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Orca Network 

Whale Sighting Report  

In This Issue
Photo of the Day
Southern Residents
Bigg's/Transient killer whales
Unidentified killer whales
Humpback whales
Gray whales
Unidentified whales






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Orca Network recommends:

The Killer Whale Who Changed The World,
by  Mark Leiden-Young
Fascinating and heartbreaking account of Moby Doll,  the first publicly exhibited captive killer whale - a story that forever changed the way we see orcas and sparked the movement to save them.
_______________

by  Sandra Pollard

the captures.
______________

To learn more  
about orcas: 
Orcas in Our Midst, volume 3, by Howard Garrett
Orcas in Our Midst,
Vol. 3: Residents and Transients, How Did That Happen?
to order YOUR copy!

Quick Links

 

Tokitae/Lolita,

 a member of L pod 
 of the  Endangered 
Southern Residents, 
was captured in Penn Cove,  Whidbey Island, WA  in 1970, somehow surviving in a small tank at the Miami Seaquarium ever since.

Learn more about Tokitae HERE

 

 

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September 7, 2017

We are watching and visiting the whales in their home~

Please observe, love and respect them from a distance.

Having trouble viewing this Sightings Report? Archived Reports can be found HERE.
Sweetest of welcome home news! All of J pod, all of K pod and most of L pod traveled inland on September 4th making the west side of San Juan Island by late afternoon. They spent a few hours in Haro Strait where many humans, who have missed this clan immensely, had the opportunity to watch them off Lime Kiln Lighthouse and other places along shore before they continued to the north in a blazing orange/red sky.

The Center for Whale Research (CWR) reports: 
"all of J pod present (24 whales), all of K pod present except K13 that is undoubtedly deceased  (18 whales), and 22 L pod whales (13 whales from L pod were not seen or photographed today, but that is not alarming because they are from matrilines that were not represented in this assemblage)." 

A link to CWR's full encounter report #73 is included in the report below.

Js, Ks & Ls spent the next day (5th) up north in the Georgia Strait then came back south via Haro Strait on the 6th then headed west. Some of L pod was encountered off Sooke this morning heading west. 

The Salish Sea is still teeming with Bigg's/Transients; in fact some Ts were just ahead of the SRKWs as they headed south in Haro on the 6th. Quite a few matrilines have been cruising all reaches of inland Salish Sea, including several groups who have been coming and going through out Puget Sound, mixing it up as they come and go. 

Humpbacks are still spending time foraging from South Puget Sound to West Juan de Fuca and all places between and to the north. 

The humpback with the severe old entanglement scarring across her/his back who we included in our last report was
matched to BCX0700 by Melisa Pinnow, CWR and Nicole Doe, Marine Education Research Society (MERS) You can read more on MERS Facebook page HERE.  

BCX0700  entered Puget Sound and was photo- documented on September 1st as the whale in Dalco Pass, South Puget Sound in the Tacoma/South Vashon area. S/he spend at least 4 days there, and may possibly be the whale who is still foraging in the same place.

Reports of a gray whale wending in and out of harbors and inlets proved true with a photo today of a gray whale heading deep into Hammersley Inlet, South Puget Sound. 

With south Florida in the direct path of hurricane Irma we are very concerned for all who are in her path. We all have Tokitae/Lolita, all the humans, and all the animals (wild and captive) in our thoughts and prayers. Toki will be subjected to the storms wrath with no choice of escape to a safer cove. We pray Irma changes course... 
Our hearts are with everyone who has been and will be affected and we hope for the safest and best outcome possible for everyone.

With love, the staff at Orca Network
Photo of the Day
September 4
Taken from Lime Kiln, west side San Juan Island. Lots of whales back and forth for hours. Night came, and there was the orange moon. It was dead quiet and calm, the only sounds to fill the air were crickets and the blows of several orca. They didn't come super close to shore but it was amazing to spend hours in their presence. And did I mention an incredible sunset too? So glad to have the residents back, hope they stay! 
Photo by Rachel Haight, September 4, 2017
Southern Residents
September 7
A great morning off Sooke with Southern Resident Killer Whales 
(15-20 of L Pod) heading west...
Paul Pudwell
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September 6
Superpod of residents near Cattle Point!
Tia Hoca

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After spending a day up in the Strait of Georgia, the Southern Residents made their way back down Haro Strait this afternoon. I can't describe how good it feels to see all those familiar dorsal fins again! Here's L82 Kasatka and K36 Yoda as they passed Lime Kiln.
Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 6, 2017

