September 16, 2023

J57 Phoenix & J36 Alki pass by the west side of San Juan Island - taken from shore.

photo & IDs by Michelline Halliday, September 11, 2023

SUMMARY

Sightings through September 11 include:

Southern Residents - On September 9, J pod returned to the west side of San Juan Island!

On September 10, J pod headed north through Active Pass and spent the day in the Strait of Georgia.

On September 11, J pod made their way south past San Juan Island.

In next report: On September 12, J pod made their way into Possession Sound & Saratoga Passage.

On September 13, J pod exited Puget Sound and headed north through Admiralty Inlet.

On September 14, J pod spent the day doing the westside shuffle off San Juan Island. They headed north at dark.

On September 15, J pod made their way north in the Strait of Georgia.

Bigg's Killer Whales - On September 4, T65As spent the day in Hood Canal before exiting later in the evening. T35As & T38As were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D were spotted in the San Juans. T46C2, T63, & T65 were in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On September 5, T65As made their way north past San Juan Island. T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D looped around San Juan Island.

On September 6, T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D looped around San Juan Island again! T38C & T38E were off Victoria, BC. T75Bs were spotted in the San Juans.

On September 7, T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D were seen in the morning with T75Bs & T77D on the west side of San Juan Island - T75Bs & T77D turned north at Spieden Island while the others split and went south in San Juan Channel on their loop before breaking off and heading east through the islands. T46s & T46B1s were off Victoria, BC. T37A, T37A2, T65As, T99s were spotted in Rosario Strait.

On September 8, T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D spent time around Sucia Island.

On September 9, T18s were in the Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca. T49As were in the San Juans.

On September 10, T46s & T46B1s were in Rosario Strait. T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D were seen in the San Juans.

On September 11, T18s, T75Bs, & T77D were off Victoria.

In next report: On September 12, T37A3, T37A4, T46s, T46B1s, T137A, & T137D were together near Dungeness Spit. T109As were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

On September 13, T69s were off Victoria.

On September 14, T37A3, T37A4, T65As, T137A, & T137D made their way down Admiralty Inlet with close passes at Lagoon & Bush Point.

On September 15, T37A3, T37A4, T137A & T137D split from the T65As (minus T65A5) - they spent the day in Port Susan & Possession Sound. T65As minus T65A5 made their way south through Puget Sound with a close pass off Ruston! T65A5 has been traveling with his family for awhile, but today, he broke away and was spotted alone in Saratoga Passage.

Humpbacks - CRC19189 Annabelle exited Puget Sound. BCZ0345 Victory also spotted this report. Other humpbacks in Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Gray Whales - One spotted near Victoria, BC.

EVENTS:

Welcoming Home Ceremony for Tokitae/Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut

Friday, September 22, 2023

10:00 - Wexliem Community Building, Lummi Nation

2100 Blackhawk Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226

For additional information, please contact Althea Wilson at 360-824-1908 or AltheaW@lummi-nsn.gov.

Mon, Sep 11 - Haro Strait (J Pod)

We got to spend some quality time with this big guy this afternoon: J27 Blackberry. As he's gotten older, he's taken up the same habit that his father J1 Ruffles used to have of traveling way offshore on his own as J-Pod passes through Haro Strait, so it was especially nice to have him not only make a close approach to the rocks off Lime Kiln but to hang out for a while! It was a lovely two plus hour pass as the whales came back south after spending yesterday foraging off the mouth of the Fraser River. We were able to account for all 25 members of J-Pod, which today was not the easiest task since they were spread out and all mixed up! But rest assured they were all there.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 11, 2023

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J40 Suttles & J49 T'ilem I'nges

J39 Mako

J57 Phoenix, J47 Notch, J37 Hy'Shqa, J59 Sxwyeqόlh

photos & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, September 11, 2023

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09-11-23, J-Pod, Haro Strait, SJI

Viewing from Lime Kiln, 13:05 - 13:46, From up island of Lime Kiln the leader group was porpoising and approaching fast pushing big white sprays of water ahead of them. They were in small groups spread far apart in a line alone the island. A few came in very close to the rocks including J19 Shachi, J26 Mike, J27 Blackberry and J39 Mako. Others were within a few hundred feet of shore, J47 Notch, J37 Hy'Shqa with J59 Sxwyeqolh and J36 Alki with J57 Phoenix. They kept up their fast transit but slowed some as the incoming current strengthened. When I left Lime Kiln there were still a few up island/north of the lighthouse. Photographed from shore.

Viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank's Westside Preserve, 13:08 - 13:10, I traveled down island to try to catch the lead group. I missed that group but the second group flew past me feet from the rocks. No time to set up a camera, I just drank the experience in then left to catch up down island.

Viewing from just north of Pile Point, 14:10 - 16:41, As they continued down island the groups had pulled away from shore, with some traveling past Pile Point but 5-6 stayed milling adjacent to Pile Point. They slowly made their way off shore, until just blows could be seen in the glare. A final group of 5 including J27 Blackberry lingered just north of Pile. J27 Blackberry moved in slow motion, surfacing in a slow rhythm 1/3 mile off shore. This group continued traveling off shore away from the island. When I left they could still be seen in the far distance. 

Michelline Halliday, SJI

J59 Sxwyeqόlh & belly up J37 Hy'Shqa

J39 Mako

photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, September 11, 2023

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J27 Blackberry

J31 Tsuchi

IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

photos by Casey Jo Haagenson, September 11, 2023

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19:17 - Definite direction change over the last 15 minutes or so. All moving west southwest including the large male and whoever was with him.

18:39 - The large group is moving east/southeast. Farther from shore. At least one large male is still much farther to the west of the large group.

17:50 - Large group has stalled quite far off Eagle Point. Socializing together.

16:52 - The farthest the leader got was Eagle Point I think. Then there were a couple breaches both close to shore and quite far out. Change of direction for group close to shore. Everyone is moving southeast. But very slowly.

15:54 - Still have orcas spread between a bit up island from Eagle Point to Pile Point. One playful group. Others are spread. No real direction. Not really continuing down island.

