October 29, 2024

J47 Notch breaches in Puget Sound.

ID by Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

photo by Steve Rice, October 25, 2024

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J pod with the Edmonds ferry in the background.

photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 27, 2024

SUMMARY

Sightings through October 27 include:

Southern Residents - As of October 29, J Pod has been in inland Puget Sound for 11 straight days!

On October 22, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On October 23, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On October 24, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On October 25, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On October 26, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On October 27, J pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

In next report: On October 28, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound.

On October 29, J Pod spent the day in Puget Sound. K Pod & L Pod made their way north in Haro Strait!

Bigg's Killer Whales - On October 22, T65As (minus T65A3 & T65A5) & T99s (minus T99B) went through Active Pass.

On October 23, T49As were in Haro Strait.

On October 24, T65As (minus T65A3 & T65A5) & T99s (minus T99B) made their way south through Puget Sound.

On October 25, T65As (minus T65A3 & T65A5) & T99s (minus T99B) were spotted in Admiralty Inlet. T46Cs were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On October 26, T99s (minus T99B) were spotted in Possession Sound. T49As were in Haro Strait.

On October 27, T99s (minus T99B) made their way north through Saratoga Passage. T35As, T46s, & T49A1 traveled east and then eventually back west in Guemes Channel. T49As were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

In next report: On October 28, T99s (minus T99B) were spotted in Penn Cove before making their way south in Saratoga Passage.

Humpbacks - Humpbacks seen in inland Puget Sound!

Gray Whales - No reports.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

photo & ID by Jim Pasola, October 25, 2024

J Pod arrived in Puget Sound on October 19 and have stayed for eleven days straight. Observations indicate they are likely finding plenty of salmon during their stay and may be why they have remained inland so long. Check out this photo of J27 Blackberry sporting a salmon hat, taken from Point No Point! May they continue to find lots of fish during their stay here in inland Puget Sound. Meanwhile, on October 29, all of K pod & L pod made their way north in Haro Strait; perhaps they will visit inland Puget Sound in the near future!

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Sun, Oct 27 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

15:26 - I believe they flipped and were at the Kingston ferry or close. Nothing from Apple Tree Point yet.

Sara Frey

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13:12 - Seeing fins and blows from Fay Bainbridge, they still appear to be off of Jefferson Head, southbound.

Sara Perovich

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12:15 - Lost visibility from Richmond Beach due to weather. Last spotted west side mid Jefferson Point Road. Breaching and moving south.

Beriah SoOrio

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12:15 - Viewing from President Point towards Point Wells southbound.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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12:15 - I’m heading out! They’re still spread out southbound, here-ish [approx. 47.756641, -122.459685], breaching along the way. 

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:55 - Observable from Richmond Beach. Same south, quick heading, Kitsap side as reported.

Justin Goslin

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11:50 - Still really spread out. Five to ten are passing the Kingston ferry terminal now. Steady southbound.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:35 - Just left Apple Tree Point with trailing male approaching Kingston ferry, all were in fast southbound travel mode Kitsap side.

Donna Green Van Renselaar

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11:47 - Lots of breaching and slaps. They were very spread north to south. I think they are all past the ferry now still southbound.

11:35 - And another group with two males passing Apple Tree Point. Others well past the ferry. This group close to Kitsap side.

11:20 - One group at ferry. Another with large make still off Apple Tree southbound west side shipping lanes.

photos by Sara Frey, October 27, 2024

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11:30 - Visible from Kayu Kayu, line of sight is to Apple Tree Point. Southbound.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:10 - Very steady fast southbound travel west side of shipping lanes Apple Tree Point. Approaching the ferry. Large pod. There are other groups too. Very spread north to south.

Sara Frey

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10:56 - Sara Frey called to report presumably J pod had been moving south at a good pace, but then stalled and now super surface active, line of sight from Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay/Possession Point, west side of channel.

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10:29 - Sara Frey called to report orcas just north of Apple Tree Point on the west side of the shipping channel. Appear to be milling & foraging, no direction of travel.

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11:40 - Approaching Kingston ferry terminal, southbound and closer to Kitsap. 

photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, October 27, 2024

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12:00 - Multiple breaches in a row in front of President Point. My husband and 2 year old got to witness it with me [video in FB comments]!

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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J Pod from pass by Apple Tree Point mid-morning. Tough conditions but always a blessing! Grouped up passing Point Wells tank farm.

photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, October 27, 2024

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08:58 - I’m currently watching a KW [killer whale] breachfest in Possession Triangle. Based on massive bird activity I’m assuming there’s a lot of foraging going on [approx. 47.893795, -122.456060].

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

Sat, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

18:30 - Again.

18:20 - Heard them on the Sunset Bay Hydrophone.

Tenaya Brian Stecker

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17:32 - Seeing spouts from Eglon looking straight east but they are pretty much on the water line so spouts and male dorsals are all I'm seeing.

Jenny Klis

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17:18 - Still off of Eglon/Rose Point. They have not moved much in the hour I’ve been at Picnic Point but now moving south.

Heather Domenico

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17:06 - Last from me and Sara. J pod continues southbound travels with some foraging. Most all facing south but one guy decide to head back north. Due south of last update map.

16:45 - Js are now loosely grouped and have moved back west now mostly all south of Cultus Bay traveling south. Lots of breaching [approx. 47.903304, -122.434583].

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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16:25 - With research boat and straight across from Picnic Point Park.

Heather Domenico

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16:15 - Js continue to forage wide spread in same general area South Whidbey from south of Possession Point and to the west by at least a mile. Some surface activity (breaches, tail slaps) who looks to be research now with these groups, they had been further west so presume others out that way.

15:41 - Updated area of those we are seeing [approx. 47.883748, -122.417084].

15:36 - Sara found several more spread southeast of Possession Point, uncertain on direction due to distance. Possibly foraging.

15:26 - Spread out J pod members same general area south of Cultus Bay male in western foraging group and another male plus eastbound sightline Cultus Bay houses, South Whidbey. Map is general [approx. 47.896786, -122.416436].

15:14 - Sara Montour Lewis and I have been watching at least 8 J members spread out multi directional foraging behavior generally about half mile south of Cultus Bay. Includes at least one male.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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14:52 - Orcas heading back southbound off Stamm. East of mid. Very visible without binoculars.

Elise Cranston

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14:40 - They should be passing through Mukilteo. Lost sight of them from Edmonds, still northbound. West side of channel. They were pretty spread out.

Caitlin Emerson

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14:15 - At this point aiming towards Possession. Males still on the west/mid channel. Rest must be east. All well past the Kingston Edmonds ferry.

14:00 - Some at Edmonds ferry. Seeing males from Apple Tree Point so at least some mid or west side of mid channel. One breach. Steady northbound.

Sara Frey

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13:58 - Watching from Sunset Ave in Edmonds. They are just south of the cruise ship. Super spread out. Visible without binoculars!

Elise Cranston

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13:47 - They are on the east side of the channel, will be approaching Edmonds marina soon.