Lime Kiln this afternoon; L55 Nugget and L123 Lazuli.
Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 6, 2017

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I first tuned in to Lime Kiln hydrophone starting at 11:57 a.m and was hearing J calls, S1s and maybe S3s, wide variety at times, but was having hard time IDing the calls while listening. Was hearing Ls too... hearing S2iii calls suggesting L12 subgroup. Echolocation followed and by 12:31 calls were amped up in volume. I could see whales on the web too heading south. At 12:38 I switched over to Orcasound hydrophone and was hearing medium loud calls there. Js and Ls; S2 and S37? calls. Lots of echolocation. At 12:44 pm I switched back over to Lime Kiln again but there was loud boat noise so I went right back to OS and am hearing Ks as well in quiet seas. 12:51 I'm back on LK where calls are loud, boisterous and plenty along with much echolocation. By 1:12 still audible but getting distant; I can hear they are moving away from the Lighthouse...that and can see them on the webam moving south through pleasure boats stopped in their path south of the light. Such a gift this  beautiful hour plus listening to Js, Ks, & Ls off the west side! 
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network 

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September 5 
J16 and J50 - Georgia Strait
One for the memory bank... watching the socializing and logging was the best part. Shut down in the middle of the Strait with smokey skies made for quite the scene. Tons of vocals and lots of surface active behaviour. Missed this amazing culture of killer whales....welcome home.
Photo by Gary Sutton, September 5, 2017 

L121
Photo by Gary Sutton, September 5, 2017


September 4
  for full report and photos: 
For several weeks there have been reports of whales coming in off Jordan River in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and whale watch boats have been dutifully going west from Victoria to hopefully encounter incoming residents. But, each time it has turned out that the whales that are found are Bigg's Transient killer whales, and we now have a record number of sightings and encounters of this ecotype in Salish Sea waters. Today, however, Mark Malleson was able to confirm that incoming whales he encountered west of Sheringham lighthouse at 1030 AM were RESIDENTS!! We decided to launch in two waves, with "Shachi" leaving Snug Harbor at 1128 as the whales were reported to be nearing Otter Point, and "Orcinus" departing a couple of hours later if the whales came in as far as Victoria. "Shachi" encountered the lead group of whales at 1310 just east of Secretary Island, and the first whale identified was J19, who seems to have taken over as leader after the passing of J2 in the winter of 2015/16.
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Sunset was stunning, and better yet it was spent in the company of members of J, K, and L pods. Here's Matia (L77) and a friend under a swiftly setting sun.
Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, September 4, 2017

Today we welcomed back our Southern Residents after an extended absence from the Salish Sea. Wherever they were I hope they were finding enough to eat and I'm so happy to see them.
Here is a spyhop from Slick (J16) alongside her daughter, Scarlet (J50).
Sara Hysong-Shimazu, September 4, 2017

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K37 & K43 passing Lime Kiln this evening.
Photo by Rachel Haight, September 4, 2017
(Id by Monika Wieland Shields)

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FINALLY. After an astounding one month absence the Southern Residents returned to inland waters today. This evening members of all three pods were off Lime Kiln and the vocalizations were incredible. Here's J19 Shachi and J51 Nova.
Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 4, 2017
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21:16 - Still hearing some kittens on LK hydro, but the container ship is drowning them out.
Ariel Yseth
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Just got quiet at 8:40 and now hear someone at 8:42; lots of squeeky balloon sounds. such a JOY to have them all here; wish you good eatin', Beloveds!
Deborah Martyn
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8:40 pm super close to the hydrophone- loud calls/squeaks, no ship noise. Beautiful
Currently passing Lime Kiln 7:52-7:57 pm ship in background, but you can hear them faintly. Saw dorsal on Live Cam.
Donna Green Van Renselaar
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8:18 p.m. - Hello,  My son and I were just listening to the live feed at Lime Kiln and heard lots of orca sounds!!! First time we have tuned in.
Thanks,  Christina George
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8:04 a.m. - Orca calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Jack Collins
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5:57 p.m. - Listening to whales right now, 557 pm Sept 4th just off Lime kiln point! So exciting!Sounds like Orca.
Terri Barnett
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5:20 - 7:00 p.m. -  I listened to Js, Ks, and Ls on Lime Kiln hydrophone arriving and spending time off one of their summer homes, the west side of San Juan Island. It has been so long. The sweetest of summer sounds!  
Alisa Lemire Brooks