15:10 - Orcas spread from Pile Point to a bit up Island from Eagle Point. Some milling in the big current off of Pile Point. Others heading down island. Some closer to shore than others.

Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]

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15:22 - What a treat! Watching from New Hampshire.

Kristen Petrin-Doucet

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15:20 - Trailing four whales southbound off Lime Kiln: J27, 31, 45, and 56.

Orca Behavior Institute

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15:05 - Lovely calls and close in to shore cruising right now on the Lime Kiln cam.

Orca Network

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15:08 - Pretty sure I just spotted Blackberry (J27).

Sandy Pollard

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14:55 - Watching and hearing J-pod on the Whale Museum live stream. Loud calls.

Linda Aitkins

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14:53 - Looks like NOAA out there scooping whale scat.

Sandy Pollard

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14:29 - Watching and listening on the Lime Kiln webcam.

Kim Schwarzkopf

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13:59 - Such a joy to listen from the UK. My heart is full.

Jo Gennari

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13:57 - Still some beautiful awesomeness on the Lime Kiln cam, big breach! 

Orca Network

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13:53 - That was great fun to watch and listen to. Sounded like braying donkeys for a bit.

Kirsten Tucker

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13:24 - I was watching too! Did you see one of them spyhopping?

Briana Marie

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13:23 - It was fun to watch and listen to them!

Kaitlin Niclas

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13:09 - Lots of activity + breaching on the LK webcam.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

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12:47 - The OrcaHello AI listening to Orcasound Lab hydrophone picked up this 60-second clip with clear S04 calls.

12:43 - 12:53 - Held the bulk of high signal-to-noise calls, along with some clicks!

Scott Veirs, Orcasound 

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12:53 - Leaders now at San Juan County Park.

12:40 - Moving closer to shore just north of The Center for Whale Research. 

12:29 - Halfway between Snug Harbor and Sunset point heading south. Lots of breaches.

John Boyd [WSSJI]

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11:10 - J-Pod southbound from Turn Point.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Sun, Sep 10 - Haro Strait/Active Pass (J Pod)

Saw a report from Salish Sea Orca Squad that Jpod was seen going north through Active Pass this morning.

Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]

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03:30 - LOTS of blows going up island. Heard from County Park.

Kimberly Beck [WSSJI]

Sat, Sep 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca/Haro Strait (J Pod)

J26 nailing a salmon tonight in Haro Strait. Atta boy Mikey!

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 9, 2023

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09-09-23 J-Pod Haro Strait

17:40 - 19:05, Distant blows and fins signaled J-Pod inbound between Point Edwards and Pile Point. They were very spread out milling slowly, in and out and up and down island. At 18:00 a few members including J16 Slick split off from the main group and continued up island. The rest were milling but trending to the south, very spread out. The closest 1/3 mile from shore while some members were 1.5 miles offshore. I could make out a few saddles, J27 Blackberry. J42 Echo and J36 Alki. By 19:05 they had all traveled south/ down island out of sight. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank. 

Michelline Halliday, SJI

J27 Blackberry

J36 Alki

photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, September 9, 2023

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J Pod, once again, coming to the Westside on 9/9, the anniversary that J50 Scarlet passed away there.

Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout [WSSJI]

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20:42 - Hearing exhales in the dark, from Eagle Cove to the far south! Beautiful!

Lodie Laurieanne Gilbert Budwill [WSSJI]

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19:30 - A friend reports many milling near Eagle.

18:05 - J16 passing Land Bank northbound, three to four others coming up behind her to Edwards also northbound.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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18:12 - Visible on Lime Kiln camera, northbound.

17:50 - J pod has made it to Haro Strait! Echolocation clicks are audible on the Lime Kiln hydrophone. 

Orca Network

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17:05 - Line of blows visible with binoculars southeast of Discovery Island as viewed from Land Bank - guessing still about six miles offshore but heading east towards San Juan.

15:45 - J-Pod eastbound from Victoria.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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13:44 - I think they have all passed the point on my last map. Trending offshore. No public shoreline access in that area, so this will likely be the last update for a while unless they turn towards Victoria.

13:30 - Leaders around here [approx. 48.300288, -123.597034] continuing eastbound, still spread wide in all directions.

13:05 - Orcas eastbound southeast of Alldridge Point in Sooke. Too far away to confirm ecotype, but presume SRKWs based on earlier report. Viewing from Creyke Point. Spread out slowly weaving through the fishing boats. Definitely acting like residents.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

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16:02 - 16:11 - I filmed J Pod of Southern Resident Killer Whales as they travelled eastward off of Trial Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Thanks to Serena Tierra of Orca Network for the heads up. Link to video.

Gerald Graham

Lots of folks have been messaging asking for an update on the new calf with the T75Bs as they have continued to traverse the central Salish Sea in recent weeks. Sadly, our update is not the greatest. As you can see in this photo from the last time we saw the calf on September 6, it was emaciated, with the sunken "peanut-head" look behind the skull. Having encountered it numerous times over the last month, it appeared to be declining in body condition over time. Yesterday, the family was seen in British Columbia, and we got the sad report from several observers that it appeared the calf was no longer with the family group, meaning it has likely died. Every time we saw the calf it was traveling in echelon position with T75B2, 8 year-old Jasper. We believe she was the mother: the youngest wild orca mother that we know of! It's very possible that this somehow played a role in the poor health of the calf. We had already gotten rather attached to this little one, so even though we know that not all baby orcas can thrive, this is particularly devastating news. The Bigg's killer whale population overall has had an incredible calf survival rate over the last decade, but calves, especially first-born calves, are known to have a mortality rate of up to 50% during their first year. It was still an honor to get to observe this little tyke during its short life, and we hope that T75B2 will go on to be a prolific mother in the future.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 6, 2023

Mon, Sep 11 - Victoria, BC (T18s, T75Bs, T77D)

Another killer day! Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T018s & T075Bs) hunting around the Discovery Islands! Also three humpbacks and 1000+ sealions around Race Rocks Lighthouse.