Catherine Alvarado Soto

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13:40 - Incredible views from the ferry from Edmonds, breaching, fins. 

Lila Borealis

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13:29 - Two right by yellow barge from Kingston.

Andrea Reinicke

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13:30 - Milling about, maybe foraging. Lots of back and forth in that same area. Viewing from President Point towards tip of Possession Point. I think they are in the shipping lanes. Hard to tell from here. 

13:23 - Moving quickly northwest towards Kingston. A couple near the tugboat/barge.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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13:13 - Pod at yellow buoy between Point Jefferson and Kingston. More Kitsap side moving north at good pace. From Richmond Beach.

Justin Goslin

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13:13 - Leader is passing the midchannel buoy in front of President Point.

13:07 - Pretty sure this guy on a jet ski just went right up on them. By the tugboat and garbage barge.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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13:07 - There is a group. Almost to Jefferson Point. Moving moderately but steady north. Likely be seen at ferry but pace hard to determine.

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12:54 - Observing from Richmond Beach. North of colored sailboats. Moving towards Jefferson Point. Mid channel. One big male.

Justin Goslin

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12:40 - One fin came up between Fay Bainbridge and Richmond Beach west of the sailboats currently in that area.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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12:30 - Sunset Hill Park, still visible midchannel but moving north.

12:21 - Seen mid-channel off Sunset Hill Park.

Jeff Meredith

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Miranda Coldren

Date of Sighting: October 26, 2024

Time: 12:18 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen:

Where seen: Golden Gardens Park

Direction of travel :

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They are heading northbound right now. There are at least three but I’m not sure beyond that. 

Photos available?: No

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11:50 - Observed four orca mid channel milling to drifting north off Sunset Hill Park.

Diane Abbey

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11:40 - Headed from West Point towards Bainbridge.

11:22 - [video in FB comments].

11:12 - Northbound just off West Point!

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11:15 - Two orca northbound near Yeomalt point, close to shore. One male, one indeterminant

11:25 - Two to three orca, northbound in the same location, just east of southbound shipping lane. At least two of them appear to be males.

Brent Cullimore

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11:08 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: PUYALLUP Captain reports the pod has moved NB towards EHBR. 

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10:53 - Seeing blows at red dot on map [approx. 47.615564, -122.454824].

10:42 - Lots of jumping chum, large male orca in line with Blakley Rocks. Visible without binoculars from 64th and Alki northbound.

Mary Hartmann

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10:41 - Viewing from Constellation Park, moving quickly northbound.

Hannah Blackburn

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10:37 - I just saw four go by Alki Beach heading north.

Lisa Claydon

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10:31 - Two breaches outer edge Elliott Bay north of ferry lane orcas northbound view from 64th and Alki.

Mary Hartmann

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J27 Blackberry

10:30 - The trailing male, also seen from 64th Alki.

photo by Steve Rice, October 26, 2024

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Rose Kasrai

Date of Sighting: October 26, 2024

Time: 10:28 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 3

Where seen: Northbound, passing Bainbridge and Discovery Park

Direction of travel : Northbound

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?:

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10:27 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHIMACUM reports 12 or so ORCA near Tango Bouy mid channel of the BREM traffic lanes.

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10:27 - Orcas northbound.

10:24 - Boat with orcas off 64th and Alki.

Mary Hartmann

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10:22 - Orcas going Northbound, just crossed behind Bainbridge ferry.

Rose Alita

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09:48 - Still northbound approaching Tillicum Village on Blake Island.

Jenny Olszowy

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From my sister in law on ferry (and ferry had slowed down for them to pass) [video in FB comments].

Grace McRae

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09:14 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:15 to report: C/M [of CATHLAMET] reports two ORCA NB near FAU.

Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

J27 Blackberry

From Point No Point. And the salmon hat. Sound Watch kept the few boats out in line. I wish they could be out with them every day. Link to more photos.

photos by Jim Pasola, October 25, 2024

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22:55 - Still hearing them.

Joe Dreimiller

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22:18 - Orca calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Linda Aitkins

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19:16 - Just started listening to the Sunset Bay hydrophone again and am hearing loud calls.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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18:25 - Someone, looked more to be orca than humpback, very surface active, either porpoising or breaching several times about half mile south of Cultus Bay.

18:10 - J pod members continue to forage south of Cultus Bay and Possession Point spread. In my lenses I’ve all at once: harbor porpoise, humpback, and lovely big J male, all foraging. Can’t express enough how surreal and how fortunate we are to inhabit this place with all these beauties [approx. 47.886167, -122.391053].

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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18:00 - Nice calls and echolocation clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone right now.

Orca Network

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17:55 - An unusual number of S42 calls, including some intense ones (likely made closer) that overlapped with lower amplitude S01 calls. That is evidence that more than one animal is doing the calling, so it seems that J pod members are having a conversation this evening!

Replay the ~20-minute bout here: Link to clip. -- and thanks to all the Orcasound listeners who have been helping tag the audio data with helpful reports in real time.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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17:45 - Beauty in abundance. J pod (those I’m observing) are still spread out south of Cultus Bay foraging, gulls and other seabirds partying around bait balls, pair of sea lions traveling along leisurely northbound, at least two dozen harbor porpoise foraging spread off Ocean Ave, while salmon jumping everywhere. Minke disappeared, humpback too with second possible sighting to the north sightline Possession Point. Indescribably surreal setting with glassy seas painted golden from setting sun.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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17:36 - Found them from the ferry home!! Look to be south of Scatchet Head, facing east.

Amy K. Fowler

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17:15 - Been watching Js in a wide spread generally in this area (map) from about half mile south of Cultus Bay to mile south of with group on oddly and others foraging on their own. Facing different directions. Research boat has departed south [approx. 47.883977, -122.412283].

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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17:04 - Still hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Orca Network

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16:42 - They’re about here [approx. 47.881786, -122.426981].

Samiksha Gulrajani

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My service isn't great at Point No Point I'm just reading these posts on my way home. They must have split. There was a lead group that I lost sight of. Then a humpback came through. Both research boats were deep into Maxwellton and those whales definitely flipped and headed south. A large male, I think Mike was closer to us and eventually flipped and headed south also last saw him off of Cultus Bay.

Jim Pasola

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16:47 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

T.L. Stokes

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16:45 - Captain of Swiftsure spotted them two miles east of our position [approx. 47.855493, -122.453111].

Amy K. Fowler

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16:15 - Seeing them still trending south, mid/west channel. Seeing south of Possession.

Sara Frey

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15:55 - I see them still southbound around Eglon right where all the smoke is coming up on the Kitsap. Edit: I can see the rest and they’re all facing different ways again.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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16:22 - Still hearing calls on Sunset Bay.

Joe Dreimiller

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15:58 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:05 - The lead whales are out in the triangle one of the big males, I think it's Mike, he's bringing up the rear southbound.

14:53 - It looks like they've flipped heading back south.

Jim Pasola

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15:00 - Saw at least four at Point No Point that flipped back south into triangle. Research boat was with them.

