As roaming around Possession Sound.

Humpbacks - The young humpback that's been hanging out in Puget Sound that was unknown has been given an ID designation of CRC20898. CRC-20243 & HW-MN0510662 also in Puget Sound. BCY1033 Merlin, BCX1795 Scuttle, & SEAK-2665 spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Gray Whales - A report in the San Juans and some off Washington coast.

EVENTS:

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Don’t miss Orca Network’s online auction this October! 100% of the proceeds from this auction will go directly to Orca Network programs, which are dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them with healthy and safe habitats. Orca Network programs include the Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the Whale Sighting Network, Langley Whale Center, Retire Lolita/Toki’s Legacy, and our Education and Advocacy.

Enjoy this opportunity to support Orca Network’s programs while winning incredible items and experiences. Thanks to our wonderful supporters, we have an amazing selection of over 100 items up for grabs, including unique artwork, exciting experiences, and much more! Whether you're looking for a special gift or want to treat yourself, there's something for everyone through this representation of our community’s passion for the marine mammals of the region. Spread the word, invite your friends, and let's make a splash together!

Stay tuned for more information and a preview of the items up for auction. We'll be sharing the auction page link soon!

Remember, every bid counts! Together, we will make a positive difference for the future of the Salish Sea ecosystem and all who inhabit it.

The Auction will start on October 14 at 10:00am PDT to October 27 at 6:00pm PDT

Orca Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and for 22 years we have been working for the conservation and protection of marine mammals in our region. We thank all supporters and contributors for offering such generous items and volunteer hours.

Salmon Ceremonies for Tokitae

Please join Coast Salish elders Rosie Cayou James and Bill Bailey for a series of salmon ceremonies to honor Tokitae, who died at Miami Seaquarium on August 18th. Previous ceremonies took place in Coupeville and Anacortes, and were heartfelt, emotional and healing. Rosie and Bill request that you wear black and white, dress warmly, and bring some cedar to place in the water if you wish.

October 21st 2:00 PM - Odlin Park, Lopez Island.

This ceremony is held in partnership with the Lopez Island Family Resource Center

October 28th Time TBD - Orcas Island near the ferry terminal overlooking Cayou Channel. More information coming soon.

Stay tuned for an announcement about a final ceremony at Lime Kiln Point State Park on November 12th to honor Tokitae and Ken Balcomb.

Everett WA Screening of Nez Perce Film: Covenant of the Salmon People

Tuesday, October 24 · 6 - 7:30PM

Everett Public Library, 2702 Hoyt Avenue, Everett, WA, USA

Covenant of the Salmon People is the story of and by the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), the salmon people, showing how to envision and create rivers plentiful with salmon again. The time elapsed since the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition is a minute fraction of the 16,500-year presence of the Nimiipuu people in the Northwest. During that short time the salmon that had always been plentiful began declining toward extinction.

This essential story of salmon and the salmon’s people has meaning and purpose reaching far beyond its Snake River origins. Join their vision at this showing and discussion of salmon, dams, and the Covenant of the Salmon People.

Screening is free! Reserve your spot here.

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ARTICLES:

Response to Recent Reports of Killer Whale Incidental Catches in Alaska by NOAA Fisheries

"NOAA Fisheries monitors and evaluates bycatch of protected species in commercial fishing gear through a multi-stage process that begins with the collection of data by trained fisheries observers. Through this process, our team has been expediting the evaluation of data collected on 10 killer whales incidentally caught in Alaska by Bering Sea and Aleutian Island groundfish trawl fisheries in 2023, which typically takes many months to complete. The vessels involved were required to carry two NOAA Fisheries observers. The incidents involved catcher processor vessels; non-pelagic gear (9 incidental catches) and pelagic trawl gear (1 incidental catch). These incidents occurred between May 6 and September 9, and ranged in geographic location by more than 600 nautical miles..."

Read full article here.

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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.

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With Gratitude!

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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype)

Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (Js, Ks, and some Ls)

When the residents were seen off Seattle today I just knew I had to go find them. I took a chance and drove to the Kingston ferry even though it was foggy and definitely not the best conditions for photography. I stood off the terminal for a while, eventually seeing some tiny little triangles out in the fog, before I listened to some special friends telling me to get on the ferry! Lucky for me the ferry was running late and I was able to walk on! This was the most difficult shooting conditions I've had between the fog, the sun, and then so many orcas in so many different places! But I kept pointing and firing away, hoping to catch something! Fortunately I got some tail slaps, spyhops, and even one epic breach! It's believed that we got to see J, K, and L pod today. This is my first time seeing all three pods and it was truly just spectacular. It always feels like a show when our dear residents come to town, like they're showing us all of their beauty and splendor.

photo by Jolena Tagg, October 12, 2023

18:45 - They’re flipping back and forth. Just milling.

Alice Thuy Talbot

18:40 - Last report from us as it is getting hard to see. Viewing from Eglon. Watching multiple whales headed northwest towards Point No Point. Midchannel to Whidbey side. In travel mode.

Candace Gavin

18:42 - Heading north up west side of Whidbey towards Admirality. Maybe four to six. One large male.

Alice Thuy Talbot

18:25 - Seeing part of the pod here trending northwest. Then others are trailing behind. There is a tugboat on the water and some are around it as well.

Candace Gavin

18:15 - From Eglon Beach. Way out there.

photo by Becky Adams, October 12, 2023

17:43 - Seeing a few residents including males straight out from Sunset Ave in Edmonds on the Kingston side. Still under the fog just north of the tugboat (between that and Point No Point, so just south of Point No Point). Milling but seem northbound. Surface activity is reflecting in the sun. No idea where the others are with conditions.

Ashley Johnson

17:09 - Groups that were visible from Sunset Ave have now pushed west of mid channel are getting difficult to see in the haze.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

17:05 - Brad Hanson, NOAA messaged to say those he has been tracking were “headed back north now”. Last track has their boat west side channel near Kingston. They’ve [NOAA] since headed in. Around that time I had still seen some males and female southbound mid channel and another group more east who had been southbound but maybe stalled or did flip.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

17:00 - Kingston/Edmonds ferry - seem to be all west of midchannel milling all over. Once we got to Edmonds it was hard to see them with the fog.

Jenny Klis

16:46 - They appear to have flipped back north.

16:31 - Spotted from Kingston ferry terminal - one group is much closer to the Edmonds shore, another group is slightly more mid channel, right by the research boat. Both heading slowly south.

Kirsten Vacura

16:15 - Definitely small group ressies approaching the northern ferry lanes on Edmonds side. Two males and female/juvenile at least. Slow southbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

16:13 - One group is directly out from Sunset Ave. If you can get the research boat in your view there are some to the left.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

16:03 - Fog is receding again, visibility decent. I moved back to Sunset Ave, seeing some southbound whales, but think there are leaders? south of those I’m seeing, but still north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. Don’t have clear picture where they all are.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

16:00 - Lots of blows to the northwest of the NOAA research vessels, they don’t seem committed to a direction.

Brooke Thompson

15:30 - From ossession Shores - the fog had just started to lift. They are heavily cropped with contrast.

photo by Kevin Phillips, October 12, 2023

15:51 - Still making progress southbound, but slowly.

15:20 - Definite progress southwest, but not necessarily travel mode, definitely looking smaller. Just think they are milling around making movement. I just saw another breach.

15:16 - I wouldn’t say committed flip but at least couple dozen whales are facing south, slow progress. I think mostly foraging, resting. Generally slightly south and west of my 14:45 map.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

15:15 - They’ve peaked through the fog! Can barely see them just south of Possession Point still in the triangle.

Alice Thuy Talbot

15:12 - There is a group directly south of Possession Point. Puget Sound Express is with them.

Orca Conservancy

15:00 - Seeing at least a dozen who have stalled, some foraging by couple males who are now facing southbound (not committed yet) and others logging same general area as map.

14:45 - Large number of Ressies spread in groups generally out from south end Browns Bay, Edmonds, slow northbound travel with some surface activity. See map [approx. 47.869883, -122.391217].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

14:26 - There is a group mid channel off of Sunset Ave still tending northbound. Research boat is with them. Others are much further offshore with a different research boat. This closer group is angling towards Possession, but it’s still too early to call if they will commit.

Orca Conservancy

14:33 - Slight shift for some at least trending northeast.

14:23 - Fog has moved in from Admiralty so my range is limited but seeing several at least this side of mid channel continuing north out from north Edmonds with larger trailing group to the south a mile or so. All clearly at this point are not aiming for Admiralty, but cannot say they are heading toward Possession Sound either. They may end up lost in the fog northern end of Puget Sound proper off South Whidbey.