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I was one of the lucky people that got to see some of our southern resident orcas today! I got this one of K26 lobo when he came over to people watch! we were at Beecher bay out past race rocks.
Photo by Marcie Barney Goldberg, September 4, 2017

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Ok...EPIC! As we left out docks in Sooke Cpt. Dan heard fisherman saying many ORCA off French Beach coming east...Dan found some incoming Transients first thinking SRKW...we had a good look and quickly Cpt. Paul decided to head west to find our beloved Southern Resident Killer Whales returning to the Salish Sea. It was a SUPER POD! J,K,&L matrilines were all present. Not sure who all was there but the tight groups huntind salmon, socializing and playing was the best thing I have seen all year! Please find many salmon and be well nourished.
Paul Pudwell

Welcoming them in.
Here is K22 powering east in Juan de Fuca this morning! 
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 4, 2017

K21 Cappuccino; we are all happy to lay eyes on this guy and other members of his clan. 
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 4, 2017

Bigg's/Transient killer whales
September 7 - Juan de Fuca
A great morning off Sooke with Southern Resident Killer Whales 
(15-20 of L Pod) heading west and then with Transient Killer Whales 
(T10`s & T109`s) following a few miles behind. WOW! Calm Seas with smokey skies and fog made for some interesting picture opportunities.
Paul Pudwell


September 7 - Posession Sound & Saratoga Passage
4:55 p.m - Crescent Harbor, milling and spread way out. T65A'S, T99's at least.
Brian McGinn, Chilkat
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3:55 p.m. - Orcas right off Harrington Lagoon at 3:55pm, headed north. One large fin, a couple of juveniles and a couple of others!!
Mary Fell Chasten
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3:35 p.m. - A pod of orcas just passed  between Race Lagoon and Harrington Lagoon on the east side of Whidbey Island. Looks like they may be headed to Penn Cove.
Randy Zimmerman Furnas
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3:30 p.m. - 1 male, 4 female- 2 were juvenile just passed Madrona Beach Camano side travelling pretty quickly heading north. Only one cabin cruiser, tan canopy, following with them keeping plenty of distance between them (thank you).
Michele Ashley Sarver
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2:45 p.m. -  Orcas sighted on the Camano side of Saratoga Passage across from Bell's Beach. About 9-10, 2 males, possibly 3 calves. Multiple boats approaching and following far too close. Alot of tail slapping, spy-hopping, and breaching.
Mark Johnson
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1:37 p.m. - At least 12 orcas just passed across from Langley on the Camano side 150  yards from shore heading towards the state park. 
Heidi Vogl
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1:10 p.m. - Visibility is poor but I think I see them north of Hat Island heading north.
Sandra Pollard
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11:33 a.m - Just now - Orcas heading north between Mukilteo and Hat Island, as seen from the Clinton/Muk ferry.
Janine Courtright
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11:28 a.m. - Hey I'm working on the Tokitae and about 4-6 orcas in front of Mukilteo dock headed to Everett at least one male and the others were too far away to tell.
Melissa Simmons

11:10 a.m. -  Orcas headed North towards Clinton, 2 miles south of Clinton.One had a large round light grey patch on its right side. I think there were 20 or more.
Fred Clark
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September 6 - Juan de Fuca
T28s & T10s between Middle and Hein Bank!  Also, harbor porpoise AND minke here. Island Adventure 5.
Mana Rahl
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T028 feeding south west of Hein Bank on the afternoon of September 6th.
Photo by Mark Malleson, 2017 

T065A2 south of Turn Point on the morning of September 6th.
Photo by Mark Malleson, 2017


September 6 -  South Puget Sound T137s, T36, T36Bs, T37A1, and T99s
9:22 p.m. - At Blake Island tonight. In the past 30 min large pod headed north. Very loud in the dark night. Could see at least 7 on the surface at one time. Should be by west Seattle by now.
Rob Moore
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Orcas off Blake Island: Several Orcas (3-5) were spotted off the east side of Blake Island at approximately 9:00 pm on 9/6. They were moving slowly north. Although it was dark, they put on a nice show with breaching and numerous tail slaps.  Blake Island State Park, Breaching, tail slaps. Taking their time.
Paul Ruppert