Sooke Coastal Explorations

photos by Paul Pudwell, September 11, 2023

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Males are T19C Spouter & T19B Galiano

T75B2 Jasper

We traveled into Canadian waters and to Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve: Chain Islet. It is an area of shallow waters and reefs. When we arrived on scene, the T18s were to our left. They were quietly surfacing, logging, and gliding back and forth. They remained fairly close to one another never moving more than 200 yards from the point they were at upon arrival. No hunting, not surface active, and they did not interact with the T75Bs and T77D who were no more than 200 yards to their right. The 75Bs were staying in VERY tight formation. They were not hunting, and like the T18s, never traveled more than 200 yards from their point of origin.They were doing headstands that were high out of the water and were held for prolonged periods. We saw three of them exhibit this behavior at once, and I'm not sure how many headstands we saw in total, maybe three dozen? They were not slapping their tails or being percussive, just standing on their heads. We saw several spy hops, and Jasper, T75B2 came up with a huge mouthful of kelp. They were diving and surfacing in the exact same spot, over, and over, and over again. When we left maybe 45 minutes later, the behavior was continuing. They were noted in that same location for over six hours. I suppose I should have prefaced all of this with, T75B2A was not present. I asked Tyson, the naturalist if it had been seen that day. There had been reports that morning of the baby being alive. We didn't realize it at the time, but it is possible we were witnessing a ceremony of grief and loss. Perhaps the T18s, not unlike humans, were standing by and keeping vigil as the T75Bs mourned the loss of their little one. Maybe the baby was there, on the floor of the ocean, its final resting place. Of course, only the measurable observations are data, the rest of what I write is speculation. I know I'm projecting my human emotions and applying them to the behavior,but I hope that what I saw was one family comforting another in a time of distress. Strangely, the T18s were part of the story back on August 13th. I watched the T75Bs head north in I believe Rosario Strait. The T18s were coming down the straight with speed! T19 and T19B greeted the T75Bs by coming behind them and following them north for a bit. They then turned and continued south. Was that a greeting and congratulations on the new baby? I have more questions than answers. What I do know is that in their short month swimming in our Salish Sea, little T75B2A won my heart. I decided they should have a name. I'll likely be the only one to refer to them this way, but I named them, Agate. Pebbles, Jasper, Rubble, T75B4 (who will get a proper name) and Agate. They were and will always be a family.

photos & ID by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 11, 2023

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17:45 - Leaving now. They haven't moved. Confirmed T18s with the T75Bs per Sooke Coastal Explorations.

17:36 - Still there. Facing north but not traveling. Slow surfacing, no surface activity other than the few tail slaps earlier.

17:22 - T18 group is still facing north but has drifted back south to their original position. Just saw a tail slap from one of the boys.

17:17 - They've split with one group hanging around the middle of the islands and a second group (looks like all of the T18s) has trended north slightly, definitely not in a hurry.

16:55 - Two classes and a fish market later, I am back. The whales have not moved. Viewing from Cattle Point now [approx. 48.424203, -123.276855].

12:32 - Whales are stalled by the islands, probably hunting for seals [approx. 48.421782, -123.274636].

11:59 - Heading through the Chain Islets, possibly aiming for Baynes Channel.

11:55 - Northeast of Gonzales Point, aiming for the Chain Islets.

11:44 - They went around the south side of Trial Island after my last message. Currently waiting for them in Oak Bay hoping they'll come closer to shore.

11:22 - I'm seeing them eastbound south of Trafalgar Park. Only three females and a male so far. At least two males. I think T19B is in there.

Serena Tierra, Orca Network

Sun, Sep 10 - Gulf Islands, BC

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sun Sep 10 13:08:17 PDT 

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.75193,-123.36883 [south end Salt Spring Isl, BC]

Number Sighted: 1

Submitter Name: Erin

Sun, Sep 10 - San Juans (T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D)

17:15 - Tired of that "burger-like" flavor of American harbor aeals, this group has emigrated to Canada, where the harbor seals have a "Maple-like" flavor! Continuing south/southwest now by the Kelp Reef mark.

16:55 - Have them on the Lime Kiln Camera - moving offshore south/southwest. Between Little D'arcy Island and the County Park.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

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15:00 - Sweet pass at Reuben Tarte, still northbound on San Juan shoreline.

13:40 - They picked up their to-go lunch at the docks and are continuing northbound off Point Caution now.

13:15 - They are IN the harbor now! T137A/D and T37A3/4 approaching Friday Harbor northbound.

12:00 - Small group of Bigg's heading southwest down Upright Channel.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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12:15 - Captain of SALISH reports four orcas southbound in Upright Channel.

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: McMaster Jenny

Date of Sighting: September 10, 2023

Time: 12:00 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: Off of Flat Point on Lopez Is

Direction of travel : NW

Behaviors observed: Traveling

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

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J-Pod headed north in the early hours to go forage off the mouth of the Fraser River, so we thought we might have a quiet day from the shores of San Juan Island. But then our recent fab foursome showed up: T137A Jack, T137D Wright, T37A3 Spinnaker, and T37A4 Crinkle. This odd quartet has been roaming around the San Juans for the last week, and we've joked that adult male Jack has looked like the bored chaperone for the three youngsters (ages 8-11) who are awfully excited to be off on their own and quite proud of themselves after every seal kill. At OBI we are particularly fond of Crinkle, a female who received some type of dorsal injury at a young age. At some angles, her dorsal can look almost normal, while from others you can still clearly see the odd kink that is her namesake. The bent fin is particularly visible in this photo taken off Reuben Tarte this afternoon.

Orca Behavior Institute

photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 10, 2023

Sun, Sep 10 - Rosario Strait (T46s & T46B1s)

T46B1C, T46B1 Tread, T46E Thor

IDs & photo by Brandy Jackson Ritchie, September 10, 2023

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19:15 - Pushing a bit more west, some trend south.

19:01 - Visible way in distance from Rosario Head. Continuing southbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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18:12 - West of Allan Island. Still southbound [approx. 48.462871, -122.737973].

Brandy Jackson Ritchie

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17:35 - Approaching Washington Park. Thor in a group, Strider off a bit.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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17:31 - They’re right about here [approx. 48.494981, -122.728244] still heading south. 

