October 30, 2023

As the T99s spent time in Saratoga Passage. Taken from Camano Island shore.

photo by Charvet Drucker, October 21, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through October 27 include:

Southern Residents - On October 25, J Pod made their way south down Admiralty Inlet and into Puget Sound.

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

On October 27, J Pod made their way north out of Admiralty Inlet.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On October 18, T37A3 was seen traveling with the T35As and T38As near Moresby Island, BC. T34s & T37s were spotted in the San Juans.

On October 19, T99s & T109A2s were together in Puget Sound. 

On October 20, orcas were spotted in Possession Sound. T37As, including T37A3, were spotted in the San Juans. 

On October 21, T99s were seen in Possession Sound. T109A2s were in Admiralty Inlet. A T party consisting of T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37As, T37, and T37Bs spotted in the San Juans.

On October 22, T99s & T109A2s were together in Puget Sound. Orcas spotted in Sinclair Inlet. 

On October 23, T99s were in Puget Sound. T37As were spotted in Possession Sound. T37 & T37Bs were seen in Trincomali Channel. 

On October 24, T109A2s were seen in south Puget Sound. T37As & T99s were spotted in Possession Sound. 

On October 25, T109A2s were seen in south Puget Sound. T37As & T99s were spotted in Puget Sound. 

On October 26, T109A2s were in Puget Sound. T37As were in Saratoga Passage. T99s were spotted in Penn Cove. T123s were seen in Active Pass in the morning. T34s & T37s were spotted in Active Pass in the afternoon. 

On October 27, T99s were spotted in Admiralty Inlet, not far from J Pod! T37s were spotted in Active Pass. 

In next report: On October 28, T109A2s were seen in Puget Sound. T46C2 & T123s were spotted in the San Juans. 

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

On October 30, T109A2s were spotted in Possession Sound. 

Humpbacks - HW-MN0510589 still hanging around off the west side of SJI. HW-MN0510662 spending time in Admiralty Inlet and north Puget Sound.

Gray Whales - No reports.

EVENTS:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 at 4:00 PM

FREE Youth Zoom: Meet the Northern Resident Killer Whales

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

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

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

Register here.

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New webshop item: Whale Sighting Alerts Subscription 

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

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

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

Fri, Oct 27 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

J44 Moby

J46 Star

J26 Mike

IDs by Melisa Pinnow

J pod in the 'hood! Chilly day (time to get out the winter whale watch gear!). Got down to Bush Point in time to see them streaming by, mostly mid-channel to the west side, so pretty distant, and very spread out, coming by in ones and two's, maybe a few more together. Choppy and a lot of glare, but so great to see them! Some big breaches and tail slaps, and they were playing in the wake of some big ships and a tug - fun to see that! I couldn't identify any except possibly J47 Notch, who's dorsal fin is growing and his notch is widening. 

photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 27, 2023

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Some very distant glimpses of J-pod as they exited Admiralty last night - so fun to see many of them porpoising so much, too bad they were so far off! Some of them may have been riding the wake of a container ship and a tug, but too far away to tell.

photos by Jill Hein, October 27, 2023

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Two weeks following their last exit from Puget Sound (October 13), after spending time in Possession Triangle foraging and socializing, J pod once again bucked the tide riding high as they porpoised north in Admiralty Inlet. Any viewing distortion on the water was offset by the sunshine and wind highlighting the whales' blows as they fought the current on their outbound journey. Their magic never fades, and as always they were a beautiful sight to behold.

photos by Sandy Pollard, October 27, 2023

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17:36 - Watching them from Fort Casey lighthouse. They booked it west.

Erin Hochschild

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17:35 - Looking from Ebey. They just passing Fort Casey ferry lane. Northbound. Lots of splashing and a few hops. Spread out.

Anya Sika

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17:26 - Starting to hear calls on Port Townsend hydrophone again, guessing these are the trailers.

Orca Network

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16:48 - So sweet hearing J pod while we go about our day. Many calls, faint but audible.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:46 - Lots of surface activity (and on Port Townsend hydrophone) approaching lighthouse at Fort Worden. Northbound - mid channel.

Amy Smith Norris

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16:36 - Closer to Port Townsend side. Saw blows before fins. Maybe four of them? Watching from Whidbey and backlit.

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

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16:30 - Small group heading northeast (it looks).

Jill M Rotset

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16:24 - Hearing J pod calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:21 - Just heard a single SRKW call (S01) on the Port Townsend Marine Science Center live hydrophone.

Scott Veirs, Orcasound

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16:24 - Just heard faint calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone.

Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

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16:23 - I heard a single S1 call.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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16:20 - From our vantage point on Whidbey (high bluff directly east of northern tip of Marrowstone), some appear to be approaching Fort Worden. Hearing vocalizations on Port Townsend hydrophone now.

Amy Smith Norris

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16:10 - Presumed trailing whale passed going north - viewing from south public Lagoon Point beach.

Emily Wandres

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15:59 - Now moving fast northeast, four to six of them approaching mid-channel directly off Lagoon Point. 

15:51 - Several orca close in off east side of Marrowstone. From Lagoon Point they look to be spread out, jumping, and mingling. Too far to see detail.

Bill Setter

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15:47 - Seeing multiple blows southwest of Fort Casey. Wayyy out there. Northbound.

Kat Martin

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15:48 - At least one passing slowly north on the Whidbey side.

15:40 - Some directly west of Lagoon Point, east of midchannel - heading north.

15:30 - Seeing them all over - ones at my map are heading north but the others might be going south [approx. 48.048825, -122.615310].

Emily Wandres

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14:30 - 15:30 - Took video above Bush Point. When the tugboat was just south of Bush Point, two of the orcas were right at its side doing kind of this same thing. I thought they were wake surfing on the side of the tug. Link to video.

Marilyn Armbruster 

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15:25 - Seeing them from the south beach of Lagoon Point now too! The ones that are south of Lagoon Point are still heading north fighting the tide. Not sure about the other ones.

15:10 - Viewing from Lagoon Point north beach - spread out throughout the channel, lots of surface activity and directional changes. Still fighting the tide - maybe drifting south?

Emily Wandres

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15:00 - Pretty sure the last three trailers passed Bush Point. This one being closer to Bush Point with the two others mid channel. Viewed from Scurlock Road above Bush Point northbound.

Marilyn Armbruster

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15:00 - Many more coming from the south still looking from the cliff at Marrowstone Point. Mid channel.

14:43 - Appear to be foraging in multi directions.

14:39 - Can see them from Marrowstone Point mid channel.

Rebecca Berger

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14:39 - Spotted from south of Bush Point, two or three orcas heading north.

Jen Wuest

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14:20 - Just saw a couple of blows and a head from westbound Whidbey Island ferry. Too far off to see more.

Fell Cheston

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14:17 - Some still passing Bush Point but mid to west side. Very spread out, some activity.

Bonnie Gretz

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14:01 - Six orca northbound across from Bush Point, Marrowstone side.

Jan Bell

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13:58 - [SRKWs] Most passed Bush Point, but a few still way out from the lighthouse [northbound].

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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14:03 - But they are spread out - looked up and saw a male, then as few more with him, saw another group coming about now.

13:57 - And one more, last? little group [SRKWs] went by [northbound] just now! [about one mile south of Bush Point].

Susan Berta, Orca Network

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13:46 - Passing Bush Point but more mid channel, spread out, stalling?

Bonnie Gretz

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Fast approaching Bush Point.

Sandy Pollard

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13:31 - More [SRKWs] coming, close in! Little red research boat on scene.

13:21 - [SRKW] Male passing our place now northbound [Orca Network headquarters].

Susan Berta, Orca Network

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13:28 - Waiting at Lagoon Point and we can see blows off Bush Point.

Amy Smith Norris

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13:24 - Sara McDougal called to report seeing orcas [SRKWs] out from Adams Road, Freeland, Whidbey Island. Observed at least 10 orcas, in two groups (one closer to Whidbey side and one more mid-channel) heading northbound quickly. Seeing males and females. They are breaching and playing as they continue north. It’s wonderful.