6:55 p.m.  - Just passed Pt. Richmond Beach (Colvos Passage) headed north. 
Taylor Straub
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6:45 p.m. - 4 orcas seen 5 minutes ago along Sunshine Beach Gig Harbor going north. Right along coast!
Dawn Brooks
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6:25 p.m. - 4 orcas passing Gig Harbor headed north; 6:33 p.m. - Gig Harbor side, moved their way up through all the salmon fishers. They already passed the mouth to the harbor going north. There were 2 other groups maybe 25 mins ahead of them, they turned towards Commencement Bay. Both groups had males. Foursome headed along Gig Harbor is all female
Sara Henricks
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Saw 3 separate pods of orcas tonight. Started at Narrows Bridge, went north towards Olalla. 6-7PM.
Photo by Maura Murphy McKinney, September 6, 2017

Momma and calf. I used a large zoom lens. All boats were in compliance and respectful. Narrows Bridge headed north. about 6PM.
Photo by Maura Murphy McKinney, September 6, 2017

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These are pictures taken throughout the afternoon today, between 3 and 6 pm, just north of the Tacoma narrows bridge. They appeared to be feeding and hung around a long time. There were many different groups, the largest with 7 whales.
Report by Susan Dynes.
Photo by Darrell Anderson, September 6, 2017 

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5:50 p.m. - heading north between Vashon and Pt Defiance
Gaby Kinner
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1800 - Chilkat left them heading north towards Point Defiance. T137's up ahead further than the rest.
1704 - group is pushing north and rounding Pt Evans, out of the current, finally.
Renee Beitzel
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A gathering of Ts in the Tacoma Narrows.
Photo by Kim Merriman, September 6, 2017.

Photo by Kim Merriman, September 6, 2017

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4:50 p.m. -  They are under Narrows Bridge,  staying in same area...These guys were huge and very active; breeching, spy hopping, tail slapping.
Gaby Kinner
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4:23 p.m. - They turned back! North side of Narrows park closer to Gig Harbor side 
Jami Cantrell
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1510 p.m. -  between Point Evans and Gig Harbor. Headed north right now.
Matt Graham
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2:45 p.m. - They made a kill, are milling, eating, socializing. Lots of lobbing, tail slaps, breaches. ( From Narrows Viewpoint, Pt Defiance)
2:38 p.m. - Possible hunting activity off Narrows Viewpoint Pt.Defiance Park. Heading towards Narrows Bridge
2:26 p.m. - They are entering The Narrows. (viewing from Gig Harbor Viewpoint, Pt Defiance)
Melissa Burke
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2:10 p.m. - Traveling and rolling around off Point Defiance Marina, Tacoma waterfront.
Photo by Trina Jones, September 6, 2017

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2:11 p.m. - they have turned on the speed!! Porpoising fast past Owen Beach, heading for The Point at Pt. Defiance, close to shore. Thanks to the boater who stopped Jet ski's from harassing;  2:03 p.m. -  they are right off Pt. Defiance Ferry Terminal, lots of splashing, close to shore & yacht club.
1:23 p.m. - Almost to Point Ruston, heading in the direction of Quartermaster Harbor. Boats surrounding them.
Melissa Burke

Transients cruising South Puget Sound; passing Owen Beach, Point Defiance, Tacoma. 
Video by Melissa Burke, September 6, 2017 

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1:13 p.m. - Orcas along Ruston Way in Tacoma. Sighted several orcas this afternoon. Initially spotted them in front of Les Davis Pier and they made their way along the shore. Lots of activity, Playing? Saw one breaching, lots of blows from blowhole, lots of activity. video too large to attach.
Annie Almazar Penfield
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1:12 p.m. - they are cruising along Ruston Way Waterfront, heading towards Pt. Defiance close to shore. Lots of socializing behavior.
1:03 p.m. - directly off Les Davis pier Ruston Way milling, westboundish.
Melissa Burke
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12:50 p.m. - just left the KWs heading north along the west side of Commencement Bay.  T137s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1 all grouped up together again and having a party right now!  Still no sign of the T99s.  
Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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T137s, T36, T36Bs, and T37A1 after visiting Polly, mom and I hit up Owen Beach Point Defiance Park, they were last reported nearing Commencement Bay from Dash and Browns Point. We then headed to Les Davis Fishing Pier, I could see them near the port of Tacoma in Commencement Bay. About after 10 minutes, a second group popped up right out from the pier from me...from who knows where,  it was great. My photos start with them...they headed and grouped up with the ones in the bay. Drove down to C.I. Shenanagins and watched them leave the bay and come back our way not too far out from shore. They were so active and playful. I think they had found lots of food. ... I know they have been ID'd by the experts as the T137s, T36, T36Bs and T37A1. Multiple breaches and many tailslaps. (see photo below)
Marilyn Armbruster