14:00 - Trailers actually south of map, just north of ferry traffic lanes.

13:55 - J pod, K pod, and some Ls continue northbound travels mid channel generally out from Edmonds spread in singles to larger groups. Some breaches and other surface activity as they slow move north. Fog is moving in again from Admiralty so I may lose them in a bit if they drift west. See map for general area of spread [approx. 47.869433, -122.438226].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

13:35 - We were absolutely surrounded out on our boat about twenty minutes ago in between Edmonds and Kingston! Saw multiple babies that all looked thick and healthy!

photo by Kellie Daw, October 12, 2023

13:32 - Ressies have continued northbound travels. Leaders more grouped after that breach fest. Between Point Wells and Apple Tree Point drifted back toward mid channel. Trailing large group of at least fifteen to the southwest. All basically enveloping the ferry lanes. WSF and all large commercial have been kept abreast all day.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

Orcas, about eighteen, in Kingston.

photo by Michael Houston, October 12, 2023

13:28 - Great viewing from Edmonds fishing pier, steady north, Kitsap side!

Julie Harris Martin

13:15 - Nice breach fest going on by the leaders about in the ferry lanes. So wonderful.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

13:15 - Amazing shows from the Kingston ferry.

Jolena Tagg

13:14 - Watching from Sunset in Edmonds. Have seen breaches! More near the Kingston side.

Joni Barnes Pollino

13:04 - There's still a lot of whales here in front of Kingston. 13:05 Incoming ferry's been stopped for fifteen minutes getting quite a show lots of breaches.

Jim Pasola

13:00 - J pod, K pod and and some Ls confirmed by Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC. So many lovely whales out here. Currently leaders north of Kingston others trailing and large other trailing group catching up. Mid channel to Kitsap side. Westbound ferry is stalled. So is eastbound ferry who ferry who just left the Kingston dock.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

12:59 - Big spyhop and many more coming!

12:57 - From Apple Tree Point dorsals in the mist including at least one male in the fog just south of westbound ferry midchannel, and I have to leave for work!

Donna Green Van Renselaar

12:45 - Lots of whales this side, west, of the yellow buoy. Some just outside the harbor, clearly foraging, multi-directional round and round, have been stalled here for the last twenty to thirty minutes.

Jim Pasola

12:35 - Leaders nearing Kingston, trailers stalled and breaching, surface activity, and large trailing group continuing north mid way between Jefferson Head and yellow mid channel buoy. Most mid channel and west of.

12:28 - And large trailing group to the south just north of Jefferson Head but west of mid channel with Soundwatch and second research boat trailing them.

12:23 - Leaders west of mid channel approaching Kingston maybe southbound shipping lanes. Large group mid channel now north of mid channel yellow buoy Kayu Kayu Ac Park/President Point. Loosely grouped. Others trailing and skews either side. All steady pace northbound, some surface activity (breaching). Js and presume Ks at least I’d say. Research skiff up in this area.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

12:19 - Seeing surface action off Kingston. Near the fishing boats.

Jolena Tagg

12:19 - Trailing group mid channel south of ferry route slight west direction.

Brian Livingston

12:05 - Leaders north of transect Jefferson Head and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Others streaming along. Larger group to the south. All steady northbound mid channel.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

11:57 - Visible from Richmond Beach with binoculars. West of mid channel still northbound.

Orca Conservancy

11:55 - From Kingston seeing a group amongst the grouped up fishing boats, appear to be off of President Point, northbound.

Jim Pasola

11:50 - From south of Carkeek I saw some leaders already out from there or north of.

11:20 - Many have grouped up. Leaders are large group of at least twenty loosely grouped mid channel (or just east of) out from north end Golden Gardens park. Others trailing mid channel to out from Shilshole Marina. Inverted roll and lazy pec slap by a trailing male. All steady northbound. Both Soundwatch and now research skiff (looks like Sears) on scene.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

11:22 - Watching them through the telescope from Indianola sandspit. From my angle one group seem to be off Shilshole moving north at a pretty good pace. All the breaching just a bit earlier was fantastic to see! And the tall male dorsal fins. Viewing through the dissipating fog.

Deanna Deery-Schmitt

11:07 - I can see them breaching through my binoculars from Golden Gardens. Quite a ways out there! Definitely mid to west of mid channel.

Joshua Chessin-Yudin

11:00 - Spread out midchannel northbound in front of small boat, due west of Shilshole Canal.

Sandra Prow

10:51 - Midchannel still off of West Point but heading. Northbound now.

April Bosley

10:43 - All residents have flipped now committed northbound and picking up pace. With some surface activity, breaching off the point. Spread out with so many on the east side of channel at West Point, Discovery Park and each side of. So incredibly beautiful.

10:31 - Definite flip [north].

10:30 - Most have stalled. Now facing north almost in resting.

10:27 - Lots of foraging south of West Point some east side of channel others east of mid foraging with one group of four facing north. Lots of males. Believe I saw Cookie! Soundwatch getting on scene.

10:22 - Definitely Rs, saw an open saddle. Just south of West Point, some east side of the channel.

09:55 - An abundance of orcas spread in all directions! At least four males one in lead south end Shilshole others mid two trailing females and juveniles in between. Serious spread north/south and mid channel east/west.

09:50 - Just got to Shilshole. Seeing several straight off the park. At least two males and female southbound east of mid channel. Will scan for others.

09:25 - From Carkeek seeing now spread out orcas from south of here to Meadow Point, Golden Gardens. Behavior and numbers have me pretty certain they are residents, but cannot confirm due to distance. All southbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

09:25 - Orcas between Bainbridge and Golden Gardens. Small groups southbound. Fog is breaking a bit to see across the sound.

photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, October 12, 2023

09:00 - Large tight group of ten to fifteen including at least two males east of mid channel south of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park southbound. Possible Rs.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

07:25 - Group of six to ten orcas headed south from Edmonds ferry landing center channel. At least two large males.

Jerusha Sundem

07:21 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:26 - 0721hrs: Vessel SALISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 6 orcas heading in a southbound direction, located mid-way between the EDM and KING terminals.

Wed, Oct 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (Js & Ks, likely some Ls)

After more than a three week absence, Southern Residents returned to inland waters with members of Js and Ks reaching the west side of San Juan Island just before sunset. For those of us who have been around the region for over a decade, we have seen the dramatic shift of "what used to be" (with Southern Residents around on a nearly daily basis from May to September) to "what is" (the great absence of the Residents during the spring and summer months). But our connection to these whales still runs deep, and it always feel like an honor to be in their presence from any distance.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 11, 2023

18:44 - Now lost sight of them offshore in the post sunset light. My gut says they’ll be heading to Admiralty.

18:35 - At least five offshore of False Bay that were milling are now northbound.

18:27 - Confirmed SRKW - Ks in the mix.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

18:22 - Orcas have drifted away from shore. Most are spread from off of American Camp to False Bay. Milling.

17:39 - Some are close to shore here near Eagle Cove. Some are quite far off of False Bay.

17:31 - Seeing about ten now.

17:26 - Orcas up Island from Eagle Point. Three so far. Heading up Island. Close to shore.

Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]

BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype)

Thu, Oct 12 - Saratoga Passage/Possession Sound (T137s)

18:25 - In front of Tillicum.

18:07 - Several spouts south east of Camano closer to the tip of Camano than Tillicum Beach.

Jack Callaghan

17:51 - Just barely into Port Susan and very close to the Camano side. Milling about.

Sarah Sadid

17:10 - Have continued northbound into Port Susan.

16:40 - They've flipped northbound, far away from Sandy Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

16:40 - They flipped and appear headed straight for Port Susan.

Donna George

16:37 - Flipped to the east side, very tip of Camano. Hunting behavior.

Sarah Sadid

15:57 - Appear to be resuming southbound travel.

15:54 - Successful porpoise hunt.

Donna George

T137s were on a mission as they passed Sandy Point, southbound. Seems to have been a success.

photo by Sandy Pollard, October 12, 2023

Successful porpoise hunt

photo by RJ Snowberger, October 12, 2023

15:45 - Milling, appears to be on a kill, active, tail slaps, a few breaches. Not in any direction at this time [approx. 48.041369, -122.345421].

Marilyn Armbruster

15:29 - Still tightly grouped and southbound past Sandy Point.

Donna George

15:14 - The 137s have passed Whale Bell Park and are continuing. SLOWLY south. They are mid to Whidbey - traveling in tight formation.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

15:00 - Viewing from northside of Sandy Point, appears to be out from south end of Langley, heading southbound. Whidbey side of mid channel.