Jami Cantrell

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17:03 - Current location [approx. 48.543062, -122.734181].

Brandy Jackson Ritchie

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17:02 - I have eyes on the boats from Green Point at Washington Park. I was even able to see Strider’s dorsal fin from far away. They are heading this direction. I have a friend that’s out on sounder with a tour that updated me.

Silver Hubble

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13:40 - They split at some point but seven have continued down Rosario, they just passed Clark Island are and steadily continuing south - two huge males and a baby! Either Strider or Thor hunting a seal/porpoise! You can see the tiny prey by his side until he breaches. pretty sure we know how that ended! Milling after the hunt in between Lummi and Clark Island.

11:58 - I’m seeing a dozen spouts! all together in a line. No fins yet just spouts.

11:55 - At least five spouts headed south past Matia Island, Salish Sea and Sounder boats are with them, they appear to be continuing south!

Rose Caitlin

Sat, Sep 9 - Strait of Georgia

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sat Sep 9 13:50:50 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.30147,-123.39458 [ off southern Bowen Island, BC]

Number Sighted: 4

Submitter Name: Andy

Sat, Sep 9 - T49As (San Juans)

15:41 - At least four southbound [approx. 48.679870, -123.237448].

photo by Smith Siromaskul, September 9, 2023

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14:14 - Seeing two to three orcas next to Moresby Island from Stuart Island. Changing directions. Next to Turn Point.

back of camera photo by Nataliya Lisitsyna, September 9, 2023

Sat, Sep 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Orcas putting on quite the show for fifteen to twenty minutes between Gibsons Spit and Klapot Point. Spectacular kayaking adventure for me and my new kayak.

photo by Agnes Baker, September 9, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Agnes Bàker

Date of Sighting: September 09, 2023

Time: 12:10 PM

Species seen: Orcas

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Entrance to Sequim Bay between Gibsons Spit and Klapot Point

Direction of travel : Stayed in the passage way for 15-20 minutes

Behaviors observed: Breaching, tail slapping.

If orcas, any males?: 1

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

Sat, Sep 9 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T18s)

17:00 - They turned west after finishing their dinner.

Matt Stolmeier

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17:42 - It has been about 45 minutes since I have seen a fin. The last direction they were headed as they went out of sight was northwest from their last location.

16:30 - Seem to milling in the same location as viewing from Ebey State Park.

April Basham

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14:51 - We saw at least five breaches on Outer Island WW! So amazing [approx. 48.225319, -122.802182].

photo by Shannon Moore, September 9, 2023

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14:34 - I’m seeing at least two to three orcas (can see their black dorsal fins) west of Fort Ebey State Park. I noticed a bunch of whale watching boats in the area maybe 30 minutes ago and I’ve finally spotted some fins very far off in the distance. My estimation is they’re headed west.

Holly Weinstein

Fri, Sep 8 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Orcas in Port Angeles Harbor.

photo by Fred Felleman, September 8, 2023

Fri, Sep 8 - San Juans (T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D)

T137A Jack

T137A Jack, T137D Wright, T37A4 Crinkle

[It] was the last day of my Bigg’s STARS class boat trips and it went out with a bang! Truly an unforgettable experience with the T137s (T137A and T137D) and the T37As (T37A4 and T37A3). We found this group making their rounds at Sucia. Supposedly, they had been making laps all day long. Upon our arrival, T37A4 popped up right behind our vessel! Super cool stuff.  Taken on a boat. All whale watch regulations are adhered to. Sucia Island.

photos by Kat Martin, September 8, 2023

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18:55 - Sounds like they’ve been circling up there today the way they were circling San Juan during prior days!

15:11 - Possibly these same whales have been picked up near Patos - it's our foursome of T137A, T137D, T37A3, and T37A4.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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08:00 - Four orcas east bound in Spieden Channel, outside Roche Harbor.

Caleb Barville [WSSJI]

Thu, Sep 7 - Victoria, BC (T46s & T46B1s)

T46D Strider

T46E Thor

19:35 - Approaching west side of Trial Island, heading southeast.

19:21 - Eastbound off Harling Point.

18:55 - Close pass off the tip of Clover Point, eastbound.

18:49 - Northwest of Clover Point, milling and kelping.

18:27 - Approaching Holland Point, westbound.

18:08 - T46s and T46B1s visible west of Ogden Point Breakwater (Victoria, BC), eastbound.

photos by Serena Tierra, September 7, 2023

Thu, Sep 7 - San Juans (T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D traveling with T75Bs & T77D in morning)

17:57 - At least four to five in the group. We are so excited! We have seen orcas three times while we've been out this summer (about 7 weeks).

17:53 - Southbound in Lopez Sound, next to Blakely Island. Five minutes ago.

17:51 - Spotted from the mooring on the north side of Spencer Spit, Lopez Island. Link to video.

photo by Noreen May Light, September 7, 2023

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T37A4 Crinkle, T137D Wright, T137A Jack in background

photo by Kat Martin, September 7, 2023

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Noreen Light

Date of Sighting: September 07, 2023

Time: 5:40 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 5

Where seen: Next to Blakely Island.

Direction of travel : SB

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Maybe

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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15:15 - These whales are northbound back up San Juan Channel now.

13:10 - Seen from Jackson Beach heading south down the middle of Griffin Bay.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

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12:33 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:57 to report: 1233hrs: Vessel SALISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 4 orca heading South at the entrance to FHBR, off of Brown Island. 

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11:18 - Grouped up southbound south of O'Neal Island.

11:10 - T37A siblings feet off rocks at Reuben Tarte. Now just south of here, Jack and Wright have cut back in to join them. Continuing south.

11:05 - Appear to have split. 75Bs & 77D continued north around Spieden Island. Jack and company have come south and are approaching Reuben Tarte.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

T137A Jack

photos by Dori Dace, September 7, 2023

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T137A Jack following T75Bs & T77D

T75B2 Jasper

08:25 - Group, which includes T137A Jack, pass by Lime Kiln still traveling northbound.

photos by Rachel Haight, September 7, 2023

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T75Bs, T137A "Jack' and friends, Haro Strait

08:07 - 08:10, 7-9 Bigg's transients including T137A Jack and the T75Bs surfaced suddenly in front of me, 1/4 mile from shore heading up island, 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. They were moving quickly and disappeared out of sight as they went past Point Edwards. Photographed from shore.

photo by Michelline Halliday, September 7, 2023

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This morning at Lime Kiln.