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13:06 - [SRKWs] At Bush Point now, I'm seeing multiple blows and airborne whales between Bush Point and Double Bluff [both Whidbey Island].

12:44 - Seeing breaches and tail lobs in Admiralty Inlet just north of Mutiny Bay on the Whidbey side headed north to Bush Point, likely within the hour [if continue].

12:40 - I just saw a breach straight out from Mutiny Bay, actually north of, on Whidbey side and another fin headed north. 

Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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12:15 - We just encountered SRKWs northbound at my map spot [north side Double Bluff] and we are leaving the scene in Swiftsure. Good luck out there. 

Bart Rulon, PSE

Thu, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (J Pod)

17:50 - Saw at least two to three fins midchannel or further passing Bush Point.

17:25 - Apparently near Shore Meadows northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:59 - Aaron Peland (sp?) Currently on the west side Whidbey Island by Maxwelton looking at Hansville. We’ve been tracking at least ten orcas, a few males at least, been coasting along the water, heading north at a pretty good clip. 

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16:35 - Message from Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC with update: “Leaving them as they slowly head into Mutiny Bay. Just Js. Lots of social today.”

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16:41 - They were milling about slowly going northbound.

15:55 - Just saw them in this area from Eglon. Going to Point No Point now to see if I can see them better.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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15:55 - Not much has changed. They’re still just hanging out. Trending north of last update.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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15:00 - Looks like Js are still in the triangle and both NOAA and Soundwatch are still with them. Seem to be very slowly milling with no real committed direction.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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14:32 - Not sure if these are Js or the Ts, so I’m putting in both posts. There is a group in front of the NOAA boat with a lot of surface activity. It almost looks like Ts on a kill, but way too far for me to tell. No clear direction of travel. Other whales are south of that spread out along Eglon.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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14:08 - I see a big male fin way out from Elgon headed south.

Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski

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14:05 - They’re still out in the triangle just shuffling back and forth.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:27 - More faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Orca Network

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13:07 - I think I still hear very faint calls on the hydrophone.

Kat Maloney

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12:52 - There are a few that have been milling in the triangle for a long time and the ones that were near Possession Point seem to have flipped and are now heading back south.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:50 - J pod still spread. Lead group turned back now westbound inside green buoy off Possession Point, others foraging around to the south. Lots of milling not committed direction at this time.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:49 - They aren't aiming Possession anymore.

12:35 - Seeing some northbound from Possession Point State Park. Edit: milling, directional changes.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:36 - Messaged with Brad Hanson, NOAA, NWFSC who says just Js confirmed so far.

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12:13 - Very spread, but now are trending more northeast. Some are traveling pretty quickly towards Possession Point.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:13 - They’re all over the place just foraging around. One of them was just upside down with with tail out of the water for like five seconds!

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:52 - Looks like a group of eight to twelve-ish grouped up by the NOAA boat and then a handful more slightly further north. All seem to be lazily heading back south/southeast.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:40 - From Cultus Bay seeing several orcas heading south quickly mid-channel north west side of Possession triangle. Looks like NOAA boat with them.

Sandy Pollard

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11:40 - Yes, I see the rest of them coming back from Admiralty Inlet.

11:38 - I think they flipped again. Looks like a research zodiac with them? Many heading south.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:37 - Spread really far out, here-ish, seem to still be milling & feeding.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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11:36 - I see maybe seven milling around the south end of Possession Point. Many facing south.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:30 - Still milling and foraging in your same area. Seeing at least two males in that area from Point No Point.

11:05 - Just spotted first whale from Point No Point. Heading north.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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10:56 - Seeing whole bunch of J pod blows beyond the bazillion birds lined up for mile or more due south of Cultus Bay, South Whidbey. Js probably milling but maybe trend northwest. 

Orca Network

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10:52 - They’ve all trended more north but still lots of directional changes. 

10:34 - They’re milling around here and one breached and scared about a thousand birds into the air. That was cool. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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10:33 - Seeing what looks like the residents feeding in the triangle. Running up to Stamm to get a better view.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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10:11 - I see some on the west side of triangle traveling north almost to Eglon.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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10:06 - Faint echolocation clicks and calls back on the hydrophone.

Orca Conservancy

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10:06 - Confirmed SRKW most likely J’s, with a J26 sighting in southbound lane. Wide spread group, general northbound with milling east of traffic lanes. Estimate four to eight whales - R/V WDFW 572.

Kwasi Addae

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10:00 - J pod getting more difficult to see from mainland. I did just spot some still northbound west side of Sound north of my map last update.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:45 - Big spread in between Sunset Ave and Eglon, mostly traveling northwest, but some milling & breaching in the mix.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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09:44 - There are two or more groups of orcas, some north of the little unknown boat and some south. Definitely heading north in general.

09:39 - I see them from Edmonds with 20x binoculars. Southbound.

Joe Foos

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09:38 - Seeing large group and trailing male at least due west Sunset Ave, Edmonds, sightline Eglon. Mid channel northbound, with angle at this time more northwest. Others west of them.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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09:30 - Leaders appear to be trending towards Admiralty. Probably too soon to tell if they will take a right and head into the triangle but for now, they appear to be heading towards Point No Point. They continue steady north on the west side of midchannel.

09:24 - Seeing at least some of them northbound in the shipping lanes. Slow travel.

Sara Frey

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09:20 - Spotted. They definitely flipped, heading slowly northbound, north of Kingston.

08:50 - J Pod visible from Marina Beach Park, approaching Kingston, still southbound & spread out.

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08:35 - Still steady south. Leaders (that I can see) are out from Brackett’s Landing.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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08:34 - Sara Frey called to report she is seeing orcas (J pod) southbound directly out from Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Clipper just transiting by as well as a container ship which is west of those orcas she is seeing who are mid channel and to east side.

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08:24 - Seem to be in slow travel mode, very spread out.

08:20 - Seeing them from Stamm Overlook, in between here and Eglon, mainland side. Currently southbound, but I just got here, so I’ll see if they’re milling or actually traveling.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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07:59 - Still hearing faint calls (& radio).

07:50 - Still hearing calls (& radio guy).

07:42 - Nice calls including S1, and loud echolocation click train.

07:35 - Still lots of J pod calls, radio, and a train!

Orca Network

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07:33 - Hearing some calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone: A LOT of calls and echolocation.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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07:20 - Hearing SRKW calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone right now. So, they're still in the area!

Suzanne McKetta

Wed, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)

17:49 - SRKWs continue southbound travels spread across the channel and north/south between south of West Point and north of Seattle/Bainbridge ferry traffic lanes. Intermittent surface activity (tails slaps mostly). Beautiful chilly evening watching illuminated blows and ressies powering on through the chop. Sun is just now nestling down behind the Olympics. Map is general spread [approx. 47.641264, -122.456018] of those I’ve seen.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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17:20 - Fast ferry stopped as a male approached us from straight ahead. We were stopped for seven minutes and he went right under the ferry. Saw others southwest as well on the mark on the map. Headed south [approx. 47.667035, -122.451505].

Jenny Klis

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17:30 - This group tightens up, slowed with some graphing and some tail slapping. Second subgroup of at least four to five to the south of this one, also on east side of channel.

17:25 - Who think leaders, at least in this side, now just south side West Point this side of the channel. At least three to four including male loosely grouped. Slow steady southbound in choppy seas. Also blows to the southwest of them.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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17:19 - Just visiting here on Bainbridge Island and are watching a large pod of orcas. We are located on east side of Island, Rolling Bay area looking at Seattle. A large pod some even breaching. Right now the water taxi between Seattle and Kingston has stopped in the same area, possibly watching. So thrilled as this is our second year seeing them.

Janelle

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16:45 - Alisa called to say she is seeing some out from Golden Gardens, midchannel to west, still southbound. Leaders probably southern end of Shilshole.

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16:36 - Finally found them again, it appears they have stalled out south of Richmond Beach. We lost them for a while because of the sunglare. General area [approx. 47.721887, -122.480796] we are seeing them is the yellow mark on the map. West of mid channel. Can’t tell direction because they are very far.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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15:45 - Don't know if it's the same group I saw ahead north a couple hours ago that turned around and are coming back south again, but there are quite a few right off Point Jefferson Kingston right now. The Fast Ferry actually stopped because they came upon them.