Marilyn Armbruster

T137A Jack

T137B Tempest, T137A Jack, T137D Wright, T137 Loon

14:50 - Mid channel coming up to Langley, looks like they're together.

14:30 - Looks like they are pointed at Camano, distant from Langley looking north.

photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 12, 2023

14:04 - Confirmed that it’s Jack, currently in Saratoga. With sisters and mom?

Colleen Henckel

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Leslie Ritter

Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023

Time: 12:45 PM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen:

Direction of travel : 48°6.682'N 122°29.376'W

Behaviors observed: Traveling South

If orcas, any males?: 1 male 3 females

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

T137A Jack

T137 Loon & T137D Wright

12:49 - Still continuing southbound. Angled more towards Whidbey now. Viewing from Camano Island State Park. Leaving our view now.

12:26 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park. Southbound. Puget Sound Express on scene.

12:01 - Directly out from Cama Beach. Southbound.

11:26 - Directly out from Indian Beach Road. Closer to Camano but still far out. Southbound. Definitely T137A out there.

11:05 - The big male might be Jack. It’s definitely starting to look like that.

photos by Kat Martin, October 12, 2023

11:00 - Just spotted them south of Onomac - southbound. On the Camano side of mid-channel - there's still fog in the area, I only saw three surface at the time.

Jill Hein

10:57 - Viewing from Indian Beach Road. They appear to be mid channel. Rather far out. Possibly southbound again. Birds are circling. One very tall dorsal.

Kat Martin

T137A Jack & T137B Tempest

T137A Jack & T137 Loon

10:40 - They are approaching Onomac now, southbound. Close to Camano. Right out in front of me on Eagle Crest. WDFW #699 is with them. No other boats around.

photos by Kristina Trowbridge, October 12, 2023

08:34 - They've drifted south a little but still milling a bit.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

08:11 - I just saw roughly seven blows in front of Madrona, Very close to shore and Camano Yacht Club. I believe one was a male - but way too far for any other possible IDs. Not moving much, perhaps slightly northbound. I have to shuffle between trees on my side to see them.

Jill Hein

07:55 - Looks like one male with three females, they are sill having out around Madrona Beach, Saratoga Passage.

07:30 - Orcas report in Saratoga Passage off Madrona Beach non-directional, milling/playing around in one spot.

Kate Kypuros [CWW]

Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

18:28 - By the aquarium, small white boat nearby.

Mary Hartmann

18:19 - Definitely closer to Seattle than West Seattle, almost straight out from ferry terminal.

Josh Nutter

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Yves Colon

Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023

Time: 6:15 PM

Species seen: Orca pod

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Alki Point

Direction of travel : Toward the mouth of the Duwamish

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Not known

Any unusual markings?: ?

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Attracted crowds that followed the orcas along Alki waterfront. Whales were cool; humans in awe.

Photos available?: No

18:15 - Eastbound by T Mobile Park.

photos by Mary Hartmann, October 12, 2023

18:11 - Firmly in Elliot Bay headed south near Don Armeni.

18:07 - Making a dead sprint toward Elliot Bay, definitely four, two adult females potentially two younger ones it seems.

Josh Nutter

17:51 - Close to shore off 1500 Alki. Lots of gulls. Successful hunt.

photos by Robin Sinner, October 12, 2023

17:40 - Now they are sorta heading north toward Magnolia, but still milling a bit. I think they caught something. Lots of seagulls around.

17:27 - Small group, females and at least one baby, I think, right off Alki Ave. They’re heading into Elliot Bay, toward Duwamish Head or maybe towards Magnolia.

Amelia Showalter

17:20 - Five to six orcas off Alki. Two larger females, a little, the rest, small females/juvies.

photo by Kathleen Cage, October 12, 2023

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Samuel Leonard

Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023

Time: 5:03 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Alki Seattle Washington

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?:

16:50 - Saw this guy go northeast past Alki Point towards Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lane.

photo by Zerelina Mukherjee, October 12, 2023

16:08 - Sam P. Orca Network called to report four orcas between West Seattle and south of south end Bainbridge, east of mid channel heading northbound. Unsure if any males, too distant and not the experience.

14:44 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:39 to report: 1444hrs: KITTITAS: Vessel reports via 800MHz 5 orca just north of the VASH terminal, feeding, and with no particular direction of travel.

Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound (T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T99s)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Benjamin Dirsmith

Date of Sighting: October 12, 2023

Time: 7:15 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Edmonds Fishing Pier

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Unknown, but very large dorsal fin, larger than the sitting paddle boarders they passed

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Many people should have seen them, as they swam 50 yards or so off of the Edmonds Fishing Pier shortly after the sun set.

18:43 - Both those groups of Ts that went past Sunset Ave in Edmonds continued on towards Possession Sound.

Tamara Kelley

18:25 - Northbound right behind Edmonds ferry boat at the terminal. Paddle boarders got a close up!

photo by Jill M Rotset, October 12, 2023

T37A2 Inky & T37A Volker

T99C Barakat, T99E, T99 Bella

IDs by Rachel Haight & Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

First members of the T37As passed by followed by the T99s

18:16 - Whales northbound past Marina Beach, watching from pier.

17:44 - Got some heading north past marina, east of mid channel.

photos by Janine Harles, October 12, 2023

18:29 - Just passed right in front of the Edmonds ferry terminal. Now mid channel.

photo by Jaime Shields, October 12, 2023

Wed, Oct 11 - San Juans (T35As & T38As)

18:06 - Group is nearing the ferry lane positioned at the bottom of southwest Cypress, heading east, slightly northeast. I really am leaving this time, but may try to see if they go through Guemes.

17:48 - I lied and didn’t leave. Still viewing from Green Point and they’ve made a turn due east. About half a mile off of Green Point, moving at a regular pace.

17:23 - Still viewing from Green Point, but leaving. They’re just pass the north end of Bird Rocks, a little further than midchannel, still trending northwest; can see back-lit blows. Travel has slowed down. Looks like they’re aiming for James/possibly Thatcher.

17:16 - Seeing them from Green Point, Washington Park (viewing toward the south); they’re beyond midchannel trending northwest toward Bird Rocks. Counted seven, one very small, no tall dorsals. Not traveling fast.

Amanda Marie

16:49 - Found them! Heading towards Rosario Strait in between Washington Park loop lookout and Burrows Bay.

Lorena Perezcarlos

15:53 - Looked like they were hunting. Stayed close to shore for about thirty minutes and now just headed north up Rosario Strait.

15:14 - Pod of orcas in Burrows Bay (off the south eastern point of Allen Island). Currently three whale watching boats in close proximity.

Lei L

15:30 - My partner just called to say there was a small group of orcas south of Allan Island near Anacortes. Wonder if this is the same group.

Caitlyn Blair

11:32 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:40 to report: Log entry 1132hrs: Vessel KALEETAN reports via 800MHz they've spotted two orcas meandering South, located between Humphrey Head and Leo Reef.

Wed, Oct 11 - Admiralty Inlet (T99s & T109A2s)

T109A2A Seekah, T99C Barakat, & T99 Bella

14:09 - T99s plus two including a small one passed by southbound Limpet Lane fairly close to Whidbey Shore. The T109A2s were present with the T99s.

photo & ID by Rachel Haight, October 11, 2023

T99 Bella, T99D Puck, T99E

T99E & T99D Puck

13:29 - One male in the group. Two littles, we think six total.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 11, 2023

13:07 - Pod has passed Bush Point. No mature males. Littles in the mix. Still about 300 yards off shore. Still southbound.

12:29 - Five to seven orcas southbound slowly near south end of Lagoon Point. 300 yards from shore.

Bill Setter

Wed, Oct 11 - Saratoga Passage (T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T137s)

T137 Loon

Caught up with T137s just north of Hidden Beach, not too close and somewhat elusive, but lovely in the late afternoon fall sunshine, with Jill Hein.

photo by Bonnie Gretz, October 11, 2023

T37A2 Inky

Jack really likes Saratoga Passage, he was back again today! I didn’t have to go far to see at least five Biggs whales this afternoon, a mix of the T137s and T37s; a little distant, but sea conditions were amazing.

photos by Jill Hein, October 11, 2023

T137A Jack, T137B Tempest, & T37A4 Crinkle

Got lucky today! The rain stopped for this beautiful pass by three of the T137s plus T37A4! Love these fall days!

photo by Donna George, October 11, 2023

18:24 - Losing light - at this time they are heading into Holmes Harbor.