One of the many transients who paid Commencement Bay a visit. Brown's Point Light in the background. 
Photo by Marilyn Armbruster, September 6, 2017

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12:31 p.m. - Kind of hanging...really no direction yet. Cant say if its the whole pod...
12:15 p.m. - Now near the waterway to dowtown Tacoma, Commencment Bay. They are left of 2 like navy boats? Intrepid?
11:50 a.m. - A group of about 3 passed in front of the Les Davis fishing pier/park on Ruston way heading southeast into Commencement Bay.
Marilyn Armbruster
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11:55 a.m. - This second group that came in is the T36Bs. All in Commencement Bay now.
11:37 a.m. - T137s and T36 only, just passed Browns point heading south into Commencement Bay. We just spotted another group of Ts approaching Browns Point from the north too. 
Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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11:30 a.m. -  T137A and a female are very close to beach Caledonia area (north of Brown's Point) heading South, the other 3 are nearing the Browns point lighthouse, all on another deep dive.
11:19 a.m. - Chilkat is with T137's and T36, heading South past Dash Point heading towards Brown's point, only 5 animals in this group, have not spotted the other group yet.  Pod is in travel doing about 5knots.
Janine Harles
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10:14 a.m. -  They passed Point Robinson still heading south. (T137A plus) The other group was at least 3-5 minutes in front of T137's when they passed Point Robinson. 
9:55 a.m. - They are approaching Point Robinson. 
Kelly Burns Keenan

T137A passing Point Robinson, Vashon  in the wildfire induced ominous yet beautiful smokey haze.
Photo by Kelly Burns Keenan, September 6, 2017 

Ts passing Point Robinson, Vashon.
Photo by Kelly Burns Keenan, September 6, 2017


8:45 a.m. - Orcas off Vashon! Kelly Burns Keenan relayed a report from her friend of at least 11 orcas off Dilworth, Vashon heading southbound close to Vashon side. Two groups (of 5 and of 6) a short distance apart.
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8:09 a.m. -  Mike from WSFs again, report of 6 - 12 orcas off the top end of Vashon Island, off Vashon Head, heading south.
6:33 a.m. -  Mike from WSF Ops relaying a report of 3 orcas off the Seattle-Bainbridge run, heading south in the shipping lanes between Seattle & BI. 

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September 5 - Admiralty Inlet & Possession Sound
8:03 p.m - At one point they started going off like popcorn with three different animals breaching and a boat came charging at them which settled them right down. I was so mad. Can't make out the registration of the boat.
7:02 p.m. -  Just when I thought they resumed travel they stopped again. Tail slaps, headstands, breaches and spyhops. Can still hear blows from north of Glendale but heading towards mid channel and northerly.
Debbie Stewart

A female does a headstand during a predation event near Glendale Boat Launch about 7:00 PM. I saw more headstands in this one encounter than all other orca encounters combined.
Photo by Debbie Stewart, September 5, 2017

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Still after it got dark it was so calm you could hear every breath and breach. A very surreal experience.
8:01 p.m. - They just crossed the ferry lines heading north still. Lots of surface activity still. Mid channel.
7:33 p.m. - Seeing them now from Clinton. Still heading north. Still close to shore on whidbey. Also still a lot of surface activity. Lots of tail slaps.
6:47 p.m. - past Glendale still super close to shore Whidbey. Combo milling and travel in two tight groups. Maybe taking some dinner along?
6:40 p.m. - super close to shore now! I've never seen so many headstands!
6:34 p.m. - We were just down at Possession Park for an amazing display. So calm. You could hear every breath and tail slap. They continued north. I'm up at the Clinton ferry terminal now.
Danielle Pennington

T137A in Possession Sound off southeast Whidbey Island.
Photo by Danielle Pennington, September 5, 2017

Photo by Danielle Pennington, September 5, 2017

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5:45 p.m. - After lots of socializing they all turned north, harassed a sea lion on the Possession Point buoy but then moved on. Looks like they're all heading up Possession Sound close to the Whidbey Island shore!
Justine Buckmaster
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5:40 p.m. - they slowly moved north and are right off the green buoy at Possession Point. Saw some breaches...but still visibility terrible at this distance. 
5:15 p.m. -  After stalling out for a bit Bart reports they are now trending northbound towards Possession Point. I'm in North Edmonds now and even with binocs visibility is very limited due to wildfire smoke.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, ON
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4:23 a.m.-  amazing hunting action at Possession Point multiple kills. Hunting common murres! T137A breaches 5-6 times. Now they are slowly southbound again from Possession. 
3:50 p.m. - many of them flipped north toward Cultus Bay. On the chase!
3:45 p.m.- Ts very spread out south east of Possession mid channel. Mostly southbound but one pod heading east at the moment.
3:00 the Ts are just outside of Useless Bay aiming toward Possession Point.
Bart Rulon
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1:30 - 1:50 p.m. - Ts meander south slowly passing a tug boat, down the middle of Admiralty Inlet, from the bluff south of Bush Point, looking across Admiralty toward Hood Canal.
Photo by Howard Garrett, Orca Network, September 5, 2017