Chris Beamer Otterson

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15:15 - 15:30 - I’ve been watching from Richmond Beach. I saw fins/blows heading south passing south of Point Jefferson and continuing south so any whales still near Point Jefferson would be a different subset. I haven’t been able to spot anyone in that area recently.

Grace Haaland

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15:19 - And yet another male north of Jefferson Head and groups spread to west of him, all southbound mid channel to west of. There were also at least one male in lead group so lots of big guys out here.

15:17 - More coming from the north. Several males spread mid channel sightline Jefferson Head, one south of him and a third south of middle guy.

15:13 - I am seeing several groups south of transect Richmond Beach and Jefferson Head. Possible stall or flip, will confirm. Sun-glare and chop mailing for challenging viewing.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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Visibility was so hard from the ferry.

back of camera photo by Jami Cantrell, October 25, 2023

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14:57 - Seeing at least half dozen spread south of yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach and north of Jefferson Head. I have not seen any to the south so these may be leaders. All steady southbound in choppy seas. See map [approx. 47.756314, -122.424290].

14:45 - From Kayu Kayu I am seeing quite a few, all sizes in the chop mid channel and west of off President Point nearing mid channel buoy. Not sure if leaders, middle or trailers. I’m moving to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

14:35 - Seeing a male and at least one other southbound. Due west of Kayu Kayu Ac Park mid channel. Windy, white-cappy seas makes for not ideal viewing conditions but is beautiful.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:35 - Spotted the group mid channel in ferry lanes. Southbound.

Trish Moylan Davis

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14:26 - Hearing some very, very faint S1s so far.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Insitute

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14:22 - Sara Frey called back and confirms residents. More soon.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:13 - More calls now on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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J42 Echo

ID by Brittany Noelle & Monika Wieland Shields, OBI

14:00 - Had one group of orca - line of sight Apple Tree Point to the Edmonds marina - probably four to six foraging, one large male, midchannel along the ferry route. Few minutes later, group very close to the Kitsap side - 100 - 200 yards. Confirmed open saddle. Southbound, one large male. Traveling fast.

photos by Sara Frey, October 25, 2023

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14:15 - On the phone with Sara again for last 15 minutes while she is seeing orcas streaming by some close inshore, all southbound. Possibly some milling. Will be curious to see what those northbound Ts did. Fun call, exciting.

13:59 - Sara called back to say seeing more including at least one large male still heading southbound.

13:54 - Sara Frey called Orca Network to report single orca southbound off Apple Tree Point close in. Also pod of harbor porpoise milling around.

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13:54 - Viewing them from Sunset Bay. They are in the same general area as the previous update/map. Worth noting for anyone viewing them from the mainland, the past 20 minutes or so I could only see the exhales through binoculars, now I’m able to see the dorsals. They are still quite a ways out still. West of mid channel. Milling, with a slow trend southbound.

Orca Conservancy

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13:37 - Spread over here [approx. 47.852278, -122.469783]. Long down times and some are facing north going back and forth but all trending south overall. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:26 - Watching from Eglon, have seen three to four spread out southbound, Kitsap side.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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13:04 - Seeing a fin mid to Kitsap side of mid approaching Eglon, heading south.

Jami Cantrell

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13:02 - I can see leaders now in Possession triangle over by Eglon. One large male maybe two to three orcas total.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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12:58 - Last update - they are a bit too far west for me to see much. Still look like hurried travel southbound. What might be trailing male is now passing southbound west of green buoy off Scatchet Head. Mirage effect at water level makes it nearly impossible to see them from where I'm at.

12:45 - Spotted a few blows southwest of Scatchet Head.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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12:42 - Me too, but so much extraneous noise.

Patricia Prochaska

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12:41 - Definitely more now.

12:38 - Just heard a faint call on the Sunset Bay hydrophone.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:15 - Still very fast travel southbound, large spread. Locations I normally have plenty of time to get to, they are just flying past. Leaders are likely approaching Maxwelton/South Whidbey. Guessing these are the trailers a mile or two south of Double Bluff.

11:55 - In total travel mode, semi long down times, spread by one - two miles. At least three males, spread in a few groups of three to five, at least one group eight plus. Too far to be certain, but males’ fins resembled Rs. Moving south fast about exactly midchannel.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:45 - Just on the phone with Rachel Haight who is seeing at least two larger groups spread. Look to be mid channel south of Bush Point out from Mutiny Bay. She cannot confirm but leans residents. She is viewing from high bluff Shore Meadows. She called back super excited to say a minke just popped up in front of them off Shore Meadows facing eastbound.

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11:38 - They are riding a huge flood tide now and moving fast. South of Bush Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:25 - Cindi Rausch called from Lagoon Point to update she sees the orcas, but they appear to be well on the Marrowstone side. Superior mirage makes it difficult to confirm that and ecotype. Orcas are now well south of across from Lagoon Point. She and Rachel are heading south to try and get ahead of the orcas and hopefully confirm ecotype at least.

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10:31 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: KENNEWICK at 1031hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 10-15 orcas spread out just off Marrowstone Pt, heading in a southerly direction. 

Wed, Oct 18 - San Juans (Js, Ks, and some Ls)

15:20 - Additional large group also heading offshore from Iceberg Point, reportedly Js.

15:00 - More heading offshore from Iceberg Point.

14:50 - Visual on some miles offshore of San Juan between Cattle Point and Smith and Minor heading due west.

12:20 - Center for Whale Research reporting SRKW southbound outside Thatcher Pass - they’ve only seen Ks and Ls so far.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 

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07:00 - Southern Residents on SIMRES hydrophone! They're on their way back down.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI] 

Fri, Oct 27 - Active Pass (T37s)

13:30 - The T037s went eastward on a fast tide through Active Pass. 

photos by Karoline Cullen, October 27, 2023

Fri, Oct 27 - Admiralty Inlet (T99s)

T99B Holly on left

16:00 - A group of us at Fort Flagler/Marrowstone cliffs watched a small group of orcas heading northbound west of mid-channel yesterday. They were originally spotted southbound in northbound shipping lanes, then flipped after a freighter and navy shipped passed northbound. Looks like they could have been members of the T99 group! Southern residents were east of midchannel having a breachfest off Lagoon Point fifteen minutes later.

photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, October 27, 2023

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15:03 - Orcas southbound from Marrowstone. I've counted at least five. Seems to be on a hunt. Viewing from Lagoon Point. Still haven't seen residents pass us. They are very committed southbound.

Kevin Phillips

Thu, Oct 26 - Active Pass (T34s & T37s)

16:45 - Who doesn’t love a backlit spoof? The T034s and T037s went quickly westward through Active Pass. 

photos by Karoline Cullen, October 26, 2023

Thu, Oct 26 - Active Pass (T123s)

The T123s went eastward through Active Pass in the morning. 

Karoline Cullen

Thu, Oct 26 - Penn Cove (T99s)

Always a beautiful day with friends and whales.

April Basham

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T99E & T99 Bella

T99 Bella

What a nice surprise at the end of the day, T99s in Penn Cove with no one seeing them sneak in! Got down to Long Point for a lovely close pass and then further out. Matriarch T99 Bella (b. 1984), daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), sons T99C Barakat (b. 2009) and T99D Puck (b. 2015) and little daughter T99E (b. 2021). Sweet fall day of sunshine and whales! 

photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 26, 2023

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18:14 - Last report for the night: gorgeous moon lighting their way to Beverly Beach. 

17:46 - Looks like they may be on a kill just inside Holmes Harbor.

17:42 - Still have all five at Hidden Beach, slowly moving southbound, Whidbey side. 

17:22 - Seeing them from Hidden Beach now. Slowly southbound. Whidbey side. 

Amy Smith Norris

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17:20 - Big fin off Hidden Beach, would be side but closer to mid channel.

Aaron Gill

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16:40 - Three hugging Whidbey [T99, T99D, T99E], two other [T99B & T99C] more Whidbey side of mid, southbound near Race Lagoon.