17:57 - Viewing from Hidden Beach. They look to be milling about a half mile north of us.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

T137 Loon & T137A Jack

17:50 - One and a half miles north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey, side probably six whales heading south. What a show.

photos by Aaron Gill, October 11, 2023

17:19 - Now have eyes on six, possible seven. Do not know if they are a different group or joined my earlier group. Heading south in Saratoga close to Whidbey, just south of Onamac. Moving very slow.

Marie Heil

17:10 - Five southbound, two males, mid channel to Camano side, south of Onamac Point.

Bonnie Gretz

16:54 - My group of three has turned around and is now heading south. Just south of Onamac Point and closer to Whidbey side.

Marie Heil

16:48 - Three including male now south bound off Omanac Point.

16:35 - North of Hidden Beach, possibly Jack and one female. Closer to Whidbey but not super close, north bound.

Bonnie Gretz

16:32 - Midchannel heading north in Saratoga. Eyes on three orca just south of Onamac Point. Beautiful day for viewing right now.

Marie Heil

T137 Loon

16:00 - Now a couple miles north more mid channel. Not sure if I’m seeing different whales or the same whale.

15:52 - About a mile north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey side heading north.

photo by Aaron Gill, October 11, 2023

15:40 - One orca straight out from Hidden Beach northbound. Mid- channelish.

Sandy Pollard

15:34 - Pretty far away from me, but they look like they’re heading towards Baby Island.

Aaron Gill

T37A4 Crinkle & T137B Tempest

15:20 - We never saw the group approach, all of sudden they were here, and now, they have disappeared as quickly as they appeared. Steady clip northbound last we saw ten minutes ago.

15:10 - Northbound past East Point. T37A2 waaaay in lead. Trailers include T137A, T137B, T137D, T37A4. Did not see T37A or T137.

photo & ID by Rachel Haight, October 11, 2023

T137D Wright & T37A4 Crinkle

T37A4 Crinkle & T137B Tempest

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 11, 2023

14:46 - Viewing from south end of Camano Island State Park. Orcas are north of the houses at Bells Beach. Northbound. Seeing blows. They are way over on the Whidbey side.

Linda Aitkins

14:56 - Definitely four. Mama staying slower north with two littles and dad went up ahead.

14:50 - Very close to shore at Fox Spit.

14:30 - Found them! In Saratoga, close to Whidbey side, traveling north, approaching Bells Beach. At least three, possibly five. Wish they would all porpoise at the same time! And sadly, my good camera is having battery issues. They were on the surface heading north slowly together for a good five minutes.

Jennifer Feldman Spanton

13:20 - A pod of orcas just north of Hat Island. Looked like three or four at 13:20. One male, and they were headed north at a decent clip.

Jeff A

Tue, Oct 10 - Possession Sound (Likely T37A, T37A2, T37A4 & others)

19:15 - Too dark but multiple loud blows passing Edgewater Park moving toward ferry terminal.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

18:40 - One male, straight out from Harborview Park in Everett, southwest bound. Looks like T037A2/Inky. Haven’t seen any others.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

18:37 - Maybe four. Very close to shore with two or three. One was farther out maybe 150 yards out.

18:29 - In front of Howarth Park.

Greg Heiss

17:55 - One orca between Hat Island and Everett heading east/southeast [approx. 48.006741, -122.268258].

Alice Moyal

16:55 - Continuing southbound out of view from the bluff at Sandy Point.

16:45 - Not making much progress. They were probably further east than my last few maps show [approx here 48.036337, -122.315445].

16:10 - They had drifted quite a bit north while hunting, but now appear to be southbound again, back approx. to my 15:40 map location.

15:40 - Approx. here [48.041818, -122.322250].

15:30 - Stalled on a hunt.

15:24 - Feels like this might be different group than ones first spotted at 13:50. Distant, but appears to be a male. Long down times, still southbound.

15:05 - Southbound now.

14:55 - Lost them for a long while but spotted a group here. Not sure if same or others [48.064451, -122.317710].

13:50 - A group approx. here with directional changes [48.061998, -122.337607].

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

12:20 - Port Susan has reports of two separate groups of orca on going at 12:20. One group of five southbound off Sunny Shore on SnoCo side about a mile out, a second group of three reported simultaneously off Country Club 2 on Camano a couple hundred yards out southbound.

John C. Storbeck

Mon, Oct 9 - Port Susan/Possession Sound (T37A, T37A2, T37A4, T99s, T109A2s, T137s)

18:15 - Group of six-ish definitively southbound passing Picnic Point now.

18:12 - At least one adult male, three to five adults, one juvenile in this group.

18:08 - Group of about six was milling, now slow southbound, currently all are south of line between Picnic Point and Possession Point marker.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

18:05 - Spotted who presume is trailing group Scott Veirs was reporting in is now south of a Possession east side of the sound southbound. General location [approx. 47.894869, -122.345928].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

18:04 - I’m at Picnic Point and am seeing blows of four plus whales nicely backlit in line with Possession Point. Possibly southeastbound?

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

17:45 - Seeing them from the dock at Edmonds marina southbound still I only saw two small groups and a few blows from a distance, viewing without binoculars so I’m not sure.

Bart Rulon, PSE

17:29 - There’s another group I’m watching that has drifted north of where I last saw them in Possession triangle. Still changing directions back and forth.

Alice Thuy Talbot

17:25 - Same group of six-ish southeastbound, mid-channel (maybe favoring mainland side a bit more) about Possession Point latitude.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

17:22 - Three of them just passing Brackett’s Landing underwater park!

17:15 - I spotted a few blows! But then I lost them.

Katie McKenna

17:17 - Group of at least six southbound mid-channel, about halfway down channel from Mukilteo to Possession Point.

17:04 - At least one adult male 200 meters off Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, steady southwest towards Possession Point.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

17:07 - They stalled and changing directions a lot.

Alice Thuy Talbot

16:51 - Right behind the docking ferry in Mukilteo, southwestbound!

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

16:46 - Continuing south.

16:52 - They’re pretty far out. I can make them with my telescope from Chennault Beach. And they’re super sneaky today. I’ve lost them three times.

16:43 - They stalled just a bit south of my last post.

16:39 - Found them. sneaky and FAST. They’re here heading south. At least seven of them [approx. 47.882560, -122.386049].

16:26 - Exiting Possession Sound and entering Possession triangle. Two to three Mukilteo - mid channel. Three to four with the big boy Whidbey-midchannel. Long down times. Snuck right by me.

Alice Thuy Talbot

16:13 - Eyes on them southbound from Possession Beach Park, still Mukilteo side of mid. Long down times.

Durand Dace

16:03 - Sprouter and juvenile pulling the rear. All still southbound. Still mid to mainland.

15:56 - About eight mid to mainland watching from Glendale. Southbound with a purpose.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

15:32 - At least three including subadult male with notch, female, and young juvenile east side, south of old ferry lanes & lighthouse spread. Others in groups across to the east with large group including who looks to be Jack on Clinton side of mid all southbound.

15:25 - Spread out orcas Mukilteo side of eastbound ferry lanes. Female followed by subadult male and wee one maybe Crinkle. Traveling south [approx. 47.969496, -122.316441].

15:12 - Orcas generally here [approx. 47.991136, -122.283686].

15:05 - Sara Montour Lewis and I are at Mukilteo Lighthouse and she first spotted the orcas northeast about 14:50, but just briefly. At 15:05 we both watched pod of at least eight, including big fin Jack, traveling southwest. We also just had nice pass by of pod of about eight harbor porpoise and about twenty minutes ago two sea lions.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

14:30 -Two males and a baby. We saw eleven. Heading towards Everett [approx. 48.020027, -122.250637].

14:19 - I just saw two go by the marina on Hat Island.

Alice Moyal

13:55 - On our way out we could see members of The T37A pod moving quickly towards the Snohomish River delta far northeast of my mark, and T137/T137B are aiming towards Hat Island to the southeast of my mark. Going slow as we try to move out [approx. 48.039753, -122.345986].

1:37 - The T99 pod is in here too! Southbound direction right up next to shore east of my map spot [approx. 48.096562, -122.349746]!

Bart Rulon, PSE

13:36 - Lead group exiting Port Susan. Thus far, they are continuing south.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

13:10 - Taken at Tillicum Beach.

photo by Stephanie Day, October 9, 2023

T137A Jack

photos by Sierra Tierra, October 9, 2023

13:15 - The trailing group has passed Tillicum southbound. Believe it was just the 137s.