Jenny Klis

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14:45 - Appear to be southbound south of yellow buoy marker across from Maxwelton.

Jayn Goldsen

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14:35 - They have stalled off of Maxwellton foraging.

Jim Pasola

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14:35 - Dorsals in view, midchannel meandering north between Mutiny Bay and Foulweather Bluff.

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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14:20 - From Maxwelton can see a lot of activity between yellow buoy and Point No Point northbound.

Jayn Goldsen

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14:00 - The leaders are approaching the yellow buoy off of Maxwelton.

13:40 - Leaders have entered Admiralty northbound mid-channellish.

Jim Pasola

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13:27 - They’re almost out of my view northbound Admiralty side [approx. 47.886167, -122.467810].

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:21 - From Stamm Overlook, trending northwest at a good pace. Not clear whether or not they’ll commit into Admiralty but so far it looks like that’s the direction.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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13:00 - There are whales well north of the research boats that appear to be northbound and are a good bit farther east.

Jim Pasola

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12:30 - I’m watching from Sunset Ave in Edmonds and I can see spouts, breaches and I assume tail slaps! From my vantage point, they are out by the Point No Point Lighthouse.

Stephanie Brenaman

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12:35 - I'm seeing two boats with the whales, one looks like the blue sound watch boat, and one looks like the research boat with a platform on the bow. And they now appear to be heading this way.

12:20 - I moved to Point No Point they are more distant from here. The NOAA boat is with them I can't tell from the whales any direction of travel but the NOAA boat is actually moving southward.

Jim Pasola

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12:30 - Kim Paige called to report several orcas northbound on west side of channel headed northbound at decent pace between Eglon & Pilot Point.

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12:27 - Two double breaches in a row then a single breach line of sight Kingston ferry dock from here.

Jim Pasola

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12:05 - Found them from Picnic Point. Anyone searching from mainland they are behind Puget Sound Express. Can barely see them even through a scope. Was able to spot them because of splashes from breaches. Not clear direction of travel but guessing northbound. Line of sight is Eglon.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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12:00 - They haven't been foraging like they have previously steady northbound.

11:30 - I've been watching from Eglon, whales have steadily moved northbound now passing Haines Wharf line of sight.

Jim Pasola

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10:05 - Gosh the eastbound ferry to Edmonds got the best seat in the house! They looked to be right on them, stalled and then proceeded very slowly. Awesome. I could see some big breaches right after the ferry departed them! It looked like they were heading northwest when I saw them last.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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09:49 - They are in ferry lanes. Eastbound ferry has slowed to let them pass.

Jenny Klis

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10:05 - I’m on my way to Edmonds for a PSE tour and saw them from the Kingston ferry! I could go home now and be fully satisfied. We slowed for the whales and then the captain announced we had to throw it in reverse to get out of the way of the cargo ship!! Quite an unusual route for the ferry this morning but for very good reasons!

Amy K. Fowler

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09:53 - Two larger males and female leading, tight cluster 5+ whales less than half mile behind.

Colleen Farrell

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09:41 - Viewing from ferry to Edmonds. Group of 6+ is south of ferry lanes but heading north pretty quick.

Amy K. Fowler

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09:36 - They are definitely closer to east side. Leaders are heading towards the ferry lanes now.

Moving quickly. Group has moved past Point Wells. Cargo ship is heading south through them right now. 

09:25 - I can [see] at least 10-15 big group super spread out heading north. Most in front of Point Wells right now.

09:16 - Orcas are in front of President Point mid channel marker heading north!

photo by Ashley Alecci Goninan, October 25, 2024

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09:00 - Off Jefferson Head, heading north. Link to FB videos. Link to more video.

Kathie Baxter

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09:00 - Ten or more of them went past Point Jefferson Kingston heading north. A couple of them were busy breaching and tail slapping.

photo by Chris Beamer Otterson, October 25, 2024

Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

19:57 - I'm hearing them too!

T.L. Stokes

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19:25 - Starting to hear faint calls again on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

18:07 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Linda Aitkins

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17:41 - Viewing from Edmonds pier some are near Kingston heading northwest mid channel.

Shuai He

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17:37 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:58 to report: 1737hrs: Vessel reports 8 orca moving north, just east of the NB traffic lanes off Edwards Point. 

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17:30 - Northbound J pod. I moved south to see what leaders were doing and found no one, so came back to Kayu Kayu and see quite a few spread out north of tank farm (Point Wells) mid channel. Haven’t seen any south of them yet. So many were still southbound when I left but they must have flipped shortly after.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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17:30 - Orca sighting just north of Kingston headed north.

Kathie Baxter

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17:15 - I'm seeing quite a few head north, possible flip? Meeting up?

Conner Helms

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17:11 - There were a lot more behind - saw at least three males and several females, close to the Kitsap side. Moving very slow but steady southbound.

Sara Frey

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17:09 - Appears all whales have cleared the Kingston/Edmonds ferry lanes southbound.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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17:00 - Viewing from Kingston. Appeared to be Milling in front of Point Wells before Matson ship passed through.

Camille Marvin

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16:51 - J pod leaders of those I’ve seen have passed yellow mid channel buoy off Richmond Beach. Seeing others including male back to south of Apple Tree Point west of eastbound ferry. All slow southbound. Map is general spread of those I’ve observed [approx. 47.775194, -122.459548].

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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16:50 - Large males, west side of shipping lanes off Apple Tree Point. Others, close to Kitsap side. 

photos by Sara Frey, October 24, 2024

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16:42 - Seeing four to six orcas approaching ferry lanes from Kingston overlook southbound… a few grouped together.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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16:35 - Some of the trailers are still north of Apple Point Cove, slowly southbound. West side of the triangle. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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16:30 - I just pulled up to Kayu Kayu Ac Park in Shoreline and have spotted at least six to eight females/juvies/ little one, due west spread in singles to pair slow steady southbound mid channel to east of.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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16:14 - Leaders passing Kingston going south from my viewpoint (Edmonds dog park), decently spread. Look far away but I think east of mid based on where they were in comparison to ferries.

15:53 - I would definitely say mid[channel] and from Edmonds dog park they look directly across the water.

Conner Helms

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13:54 - Oh! They've reappeared! Just off Possession, research vessel still with them! 

Sarah Crumb

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15:38 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Olivia Carpenter

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15:14 - West side of channel, cargo ship headed straight through them.

15:06 - Straight out from Sunset heading south. Research boat following.

Julie Harris Martin

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15:05 - A little more southwest from my last update still foraging.

14:25 - Foraging around here [approx. 47.876760, -122.415666].

Alice Thuy Talbot

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14:37 - They've started heading south between Edmonds and Eglon now. Kind of spread out. Vessel still following. 

Sarah Crumb

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13:43 - Headed southbound from Whidbey.

13:21 - Can see them from Stamm Overlook as well - far off in the distance but still very visible - right next to research vessel (two little orange ppl in a tiny boat! So magical.