15:45 - Passed Long Point southeastbound.

15:30 - Can see them approaching Long Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:25 - Passing Coupeville boat launch headed east. Closer to Coupeville than Monroe’s Landing.

Kevin Phillips

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15:20 - Eastbound past wharf.

15:08 - Facing east in between mussel rafts. Stealthy too. Trying to get photos but looks like 99s.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:49 - At least three orcas in Penn Cove. One big male and two smaller ones. Working on pictures for IDs. Headed west, last track by the muscle rafts.

Kevin Phillips

Thu, Oct 26 - Saratoga Passage (T37As)

Fresh snow on the mountains, blue sky, sunshine and whales everywhere. The T37As passed Glendale closer to the Mukilteo side heading steadily south toward Possession Triangle where the Southern Residents had been milling for much of the day, keeping whale-watchers on their toes trying to follow the different groups spread around Whidbey and beyond.

photo by Sandy Pollard, October 26, 2023

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15:23 - The T37A pod just killed a seal. Milling on their meal directly south of Maxwelton on Whidbey Island. No direction.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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14:43 - From Cultus Bay area. Saw a pod of at least five headed north up Admiralty. Not sure if it was Ts or not but they are moving fast. They were north of Eglon.

Candace Gavin

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13:44 - T37A, T37A2, T37A3, and T37A4 are southbound very spread out off Picnic Point.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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13:24 - They have passed Glendale. They continue southbound on the mainland side.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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13:08 - Across from Glendale Beach, Whidbey, following close to and along the Mukilteo shores southbound. 

Marilyn Armbruster

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12:39 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:48 to report: 1239hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orcas heading southbound, located mid-crossing. 

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12:50 - Per Sandra Pollard were hunting and milling but appears to be moving Mukilteo side of channel now and south of Mukilteo lighthouse southbound.

12:31 - Almost at Mukilteo-Clinton ferry lanes southbound Whidbey side.

12:24 - Approaching Clinton ferry lanes. Moving FAST southbound. Whidbey side of mid.

Marilyn Armbruster

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12:17 - T37As south-eastbound approaching the Clinton ferry. Four so far, but they are pretty spread out. 

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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12:10 - Closer to Hat Island. See pinned location [approx. 48.012661, -122.337872]. South bound.

11:35 - Don't know if it's the same pod, but around four to five orcas have rounded Sandy Point southbound Whidbey side.

Marilyn Armbruster

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11:25 - Allie Hudec first called at 10:25 to relay report of orcas off Bells Beach. Numbers and direction unknown. Allie called back just now to confirm caught a glimpse of at least one orca Bells Beach possibly southbound, but may have circled north. 

Thu, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

16:29 - We are located on the east side of Bainbridge Island, Rolling Bay area, looking at Seattle. Watching a small pod of at least five out in mid channel, heading south to Seattle. We actually saw a few this [morning] around 9:00 at about the same area, but closer to shore. I forgot to message you.

Janelle A.

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11:52 - Friends on Bainbridge ferry reported three to five, northbound.

photo courtesy of Orca Conservancy, October 26, 2023

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09:35 - Report from the CATHLAMET at 0935 hrs. reporting 2 orcas, a female and a baby, between Vashon & Fauntleroy, heading a NW direction.

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09:35 - Staffer Marla Smith relayed message from husband Jeremy who is on ferry (Fauntleroy/Vashon run) and ferry announced whales mid channel heading southbound. Presume orcas but he is unable to get visual. 

Wed, Oct 25 - Puget Sound (T37As & T99s)

16:50 - Approaching ferry lanes continuing northbound. 

16:32 - They’re in Possession Sound going north saw a few blows I think one large male [approx. 47.938701, -122.326900]. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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15:15 - 15:30 - On our way back in we saw a bunch of blows about two miles south/southwest of Possession Point. Based on the ressie location I bet those Ts came east.

Brian McGinn

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14:51 - Sunset Avenue, well beyond the Dive Park.

14:47 - Five or so northbound approaching Edmonds ferry terminal.

Clint Jones

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13:50 - I believe this is the group I just saw heading north of Kingston ferry line. Fast pace trending north closer to Kitsap side.

Jolena Tagg

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13:37 - This group (37As and 99s) is powering northbound about at President Point, Kingston, in the southbound shipping lanes towards Kingston terminal. If they’ve heard the orcas to the north they are not changing direction.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:15 - T37As are northbound towards Point Jefferson, and we found another group of Ts about a mile south of the first group. Looks good for the 99s. Also northbound. Confirmed 99s.

Brian McGinn

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12:05 - Orca moving northbound midchannel between Shilshoe and Bainbridge. Puget Sound Express with them.

Sue Surowiec Larkin

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10:43 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: 10:43 - TACOMA at 1043hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 5 orca at Tyee Shoal [just SW of entrance to Eagle Harbor] heading North in the traffic separation zone.

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10:24 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: CHIMACUM at 1024hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orca at Tango buoy [between Restoration Point, Bainbridge and Alki] heading North in the SB [southbound] traffic lanes.

Wed, Oct 25 - South Puget Sound (T109A2s)

Transients in Carr Inlet trying to show off but no one was watching!!!

photo by Noelle Morris, October 25, 2023

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16:43 - Pod is milling just south of Salmon Beach. Close to Salmon Beach side.

Candace Gavin

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16:04 - Orcas grouped northbound at Narrows Bridge. Humpback also near by. Orcas crossed the bridge then disappeared after deep dive.

Jason Cook

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16:00 - We've had eyes on them at Narrows Park. Milling around but trending slowly maybe north/northeast toward Titlow. Down for probably five minutes now though.

Dave Bergmann

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14:58 - A few popped out [approx. 47.216495, -122.622871] shout out to the white boat staying far back and moving slowly.

Tiff Shih

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15:05 - Just passed our home, heading fast to the south end of Fox Island.

Laura Kozar Batanian

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14:51 - Just passing through still on west side of Fox Island.

Kai Hearn

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14:26 - West side of Fox Island (between Fox and McNeil).

14:19 - Just passing tip of Fox Island heading south - shout out to boat following at respectful distance - thank you!

Serena Scott

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13:31 - They have reached the entrance to Hales Passage. Looks to be still continuing southbound in Carr approaching Bella Bella.

12:48 - They are SLOWLY crossing Horsehead Bay still southbound.

12:37 - They have passed Kopachuck still southbound. Appears to be the T109A2s.

April Basham

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12:22 - Pod is southbound currently. Midchannel.

Candace Gavin

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12:07 - Just spotted out from Kopachuck on far west side.

T.L. Stokes

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10:48 - Still here but slowly heading out.

Josine Lowry

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10:00 - At Henderson Bay! They were fun to watch.

Trinity Daily

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T109A2 Fuser & T109A2A Seekah

09:35 - Seeing three to four milling in same general area with some tail slaps [approx. 47.371512, -122.637743].

photos by Jolena Tagg, October 25, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Matthew Skjerven

Date of Sighting: October 25, 2023

Time: 9:30 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Henderson Bay near Purdy Spit

Direction of travel : NE

Behaviors observed: Milling

If orcas, any males?: Possibly young male

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

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09:24 - Still here, still milling! Couple tail slaps.

09:07 - At least three orcas in Henderson Bay, Purdy Spit. Milling. 

photos by Josine Lowry, October 25, 2023

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08:53 - Three babies, one adult.

Jen Skjerven

Tue, Oct 24 - Possession Sound (T37As & T99s)

T37A4 Crinkle

T37A2 Inky

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

Taken from Edmonds shore.

photos by Janine Harles, October 24, 2023

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T37A4 Crinkle trailing, leading fin is T99B Holly

T37A2 Inky

The whales were a long way off today, but the scenery was pretty. 99s and 37As.

photos & ID by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 24, 2023

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15:10 - Last seen south of Marina Beach heading southwest toward midchannel into the rain squall.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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15:04 - That group of orcas that passed by so close to Edmonds was amazing, so close, lots of tail slaps and a couple of spy hops. Definitely the closest I have ever seen them from land. I’ve waited months for that kind of opportunity. Thanks for always telling people where they are and where they are headed.