Shelly Greybeck

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08:12 - Message from Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC who reports they just watched 6-8 Bigg's Transient orcas (including one male) traveling fast northbound in Haro Strait passing Hannah Heights, San Juan Island. 

Thu, Sep 7 - Rosario Strait (T37A, T37A2, T65As, T99s)

T65A4 Ellifrit

I can’t even begin to process today. So many orca pods out there. One of the T65As came RIGHT next to the boat we are on. I was shaking. We then got to see a humpback, minke, some osprey, a bald eagle, and harbor porpoise!

photo by Kat Martin, September 7, 2023

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We watched the T-party on Dallas Bank just North of Protection Island. 13 whales total; T37A, T37A2, T65A matriline, and T99 matriline. 

photos by Kyla Bivens, September 7, 2023

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T65A4 Ellifrit

T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A3 Amira

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 7, 2023

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17:45 - Thirteen orcas (reported as T37As, T65As, and T99s) off Miller Peninsula [which is east of Sequim] aiming at Port Williams [westbound]!

Rachel Rodell [OPWS]

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18:45 - Several miles north of Port Williams trending west northwest.

Seth Lecy [OPWS]

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12:00 - T65As were off southeast Lopez traveling westbound per Cindi Rausch.

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Hayden Watson

Date of Sighting: September 07, 2023

Time: 11:15 PM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 6

Where seen: N48 28 , W122 48 One mile SE of Lopez Pass

Direction of travel : SSE

Behaviors observed: Traveling

If orcas, any males?: Yes

Any unusual markings?:

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

Photos available?: No

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08:44 - Laurie Bakers, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:49 to report: 0844hrs: Vessel SAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted two orcas heading westbound just off Shannon Pt. 

Wed, Sep 6 - Strait of Georgia

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Wed Sep 6 11:41:46 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.26590,-123.98570 [off Neck Point, N of Nanaimo]

Number Sighted: 4

Submitter Name: Lennart

Whale Alert App

Wed, Sep 6 - Victoria, BC (T38C & T38E)

T38C Borrowman

T38E Hocker

18:50 - Orcas near Macaulay Point, still westbound.

18:40 - Close pass along the Ogden Point Breakwater, continuing west.

18:31 - Westbound off Holland Point, barely visible through the whitecaps from Ogden Point.

17:57 - Westbound south of Clover Point.

17:13 - Hunting around the kelp bed off the southwest corner of Trial Island.

17:00 - Whales snuck through Enterprise Channel and popped up on the northwest side of Trial Island before continuing south along the coast of Trial.

16:51 - Westbound approaching McMicking Park.

16:35 - Northeast of Oak Bay Marina, heading southeast.

16:20 - T38C and T38E east of Cattle Point (Victoria, BC), heading southwest.

photos by Serena Tierra, September 6, 2023

Wed, Sep 6 - Haro Strait

13:30 - Had the most beautiful sighting off of Turn Point Lighthouse. We saw four orcas, one of them was large and there was also a much smaller one.

photo by Jennifer Hoag, September 6, 2023

Wed, Sep 6 - San Juans (T75Bs)

19:10 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 20:09 to report: 1910hrs: Vessel SALISH reports 5 orca EB at Upright Head on Lopez Island.  

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18:53 - Four-ish whales in between Lopez and Shaw, seen from the ferry. Milling/Eating/Cartwheeling.

Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound [WSSJI]

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18:20 - They took Upright Channel heading northeast.

Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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16:50 - Passing Point Caution on Shaw side of channel.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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15:45 - T75Bs just passed Reuben Tarte southbound.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Wed, Sep 6 - San Juans (T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D)

Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #48:

“We arrived on scene at 1055 with the whales being deep in North Bay at the north end of Griffin Bay. The four whales present were T37A3, T37A4, T137A, and T137D-the same four whales who had traveled up the west side of SJI the day before. The whales came out of North Bay and headed slowly south in Griffin Bay past the east side of Dinner Island…”

Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #48.

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T137A Jack

We watched T37A3, T37A4, T137A, and T137D in San Juan Channel.

photos by Kyla Bivens, September 6, 2023

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20:39 - Now in between San Juan Island and Turn Island, hunting. They’ve been tail slapping and staying in the same place for about twenty minutes now.

Caleb Barville [WSSJI]

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T37A4 Crinkle, T137D Wright, T137A Jack

18:26 - Southbound past Reuben Tarte.

14:50 - Approaching County Park.

14:35 - Past Lime Kiln headed north.

14:05 - Heading up west side of island approaching Land Bank.

12:43 - Off South Beach still westbound.

12:15 - After going through Cattle Pass, now headed westbound towards South Beach.

photo & IDs by Rachel Haight, September 6, 2023

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10:10 - Four orcas outside of Brown Island heading southeast in San Juan Channel.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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09-06-23 T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D, Haro Strait 

14:05 - 14:14, 4 Bigg's transients, T37A3, T37A4, T137A and T137D, traveling up island about 1.4 mile from shore. T137A Jack stood out the most as he always does. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. Photographed from shore.

Michelline Halliday, SJI

T137A Jack

photo by Michelline Halliday, September 6, 2023

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12:13 - [approx. 48.461485, -122.953236] Whale research boat was present, closer than the rest.

Andrea Duffield

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12:00 - Approaching Cattle Point.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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11:29 - Staff member Rachel Haight messaged from San Juan Island to report orcas southbound in Griffin Bay traveling southbound toward Cattle Point. IDs per WSSJI tell us this is foursome, who have been traveling together, are two pair of siblings from two different matrilines: sibs T37A3 Spinnaker & T37A4 Crinkle AND sibs T137A Jack & T137D Wright.