13:11 - Second group, including Jack, has drifted away from Camano. Still southbound closer to midchannel.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

13:05 - The T109A2 pod, T137A, and T137D are east of my mark heading towards the T37As now southbound direction. T137B was closer to shore also southbound on our west side [approx. 48.104397, -122.398686].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

13:02 - Orcas are split in two groups. First group I last saw straight out from Tillicum, midchannel, a few minutes [ago]. Second group is north of us closer to Camano.

12:49 - Southbound midchannel just north of Tillicum, southeast of Swiftsure. Porpoises have been zipping by southbound. Harbor porpoises but moving like Dall's!

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

12:48 - We have T37A, 37A2, 37A4 only over on the east side of my mark southbound direction [approx. 48.135278, -122.406411].

12:30 - We have the T37A pod southbound at my map spot and we saw T137A and others in the distance closer to shore over a half mile away [approx. 48.145761, -122.438901].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

12:17 - Four traveling together. One a baby.

12:16 - Heading south, mid channel.

12:15 - Just spotted two dorsal fins at Country Club, mid channel. Not sure of direction, but porpoise are heading south.

Linda Raines Tyner

11:25 - I lost them a while ago. They are far north of Tillicum now, still northbound midchannel quickly.

11:22 - At least four, but they are spread out so some may have been on the mainland side.

11:01 - Just south of Tillicum, Camano side of midchannel, northbound. Choppy waters, hard to see them. Sounds like they are spread out. Can confirm T137A is present.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

Fall colors and orcas! We had quite a few orcas in Port Susan as well as a river otter, seals and tons of harbor porpoises trying to get out of dodge of the orcas. All photos taken from shore.

10:50 - Spotting them from Tillicum Beach on Camano, still heading north in Port Susan.

photos by Charvet Drucker, October 9, 2023

10:04 - Midchannel. There is at least one male [approx. 48.043779, -122.320302].

09:56 - Confirmed orcas between Hat Island and south Tulalip heading north. At least four to five.

09:49 - I see orcas between Hat & Jetty heading north. Closer to Hat Island.

Alice Moyal

09:14 - They [orcas] are heading towards Everett, now between south end of Hat and the Mukilteo ferry terminal.

08:50 - Presuming the same group [orcas], southbound between southwest Hat Island and Clinton, mid channel.

Lori Christopher

Sun, Oct 8 - Port Townsend Bay (T37As & T99s)

15:00 - Grouped up southbound past Bush Point, Whidbey side of midchannel.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

14:50 - Group is continuing southbound Whidbey side, midway between mid channel and Whidbey). North of Bush Point (about two-thirds way south from Lagoon). Looks like could be fairly decent pass Bush Point area.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Carol Lewellen

Date of Sighting: October 08, 2023

Time: 2:46 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Off Lagoon Point

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Traveling?

If orcas, any males?: ?

Any unusual markings?: ?

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

Photos available?: No

14:43 - I saw five boats and four orcas passing south end of Lagoon Point.

Cheryl Connor

14:27 - Passing Lagoon Point southbound. Only saw one whale from my house up on Smugglers Cove Road but there are more.

Patricia Prochaska

14:25 - Passing Lagoon Point, southbound tightly grouped on the Whidbey side of the whale watching boats.

Emily Wandres

14:15 - From East Beach, Marrowstone Island can see blows mid channel to Whidbey side, just north of Lagoon Point. Group is continuing southbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

13:57 - Update southbound direction. T99s, T37As [approx. 48.101604, -122.684278]. T37A4, Crinkle, is back with mom, T37A.

13:46 - T99 pod and the T37A pod, at least, are southbound after a failed minke hunt [approx. 48.115425, -122.699944]!

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

13:45 - Just saw them off the PT-Coupeville ferry!

Annalise Ree Washburn

13:39 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:40 to report: KENNEWICK Captain reports 4 Orca heading SB North of the traffic lanes.

13:30 - And off to the Strait.

13:15 - Between Marrowstone and Port Townsend now. Couldn't tell how many but there's at least one male.

Aki VA

12:54 - Heading back towards Indian Island now. Towards the cut.

Rebecca Berger

12:40 - Large group of Ts in Port Townsend chasing a minke by the mill.

Trevor Tillman

12:35 - There are some orcas in Port Townsend Bay heading toward Kala Point. PSE with them now.

Rebecca Berger

Sun, Oct 8 - Puget Sound (T109A2s & T137s)

T102A2B Macoah & T137D Wright

ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

After another warm, sunny fall day, what better way to spend the evening than with the T137s and T109As as they milled close to shore at Brighton Beach, Whidbey, their exhalations loud and clear as they moved slowly north…then south…then east…then west, and back again. While most of the whales remained in a tight group, T137A (Jack) and companion ventured a little further afield before flanking the other family members as they all headed north in unison in the fast fading light. (All photos taken from shore).

photos by Sandy Pollard, October 8, 2023

T137A Jack

T109A2A Seekah, T137D Wright, T137B Tempest, T137 Loon

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

photos by RJ Snowberger, October 8, 2023

photo by Rachel Haight, October 8, 2023

18:50 - Moving north slowly [approx. 48.009626, -122.351104].

Lori Christopher

18:15 - The orcas are slowly moving north after continuing to mill at the north end of Brighton Beach. Still closer to Whidbey. Port Susan or Saratoga Passage? Light starting to fade.

Sandy Pollard

18:15 - Group is still in the same general area but moving slowly towards mid channel and drifting northward.

Lori Christopher

17:40 - Getting off the ferry, saw them just now. One and half miles north of Clinton, various directions not far from Whidbey

Hongming Zheng

17:16 - Watching from Hat, here’s an approximate [47.990642, -122.359338].

Lori Christopher

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: John Shackman

Date of Sighting: October 08, 2023

Time: 4:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Clinton Randel Beach ⁦47°59'07"N⁩ ⁦122°21'04"W⁩

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Traveling, fairly close to the beach

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I read that there was a humpback whale close by couple hours ago possibly they’re chasing it?

Photos available?: No

16:40 - Still milling north end of Brighton. Two whales breached almost at once! Missed the first but caught the end of the second one.

16:30 - So at least one, maybe two, made a kill north end of Brighton Beach. Jack with at least two others veered over towards the one who was eating. Another pair with a young one following them. Some milling off north end of Brighton Beach now.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

16:18 - Heading north past the ferry lanes.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

16:12 - I’m sitting at Conwell Park (southwest side of Hat Island) and I see a couple of blows closer to Whidbey.

Alice Moyal

16:04 - Very steady northbound. A group of seven-ish are just south of the houses in Clinton and Jack is further ahead, a little more midchannel.

15:50 - It looks like there are three with Jack and then I also just counted five blows south of them. All milling/kind of pointing south, but generally staying in the same place.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

15:45 - Spotted three off of Mukilteo Lighthouse Park on the Whidbey side with binoculars.

Fallon Dundon-Harris

15:42 - Seem to be milling and changing directions. Jack & crew has drifted a little further towards midchannel.

15:36 - They just flipped in between Possession Beach & Glendale.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

15:35 - Two passed Glendale hugging shore. Jack and three plus others including little one further out. Another pair with little one was trailing but was catching up to Jack and company which I assume is the T109A2s with him since I saw the two littles. Still northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

15:22 - Heading towards Glendale, Whidbey side of channel. Two in the lead, three in the middle, including the one big guy, and two in the rear. Spread out maybe quarter mile apart.

Alice Thuy Talbot

15:21 - Spotted from Mukilteo, pretty close to the Whidbey side northbound near Possession Beach.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

15:15 - Pod of five plus orca just passed Possession Point State Park headed north towards Clinton.

Andrew Roundy

15:06 - Orcas are entering Possession Sound. North.

Alice Thuy Talbot

15:01 - We just spotted two females right here [approx. 47.884701, -122.369541].

Steve Blum

14:55 - Orcas are changing directions but still trending east.

14:32 - They look like they’re coming closer to me so they may be heading more east at the moment.

14:25 - They’re far out from me and it’s hazy so I can’t see well but making out what looks like five to seven blows heading northeast in Possession triangle.

Alice Thuy Talbot

13:45 - Off Apple Tree Point. Northbound. Surfaced once and have not seen again.

Sara Frey

13:41 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:42 to report: SALISH Captain reports 2 Orca heading SB near EDM/KING traffic lanes.

12:32 - As we leave the scene both pods have grouped up closer together and they have changed direction a bit way behind us to more of a northeast direction. This will be my last post as we head out to look for other whales [approx. 47.743727, -122.468836]. T137A, Jack, was getting pretty frisky out there today.

12:25 - Update northbound [approx. 47.735199, -122.464929].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

12:20 - From Carkeek I can see Puget Sound Express "Swiftsure" out there, with binocs, but it's too far to see orcas.