Aubrey Rae

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13:21 - Trending north, lead group past green buoy, trailer spread behind. Research and white boat visual markers. Stamm Overlook.

12:41 - Fantastic breaches, increased surface activity right when hydrophone calls happened. Appear to be moving east, northeast.

Justin Goslin

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12:36 - I am hearing calls now on the Beach Camp at Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Jennifer Taylor

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12:30 - I moved to Sunset to warm up in the car, and you can still see them. Look for the research vessel out near Whidbey, and scan out at that distance. Viewing is a little less clear from the lower height, but you can still see fins. 

Sarah Crumb

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12:17 - Still able to be seen by research boat in area Alice noted above. The group appears in a line south of research boat. Far off viewing from Stamm Overlook.

Justin Goslin

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11:56 - I see them here still [approx. 47.884505, -122.444536].

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:51 - Trending south, definitely closer to Edmonds side. Watch the research vessel, they're right on them. 

Sarah Crumb

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11:28 - Saw some fins out by Eglon. They’re all pointed north. I think a research vessel is with them?

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:45 - Have definitely moved farther east I can barely see them.

Jim Pasola

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11:44 - There's a big bait ball with a huge flock of seabirds that they're hunting in or by. Research vessel staying close. Kinda milling about, circling the ball. 

11:28 - Three breaches in a row! Looks like a research vessel is on site and the sailboat is keeping their distance. 

11:21 - I can see them from Stamm Overlook out mid channel. Very far off, but definitely saw fins. North of that big flock of birds on the water.

Sarah Crumb

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11:20 - I've moved to Point No Point and from here they just appear to be out in the triangle. There's a big ship that's heading right for the northernmost whales and it also appears that the small NOAA research boat is with them.

Jim Pasola

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11:11 - I think those may be Jpod - seeing about five blows from Eglon but not sure since it’s blurry.

Sarai Yousif 

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10:50 - They have moved pretty well north and for the last ten minutes or so all direction has been northwest they might be making a move.

10:35 - Some of them are pretty grouped up and they're just having a ball. Splashing and jumping clearly foraging back and forth trending slightly northbound.

10:16 - I'm seeing a lot of whales straight out I guess there this side of mid-channel but still a long way off. There's a ground swell and it's misty foggy on the other side, so I can't see all the way across. Seeing lots of activity breach blows tail slaps.

10:10 - From Eglon, I see one large fin and a blow line of sight at Haines Wharf.

Jim Pasola

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08:43 - Kim Paige called to report J pod midchannel headed slowly southbound between Eglon & Pilot Point.

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8:30 - Hearing echolocation clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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08:15 - They’ve moved a bit more west and south. Some tail slaps and a breach. Still foraging. No direction. Also long down times

07:49 - They're in the triangle just outside of south Mukilteo, north Edmonds [approx. 47.889152, -122.370629].

Alice Thuy Talbot

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07:30 - Heard a faint call on Sunset Bay.

Joe Dreimiller

Wed, Oct 23 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

JPod, Admiralty Inlet. Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 23, 2024

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If there’s ever even a ‘chance’ to see J-pod, you have to go check – even though you know they’ll be way off in the distance. Even so, it was magical to see them as they were off Bush Point heading northbound – but then they flipped and were even further away as they headed back south – probably to the Possession Triangle. So humbling to see them. LOVE.  

photos by Jill Hein, October 23, 2024

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A few very long distance pics from Point No Point this afternoon. I thought I had a few small fins but the boys stood out at this range. Glad they headed back! Just too many fish in the Sound to leave. Link to more photos.

photos by Jim Pasola, October 23, 2024

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21:00 - [on Sunset Bay hydrophone].

Sarah Geist

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20:52 - Starting to hear calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Linda Aitkins

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20:41 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone!

Katie West

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18:23 - Still watching the last few southbound just south of Bush Point, but I’m losing light!

Heidi Bruns Shank

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17:55 - Trailer passing Bush Point southbound.

Marilyn Armbruster

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17:55 - This was the trailer headed back south. 

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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17:40 - Still hearing some calls on Bush Point hydrophone.

Orca Network

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17:37 - Two large males out from Bush Point boat launch but aimed southbound.

Marilyn Armbruster

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17:30 - They flipped at Bush Point.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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17:30 - Still on Bush Point hydrophone... so amazing to hear them.

Kevin Phillips

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17:13 - Still audible on Bush Point hydrophone.

Orca Network

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17:05 - Just starting hearing them [Bush Point hydrophone] a couple minutes ago.

Theresa Duerst

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17:02 - You can hear them on the Bush Point hydrophone.

Danielle Lanxon

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17:01 - Still appear to be traveling northbound.

17:00 - Able to view from East Beach on Marrowstone Island with binoculars south of the Bush Point yellow buoy.

Jennifer Taylor

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17:00 - Most or almost all have passed Bush Point northbound.

photo by Marilyn Armbruster, October 23, 2024

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16:57 - Confirming J pod faint call in vessel noise detected by an awesome Orcasound - Listen for Whales listener on the Bush Point hydrophone. Thanks to Orca Network for maintaining this location! Link to clip.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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16:42 - Viewing from Bush Point. Jpod is spread a bit north/south. They are hanging mid to other and continuing their travels northbound. 

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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16:27 - Nice tight group mid channel between Foulweather Bluff and Mutiny Bay headed north.

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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16:25 - Relocated them between Bush Point and Cape Foulweather mid channelish northbound still.

15:40 - Big spread between north side of Double Bluff and Foulweather Bluff northbound. Beautiful blows of many orca mid channel to Whidbey side of mid [approx. 47.956614, -122.557648].

Marilyn Armbruster

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16:20 - Seeing a group mid-channel out from Mutiny Bay and closer blows to Foulweather as well. Viewing from just south of Bush Point.

Heidi Bruns Shank

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16:09 - Viewing from Shore Meadow. Had quite a few at the yellow channel marker headed north. Then lots of directional changes. Thought they may have flipped, but see some west side of mid passing the top of Foulweather.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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15:15 - A lot of splashing and breaching in the far distance seen from Maxwelton. Maybe going into Hood Canal.

Jayn Goldsen

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15:20 - Another look from the parking lot before I head out, the lead whales I see are off of Double Bluff, Whidbey side, northbound. Several more behind them, line of sight Sunlight Beach.

15:10 - I have to leave the lead group is passing Sunrise Beach. There was a larger group approaching, look like they might be closer, but they've disappeared.

Jim Pasola

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15:00 - I see a lot of spouts from Maxwelton north of yellow buoy northbound.

Jayn Goldsen

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14:51 - Whales are heading northwest out of Possession triangle.

Aisha Rashid

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14:50 - This small Lead group has passed the yellow buoy off Maxwelton, northbound. There's still a lot of whales behind pretty far behind actually.

14:40 - I have at least three whales, one male off of Scatchet Head northbound.

14:30 - I'm seeing quite a few whales. I've seen all three of the males. They have definitely moved this way, but I believe they're just drifting with the outgoing tide, they're foraging, moving in all directions. Line of sight from Possession Point to Edmonds so they're well spread out. They are spending a lot of time underwater for residents. Many, many fish jumping everywhere.