Tue, Sep 5 - San Juans (T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D)

So beautiful, we kept our distance but still amazing.

photo by Andrea Duffield, September 5, 2023

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We were following the sight seeing boats for awhile at the safe distance. The boats kept heading north along the coast of San Juan Island. We cut the engine and took some time to get a bite to eat and then Jack (T137A) showed up next to us with his three smaller ones. This was just south of the Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse.

Greg Martin

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14:45 - [Link to] Video of the first group of Bigg's Orcas to pass the Lime Kiln light house.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

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18:30 - Approaching Point Caution close to shore.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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15:19 - Approaching County Park still close to shore. Was a beautiful pass at Lime Kiln Lighthouse.

14:34 - Orcas approaching Land Bank northbound. Per WSSJI, it's T37A3, T37A4, T137A and T137D.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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T137D Wright

photo by Dori Dace, September 5, 2023

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14:00 - Have cut back in. Now very close to shore at Pile Point.

13:46 - Headed more west northwest. Further from shore. To about False Bay.

13:27 - Stalled just up island from Eagle Point. Slowly drifting up island. Kelping. Spy hop.

Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]

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12:50 - Off South Beach heading up island. Being reported as likely the same group from yesterday: T37A3, T37A4, T137A, and T137D.

11:00 - Orcas off Pear Point heading west towards Jackson Beach.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Tue, Sep 5 - Haro Strait

07:30 - Secondhand report of three orcas moving up island from County Park.

Pat Hussey

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06:52 - The Lime Kiln Camera caught an orca headed up island. Probably the same group.

Fred Horn [WSSJI]

Tue, Sep 5 - Admiralty Inlet/Haro Strait (T65As)

T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy

17:50 - T65As passed between County Park and the island just offshore. So incredibly beautiful looks at them as they passed by.

photo & ID by Rachel Haight, September 5, 2023

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T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy

photo by Dori Dace, September 5, 2023

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T65A2 Ooxjaa breaching

T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy

We watched the T65As just north of Fort Worden. At one point T65A took off chasing a minke whale! She chased it for five to ten minutes before turning back to her kids who had stopped chasing almost immediately.

photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, September 5, 2023

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17:35 - Orcas passing Lime Kiln lighthouse 15 minute ago [~17:20]. Heading north. Extraordinary! They were too far offshore to take a photo. A gentleman named Alex was watching and seemed to know them. He said it was likely a mom and three or four of her children.

Noreen May Light

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16:55 - T65As approaching Land Bank northbound.

Rachel Haight, Orca Network

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16:30 - T65As approaching San Juan Island from the south (heading north) near False Bay.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

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12:15 - Headed out west northwest-ish from Libbey Beach area looking west.

Kevin Phillips

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10:39 - Going past Point Wilson. Heading west and offshore.

photo by Alissa Gubelman, September 5, 2023

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10:23 - Just rounded Point Wilson heading out the strait. Close to shore.

photo by Alexandra Redman, September 5, 2023

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09:32 - Male orca IN BETWEEN Marrowstone and Indian Island. It was in front of the red pin [approx. 48.045467, -122.703933], only one way out. I was told it's too shallow for them to even come in, so it's a shock to us. Orcas was heading out, or northbound toward Port Townsend. 

photo by Meagan Parsons, September 5, 2023

Mon, Sep 4 - Hood Canal (T65As)

T65A3 Amira

From Point Whitney earlier today.

photos by Mollie Segall, September 4, 2023

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20:08 - Got 'em. Mid channel.

20:02 - Can't see them because of a bunch of trees and the darkness, but I hear them (at least it definitely sounds like blows). North of Hazel Point. East side, moving north. All just a guess.

Laura Griest

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Thanks to this group I can say I saw my first orca in the wild. What an incredible thing to witness! Wish they were closer to shore but I’ll take it! Can’t wait to see them again!

Dakota Forgey

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19:23 - We can see a bunch of blowing off of Hazel Point!

Shellie Friedrich

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18:47 - Navigation marker off Oak Head. Three of them! 

Tessa King

18:04 - Straight out from Seal Rock, mid channel. They appear to be eastbound.

Mollie Segall

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17:02 - Three passing Port Whitney headed south.

Ryan Shrout

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16:59 - I found them [Dabob Bay]. 

photo by Charlie Feinstein, September 4, 2023

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16:55 - Just passing Whitney Point. Saw one so far! Heading south.

Dakota Forgey

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16:48 - Heading down from the Shellfish Lab.

Ian-Laura Coyle

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16:38 - All three together. Splashing and lots of activity here [approx. 47.773298, -122.803393].

16:36 - One male out from Point Whitney. Not sure on direction of travel.

Mollie Segall

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14:57 - Up in Tarboo Bay.

Jeffrey Stander

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14:40 - Just saw them here.

Natasha Schehen

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13:54 - They are right in front of us at the Shellfish Lab with a research boat.

Ian-Laura Coyle

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13:52 - Viewing from Point Whitney, moving up the main channel of Dabob along eastern shoreline.

Steph ZP

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13:27 - They are still in view from Seal Rock Road.

Léna Hals

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13:20 - Still across bay from Seal Rock with research boat.

12:59 - Three out front of Seal Rock a ways. 

Tricia Whitney Rude

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12:48 - All four almost in front of Brinnon headed into Dabob.

Tessa King

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12:15 - Amir plus one continued into Dabob Bay. The other four are mid channel Hood Canal, between Dosewallips and Seabeck hunting.

David Michael

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12:13 - They are on the west side straight across from Misery Point boat launch. Two whales.

Tessa King

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12:07 - [T65As approx. 47.696148, -122.882051].

Jeffrey Stander

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12:00 - Amir plus one passing Dosewallips, close to shore, heading into Dabob.

David Michael

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11:43 - Saw two fins looked to be headed north [approx. 47.676641, -122.896930].

Jolene O'Connell

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11:39 - We see one near Stravis Bay heading north.

Kristen Nielsen McSherry

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10:52 - Just saw two at McDonald Cove, headed north, one was a large male, the other appeared to be a female.

Michael Carrick

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09:58 - They just went by Mikes Beach Resort.

photo by Ian-Laura Coyle, September 4, 2023

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09:49 - Just past Mike’s Beach. West side. I’m seeing three. Seeing only one group.