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1:21 p.m. - They are moving south at a good clip. Almost at Bush Point now.
Margaret Marshall
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1:06 p.m. - Half way between Lagoon and Bush pnts, mid channel still southbound tightly grouped.
Bart Rulon
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12:54 p.m. - Whales just southbound passing Lagoon Point.
Patirica Prochaska
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11:57 a.m. - This inbound T group is T137s, T99s, T36, T36Bs, and it looks likeT37A1 too! Still southbound in a tight sleeping mode 11:55am just south of pt/coupeville ferry lanes
Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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ID'd by Trevor Tillman, Chilkat, as the T99s & T137s.
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10:45 a.m. - 8-10 whales just passing Point Wilson heading into Admiralty Inlet. At least one male, on the Port Townsend side. Watching from Fort Casey, one ww boat nearby, Glacier Spirit?
Jill Hein



September 3 - Juan de Fuca Strait
Another GREAT day West of Sooke! BAM! Deanna Brett our eagle eye naturalist calmly says..Hey there's some Orca...  Always excited to be the first to find Transient / Biggs Killer Whales T060's and T046's in flat calm seas off Jordan River and able to share their location not once, but twice today on both of our tours! We love what we do! 
Paul Pudwell

16 year-old male T60C - Juan de Fuca Strait.
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 3, 2017


September 3 - Rosario Strait
South of Clark Island tonight. It was about 7pm, there were 2 , they were headed east toward Lummi.
Photo by Adrienne Delgadillo Baker, September 3, 2017


September 3 - Puget Sound - T137s (Plus?)
7:48 p.m. - Orcas between Golden Gardens and Carkeek headed north about a mile off shore - 4 to 5 (1 large male).
Tony Bahnick
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19:29 - At North Beach still headed north. They were on a mission going by. They were moving, but saw at least 4. One bigger male followed by 3 females grouped together. One looked quite small.
Stephen Sommerfeld
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7:35 p.m. - Turned out to be 3 I believe. They have cleared the Golden Gardens. Heading north;  7:15 p.m. - Surfaced for a second farther out from Golden Park heading north still.  Thanks everyone for the updates to help us see them.
Misty Lane
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6:47 p.m. - Pod of 5 or 6 just rounded West point headed towards Golden Gardens. They hung around the Fort Lawton side for about 20 minutes, lots of milling, diving, tales flying every which way, quick course changes and even had a seal try to escape unsuccessfully under my boat. I took about 400 photos from todays orcas from the West Point beach area to Golden Gardens before they headed towards mid channel and off into the sunset North Bound. A shot of the youngest breaching one of three times while I was shooting.
Gary Peterson

Off Golden Gardens north bound at a good pace. Lots of breaching..made a kill off the channel to the locks and celebrated then took off. What an experience when the male surfaced 20 ft from us....This shot is just off the Shilshole Breakwater, ...what ended up as about three kills, lots of milling, diving, quick course changes and even a seal trying to hide under my boat causing the big male to charge towards us out of nowhere.
Photo by Gary Peterson, September 3, 2017