14:00 - From Point No Point I've seen two, line of sight about Picnic Point just foraging. I'm seeing several more now at least two males visually from Point No Point; they're right in front of that tug pulling the barge, but they're quite a bit this way.

Jim Pasola

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13:00 - Still in the same general area in the triangle. Viewing breaches and blows between Maxwelton and from Eglon to south of Point No Point. No real direction. Foraging.

12:15 - Have eyes on them south of Maxwelton. Look northbound towards Admiralty so far.

Sarah Geist

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11:47 - Finally got visuals on them. Viewing from Sunset Bay. Appear to be traveling northbound back towards Possession Triangle. West of mid channel, line of sight Eglon [approx. 47.864053, -122.443547].

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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11:41 - [approx. 47.862697, -122.436618].

11:25 - Viewing from Brackett's Landing. Spread groups milling in line with Double Bluff on Whidbey.

11:03 - Viewing from Stamm. They appear to be mid channel in line with Eglon trending south.

Olivia Carpenter

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10:40 - Viewing from Stamm towards Point No Point seeing sprays, dorsal fin facing southwest loosely grouped up appears to be mid channel.

Jaymi Davison Garvett

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10:23 - Faint calls heard over ship noise.

09:37 - Lots of beautiful Jpod calls on the Sunset Bay Hydrophone right now.

Orca Network

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09:21 - Loud calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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09:21 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay. 

Joe Dreimiller

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07:03 - Loud J Pod calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

Tue, Oct 22 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

From the ferry - J Pod. Link to FB reel.

Fusa NZ

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18:12 - Just left Eglon. From there, they looked to be out from Edmonds marina. Still trending south, lots of surface activity.

Katie West

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17:20 - Just saw them from Eglon heading south approaching Edmonds.

Lori Pinkney

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16:41 - They look to be southbound more toward Kitsap side. Viewing from Possession Beach Park on Whidbey.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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16:34 - Straight out ahead at Picnic Point seeing with binoculars breaching! At least five orcas. Behind and in front of the freight boat.

Delaney Grieve

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16:32 - Bigger group ahead, saw a breach about 10 minutes ago. Maybe mid channel but east of the shipping lane as a big ship just went by. Some are still south. From my spot, I can’t tell if going north or south or milling.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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16:30 - Spread out of Picnic Point, seem to be drifting south now.

16:19 - Can see blows from Picnic Point, possibly westbound southwest of Possession Point buoy.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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16:18 - I just saw them in the far distance from the 16:00 Mukilteo to Clinton ferry, mid way, blows way off in the Possession Triangle! funny how happy just seeing distant whale blows can make you.

Susan Berta, Orca Network

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16:15 - Big male south of the buoy, westbound.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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16:12 - Looks like some are headed south on Kitsap side. Viewing from Picnic Point.

Delaney Grieve

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16:12 - Viewing from Possession Beach Park. They are west bound. From my vantage point I see them in the vicinity of the channel marker/buoy.

Michele Tosh Brodsky

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16:07 - Had so many. Drifting towards me at Possession. Now almost al have headed west out of view.

Sarah Geist

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16:00 - From Glendale looking south - I can see the whales and research boat. Whales are spread and moving in all directions. Lots of surface activity.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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15:53 - Picnic Point. Can see blows scattered with the naked eye, far out. Going all different directional changes, seem to be milling still.

Delaney Grieve

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15:49 - Seeing many now. Foraging with a northeast drift.

15:39 - Seeing a large group south of Possession boat launch.

Sarah Geist

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15:44 - Trending northeast again, in line with Cultus Bay from my perspective.

15:23 - Still spread out in the same area, lots of directional changes.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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15:20 - They’re still in the same general area they have been for the last hour or so. Some have made it slightly more north east but spread all over the triangle still. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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15:07 - Calls continuing on the hydrophone. 

T.L. Stokes

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14:56 - Spread out, facing north. Calls continuing on hydrophone.

14:51 - Still milling spread out in middle of Possession Triangle, direction of travel unclear.

Orca Network

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14:52 - Still stalled in the same area as Rachel's update. Some breaching earlier. Hearing calls on the hydrophone.

14:16 - Spread out north to south, some near orange research boat and others trailing, all northbound east of midchannel. Viewing from Stamm Overlook [approx. 47.880539, -122.408848].

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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14:39 - Heard on hydrophone. 

Joe Dreimiller

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14:38 - Trending north slightly.

14:35 - Seem to be stalled some spread foraging in this area [approx. 47.873959, -122.423562].

Rachel Haight

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14:22 - Single clear S01 call on Sunset Bay hydrophone! You can replay it here: link to clip.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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14:07 - Whales now at Possession Bar, spread out fishing, some trending north/northeast [approx. 47.862626, -122.434462].

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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14:07 - Heading northeast mostly but some are facing different directions.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:50 - Visible from Stamm Overlook Park with binoculars.

Olivia Carpenter

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13:48 - [calls on Sunset Bay].

Sarah Geist

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13:40 - Saw a male popping up a few times near Haines Wharf Park (I think? White structure) from Kingston-Edmonds ferry. Ferry did a great job moving slowly entire way.

Fusa Nz

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13:15 - Frrom Edmonds fishing pier heading north can view with naked eye.

Kayla Zabecki

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13:04 - Heading into ferry lanes.

13:01 - Blows straight off of Marina Park in Edmonds. Northbound, west of mid.

Deb Cronheim

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12:55 - A group closer to east is just south of ferry lane heading northbound, viewing from 12:40 Edmonds-Kingston ferry.

Fusa Nz

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12:53 - Moved quickly and seemingly closer to the east side as viewing is getting difficult from here.

12:44 - Viewing from President Point midchannel passed buoy. Small boat with them. Heading north.

Ashley Alecci Goninan

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12:06 - Viewing from Carkeek Park. Directly across on west side of the channel. Spread and milling, slightly trending north.

Olivia Carpenter

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11:59 - Viewing from Sunset Hill Park. Near three boats. Can’t tell direction [approx. 47.764256, -122.455373].

Kayla Zabecki

11:22 - Watching from Daybreak Star, four to five whales spread out northbound, directly east of Port Madison, mid channel.

Aja Petee

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10:30 - Watching from Valley Road Bainbridge. Slowly moving south… mid to west of channel, breaching, surfing on the wake of big boat, beautiful!

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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10:12 - About a mile north of this ship!

10:10 - Watching from Rolling Bay on Bainbridge... many orca, mid channel, spread out, traveling south. Currently north of fishing boats.

Kimberly Sylvester

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09:44 - Looks like some are south of Port Madison, close to Kitsap side. Still southbound.

Larry Benesh

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08:52 - They are very spread out, now south of President Point… did see one full breach! 

08:25 - Orcas southbound, near Shoreline, east side, three or four, and one mid channel.