Christy Avery

12:15 - T109A2s and T137s are northbound at my map spot [approx. 47.707900, -122.455949].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

11:55 - Due east of Fay Bainbridge. North.

Eva Sophia Shimanski

11:43 - Confirm T109A2's as well as T137s.

Alli Montgomery

11:41 - The two groups have appeared to join up.

11:31 - Mid channel approaching Shilshole level.

Brian Livingston

11:32 - Southbound lane, near Clipper, south of Fay Bainbridge Park.

11:31 - Looks like there are two groups of orcas.

Eva Sophia Shimanski

11:12 - West of mid just in front of the Clipper.

Sandra Prow

11:09 - They are north of the Clipper. Moving north.

Eva Sophia Shimanski

11:06 - Looks like another matrilineal line joined them.

10:58 - SJC caught up to this family. Looks like another hunt potentially. Midchannel off West Point.

Alli Montgomery

10:40 - At least two just west of Discovery West Point Lighthouse, headed south.

photo by Amit Patel, October 8, 2023

10:44 - They just flipped one [seal] into the air.

10:42 - Still viewing from Discovery Point, big male keeps turning around, I believe hunting. Still mid sound.

10:32 - Watching the group in mid sound moving north from Discovery West Point.

photo by Izzy Edwards, October 8, 2023

10:00 - Moving quickly northwest towards West Point view from Duwamish Head.

Mary Hartmann

10:00 - Leaving Elliott Bay, Magnolia Bluff side, appears to be heading northwest.

Cyrilla Cook

10:00 - They were moving quickly north towards Discovery close to shore. I lost sight of them at 10:00.

Amy Martino

09:49 - Heading towards Magnolia.

09:44 - Now seeing a second!

09:43 - I am seeing one from Olympic Park.

Kelsey Montoya

T137A Jack

09:36 - By Pier 91.

09:31 - Large male moving west by Pier 91 cruise ship.

photo by Mary Hartmann, October 8, 2023

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jana Koh

Date of Sighting: October 08, 2023

Time: 9:23 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Puget Sound from Downtown Seattle

Direction of travel : N

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Unknown

Any unusual markings?: Unknown

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Just eating breakfast downtown Seattle with the most magical view!

Photos available?: No

09:21 - The 08:45 ferry from Bainbridge slowed by two orcas that were headed out of Elliot Bay. Lost sight of them towards Alki.

Audrey Harmon

09:19 - SJC coming back from fueling just spotted T137 and T137A inside Elliot Bay off Alki!

Alli Montgomery

T137A Jack

09:24 - By Edgewater.

09:13 - Spyhop by Norwegian cruise ship Pier 66 view from Duwamish Head.

photo by Mary Hartmann, October 8, 2023

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sun Oct 8 9:05:34 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.60469,-122.35715 [Elliott Bay]

Number Sighted: 3

Submitted Comments: On the Tacoma ferry from Seattle

Photos:

Submitter Name: Nancy Loizeaux

Whale Alert app

09:03 - Seattle ferry stopped to allow passage.

Cyrilla Cook

09:02 - Right in front of the cruise ship downtown.

Paul Steyn Benade

09:02 - Have seen two orcas milling in Elliott Bay near a cargo ship.

Michael Theodore

09:01 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:08 to report: TACOMA@901 Captain reports two Orca North of Elliot Bay.

09:01 - Right in front of the cruise ship downtown.

08:21 - They are heading deeper into Elliot Bay towards Seattle.

Paul Steyn Benade

08:02 - Orcas, at least two - one male - seen from Alki Beach fairly far out between here and Bainbridge.

Melissa

07:59 - Orcas in Elliot Bay, heading north. Four to five, at least one big dorsal.

Paul

Sat, Oct 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T35As, T36As, T38As, T123s)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #66:

“Upon receiving a report of four killer whales quickly heading east in the traffic lanes south of Race Rocks, Mark began to prepare the boat. Brendon joined him at the dock, and they set off on Mike 1 at 1545. By this time, the quartet of whales had surged eastward at 8 knots and merged with a larger group already engrossed in a sea lion predation. The encounter began at 1620 as Mark and Brendon entered the scene, greeted by what seemed to be a dozen or more whales. Brendon identified the matrilines as the T035As, T036As, T038As, along with the T123s, who were the ones previously spotted heading east. This brought the grand tally to seventeen whales…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #66.

Sat, Oct 7 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (T137s)

T137 Loon & T137D Wright

Another beautiful, warm, sunny fall day on the water with IE. We headed south, under the Deception Pass Bridge, to catch up with the T137 family a bit north of Holmes Harbor. T137A Jack (b. 2002) and little sis T137B Tempest (b. 2006) were on the Camano side, and matriarch T137 Loon (b. 1984 est.) and youngest daughter T137D Wright (b. 2012) were close to the Whidbey shore, all generally heading north but zig zagging. Loon and Tempest made a quiet underwater kill, which the birds, including an eagle, took full advantage of. They spread out a bit more as we reluctantly left them. Wonderful day!

photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 7, 2023

T137 Loon

On such a beautiful day it was FUN to see the T137s in Saratoga Passage today, both northbound and southbound. Loon and Wright chose to be close to Whidbey, while Jack and Tempest enjoyed Camano’s side of Saratoga.

photos by Jill Hein, October 7, 2023

T137A Jack

T137D Wright

photos by Sierra Tierra, October 7, 2023

18:20 - Jack & Tempest pass by close to Whidbey shore southbound towards Bells Beach.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

18:15 - Southbound close to Whidbey. Viewing from Lowell Point looking towards Fox Spit [approx. 48.101055, -122.493787].

Orca Network

18:07 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - orcas approaching Fox Spit. South bound.

Linda Aitkins

17:43 - Between Camano Island State Park and Hidden Beach [approx. 48.112817, -122.550441].

Bradley Everett

17:40 - Orcas seeing blows from the south end of Camano Island State Park. Southbound.

Linda Aitkins

17:38 - The other pair are southbound midchannel off the north end of Camano Island State Park.

17:35 - Trending south now, in front of the houses south of Hidden Beach. Still on Whidbey side of Saratoga.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

17:31 - Seeing blows and splashes at Hidden Beach through binoculars from Mabana.

Linda Raines Tyner

17:22 - Hear them from Hidden, I think they are hunting in front of Hidden Beach, mid channel.

Kanoi Ivory

17:18 - Looks like they are heading south. Milling a bit at Hidden Beach.

Nancy Culp Zaretzke

17:16 - Just saw a big backlit splash in the Whidbey side of the channel around Hidden Beach. Another blow at the same time south of there.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

17:05 - Jack in view almost straight out from Hidden Beach. Saw another closer to Camano and south of him.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

T137B Tempest

17:00 - Couple passing Cama right now.

photo by Aaron Gill, October 7, 2023

16:25 - Whidbey side, headed south. Across Cama Beach.

Bradley Everett

16:17 - Jack is southbound on the Whidbey side, probably around Race Lagoon. Others still trailing.

16:10 - Two, including T137A, are midchannel just south of the Camano Island Yacht Club. The other pair is southbound a bit north of them.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

15:45 - We’re leaving but the two we were with just finished hunting and appear to be southbound now [approx. 48.248952, -122.563225].

Brandy Jackson Ritchie

T137A Jack & T137B Tempest

15:50 - Two including the male, definitely heading south, but slowly. Periods of surfacing and east and west, then dives and pops up a bit more south [approx. 48.213382, -122.574895].

15:49 - Surfacing a bit more left and right, no real direction. I can say we’ve seen a record number of seals today on the water, so plenty to eat. Saw a beautiful spy hop.

15:42 - In the center channel between Onamac and Penn Cove entrance. He is headed south with long deep dives. Closer to Camano side now. Seeing two.

15:28 - Found the male! Wow!

photo by Jennifer Feldman Spanton, October 7, 2023

15:22 - The two we are with flipped southeast toward Camano [approx. 48.258419, -122.575444].

15:03 - Split in two groups and Wright and Loon are traveling northeast [approx. 48.240499, -122.608370].

Brandy Jackson Ritchie

14:20 - Just leaving T137s spread out between Camano and Whidbey just out from Penn Cove, not sure if they are headed to Penn Cove, all four really spread out. Beautiful day!

Bonnie Gretz

13:40 - Looked like 137 & 137D were prey sharing as they swam by.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

13:30 - 137 and 137D are right along Whidbey shore approaching Race Lagoon. 137A and C are out in the middle northbound as well.