Joe Foos

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14:55 - Just passed Marina Beach, in between beach and Point Wells. Super surface active. Heading southbound.

Janine Harles

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13:42 - Saratoga is with the 99s and 37As. Just south and west of Browns Bay. Pointed south slowly. Killing birds!

Christopher Lewman

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T37A2 Inky

13:53 - Moving slowly south/southwest parallel to the Edmonds shoreline. Lots of headstands and tail slaps.

13:34 - Generally south but they’re milling.

13:16 - Seeing some about one to two miles north of Sunset Ave. Looking directly toward Possession Point.

back of camera photos by Ariel Yseth, October 24, 2023

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Per photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, the T99s are also present.

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11:47 - They have passed Possession Point swimming southwest into triangle. Looks like they were in two groups. First group five to seven orcas closer to Whidbey with a couple large males. And second group closer to midchannel with two to three.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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11:23 - Whales have passed Glendale. They continue to be fairly grouped up. The males are trailing, but not far behind. Mid to Whidbey, continuing south.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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11:09 - Near Glendale. Still really charging south, fully porpoising out of the water.

11:00 - Still southbound, past the Clinton houses now.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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10:50 - They are in the ferry lanes, mid to Whidbey. Continuing south fast. I have T37A4 in pics. They are definitely in the mix.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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10:35 - Viewing from Mukilteo, still southbound. There are quite a few of them. I counted eight-ish surface together. Some males in the mix.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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10:34 - Viewing from Clinton ferry terminal. They have cleared Hat. Continuing south, fast!

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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10:16 - Still heading south, closer to Hat moving quickly, see pin for location [approx. 48.008036, -122.338807]. Saw four in one group, but heard blows also so l likely more spread out.

Lori Christopher

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09:53 - Seeing orcas southbound at this location [48.038485, -122.342666]. At least three plus. Moving fast.

Marilyn Armbruster

Tue, Oct 24 - South Puget Sound (T109A2s)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Ben Flesher

Date of Sighting: October 24, 2023

Time: 2:15 PM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 10

Where seen: 1/2 mile SE of Glen Cove in Carr Inlet

Direction of travel : S

Behaviors observed: Spy hop, breach, tail slap, circling for 30 to 40 minutes then headed S

If orcas, any males?: 2

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No boats around so uninhibited behavior.

Photos available?: No

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14:10 - Potentially a new group in Carr Inlet just outside of Glen Cove (14:10-14:30). Neighbors spotted them. Headed south. 

photos by Randy Witter, October 24, 2023

Mon, Oct 23 - Trincomali Channel (T37 & T37Bs)

14:30 - We saw about six T37s in the Trincomali Channel near Prevost Island!

Logan Wright

Mon, Oct 23 - Admiralty Inlet/Possession Sound (T37As)

13:47 - Shawn Potter posted video of pod traveling from Everett toward Hat Island thinking might be this group one (or would be third group). Working to confirm was current at time of post.

[HIWS]

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T37A2 Inky, T37A4 Crinkle, T37A3 Spinnaker

T37A Volker, T37A2 Inky, T37A4 Crinkle

IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network

screen grabs by Rachael Potter, October 23, 2023

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09:07 - Victoria Clipper V reports four to five orcas southbound off Double Bluff, 47 57n 122 33w. Traveling in the shipping lanes. Clipper captain now suspects they are Ts. 

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Fritz Stahr

Date of Sighting: October 23, 2023

Time: 9:06 AM

Species seen: Humpback(1) and Orca(pod)

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: 47d 57'30"N, 122d 33'8"W [Off Double Bluff, WA]

Direction of travel : S, slow

Behaviors observed: traveling

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?: none seen

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: On the Clipper-V on the way from Seattle to Victoria

Photos available?: No

Mon, Oct 23 - Puget Sound (T99s)

T99E & T99 Bella

T99D Puck, T99B Holly, T99 Bella, T99E

photos by April Basham, October 23, 2023

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The T099 transient orcas visited Commencement Bay today. Here's a lovely spyhop by mother T099 (Bella) and her baby T099E. Spyhopping is where orcas position themselves vertically with their pectoral fins to visually inspect their surroundings above the water line.

photo by Mike Maddox, October 23, 2023

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T99C Barakat & T99E

Spent time with the T99's down south.

photos by Janine Harles, October 23, 2023

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18:18 - They are much closer to Vashon now, but still headed north. Maybe more northwest than north but they’re still there as of about five minutes ago.

17:57 - Still seeing them from the Three Tree Point North Beach.

17:32 - Just saw them mid channel from south side of Three Tree Point.

Amy K. Christensen

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17:30 - Three orcas northbound close to east side. Passing southside of Three Tree Point.

Sandhya Ballal

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16:06 - North of pier so assume still northbound. Long down times.

16:05 - Blows off Des Moines fishing pier mid channel.

Robyn Riley

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16:04 - Blows and fins right off the end of the Des Moines pier!

Marcie Evans

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15:31 - Closer to the east shore and seems to be milling at the moment.

15:22 - Seeing blows south of Des Moines Marina closer to Redondo.

Ryan Seng

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14:49 - Seeing blows from the Des Moines marina - looking south toward Dash Point and the yellow buoy. Long down times.

Marcie Evans

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14:32 - Headed north midchannel towards Point Robinson viewing from Dash Point. In travel mode.

Candace Gavin

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14:00 - Viewing from Dune, they’re off Maury moving east going past the shipping barge parked there.

Alisa Miller

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13:29 - They are right near the Tahlequah ferry terminal eastbound.

Jas Minka

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13:20 - Southwest corner of Vashon eastbound.

Kirsten Vacura

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12:20 - Appears pod has flipped northbound from Narrows Bridge headed back towards Point Defiance.

Candace Gavin

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12:01 - Seeing blows from Hidden Beach. Heading south but not to Narrows Bridge yet.

Cherie StOurs

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10:55 - Pod of five or more transients westbound in Dalco Passage, at least one bull, they were hunting.

David Michael

Sun, Oct 22 - Strait of Georgia

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Saurabh Shankar

Date of Sighting: October 22, 2023

Time: 1:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Strait of Georgia, Near Marina Island

Direction of travel : northwest

Behaviors observed: Traveling, Hunting

If orcas, any males?: Two males - one of them Rocky from Bigg’s transient Killer whales (as per our guide)

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: - one of the adult male had a large dorsal fin

- another smaller adult male was hanging out at the back of the pack

- one female orca with mostly two small orcas were swimming ahead

- for a brief moment it seemed that they had a successful hunt since they stopped heading in the direction and made swift turns almost in a circle. they might very well be engaged in a play as well.

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

Sun, Oct 22 - Sinclair Inlet

18:50 - Two of them. One surfaced closer to Port Orchard side. This was at Port of Waterman.

18:41 - Saw only three by Bachman Park heading towards Rich or Bainbridge. Barely caught a glimpse because it became dark fairly quick. Could see their sprays from Port Orchard side. Lost sight of them but headed to Port of Waterman real fast.

Crystal Thompson

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18:06 - Looks like they are back. Hanging out in the area. Saw some spy hopping.

17:51 - They were on their way out of the inlet, so heading north.

17:44 - Pretty sure I just saw a group of orcas just off the Bremerton ferry dock. Maybe four to five. [Any males?:] It was hard to tell, I’m in the Anthony’s restaurant, so not a close view… but undoubtedly orcas. Their movement, size etc. Definitely saw one tall dorsal for sure.

Kassandra Howk

Sun, Oct 22 - Puget Sound (T99s & T109A2s)

17:25 - Seeing them on the south end of Possession Bar heading south-ish.

Tony Tilt

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17:25 - Still milling in the same spot about two miles directly west of Picnic Point.

16:20 - Mikaela Henderson can see blows with the naked eye. Still in same spot, milling directly west of Picnic Point.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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16:20 - We had the T99s and T109A2s hunting a seal at my map spot [approx. 47.884337, -122.415475]. They caught it and were still milling when we left the scene. The adults were letting a lot of the young members of the T109A2 pod and T99E do some of the work and it looked like a definite training session with T109A2 and T99B leading the way. Little T109A2D was even working hard to participate!