Trish Moylan Davis

Sun, Oct 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T49As)

T49A4 Neptune

T49A6 Charlie II

Race Rocks Light is the second lighthouse built on Canada's west coast… AAA look at the foreground! Breacher is T49A4 Neptune. In the same area around Race Rocks, also got humpback lunge feeding of anchovies & T49A6 Charlie "lunge feeding" of a bird (he caught it with a motion very much like a humpback lunge!). He is an unique young orca with an underbite. Taken in showery weather, so there was a rainbow. 

photos & IDs by Hongming Zheng, October 27, 2024

Sun, Oct 27 - Guemes Channel (T35As, T46s, T49A1)

T35A1 Opal

T46E Thor

T35As & T46s off Cap Sante, Anacortes. T49A1 was also around but I never saw him. Link to FB videos. Link to more photos.

photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, October 27, 2024

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17:20 - Pods in Guemes Channel. Bigg’s?

Rosie James

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17:08 - They’re just now passing the Anacortes ferry. I’m moving to Washington Park from the Guemes Channel Trail.

16:51 - At least three orca heading west in San Juan passage Anacortes.

Lorena Perez

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16:50 - Ten orca westbound near Anacortes ferry terminal - T35A’s, T46’s and T49A1.

Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing [WSSJI]

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16:40 - Nearing southwest tip of Guemes close to Guemes moving quick.

16:17 - Westbound into Guemes Channel.

16:05 - Found these whales again between Cap Sante & Hat Island, last surfacing was facing west. 

14:20 - Per boats on AIS, they are between Samish & Guemes Islands.

13:05 - Finally on the move east/northeast near southeast tip of Guemes. Believe I have T35A1 in my photos so would presume they were with 35As but will go through photos at home later to confirm.

12:52 - Still stalled just northeast of Cap Sante Park.

12:31 - Stalled on hunt, 46s & others.

12:15 - East of Cap Sante.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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07:51 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:52 to report: YAKIMA Captain reports 6 Orca east of Thatcher Pass heading SB [southbound].

Sun, Oct 27 - Saratoga Passage (T99s minus T99B)

14:30 - Before we left the scene, the T99s killed another animal and were circling on their meal [approx. 48.253453, -122.618964].

14:05 - They appear to be on the move again slowly after eating their meal. Northbound [approx. 48.225213, -122.615874].

13:58 - Eating a meal just north of my last map.

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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13:48 - Passing Harrington. Swiftsure went inshore of them and pushed them out a bit.

Sarah Geist

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13:44 - Update northbound [approx. 48.211788, -122.607016].

13:25 - Northbound [approx. 48.188811, -122.586080].

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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13:20 - Passing Race Lagoon. Still northbound fast. Whidbey side.

Sarah Geist

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T99 Bella

13:00 - Heading north Whidbey side about three miles north of Hidden Beach moving fast.

photo by Aaron Gill, October 27, 2024

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13:00 - Northbound. T99 pod minus T99B [approx. 48.151017, -122.565458].

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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12:52 - Finally see them Whidbey side north of Hidden Beach just north of Swiftsure.

Aaron Gill

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12:50 - Past Hidden Beach.

12:45 - Eyes on at Hidden Beach. Northbound Whidbey side in Saratoga. Moving FAST!

Sarah Geist

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12:45 - North of Cama Beach. Mid northbound fast! Thought mid but Whidbey side for sure…

12:30 - Just north of Greenbank farm northbound not far off North Bluff Road.

11:50 - Passing Honeymoon Bay Area on west side of Holmes Harbor fairly quickly. Northbound.

Marilyn Armbruster

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12:23 - Whales are west side of mid, exiting Holmes Harbor. Currently still traveling north. Grouped up. Long downs. It’s cold.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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11:27 - Per Cindi, they are now headed north away from Freeland.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:10 - Cindi Crowder Rausch called to report she found these whales deep in Holmes Harbor by Freeland.

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09:20 - Northbound of Whidbey side approaching Baby Island, still seeing some surface activity. Wind is picking up now. Last update from me.

09:02 - Lots of tail slapping north of Fox Spit, some birds circling overhead. Still on Whidbey side slowly northbound.

08:47 - Visible from Camano Island State Park, northbound on Whidbey side just south of East Point, three to four, including one male, looks good for T99s.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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08:07 - They moved out of sight towards the north, moving slowly.

07:48 - Pod of at least three orcas milling mid-channel in the Saratoga Passage about a mile north of Langley. Seem to be drifting slowly north but mostly hanging out [approx. 48.071698, -122.427192].

photo by Andrew Wright, October 27, 2024

Sat, Oct 26 - Haro Strait (T49As)

T49A6 Charlie II was feeling the waves between his teeth this afternoon in Haro Strait!

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, October 26, 2024

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16:40 - Exited Roche Harbor going north. Heading east into Spieden.

16:10 - Heading north through Mosquito Pass.

13:05 - Heading up island.

12:50 - Aiming at Pile Point now from less than a mile offshore.

12:30 - Lots of zig zagging, impossible to say where they’ll hit the island.

12:18 - T49As heading northeast from Discovery towards San Juan.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Sat, Oct 26 - Possession Sound (T99s minus T99B)

14:08 - Passing Tillicum Beach northbound.

PSWW GroupMe

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13:29 - Last surface was just to the right of the green channel marker. Whales were headed into Port Susan. 

Cindi Crowder Rausch

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1:19 - They appear to be committed to going into Port Susan now as we depart the scene. North direction [approx. 48.054331, -122.350478].

1:07 - Update on the T99 pod. They are starting to travel now very slowly north at my map spot [approx. 48.044595, -122.349360]. They seem to be aiming a bit towards Port Susan but it’s a bit too early to tell yet. 

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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12:50 - Possibly on a kill/foraging. Very slow moving northbound [approx. 48.030702, -122.353478].

Marilyn Armbruster

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12:44 - Update on T99 pod minus Holly still eating their meal milling at my map spot [approx. 48.031077, -122.340187].

12:21 - T99 pod confirmed eating a meal. Minus T99B.

Bart Rulon Wildlife

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11:50 - Spotted together mid channel slowly northbound [approx. 48.014550, -122.349734].

Lori Christopher

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11:20 - They've decided to go west side of Hat Island. Still northbound mid-channel. One male. One or two others with him.

11:10 - At least two northbound mid-channel moving quickly. Past Mukilteo-Clinton ferry run. 