Tyler McKeen

12:25 - T137A leading, now north of Lowell Point, still on Camano side. I think they're spread out, haven't seen the others for a few minutes.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

12:10 - Believe 137s. Distant photos of who I believe are Loon & Wright.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

12:08 - At least one just south of Lowell Point now, westbound.

12:00 - Surfacing facing east now. I'm far away but male looks possible for T137A.

11:50 - Just saw a blow north of Mabana, Camano side of channel [approx. 48.093562, -122.446084].

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

11:52 - Northbound [approx. 48.097898, -122.454829].

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

11:24 - Two orcas heading north, mid Saratoga Passage. One male, moving lazily.

Peg Boley

11:21 - Two orcas mid Saratoga Passage near Summerland. Slow, one male.

Peg Boley [CWW]

10:59 - Heading to Coupeville. Almost to Bells Beach.

10:48 - At tip of Camano right now.

Erin Simms

10:35 - Five [orca], headed towards Camano.

10:00 - Reports of northbound orcas between Hat and Whidbey [Islands].

Lori Christopher

Sat, Oct 7 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

The orcas stayed around for a long time and hunted in close to shore just off the parking lot beach. Was so amazing! I made a few collages of my pics, one of which is just tails! So many behaviors - tail slaps, breaches, tail “stands”. They chased a couple seals for a stretch.

photos by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, October 7, 2023

T109A2A Seekah & younger sibling

T109A2D

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Some shots of T109A2’s Saturday in the North Sound.

photos by Jason Cook, October 7, 2023

16:14 - On the Hansville page someone posted eleven minutes ago that they were at Point No Point Lighthouse.

Melissa Peterson

15:42 - Just saw them again on our way home approaching Foulweather Bluff northbound. Close to shore.

Brian McGinn

14:09 - Point No Point - milling in same spot for thirty minutes just east of Point No Point.

13:44 - Point No Point - just east everyone on on shore is watching, lots of breaching and tail slaps. They have gone up west side of Whidbey.

Jenny Klis

13:25 - We are leaving the T109A2 pod after they caught a harbor porpoise and ate it. They are traveling again now to the northeast of my mark. Northwest direction [approx. 47.903640, -122.522411].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

13:14 - Three or four main channel west of Whidbey Island. South end, been there for about thirty, minutes. Just started heading north main channel.

Steve Lassiter

13:00 - Point No Point, looking south east - they are north of the WW boats and generally appear northbound. Multiple tail slaps and appear to be hunting.

Jenny Klis

Kim Sylvester called to report seeing the orcas nearing the Kingston ferry lanes (she's viewing from one mile north). Saw three fins, then pod dove facing eastbound.

12:39 - T109A2s are grouped up northwest direction [approx. 47.878105, -122.504611].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

12:15 - At Eglon now.

11:51 - SJC just found four individuals, looks to be part of the 109A[2]s. Traveling northbound towards Point No Point.

Alli Montgomery

11:08 - We're sailing in the Foul Weather Bluff race right now and just saw two to three orcas off Apple Point! They were headed northbound.

Dawn Perle

09:42 - They’re by Jeff’s [Jefferson] Head now.

Tanner Ibara

08:35 - Three females off Point Monroe, Bainbridge. Midchannel headed north.

Stephanie Miller [PSWS]

Fri, Oct 6 - San Juans (T18s & T137s - split in late morning)

Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #65:

“The team was working in the office when we heard that the T137s were off the south end of Henry Island. Since the boats present were leaving, we quickly headed down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 1147. We re-found the T137s about a half mile southeast of Kelp Reef and the encounter began at 1158…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #65.

14:00 - T18s/19s went up to Pender and were left in the no-go zone around 1400. T137s were headed south near the ODASS buoy going four knots in a tight group at 15:00.

John Boyd [WSSJI]

13:21 - T18 trailing and T19C tight to shoreline South Pender Island. Off Brooks Point Park heading west.

Sara Baldwin [WSSJI]

11:15 - A split: T137s only now southbound from Kellett Bluff, Henry Island in Haro Strait.

11:00 - They’ve gone around Green Point into New Channel (back side of Spieden).

09:45 - T18s and T137s milling in mid-Spieden Channel.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Fri, Oct 6 - San Juans (T123s)

15:24 - We left the T123s heading north into Eastsound, tight to Orcas shoreline.

Sara Baldwin

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Fri Oct 6 14:49:19 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.58477,-122.89616

Number Sighted: 5

Submitter Name: Christopher Kent

Whale Alert app

14:26 - While traveling aboard the ferry Issaquah (ferry on-time!) on her way to table the Issaquah Salmon Days (this weekend) she passed by pod of orcas traveling northeast in Upright Channel who she presumed was the T123s based on earlier tracking of them. T123s are T123C "Lucky" and her mom T123 "Sidney", her big brother T123A "Stanley" and little sister T123D "Darcy".

Fri, Oct 6 - North Puget Sound

16:18 - Still seeing multiple blows in generally same area west/northwest of Marina Beach. A bit further south than before.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

16:05 - Just got to see them for a couple of minutes but there were multiple breaches with their bellies facing me so I couldn’t see any dorsals. Captain announced them so someone else might have gotten a closer look.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

15:33 - Donna VanRenselaar called from eastbound ferry to report she is observing at least three orcas in the Edmonds/Kingston area in the northbound shipping lanes (or thereabouts) north of the ferry. Non directional at the time, whales were breaching (Is not the humpback who was out there doing same).

Fri, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

Set out to be a LAST minute adventure to remember. Not only did I spend time with some of my dearest human friends, I also got to spend time with what turns out to be a new pod of orcas for me. The T109A2 family of five came for a short south sound tour by Point Defiance and made it to the Narrows before flipping back up the Colvos Passage towards the Central Sound in the afternoon. The weather was STUNNING, the water was pretty choppy so being able to see them truly was a gift with all five fins being small. They surprised us with a celebration, from what I think was a successful sea lion hunt with spy hops, barrel rolls, COUNTLESS breaches, tail slaps, backwards cartwheels, sideways cartwheels, head stands, pectoral slaps, moonwalk and the most amazing sounds you could hear out of the water! Needless to say you can imagine the sounds we were making as well. It was almost like they loved us cheering them on. I will cherish this day forever like I do EVERY time I get to spend with my favorite animals.

photos by April Basham, October 6, 2023

18:25 - At Dilworth Point on Vashon at least four near shore slowly southbound.

J Felicity Welt

18:20 - Near Point Beals now, closer to Vashon. Still southbound.

18:04 - Southbound, mid channel! South of the north tip of Vashon now [approx. 47.493527, -122.413342].

Kate Hruby

17:16 - I’m seeing blows from Lincoln Park. Still appear southbound.

Bubba Also Bubba

17:10 - All I can see are blows. No dorsals from Emma Schmitz.

17:07 - Continuing southbound towards Dolphin Point in Vashon side of channel.

17:02 - From my perspective at Emma Schmitz, moved southbound to north Vashon ferry dock.

Mary Hartmann

16:57 - Crossing in front of the north Vashon ferry dock, moving north about mid channel now.

Jessica Medina

From earlier. At least two of them were very active.

photos by Karen Davis, October 6, 2023

16:47 - See blows from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle just northeast of north tip Vashon Island.

Mary Hartmann

16:47 - They are near the Vashon ferry heading northeast.

NM NM

16:44 - Now north of Point Southworth. Less playing, more travel mode, still northbound. Close to the Vashon side.

Hunter Sasser Oetinger

16:30 - At the tip of Vashon exiting the Colvos. Slowly from a kill.

April Basham

16:28 - Michael Newland we saw at least five orcas (couple babies and adult female) in Colvos Passage, pod is on the western side moving northbound toward Blake Island; they are right off the ferry dock at Southworth at this point.

16:23 - Stalled out south of Point Southworth. Lots of splashing and playing! Still trending northwards.

Hunter Sasser Oetinger

16:07 - This is the T109A2s.

Brittany Noelle

16:00 - Approx. six orcas with a very playful pod breaching and tail slapping a lot. One mile south of Southworth ferry heading northbound.

Tim Ferris

15:58 - Just saw a huge splash south of the Southworth ferry dock.

Jeanne Meyers

15:51 - Just south of Southworth heading north, Kitsap side.

Karen Davis

15:40 - My Vashon neighbor was just watching them from Fern Cove.

Roxane Jackson Johnson

14:40 - They have passed Fragaria still northbound. Mid channel to mainland side.

Candace Gavin

14:17 - Candace Gavin called to report they just found some orcas mid/north end Colvos Passage off Anderson Point County Park, traveling northbound favoring Kitsap side.

UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES

Thu, Oct 12 - Haro Strait

05:50 - Blows heard down island, south. Sounded like three to four individuals milling then the blows faded off to the south. Listening from one mile south of Landbank. (Additionally one juvenile great horned owl calling and two shooting stars!)

Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]

HUMPBACK WHALES

Thu, Oct 12 - Haro Strait

12:45 - Humpback traveling up island/north less than quarter mile from shore. One mile south of Landbank.

Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]

Thu, Oct 12 - Puget Sound

18:45 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 19:24 to report: 1845hrs: SPOKANE Captain reports a single humpback whale breaching multiple times, one mile west of the EDM terminal. No direction of travel noted.

17:55 - Humpback surfaced and then sounded facing south, east of mid channel between Point Wells, Woodway and Kingston.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

17:05 - Humpback is still hanging around. As viewed from the Edmonds ferry! Generally southbound [approx. 47.802638, -122.411541].

Candace Gavin

14:37 - On the 14:30 ferry from Edmonds to Kingston there is a humpback. On the Edmonds side generally southbound, north of the ferry lanes.

Candace Gavin & Jami Cantrell

Tue, Oct 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1795 Merlin, BCY1033 Scuttle, SEAK-2665)

BCY 1033 Scuttle

ID by Alethea Leddy

SEAK-2665

ID by Val Shore

BCX1795 Merlin

ID by Alethea Leddy

Today with a mix of sun and clouds with humpbacks flick and lunge feeding, kelping and gulping up bait near the shoreline! Always great to see so many this time of the year off Sooke!

Sooke Coastal Explorations

photos by Paul Pudwell, October 10, 2023

Mon, Oct 9 - Saanich Inlet, BC

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Mon Oct 9 10:32:40 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.61158,-123.48757 [mid Inlet]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitted Comments: hmile west/southwest of our position, Saanich Inlet.

Submitter Name: Jeff Hubbell

Whale Alert app

Mon, Oct 9 - Haro Strait

Humpback just passed Lime Kiln. North.

Cari Davis Othman [WSSJI]

Mon, Oct 9 - Puget Sound (CRC20898)

15:38 - Humpback crc20898 is milling at my map spot [approx. 47.793599, -122.461389].

Bart Rulon, PSE

15:20 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:26 to report: Salish Master reports 1 humpback whale SB just W of the Ferry lanes off KING.

Mon, Oct 9 - Central Puget Sound

19:00 - Reports of a humpback near Browns Point lighthouse. Apparently there were three breaches. I can’t confirm this for myself, as I saw it from my neighborhood group posting but I wanted to share for your records.

Mollie Segall

Sun, Oct 8 - San Juans

17:05 - 17:25 - Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, a single humpback quietly milling near Edwards Point. S/he came in close during one surfacing but mostly stayed 1/3 - 1/2 mile off shore, then traveled due west away from the island until out of sight. Photographed from shore.

photo by Michelline Halliday, October 8, 2023

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sun Oct 8 16:15:15 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.52086,-123.15441

Number Sighted: 1

Submitted Comments: Headed south past Lime Kiln Lighthouse, then returned north about 45 minutes later.

Submitter Name: Robb Cowie

Whale Alert app

13:23 - Not sure if it's the same, but a humpback just surfaced right in front of Lime Kiln, moving north.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

11:00 - Humpback breached in front of Land Bank, heading south.

Mary Schmitt [WSSJI]

Sun, Oct 8 - Puget Sound

14:54 - There’s a small humpback whale out here too [Possession Triangle area, viewing from Mukilteo]. Whale is heading south fast.

Alice Thuy Talbot

13:00 - Humpback approximately 400 yards off Clinton ferry terminal, heading southwest.

Florian Graner

Sat, Oct 7 - Haro Strait

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sat Oct 7 16:35:00 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.54284,-123.16091 [County Park, SJI]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Jen

Whale Alert app

15:45 - Rounding the point towards County Park.

Amy Nesler [WSSJI]

14:35 - Full breach in Deadman's Cove.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

14:15 - Humpback going back and forth between County Park and Lime Kiln, close to shore, longish dives.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Sat, Oct 7 - Puget Sound (CRC20243)

17:06 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 17:12 to report: Humpback 10/7 @1706 Spokane Master reports a humpback whale breaching mid channel between EDM and KING.

12:59 - SJC is with 20243 midchannel above the Kingston ferry lanes. Looks to be resting with lots of logging and slow activity [approx. 47.826363, -122.466787].

Alli Montgomery

12:00 - Humpback crc20243 is at my map spot [approx. 47.820409, -122.459571].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

09:19 - Victoria Clipper V reports a humpback in the [shipping] lanes pointed south between Point No Point & Eglon.

Christopher

Sat, Oct 7 - Central Puget Sound

16:44 - Sound Action just received a community report of a humpback between Sandy Shores and Gold Beach on Vashon Island. Reported to be headed north, but they often shuffle back and forth between here and the south end, so it may end up in any direction.

Amy Carey, Sound Action

12:15 - Humpback mid channel on the Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry. Several nice tail views.

Randy Turner

Fri, Oct 6 - Puget Sound (CRC20243, CRC20898, HW-MN0510662)

17:30 - I was able to see some spouts from Brackett’s Landing, didn’t see any dorsal fins so I am assuming it was some of the humpbacks seen today, heading north.

Kristina Marie

16:25 - As we came back in from our trip we spotted two more humpbacks just outside Edmonds. Neither one of them was CRC 20898, but we could also see 20898 out in the distance closer to Kingston at the same time! So we have three humpbacks currently in the Possession triangle now. The other two humpbacks we saw off Edmonds this afternoon are CRC-20243 and HW-MN0510662.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

13:48 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SALISH reports whale is still in the same area heading back towards KING.

I just got word from Alexandra Vanderzee, at Cascadia Research Collective, that the young humpback in my breach photo, in today's thread, got an official ID number today - CRC-20898.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

13:10 - Kingston to Edmonds ferry, think I saw two spouts in about the same location as reported earlier, but not 100% sure. Did look like a couple spouts though.

CJ Anderson

Newly designated CRC20898

12:54 - SJC leaving this lovely individual about their day. Calmed down their surfacing, but still seeing an errant breach. Right above the ferry lanes now.

photos by Alli Montgomery, October 6, 2023

12:14 - Allie Montgomery sent DM to report the San Juan Clipper (SJC) located one of the humpbacks breaching and pec slapping in the center of “Possession Triangle”, North of Kingston/Edmonds ferry traffic lanes. Per Allie it is the now known whale who has not yet been given an ID designation (not CRC20243) [approx. 47.837151, -122.449175].

12:08 - Sara Frey messaged to report there is a humpback whale who is breaching mid channel northeast of Apple Tree Point, Kingston north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry traffic lanes.

12:00 - We had the juvie breaching humpback milling at my map spot. Lots of breaches and pec slaps [approx. 47.821803, -122.434991]!

photo by Bart Rulon Art & Photography, October 6, 2023

Thu, Oct 5 - Haro Strait

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Thu Oct 5 14:55:12 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.52081,-123.15443

Number Sighted: 1

Submitted Comments: We are staying in a house directly above the cove immediately north of Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Throughout the day we saw a humpback whale feeding in the cove. We first heard the whale around 8:30 AM, then saw it in the afternoon, when it visited the cove on and off from 2:55 PM until about 7:15 PM.

Submitter Name: Robb Cowie

Whale Alert app

GRAY WHALES

Tue, Oct 10 - San Juans

09:46 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:53 to report: 0946hrs: Vessel SAMISH reports spotting one grey whale located one mile South of Reef Point heading in a south-bound direction.

Sat, Oct 7 - Washington Coast

14:04 - Watching gray whales feeding again at Damon’s Point, Ocean Shores.

photos by Cherie StOurs, October 7, 2023

MINKE WHALES

Thu, Oct 12 - Admiralty Inlet

17:40 - Large whale, likely minke, spotted north of Point Wilson Lighthouse, likely feeding and trending east toward Admiralty Head.

Tony Collins

Sat, Oct 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Trotsky

ID by Erin Johns Gless

15:12 - Several inkes feeding between Protection Island & Whidbey as seen aboard the MV Saratoga - Puget Sound Express.

photos by Jason Cook, October 7, 2023

UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES

Mon, Oct 9 - Puget Sound

09:50 - Whale fluke and spray sighted mid channel from the Bainbridge ferry. I believe it was just a single whale. North of ferry lanes heading north/northwest when it dove.

Hannah Fotherby

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