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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16:00 - They’re directly west of Picnic Point.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout

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15:25 - Saratoga's with the killer whale south of Possession. 99s and I believe the 109A2s are back down here. We are up to eight whales. I will let Bart on Swiftsure confirm the IDs. They are pointed north east back to Possession Sound. We confirm the one on 109A2s as well.

Christopher Lewman

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14:25 - View from South Whidbey, spotted them in the Possession triangle - map of approx. location [47.893619, -122.438549] (maybe a little more south). Milling/hunting.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:41 - We just saw a group of orca at Possession Point heading south. They were about five to seven. They were hugging close to the shore at Possession Point State Park when we last saw them.

Claire Lewis 

Sat, Oct 21 - San Juans (T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37s, T37As, T37Bs)

Tenley Martinez, great capture! We were across from you on IE5. Looks like the males were pretty excited about the hunt!

Mike Maddox

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Out with Blue Kingdom Whale and Wildlife Tours/Anacortes with the T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37s, T37As & T37Bs on a Steller sea lion hunt. So active!

Tenley Martinez

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15:12 - They’ve flipped east/northeast and are almost out of my visibility.

Rose Caitlin

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Encounter/Steller sea lion hunt was north of Sucia Island. Matrilines present: T36, T36Bs, T37, T37As, T37Bs, T34s. The sea lion was still alive when we left; he was a fighter, and definitely was not going down easily. At one point during the fray, the Steller sought refuge under one of the boats. Eventually, the boat had to move, and the orca were patiently waiting for that moment. The hunt quickly resumed. There were lots of percussive behaviors, tail slaps, breaches, and pectoral slaps. There were two groupings of orcas through most of the hunt. One group was actively involved in the hunt. The other just seemed to be socializing. Right before we left, the sea lion made his way to a buoy, and perhaps he finally made it to safety. The couple sitting next to me and I like to think the sea lion lived to see another day. Link to video.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, October 21, 2023

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14:54 - Cindi Crowder Rausch reports these are T36, T36Bs, T37s, T34s T37As. She says they were on a Steller sea lion hunt for an hour.

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14:31 - Seeing at least three blows east of Sucia Island, headed south, they’ve been trending south slowly for a while now.

14:46 - I assumed orca because of how close the blows were! It’s more than three blows now, however after their deep dive they’ve headed farther east.

Rose Caitlin

Sat, Oct 21 - Admiralty Inlet (T109A2s)

Got a shot from a headstand by T109A2C while the family was in Admiralty Bay. Looks like it’s a girl!

photos by Sam Wallace, October 21, 2023

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T109A2 Fuser

T109A2A Seekah

Thanks to Orca Network and great updates, I was able to catch up with the T109A2 group who had been hugging the west side of Whidbey Island all afternoon. I got to Fort Casey and waited. They finally popped up off Driftwood Park, and turned toward the Coupeville ferry jetty, then made their way along the bluff (filled with happy orca watchers!) very close to shore, then turned the corner at the bunker, and pushed off shore as they headed northwest. This family consists of T109A2, young matriarch Fuser (b. 2005), her three [four] kids, T109A2A son Seekah (b. 2016), unknown gender T109A2B Mocach (b. 2018), and T109A2C (b. 2021) [& T109A2D]. The light was pretty low so the pictures are grainy, but it was so beautiful to see them so close to shore!

photos by Bonnie Gretz, October 21, 2023

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Made it just in time to see the tail end (literally) of the T109A2 transient group disappearing past Lagoon Point close to shore. Better luck at the north end of Lagoon Point as they continued northbound in Admiralty Inlet with renewed purpose after a brief hunting stop. Wherever they were heading, these were whales on a mission.

photos by Sandy Pollard, October 21, 2023

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I was thankful to be able to see them there by the shore today! Boy those sea lions were lucky! They were so close!

Rita Tillison

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T109A2D & T109A2 Fuser

This was so worth the wait!

photo by Kat Martin, October 21, 2023

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18:12 - Playing in kelp off Fort Casey lighthouse.

Kwaku Joseph Pelegreen

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17:00 - Super close pass by the ferry jetty - beautiful!

Bonnie Gretz

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17:09 - West of Fort Casey just south of lighthouse, pushed offshore a bit.

16:55 - Right in front of Coupeville ferry harbor opening.

1646 - Approaching Fort Casey from the east. Not yet to ferry terminal.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Donna Riley

Date of Sighting: October 21, 2023

Time: 4:45 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 4

Where seen: Of Fort Casey State Park campground close to shore

Direction of travel : Heading north

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Unsure

Any unusual markings?: Unsure

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Think there was a baby with therm. Much smaller than other fins

Photos available?: No

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16:35 - Just passed Driftwood Park quickly - still hugging shoreline!

16:30 - Just south of Driftwood Park still hugging the shore heading north [approx. 48.162280, -122.634685].

Emily Wandres

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16:00 - Passed Ledgewood. T109A2B snuck close into shore to try and snag a bird. T109A2C & T109A2D were porpoising a bit/chasing each other. All five passed by.

15:59 - Northbound again nearing Ledgewood for real.

15:48 - Still south of Ledgewood, milling on a hunt.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:37 - Seeing them from Ledgewood!

 Michelle Benson

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15:33 - Close to shore approaching Ledgewood northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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15:25 - Very near Whidbey shore heading north, now due west of Lake Hancock.

Scott Price

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14:50 - Four to five orcas continued north from north end of Lagoon Point, still closer to Whidbey side. Moving fast.

Sandy Pollard

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14:48 - Kit Turner called to report seeing four to five orcas at least, including larger and two little ones, off the north end of Lagoon Point northbound slow and steady on Whidbey side.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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14:45 - Four to six orca northbound close in at Lagoon Point. They stopped and mingled 100 feet off our jetty.

photo by Bill Setter, October 21, 2023

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14:45 - Picked up the pace and pushed off from shore a bit, passing the north Lagoon Point public beach - still northbound.

Emily Wandres

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14:44 - Yes. Four or five. One youth, smaller.

Jana Shinn Quiocho

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14:35 - Hunting right off the boat entrance at Lagoon Point, slowly northbound.

Emily Wandres

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13:58 - Update as the T109A2s are hugging the shoreline instead of going mid-channel. This is my last post as we leave the scene [approx. 48.035606, -122.603365].

13:48 - Update northbound T109A2 pod. Off Bush Point [approx. 48.030692, -122.609119].

13:36 - We found the T109A2 pod northbound approaching Bush Point [approx. 48.005614, -122.592018].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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13:36 - New group at Bush Point northbound. 109A2s.

Trevor Tillman

Sat, Oct 21 - Possession Sound (T99s)

Had a wonderful visit from the T99s this evening at Camano State Park! Lots of breaches, tail slaps, spy hops as they hunted something beginning on the Camano side and ending over near Whidbey. Low light and distance made for taking quality photos a bit difficult during the hunt. Once they finished their meal, they swam back over to the Camano side and made an extremely close pass by at the state park. So amazing!

photo by Charvet Drucker, October 21, 2023

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18:15 - Orcas just made a very slow pass about 60 to 100 feet off the shore of Camano Island State Park northbound.

Linda Aitkins

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18:00 - Watching at least three plus from Fox Spit. Orcas are Camano side of mid. They are in line with Fox Spit and south side Camano State Park, northbound. Thank you Linda. I see them on the south side of Elger Bay. 

17:30 - Northbound. Viewing from across the passage Fox Spit.

Marilyn Armbruster

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17:28 - Now going west of the Camano Head.

17:22 - Update - viewing from Camano Island State Park - spread out between Camano and Whidbey. Breaching and spyhops. 

17:15 - Spotted five orcas on Elger Bay. Milling.

Linda Aitkins

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15:28 - They just came around Sandy Point [approx. 48.037069, -122.378305].

Boone Sommerfeld

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15:25 - At Sandy Point now and have turned into Saratoga Passage on Whidbey side. Heading towards Langley harbor. Long down times.