Theresa Mitchell

Fri, Oct 25 - Haro Strait

14:30 - Orca Sighting. Mid-Haro west of Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Moving north.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

Fri, Oct 25 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Cs) 

T46C1 Tsunami

T46C Carmanah

San Juan de Fuca, T46Cs! Link to more photos.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 25, 2024

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T46C Carmanah 

T46C1 Tsunami

Another fun day out on IE5 – and yet another unusual sighting – this time with the T46Cs who rarely come into our waters. The word must be out, we have tasty seals! Way over by Victoria Sam spotted the whales – yay!! T46C matriarch Carmanah (b.1994), T46C1 Tsunami (b.2006), T46C3 Razor (b.2013) and T46C4 Hobi (b.2018). It was cold and windy but fun to see them ploughing/porpoising through the seas. 

photos by Jill Hein, October 25, 2024

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T46C3 Razor

T46C1 Tsunami

I could live these fall days forever! Yesterday was another amazing day on the water. I met the T46Cs (new to me!) who rarely come into our area and are seen more often in Alaska. Included were matriarch/mom T46C Carmana (b. 1994) and 3 of her kiddos, gorgeous big boy T46C1 Tsunami (b. 2006 and who is sporting some gnarly rake marks on his head and side), T46C3 Razor (b. 2013), and T46C4 Hobi (b. 2018). Such a beautiful family! The clouds and sky and colors were incredible, too, with layers and layers. Add in some friends - Jill Hein, Bonnie Gretz, Cindi Crowder Rausch - and how could you ask for more?

photos by Donna George, October 25, 2024

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T46C1 Tsunami & T46C Carmanah

T46C4 Hobi

We headed west on a gray but lovely day, beautiful clouds around the Olympics and both Tahoma and Kulshan showing! Thanks to naturalist Sam's amazing spotting skills, we found the rare visitors to the Salish Sea, the T46C matriline, descendants of T46, the prolific T46 Wake. They are matriarch T46C Carmanah (b. 1994), son T46C1 Tsunami (b. 2006), and youngsters T46C3 Razor (b. 2013) and T46C4 Hobi (b. 2018). Daughter T46C2 Sam (b. 2009) has dispersed from the group but has been seen out and about. We caught up with them off Constance Bank in BC (Thanks to Capt. Tyson for playing "O Canada" as we crossed the border!) and at first they were a bit spread out, then the trailers started porpoising to catch up as they headed west. Very cool to see a pod new to me! We then turned northeast to try to catch up with the T36's and T65A5 but just caught brief glimpses as they were speeding north and we had to head home. A lovely, chilly fall day with lovely orcas and good friends on a great boat! 

photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 25, 2024

Fri, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T99s minus T99B)

16:01 - Currently south bound, grouped close together.

Grayden Kelbert

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16:00 - Pretty much milling/foraging? directional changes around the same spot on Amy’s map. Mid channel and a few miles south of Bush Point. Possibly trending southeast but can’t say for sure.

Marilyn Armbruster

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15:56 - Swiftsure found T65As and 99s at my location [approx. 48.004833, -122.622480]!

Amy K. Fowler

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14:50 - We are seeing them mid channel slowly headed northwest, between one mile south of Bush Point and Foulweather Bluff, and now spread out and headed past the entrance to Hood Canal.

Susan Berta, Orca Network

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09:59 - Eight to ten minute down times, slooow moving. Glassy calm waters. Approx. here [47.990295, -122.598098]. I took some distant hazy photos, looks probable for 65As & 99s but can't be certain. 

09:44 - Tight group of orcas slow northbound, long down times, north end Mutiny Bay, Whidbey side. 

Rachel Haight, Orca Network 

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09:05 - Victoria Clipper reported six or maybe more orcas close to shore at Double Bluff heading north towards Admiralty Inlet.

Tony Tilt

Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T99s minus T99B)

At Elliot Bay.

photo by Ernie Yip, October 24, 2024

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T99C Barakat & T65A4 Ellifrit

T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A Artemis, T99 Bella

T65As & T99s head into Commencement Bay, Link to video. Link to more photos. 

photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, October 24, 2024

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18:40 - Single seen hunting really close to the Hamilton Park Pier.

Torry Chamberlayne

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18:30 - All grouped up, westbound past Chinese Reconciliation Park! Around eight individuals. Seeing surface activity in front of old town dock. Losing light.

Brooke Casanova

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18:15 - They were on a hunt right off of Thea’s Park, but have since disappeared on a dive.

18:07 - At least three to four still deep in Commencement across from Tyee Marina.

Mollie Segall

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17:40 - They are across from Tyee Marina near the Port.

Jason Cook

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17:40 - Beautiful looks from Cliff House as they continue southeast/south. They split up and started racing thru the water at one point.

17:23 - Some going east into Commencement.

17:20 - Off Browns Point. Had been angled southeast towards Browns but then seemed more due southbound passing us by.

17:04 - Southbound passing Dash Point fairly close in.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: October 24, 2024

Time: 4:58 PM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 7

Where seen: East Passage, Federal Way side, off 53rd Ave (not a viewing point)

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: 2

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: group closer to shore w/1 male, 3 females, 2 calves/smaller; 1 other male further out in channel and behind, near the small boat which is now behind them rather than ahead. Will pass Dash Point in next few minutes.

Photos available?: No

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Sharon Allsup

Date of Sighting: October 24, 2024

Time: 4:53 PM

Species seen: orca

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: East passage, mainland/Federal Way side, roughly off 51st (not a viewing point)

Direction of travel : South towards Dash Point/Browns Point

Behaviors observed: traveling?

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: brief sighting of 1 male dorsal, still watching for others; a bit behind a small boat, between it and mainland. Should be visible from Dash Point Park shortly if not already

Photos available?: No

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16:55 - Looking straight across the water from Gold Beach, very much on the mainland side of the channel, southbound.

Marla Smith, Orca Network

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16:54 - Whales near beach on east side of channel.

16:47 - Getting close to Dash Point.

Ryan Dicks

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16:06 - They are coming up to Point Robinson lighthouse.

Matthew Lau

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Male is T99C Barakat

T65A2 Ooxjaa

16:00 - T65A2 from just north of the Des Moines pier.

photos by April Janice Basham, October 24, 2024

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16:04 - Spread in two loose groups, lead group south of Des Mounes pier steady southbound, some choppy water, windy.

15:57 - Moving fast south, blows easy to see without binos, almost put from Des Moines pier.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:53 - Still north of the marina.

15:50 - Spotted them from Des Moines Marina. VERY windy appear to be mid channel headed south.

Mandy Michelle

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15:50 - Approx. here southbound [47.408584, -122.358830].

15:20 - Southbound past Three Tree Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:44 - Wow rest of the group just north of Brace Point, east side of channel. The male I was following was well south last time I saw him.

Steve Rice

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14:37 - Visible without binoculars from Lincoln Park southbound just south of ferry lane. Blows are gorgeous.

Mary Hartmann

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14:23 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. Mid channel. North of ferry lane.

Jodi Winterton

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14:22 - South of north end of Vashon as viewed from Brace Point.

Steve Rice

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14:20 - Close to shore Lincoln Park milling north of ferry lane.

Mary Hartmann

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14:01 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, the whales are steady southbound between Vashon Ferry dock and Dolphin Point. Sunlight picking up blows.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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13:35 - Passing Manchester southbound as viewed from Constellation Park. Mid channel, much closer than earlier.

Steve Rice

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13:21 - Right behind the Clipper southbound [approx. 47.593858, -122.463026].

Alexander Simenstad

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13:07 - Clip as they were passing Eagle Harbor with some enthusiasm as viewed from 64th Alki.