Lisa Abaravich Warnock

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Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Ann Smalley

Date of Sighting: September 04, 2023

Time: 9:25 AM

Species seen: Orca

Number of animals seen: 2

Where seen: 47.5854° N, 123.0027° W

Direction of travel : South

Behaviors observed: Mom and baby

If orcas, any males?: No

Any unusual markings?: No

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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09:16 - Just passing the south end of Robbinswold property, quickly moving to Mike’s Beach and Eldon.

Molly Carle

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09:24 - They were within 200 feet of shore this time! Triton Cove.

photo by Jerry Hall, September 4, 2023

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09:02 - Just passed Beacon Point, heading towards Robbinswold quickly.

Emily Emiley

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08:44 - Just out from the Triton Cove boat launch.

Lisa Abaravich Warnock

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08:39 - They’re just a little north of Triton Cove State Park.

08:08 - Orcas are at McDonald’s Cove [Hood Canal] currently. They are on the west side of the canal. They’re kind of lingering in McDonald’s Cove but it looks like they’re heading south. 

photo by Antonio Rubal, September 4, 2023

Mon, Sep 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T35As & T38As)

Today with flat calm seas and Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T035As & T038's) south of Sooke and a couple humpbacks with hundreds of sea lions around Race Rocks Lighthouse!

Sooke Coastal Explorations

photos by Paul Pudwell, September 4, 2023

Mon, Sep 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46C2, T63, T65)

T63 Chainsaw

As iconic and beloved as Jack is, there is one Salish Sea dwelling orca that may outshine him in some people's eyes, ahhh yes, T63, Chainsaw was traveling with mom, T65 Whidbey III and T46C2 Sam. Sam was separated from her family at a fairly young age, and while she was reunited with them, she has chosen to disperse and live a life of adventure outside of her family unit.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 4, 2023

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T63 Chainsaw

On the report of a very special whale over by Smith Island, we zipped over there and found T63 Chainsaw (b. 1978!) and with him was T46C2, Sam, a female (b. 2009) who often travels by herself. The late afternoon light was amazing, what a special trip! 

photo by Bonnie Gretz, September 4, 2023

Mon, Sep 4 - San Juans (T37A3, T37A4, T137A, T137D)

T137D Wright

T137A Jack

T137A (Jack) and T137D (Wright) met up another pair of siblings, T37A3 (Spinnaker) and T37A4 (Crinkle) for a evening cruise around Lopez Island. The combination of stunning backdrops and spectacular lighting left us gasping with gobsmacked admiration.

photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 4, 2023

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T137A Jack

T137D Wright

Another wonderful day on IE, met up with Cindi Crowder Rausch and Kristina Trowbridge on the boat. We caught up with the magnificent T137A, Jack (b. 2002) and his little sister T137D Wright (b. 2012) and two others from the T37 matriline, T37A3 Spinnaker (male, b. 2013) and his sister T37A4 Crinkle (b.2015), who has a very unique dorsal fin. They were off Flower Island, then hugging the shore past the Lopez ferry dock - incredible back-lit blows! Then they moved out toward Canoe Island and surprised us with some lovely close passes (engines off!). Jack went under the boat and popped up right in front of us! It was hard (and I'm probably posting too many) to choose which pictures of that beautiful guy and the others to show.

photos by Bonnie Gretz, September 4, 2023

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17:37 - We left them at the yellow dot [approx. 48.565377, -122.908021] about 15 minutes ago. They were traveling down island.

Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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15:30 - My friends just saw four plus killer whales from Washington ferry, north side of Decatur island in direction of Lopez. One large male.

Tomoko Shimotomai [WSSJI]

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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Orca Sighting:

Sighting Time: Mon Sep 4 12:12:04 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.57502,-122.87704 [east of Lopez terminal]

Number Sighted: 3

Submitter Name: Bizzy

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12:05 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: LOPEZ Terminal Attendant reports 5 Orca milling east of the terminal dock.

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10:50 - Aiming for Upright now.

Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]

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10:30 - Report of Bigg's orcas - T137A & D and T37A3 & A4 - in San Juan Channel possibly heading south toward Cattle Pass.

Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

Mon, Sep 4 - Haro Strait

09:50 - Still visible from Land Bank a mile and half off shore. Heading southwest. Five to seven individuals.

Tomoko Shimotomai [WSSJI]

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09:20 - Still visible from San Juan County Park, about a mile off shore in line with Bellevue Point. They were circling for a while then seagulls dropped in so I am certain they were on a kill.

08:56 - In front of San Juan County Park now, southbound.

Kyla Bivens [WSSJI]

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08:10 - Four killer whales just passed Smugglers Cove heading down island. Very close to shore. 

Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]

Mon, Sep 4 - San Juans

17:01 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: orca whales 9/4 @ 1701 Salish Master reports 2 orca whales off Upright Channel headed SW.  

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16:17 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 16:34 to report: orca 9/4 1617 hrs Kitsap Master reports 3 juvenile whales between Leo Rock and Humprey Head.

Fri, Sep 1 - Gulf Islands, BC

13:00 - Two members of a small group of transients traveling eastward. Photo taken from south side of Saturna.

photo by James McLarnon, September 1, 2023

Mon, Sep 11 - Haro Strait

16:37 - Humpback heading up island just north of Pile Point. Third mile offshore.

Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]

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16:06 - Humpback turned to get much closer to shore. Is bypassing orcas now. continuing to head up island.

15:57 - Humpback. Fairly close to shore. Moving up island from Eagle Point. Headed towards the playful group of resident orcas.

Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]

Sun, Sep 10 - Juan de Fuca Strait

Cascadia Region Whale Sighting

Humpback Sighting:

Sighting Time: Sun Sep 10 12:31:04 PDT

Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.32173,-123.75881 [ Sooke, BC] 

Number Sighted: 6

Submitter Name: Kevin

Sat, Sep 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Humpback heaven out west today with 50+ scattered within a few miles heavily feeding! Fluking awesome! 

Sooke Coastal Explorations

photos by Paul Pudwell, September 9, 2023

Wed, Sep 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCZ0345 Victory)

We then headed to the west side of Smith Island where we watched the humpback BCZ0345 'Victory'. 