Luanne Seymour

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14:50 - Spotted Whidbey side of channel northbound closing in on Sandy Point approx position at pin [approx. 48.011231, -122.362166].

Lori Christopher

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14:17 - Pod is past Clinton dock now still northbound hugging Whidbey side (or so it appears).

14:00 - Pod is approaching Clinton west side of channel. Steady northbound.

13:33 - Pod, at least some, west of mid channel out from Glendale, still south of Mukilteo Lighthouse beach northbound [approx. 47.937170, -122.344819].

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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13:32 - Long down times. Ohh, came up right next to the boat. I see three. That boat probably just got a shock. I see four.

13:30 - I see one who looks to be on a kill. Near Glendale. Boat watching from behind.

Jodi Krause Poissant

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13:25 - Orcas milling/hunting off Glendale. Whidbey side of island channel - a few closer.

Emily Wandres

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13:32 - Mid channel. Lots of activity. Just circling. Slow northbound.

13:23 - Two spotted from Glendale.

Lisa Mitchell

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12:51 - T99B turned around to follow two sea lions for a while but now she is following the rest of the pod that is about a half mile ahead of her northbound. My mark is for T99B as the trailer [approx. 47.901136, -122.371154]. This will be my last post as we leave the scene. Good luck out there.

12:41 - They seem committed to Possession Sound now and have picked up the pace considerably after their meal. Just north of my last mark.

12:30 - T99s just made a kill but are still northeast-bound [approx. 47.896362, -122.391314].

12:04 - The T99 pod is eastbound from my mark [approx. 47.898765, -122.435671].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:30 - Per Emily W., from Sunlight Beach, no orcas yet, but many harbor porpoise, likely several hundred [Sunlight Beach overlooks Useless Bay].

10:10 - Per Emily W., approx. location [47.967682, -122.580657] - includes at least one male. Grouped up steady travel southbound. 

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Christopher Thornton

Date of Sighting: October 21, 2023

Time: 9:20 AM

Species seen: orcas

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Bush Point off-shore

Direction of travel : south

Behaviors observed: surface active, tail splashing, leaping

If orcas, any males?: 1

Any unusual markings?: too far

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

Photos available?: No

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09:18 - Five to six orcas seen on Victoria Clipper ferry heading south near Bush Point.

Michael

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09:17 - Whales southbound at Bush Point [approx. 48.037781, -122.618472]. Ts I believe.

Christopher Lewman

Fri, Oct 20 - San Juans (T37As)

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Nadia Khan

Date of Sighting: October 20, 2023

Time: 6:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Due east from Humphreys head

Direction of travel : south, gentle pace

Behaviors observed: Breaching, tail slapping, interacting

If orcas, any males?: Yes 1

Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t see

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

Photos available?: No

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This is just a note to let you know that we saw the T37A pod at Cattle Pass (south end of San Juan Island) today and T37A3 (Spinnaker) is back with them again now.

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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16:40 - T37As approaching Lopez ferry terminal heading northeast up Upright Channel.

14:25 - Bigg's hunting at Whale Rocks.

13:40 - Orcas northbound through Cattle Pass into San Juan Channel.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Fri, Oct 20 - Puget Sound

17:41 - They went towards Admiralty side of Whidbey. Out of my view now. 

17:32 - One huge male. All heading northwest. Looks like maybe seven orcas. 

17:14 - They’re all facing north from what I can see. Some nervous sea lions on the green buoy. Northbound on Possession Bar.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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17:14 - They are almost to the buoy headed west.

Ed Pearson

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15:03 - From a friend: Watching four to six head south/southwest. Watching from Picnic Point looking directly toward Possession Point. Can see with the naked eye from here so assuming they’re slightly east of midchannel.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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16:55 - Definitely headed west now, halfway out to the Possession Point buoy.

16:48 - Looks like they are circling. Approximately off the old shipwreck or Picnic Point, still east of mid channel.

16:43 - Meant to say east of mid channel but now they are turning west towards Possession.

16:39 - About to Possession Point west of mid channel, moving fairly quickly south. Three together and a big one a bit separate.

Ed Pearson

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16:16 - I'm in Mukilteo and can see them heading south. Currently between Glendale and Possession. I counted six. They were moving fast and staying down for a while. I lost track of them near Possession.

Alexa Lamey

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15:57 - I am currently watching what Larry saw - about three to five orcas in Possession Sound. I live just a few blocks up from Lighthouse Park and face west looking at Whidbey Island. They appear to be moving slowly south.

Wendy Burchill

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15:12 - Larry Ducklin called to report observing pod of at least six to seven orcas (one male, cows/calves) spread out in Possession Sound midway between Meadowdale and Mukilteo, across from Glendale, Whidbey traveling northbound. Too far to tell ecotype.

Thu, Oct 19 - Puget Sound (T99s & T109A2s)

T99D Puck

T99 Bella & T99C Barakat

Always a good day when you get to see the T99 family! Found these guys at McKees Beach today. Followed them down the beach. T99E was such a darling. Throwing her flukes everywhere like the silly baby she is! Taken from shore.

photos by Kat Martin, October 19, 2023

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17:08 - [Ts approx. 48.019047, -122.366414].

Austin Richard 

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16:39 - Viewing from Sandy Point. Whales are mid to mainland, southbound at a slow pace with some surface activity.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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16:29 - I can see them where Rachel pointed out from Tulalip Bay!

Austin Richard

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16:14 - Friend has eyes approx. here [48.053397, -122.312792]. Lots of orca activity south of Camano Head - maybe mid channel of Port Susan - just south of a little white boat. Two separate groups - tail slaps, head stands, etc. Maybe slowly southbound in between all of the fun?

15:38 - Per PS Chat, they're southbound off Camano Head, so exiting Port Susan.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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14:04 - My last post for the T109A2s. The T99s/T109A2A are closer to the mainland to the east. All southbound [approx. 48.140994, -122.403977].

13:45 - Both pods are southbound now. Four of the T109A2 pod are at my mark [approx. 48.157340, -122.425981] and the T99s/T109A2A are southeast by about half mile at least.

13:27 - The T109A2 pod has turned to the east now and are trailing behind the T99s by about a mile [approx. 48.175285, -122.450638].

13:18 - It looks like most of the T109A2s split off and continued north. T109A2A is still with the T99s where my last map spot is.

13:14 - T99s and T109A2s have turned eastbound led by T99 and T99E [approx. 48.165188, -122.452696].

12:45 - Northbound T99 pod and T109A2 pod [approx. 48.152300, -122.446274].

Bart Rulon Art & Photography

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11:44 - We had a report of two off Tyee Beach heading north at 11:07. but no further sightings as off 11:44.

John C Storbeck

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08:50 - Three to four spotted southern tip of Hat Island heading towards Tulalip.

photo by Lori Christopher, October 19, 2023

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08:06 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:23 to report: 0806hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 5-6 orcas 1-2 miles South of CLIN terminal, heading in a southbound direction. 

Wed, Oct 18 - San Juans (T34s & T37s)

14:50 - MV Swiftsure spotted the T34s and T37s heading west in Spieden Channel close to Green Point.

Justine Buckmaster [WSSJI]

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T37 Harald & T37B1 Lance

T34 Grace

We were also able to spend five minutes with the T34s/T37s as we passed by Spieden Island.

photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, October 18, 2023

Wed, Oct 18 - San Juans (T35As, T37A3 & T38As)

T35A3 Garnet

T37A3 Spinnaker

We spent about half an hour with the T38As and T35As north of Moresby Island. 

photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, October 18, 2023

Mon, Oct 16 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

T109A2 Fuser, T109A2D, T109A2A Seekah, T109A2B Macoah

T109A2C

From Point Robinson.

photos & IDs by Marla Smith, October 16, 2023

Mon, Oct 16 - Puget Sound (T137s)

T137A Jack

T137B Tempest

16:30 - T137s at Owens Beach, Tacoma.

photos by Cherie StOurs, October 16, 2023

Sat, Oct 14 - Puget Sound (T109A2s)

T109A2s Dalco/Owen Beach. The sea lions were frantically racing to get away. Luckily no casualties. Exciting to have see this interesting new pod in our area!

photos by Cherie StOurs, October 14, 2023

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photo by Ashley Whitman, October 14, 2023

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T109A2 Fuser

photo & ID by Marla Smith, October 14, 2023

Sun, Oct 22 - Cape Flattery

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Makena Jansen

Date of Sighting: October 22, 2023

Time: 9:30 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Cape Flattery

Direction of travel : West

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: N/A

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

Fri, Oct 27 - Haro Strait

15:15 - Humpback reported northwest of County Park/southeast of D'Arcy Island, Canadian side of Haro. No direction noted.