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6:45 p.m. -   I arrived at a very busy West Point lighthouse, Discovery Park in time to see at least 4 just south of the point. Female and calf in lead...male and juvenile trailing. They rounded West Point lighthouse close to shore. I ran to the north side to catch a glimpse of the male directly out from me descend quite vigoroulsy underwater as if to catch up. All eastbound headed towards Shilshole. Such a Long dive, I think they changed course underwater and surfaced more directionally to the north than they were heading when they went down.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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6:00 a.m. - Up to 6 Orcas just swam north out of Elliott Bay - we saw them close to shore from Myrtle- Edwards Park.
Chelsea Myers
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5:43 p.m. - Still watching from Arbor Tower in Belltown. In Elliot Bay heading north leisurely close to downtown side. Counted approx 5. Pier 70.
Vanessa VanGilder
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5:15 p.m. - Still in Elliott Bay. Close to Duwamish.
Melissa Mitchell
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5:02 p.m. - Just left Alki, they were heading into Elliot Bay. 
Kersti Muul
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Hello we were on the West Seattle water taxi last night (Sept 3) going towards downtown. Approx 5pm.  We saw 3 possibly 4 orcas.  They were traveling southeast towards mouth of Duwamish. I would say half mile due east of the water taxi dock. We were pretty far away... But at least one male. Maybe feeding near duwamish? We could see them pretty clearly but not close enough to see markings.
Thanks, Brent Crossley
West Seattle
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3:31 p.m. - they just surfaced by the Vashon ferry dock (now closer to the sail boat), still north with boats way way too close. looks like they are going towards Alki. 
3:02 p.m. - watching from Southworth. They are still slowly headed north barely visible from the ferry dock. A few boats with them and they look to be closer to Vashon.
Brittany Gordon
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Another small group orcas 3pm on 9.3.17 playing in Fern Cove, N end Vashon, west side. Very playful activity.  One very large male with a few females and one juvenile. Apx dozen boats enjoying with one idiot in a 19' Cobalt driving on top of them.  Also had yet another humpback yesterday afternoon. Perhaps same one circumnavigating Vashon again.  
Cheers, Tim Ferris
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2:05 p.m - Orca Pod of 6 (including 1 male) Vashon Island at Cove, traveling with research boat nearby. 
Mark Timken
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1:45 p.m. -  watching from Olalla they are still northbound mid channel. Research boat with them now slow pace with some playful or hunting activity. They are near Fragaria Rd for reference
Brittany Gordon
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Male T137A - 1:45 p.m. 5-6 transient Orca travel north up Colvos Passage.
Photo taken from shore at Olalla by Katie Schmelzer, September 3, 2017

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1:30 p.m. - From Olalla, we observed approximately 4 or 5 orca traveling north in Colvos Passage past Vashon Island, heading Southworth direction. Seemed to be traveling, some blowing and splashing about, one breached.
Susan Anderson

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1:15 p.m. - 4 or 5 Orcas on Colvos passage traveling south to north. Adult male, females, and one adolescent. Moslly traveling, one breached several times though. 
Mary Stewart
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12:20 p.m. - Last seen moving towards Colvos passage
Bill Clogston
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12:17 p.m. - They passed right by the HB and are northbound in Colvos.
12:08 p.m. - T137's and one other group together at south end of Vashon heading towards Colvos. ALSO, the HB with entanglement scars is here with them! (T36 & T37A1 have been traveling with T137s - ALB)
Renee Beitzel
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Noon- Tahlequah, westbound, noon, T137's
Brian McGinn
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11:30 a.m. - Orcas at the Mouth of Quartermaster Harbor, at least four individuals moving South Bound. Very Surface Active.
Tony  Collins
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Today We got an early report of a Humpback, so we went to have a look. We never saw the Humpback. We did, however get a nice surprise from a small Pod of Transients Orcas passing by! They are fast, and very active.  Saw from the Browns Point Lighthouse  11:30 am. With this summer heat, it makes a mirage/distortion on the water .
Photo by Desiree Sauve, September 3, 2017
(T137s - ALB)

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11:30 a.m. - I had eyes on the 6+ very active orcas with binoculars,from Gig Harbor, very near Dash point and Browns point side moving toward commencement bay southbound at 1130
Michele Riley Campbell
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10:36 a.m. - Moving very fast, headed toward south Maury island.
Janna Ignatow
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9:35 a.m. - Orcas, at least 6? Heading south from Three Tree Point. Closer to Vashon side of channel and nearing Pt Robinson. LONG down times. 
Kim Rouse Baumgartner

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September 2 - Juan de Fuca 
Transient (Biggs) Killer Whale Super pod off Sooke TODAY!
With somewhere around 30 Orca hunting and socializing traveling east & west ...so many whales so little time!
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 2, 2017
(Included the T99s, some above & T11s image below)

T11s off Sooke. 
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 2, 2017


September 2 - San Juans
There were transient killer whales in a dozen different locations around the Salish Sea today, totaling more than 60 whales. I was lucky enough to see the T65As and T100s this afternoon in northern Haro Strait, and then the T36Bs and T99s this evening. Here's a shot from tonight near sunset as the 36Bs and 99s rounded the point at the Cattle Point Lighthouse to head up San Juan Channel at dusk.
Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 2, 2017 