Steve Rice

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12:50 - T65As and others southbound off Eagle Harbor! Seven to eight animals, four knots.

Brian McGinn

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12:40 - This group is almost to ferry lanes now... group of four coming up regularly as they move south.

12:30 - Group of orcas, five to seven, in outer Elliot Bay southbound mid-west of channel between sight line Skiff Point, Bainbridge Island and Magnolia.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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12:08 - My mom is viewing them from Fay Bainbridge right now, south bound. Looks to be two males and three to four females.

Emma Vasilj

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10:35 - Big breach around this area. Orcas all over it seems [approx. 47.720064, -122.423750].

10:20 - Just now seeing a small group is passing President Point southbound closer to Kitsap side. 

10:05 - Seeing dorsal fins heading south east. Viewing from President Point. Looks like they are past the ferry lanes about midchannel.

photo by Ashley Alecci Goninan, October 24, 2024

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09:55 - Four to five orca just north of the Kingston ferry route. West side heading towards Kingston.

David Soder

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09:51 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:57 to report: 0951hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 5 orcas off Apple Cove Point, heading south.

Wed, Oct 23 - Haro Strait (T49As)

I filmed the T049As on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 off the west side of Haro Strait. Link to Youtube video.

Gerald Graham

Tue, Oct 22 - Active Pass (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5, T99s minus T99B)

T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A Artemis

On October 22, the T065As and the T099s travelled eastbound through Active Pass. The late afternoon sun nicely backlit their spoofs as they entered the Pass. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island, BC. 

photos by Karoline Cullen, October 22, 2024

Sat, Sep 7 - South Puget Sound (T137s)

T137A Jack

Here are the T137’s passing by Fox Island. I don’t like to play favorites but I looove this pod. Link to more photos.

photo by Amber Stanfill, September 7, 2024

Fri, Oct 25 - California Coast

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Axel Patterson

Date of Sighting: October 25, 2024

Time: 9:35 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: 36.6222729, -121.9466912

Direction of travel : North casual pace

Behaviors observed:

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I couldn't get a photo unfortunately as they were spotted with binoculars. They were rather casually traveling, but I'm not as versed in their behavior to assume what they were doing other than traveling the length of the bay fairly close to shore, as my vantage point was a condo up from the beach. There was at least four that breached the surface around each other, but there may have been more. I only could identify it being an orca as I saw the head shape and eye spot with binoculars a few times. It was my first time seeing orcas out in the wild!

Photos available?: No

Sun, Oct 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Race Rocks Light is the second lighthouse built on Canada's west coast… AAA look at the foreground! Breacher is T49A4 Neptune. In the same area around Race Rocks, also got humpback lunge feeding of anchovies & T49A6 Charlie "lunge feeding" of a bird (he caught it with a motion very much like a humpback lunge!) He is an unique young orca with an underbite. Taken in showery weather, so there was a rainbow. 

photos by Hongming Zheng, October 27, 2024

Sun, Oct 27 - Puget Sound

14:00 - Definitely humpbacks. This was from 64th on Alki. Been trying to follow since then but lost in rain. Heading southbound.

photos by James Tilley, October 27, 2024

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15:20 - Haven’t seen any more blows since.

15:12 - There are currently blows seen from 63rd and Alki, slightly south of where the Bainbridge ferry crossed [15:09] we saw a fluke, but aren’t close enough to determine species or gender. There seem to be several individuals because we’ve seen quite a few blows. Blows are continuing now at 15:12.

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10:25 - Sara and I have been searching, and seen some possible blows off Kayu Kayu, but cannot confirm, could have been spray from high surf. Ton of gulls and sea birds, eagles, couple seals… another very dynamic and beautiful fall PNW day.

10:00 - Whale had drifted/moved slightly south.

09:50 - Spotted at least one humpback pec fin slapping, in very choppy white-cappy seas, east of mid channel in ferry lanes area due west/northwest of Point Wells (tank farm) [approx. 47.790840, -122.422257].

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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09:50 - Humpback off Kingston ferry more towards Edmonds side.

Victoria Hoisington

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09:10 - Humpbacks breaching in between the ferry’s as they passed each other [video in FB comments].

Andrew Uberti

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09:10 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:14 to report: SUQUAMISH Captain reports 1 Gray [confirmed humpback] near EDM heading SB.

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Michael McCarthy

Date of Sighting: October 27, 2024

Time: 8:00 AM

Species seen: Humpback? Black. Raised a slapped large fin that had patches of white.

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Off Marina Beas Park, Edmonds, WA: (47.8048499, -122.3969979)

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?:

Photos available?: No

Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound

14:26 - A humpback came through [viewing from Point No Point].

photo by Jim Pasola, October 25, 2024

Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound

19:38 - Beautiful humpback is still pacing back and forth very close in offshore Ocean Ave [video in FB comments].

18:55 - Still sitting here in near darkness listening to humpback exhalations.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

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18:36 - Humpback is and has been slowly cruising just south of Stamm Overlook. Along with orcas north.

Justin Goslin

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18:35 - Heard few exhalations and finally spotted humpback! Whale is about quarter mile offshore from me Ocean Ave facing northbound. My heart is exploding.

17:20 - Humpback and who looks like minke close together off Ocean Ave, Edmonds about one mile offshore! Humpback facing north, probable minke facing south. 

18:10 - Humpback lumbering around south of Possession Point just east of eastern most J pod members [approx. 47.886534, -122.403420].

Alisa Lemire Brooks

Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound

08:00 - Whale sighting from Indianola dock [in Port Madison] I believe a baby humpback? Rather small [video shows juvenile humpback whale].

Lindsey Mcllvena

Thu, Oct 24 - San Juans

18:00 - Two humpbacks passing Mineral Point heading south.

Dan Shelley [WSSJI]

Thu, Oct 24 - Admiralty Inlet

15:26 - Humpback headed northwest bound in Admiralty at Bush Point.

Cindi Crowder Rausch

Wed, Oct 23 - Puget Sound

11:54 - From Brace Point [video of humpback on FB comments].

Nicole Na

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09:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:06 to report: 0900hrs: Vessel reports a possible humpback or grey whale located in the TSS on the SEA/BI route, heading southbound. 

Fri, Oct 25 - Puget Sound

17:20 - Humpback and who looks like minke close together off Ocean Ave, Edmonds about one mile offshore!! Humpback facing north, probable minke facing south.

Alisa Lemire Brooks

Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound

13:45 - Minke headed northbound mid channel in ferry lanes, came up next to ferry.

Janine Harles

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12:00 - Minke off Point Wells northbound.

Brian McGinn

Wed, Oct 23 - San Juans

13:15 - Minke whale headed down San Juan Channel abeam of Pear Point/Fisherman’s Harbor.

Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing [WSSJI]

Thu, Oct 24 - Puget Sound

09:15 - I believe I saw a baleen whale between Picnic Point and Meadowdale! [minke & humpback both present in the area -RH].

Isabelle Ivankovich Busby