Kyla Bivens, PSE

Wed, Sep 6 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC19189 Annabelle)

15:20 - Saw it [at] Fort Casey. She came up about four times then we lost her. Didn't see her again even though we hung around.

Nancy Culp Zaretzke

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13:51 - Kyla Bivens message to report humpback Annabelle is northbound in Admiralty Inlet off of Marrowstone Island. Looks like south end across from Bush Point. 

photo by Kyla Bivens, September 6, 2023

Tue, Sep 5 - Puget Sound

No confirmed ID on this individual yet, but today's humpback in Corena's video is a match to photos by Cherie StOurs of the humpback off Tacoma waterfront on September 1st. - Alisa

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16:48 - Humpback reported mid channel off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. No direction.

[Whale Alert app]

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10:20 - Saw it several times around off southwest Vashon, haven’t seen since. Seems likely it continued north into Colvos.

David Michael

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09:47 - It’s breath stopped us mid sentence! So cool. It was heading north and we last spotted it between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance.

09:18 - Just saw this beauty [humpback] from Salmon Beach. Surprised us during our morning coffee.

Corena Martinson 

Mon, Sep 4 - Haro Strait

16:36 - A humpback off Lime Kiln heading north. One and a half to two miles offshore.

Tomoko Shimotomai [WSSJI]

Mon, Sep 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Patrick Meehan

Date of Sighting: September 04, 2023

Time: 6:20 PM

Species seen: Humpback

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: 48.3463114, -123.3991999

Direction of travel : N, slow pace

Behaviors observed: Surface travel

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?:

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Clear black dorsal fin of the humpback, but looked greyish in the water

Photos available?: No

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A couple humpbacks with hundreds of sea lions around Race Rocks Lighthouse!

Sooke Coastal Explorations

Mon, Sep 4 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca

Other notable sights were a breaching humpback who chose to remain anonymous. No, I didn't get a picture of the breach, but it was my first humpback breach, and it was epic!

photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, September 4, 2023

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We then cruised out to Hein Bank looking for a reported humpback - it was like a sheet of glass out there, which is unusual, and the humpback let us know he/she was there with an enormous breach! We did get some close passes, but no flukes, so it's a mystery.  

photo by Bonnie Gretz, September 4, 2023

Mon, Sep 4 - Puget Sound (Probable BCZ0478 Annabelle)

19:59 - Humpback just north of KVI beach, still southbound and very close to shore!

Ellen Weir

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19:40 - Humpback just passed Dilworth on Vashon. Headed south.

Amy Carey, Sound Action

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18:32 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Whales Humpback 9/4 @1832 Kittitas Master reports one humpback whale off Vashon Head hanging out.

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12:00 - Humpback spotted! It’s been traveling in circles but moving more west each time it surfaces [mid channel between Carkeek Park and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, approx. 47.738927, -122.412149].

Peyton Koski

Sun, Sep 3 - Possession Sound (BCZ0478/CRC19189 Annabelle)

I've lived in this area for 46 years and it was my first ever whale sighting! Whale spotted [by] Port Gardner.

photo by Michele Pearson, September 3, 2023

Thu, Sep 7 - Victoria, BC

Photos all of the upper surface of the fluke. 

18:50 - Gray whale surfaced and fluked directly south of Clover Point, still eastbound. I also saw a few more blows between this and the 18:43 dive, but didn't get a look at its body. 

18:43 - Gray whale surfaced and fluked southwest of Clover Point, now eastbound.

17:50 - Blows from a single whale seen southwest of Ogden Point breakwater (Victoria, BC). Appeared to be trending north. I assumed it was a humpback at the time but was likely the gray.

photos by Serena Tierra, September 7, 2023

Sun, Sep 10 - Haro Strait 

I would like to report another minke whale sighting! We watched it for a bit (~15 minutes, motor off) while it seemed to be foraging in the area [approx. 48.418518, -123.087904] and then was too far away to see any longer, very cool! 

photo by Charlotte Scofield, September 10, 2023

Sat, Sep 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca

From: Sean Cox 

Date and Time Sighting Observed: 2023-09-09 12:10 PM

Marine Mammal Type: Minke Whale

If SRKW, select pod/s:

If other:

Number of Marine Mammals Observed:

Latitude:

Longitude:

Country: Within US International Boundary

General Location: Other

If other: Southwest of Smith Island

Describe what you saw: One whale surfaced briefly twice.

Sat, Sep 9 - Hood Canal

09:30 - I’m responding to Rachel’s report of a possible minke whale. Around 09:30, We saw what I assumed was a harbor porpoise, but I did notice that its curve was flatter and its fin was small. So we may have seen the same animal [approx. 47.859624, -122.643309].

Marilyn Grace Showalter

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08:32 - Small minke whale just south of Hood Canal bridge. Milling around east to west. Definitely larger than a harbor porpoise but smaller than a fin whale which leads me to believe it was a minke. Yes, curved short fin.

Rachel

Mon, Sep 4 - Admiralty Inlet

10:50 - Zulma Garcia called to report they are seeing a whale off Bush Point, Whidbey. No visible exhalations, just seeing part of the body w/curved dorsal fin. Whale milling, slowly drifting with the tide 60-70 yards from shore. 

Sat, Sep 9 - South Puget Sound

Sent via form submission from Orca Network

Name: Marilee Fijalka-Carr

Date of Sighting: September 09, 2023

Time: 9:15 AM

Species seen: Only saw dorsal fin and back. Dorsal hook shaped. Did not appear to be very large. Guessing Pacific white sided dolphin.

Number of animals seen: 1

Where seen: Pickering Passage, just west of Jarrell's Cove, along north facing shore of Harstine Island

Direction of travel : Circled in area of about 500 feet, then traveled west and north past Jarrell's cove

Behaviors observed: Guessing feeding or hunting in one area for a while (10+ minutes?), then traveled on up the passage

If orcas, any males?:

Any unusual markings?: Couldn't tell. Mostly saw dorsal fin, occasionally part of back

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

Photos available?: No