Fri, Oct 27 - Puget Sound

17:00 - It was really spouting, up and out of water moving at steady speed - was fun to watch but blinded by the sun as far as capturing a picture with cell phone. Off Mukilteo Lighthouse Park not far off shore/direction steady east.

photo by Mary Ann Macomber, October 27, 2023

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15:48 - Just saw a few blows headed south from Richmond Beach. [How many?:] Not sure, two I thought.

Charity Aki

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09:30 - From a friend earlier today - north of Edmonds-Kingston at the time.

Tony Bahnick

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08:10 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:15 to report: 10/27 0810 hrs: MV ISSAQUAH Captain reports one (1) humpback, NB off Edmonds, near the traffic lanes. 

Thu, Oct 26 - Haro Strait

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jennifer Hunt

Date of Sighting: October 26, 2023

Time: 2:21 PM

Species seen: Humpback or minke [photo shows humpback]

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: San Juan County Park

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Slow traveling, surfaced through bait ball

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

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

photo by Jennifer Hunt, October 26, 2023

Thu, Oct 26 - Puget Sound (HW-MN0510662 & other)

HW-MN0510662

back of camera photo by Sara Montour Lewis, October 26, 2023

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15:35 - Just saw the humpback dive out in the triangle between Sunset Ave in Edmonds and Possession Point.

Marty Jones

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14:39 - The humpback at Possession is now facing south. Just southeast of Possession Point.

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:56 - Just spotted from Sunset Bay. Northbound into Possession, approaching Glendale.

Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy

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13:39 - I saw him take a deep dive heading north into Possession. 

Alice Thuy Talbot

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13:30 - Just saw a humpback mid to Whidbey side looking south from Glendale. It appears to be traveling north.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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10:28 - Original humpback is near Haines Wharf, pointed east. Haven’t seen the second humpback in a long time, so wondering if it went north towards Possession Sound. 

09:45 - Another humpback in between Possession Point and Picnic Point. The original Edmonds Beach Humpback is past Brackett’s Landing (as of 10:00) still northbound.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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09:52 - Humpback just outside Edmonds Dive Park heading northbound.

Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

-

09:52 - There’s also a humpback close to Edmonds, heading north, just saw it from Edmonds Marina with binoculars.

Joe Foos

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09:08 - This cutie is still near Marina Beach Park, northbound.

08:45 - Oh my gosh! HUGE, beautiful humpback breach in between Edmonds Marina Beach Park and Kingston! 

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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08:31 - There’s a humpback whale between me in Chennault Beach and Picnic Point.

Alice Thuy Talbot

Wed, Oct 25 - Haro Strait

Time: ~1:35pm PST

Type of whale, dolphin, or porpoise: uncertain, please see photos attached [humpback]

Activity: First sighting around [approx. 48.519438, -123.154127], we just caught the end of it going under the surface slowly. Second sighting five minutes later around [approx. 48.516831, -123.152939] was very close to shore, blew air out of blowhole, and then went back under the surface. Third sighting around five minutes later again around [approx. 48.516722, -123.153535], jumped out of water with a big tail slap.

Jason Macnak

photos by Jason Macnak, October 25, 2023

Wed, Oct 25 - Tacoma Narrows

16:13 - Humpback in Narrows north of bridge headed north on Gig Harbor side. Boat following behind, moving fast.

Susan White

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16:04 - Orcas grouped northbound at Narrows Bridge. Humpback also near by. 

Jason Cook

Mon, Oct 23 - Strait of Georgia 

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Mon Oct 23 17:35:17 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.90340,-123.20000 [East of Active Pass]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Violet

Whale Alert App

Mon, Oct 23 - Puget Sound

A humpback whale near Possession Bar! Humpback didn't fluke so only have dorsal for ID.

photos by Janine Harles, October 23, 2023

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09:41 - Still in the same area. I can see them from the Spokane.

Trevor Tillman

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08:45 - Robert Reeder and Ethan Torner on Victoria Clipper V reports at least two humpback whales, one on the small side, on Possession Bank east of the shipping lanes (47 52n 122 27 w). Lots of surface activity, no direction given.

Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network

Sun, Oct 22 - Haro Strait

16:08 - Juvenile humpback heading north of Lime Kiln.

Ron Feinberg [WSSJI] 

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12:03 - Humpback in Haro Strait off Lime Kiln State Park heading northbound out toward channel.

Ann Smalley

Sat, Oct 21 - Haro Strait (HW-MN0510589 & others)

16:05 - There was a humpback off the west side of San Juan by the County Park heading towards Lime Kiln. Ten minutes ago. It was feeding.

Greyson Haycraft-Thomson

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10:43 - Seeing two humpbacks miles offshore to the southeast of Lime Kiln, appear to be heading south.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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10:05 - Seeing big blows in Haro Strait about a mile from Lime Kiln Point State Park. Looks like four humpbacks!

Claudia Lorena [WSSJI]

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10-21-23, Humpback b.2022 HW-MN0510589, Haro Strait, SJI

08:56 - 08:57, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, 1/3 mile off shore traveling north/ up island.

09:35 - 09:36, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, 1/4 mile off shore traveling south/ down island. Photographed from shore.

Michelline Halliday, SJI

HW-MN0510589

photo by Michelline Halliday, October 21, 2023

Fri, Oct 20 - Admiralty Inlet (HW-MN0510662)

12:53 - Humpback whale HW-MN0510662 northbound at my map spot [Admiralty Inlet, north of Marrowstone Island - 48.111934, -122.692415].

Bart Rulon

Fri, Oct 20 - Puget Sound

14:37 - I'm on the ferry Salish from Edmonds to Kingston. We spotted what the crew said was a humpback! Saw her (him?) spout twice, tail flip twice, and one breach. Too distant for me to confirm species, but seemed larger than a gray whale.

Kari

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14:30 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:38 to report: SALISH Master reports one humpback breaching just to the North of the Ferry lanes between EDM/KING central. 

Thu, Oct 19 - Puget Sound

09:15 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:29 to report: 0915hrs: SPOKANE reports a very active juvenile humpback whale spy-hopping and breaching, located mid-channel in the TSS, traveling in various directions. 

Wed, Oct 25 - Admiralty Inlet

11:40 - It popped up once more! Headed southeast!

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network

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10:47 - While viewing the orcas in Admiralty Inlet Rachel Haight called back super excited to say a minke just popped up in Mutiny Bay in front of them off Shore Meadows facing eastbound.

Fri, Oct 20 - Hood Canal

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Betty Linehan

Date of Sighting: October 20, 2023

Time: 3:38 PM

Species seen: Dolphin

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: Hood Canal, Sunset Beach. Just outside buoy line, South Shore.

Direction of travel : N, steady clip

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

Wed, Oct 25 - Holmes Harbor 

10:23 - Second report is of humpback feeding in the south end of Holmes Harbor (along with many sea lions, harbor porpoises and seals - no further sightings despite many others looking).

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Jennifer Sand

Date of Sighting: October 25, 2023

Time: 10:18 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Holmes Harbor Freeland dock

Direction of travel : North

Behaviors observed: Milling

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

Thu, Oct 19 - Central Puget Sound (No other sightings despite many people searching different areas)

09:26 - Moving pretty quickly. Off of Chinese Reconciliation Park now.

09:21 - 09:22 - I’m seeing a small group of orcas in Tacoma. They are near to shore along Ruston Way close to Dickman Mill Park heading east. Just saw them surface again near old town dock. 

Lindsay Walker