The "back side" (aka north side) of Spieden Island is always a perfect setting for those backlit blows. This shot is from  September 2nd, when we were there with the T65As.
Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 2, 2017

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Hi ON, we saw T65As and T100s around 15:00 9/2 near Spieden Island. The groups split with T65As heading east and T100s I believe going north. Observed T65As circle Gull Rock 3x, then passed Flattop Rock & kept heading east. Appeared to be possible foraging activity but not confirmed. We left T65As around 17:00. 
Earlier 9/2 around 13:00 in Moresby passage (Canada) we saw T36As actively hunt a harbor porpoise. Sorry porpoise, but it was spectacular!  I didn't personally ID - going on what nearby WW naturalists said. There was some confusion about who was who b/t the 100s & 65As... but you're right, it was a wonder day with Ts. The earlier group in Canada was especially active- tons of leaps, tail-slaps, spy hops, etc. ( Ok, confirmed it was the T36As in the 13:00 Moresby group - though we saw 5 animals, not 4. Suspect T37A might have been traveling with the T36As as the transient guide says she will sometimes do - her fin seems to match what I saw but not sure)
Michelle Leann

September 2 - Admiralty Inlet
Yet another beautiful day with orcas reported in 3 different directions - hmmm - Capt. Eric chose Admiralty Inlet (west side of Whidbey Isl.) and we found the T046Bs who were maneuvering through the really strong riptide currents at the north end of Marrowstone Island. The tides pushed us in many directions, and it was exciting to watch the whales also maneuver these strong currents. We had good looks at the T046Bs, before heading homeward passing Partridge buoy with Sea Lions, and Minor Island with many harbor seals. Another outstanding trip aboard the Mystic Sea! 
Jill Hein, volunteer naturalist.

5 of the 6 we watched in the T46B group - Admiralty Inlet. 
Photo by Jill Hein, September 2, 2017

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2:00 p.m. - 7 or more Transients in Admiralty passing Fort Flagler (north end Marrowstone Island) northbound. Tentatively ID'd as T46Bs (& possibly some T37s)
Jill Hein
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10:55 a.m - Orca Whales off Marrowstone PT slowly Northbound. 
Christopher Hanke
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Approx 7:15 a.m. - Orcas sighted off Point No Point, Kitsap this morning. At least 1 large male and one calf in the group of 5-10. 
Photo by Luaithrend Inghean Uiliam, September 2, 2017


September 2 - Possession Sound & Saratoga Passage
7:15 p.m. - Don Dahlgren saw four orcas off Sandy Point, just south of Langley, close to the beach and heading south.
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7:15 p.m. - Fred Lundahl reports four transients passed Langley heading south.
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6:55 p.m.- Orcas off the Inn at Langley! Heading south towards ferry. 
Virginai Rhoads
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Hi All, Joy of joys to think they were there, on Saturday afternoon, Sept 2nd, Just swimming by Langley Seawall Park!   There were 6 and they were sighted by my Whidbey Island local friends, not me this time.  Thanks for all you are, do and care about!  Hooray for the ORCAS and all whales and dolphins. 
Maureen Freehill
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6:30 p.m. - We left the T137 family around 6.30 pm - all five whales were heading towards Langley at that point, and had been travelling together in a tight group for some time with occasional momentary rests.
5:35 p.m. -  Whales passing Fox Spit southbound steady pace.
Sandra Pollard

The T137s passing Fox Spit, Whidbey Island, Saturday. It was a beautiful day in Saratoga Passage with the whales, and the fourth consecutive day of seeing whales off Whidbey. 
Photo by Sandra Pollard, September 2, 2017

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4:00 p.m. - Island Explorer 4 leaving 137's, 37A1, and 36 southbound Onamac Point.
Tyler McKeen
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2:13 p.m. - 4-5 Orca north end of Camano Island across from Utsulady Bay closer to Whidbey Island. Headed towards Oak Harbor.
Brian Berry
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12:20 p.m. - Five Orca passed just off Madrona Beach, Camano Island heading north.
Michele Ashley Sarver
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11:18 a.m -  T137s northbound at 6.7 knots near Camano Island. 1 mile north of Onamac Pt. 
Bart Rulon Chilkat Express
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10:24 a.m. - San Juan Clipper is leaving the T137s heading north right along the beach just north of Lowell Point.
Justine Buckmaster
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8:10 a.m. - apparently they are in Langley as they are on the webcam.
Trent 
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7:10 a.m. - Orcas spotted from Clinton ferry heading north towards Langley. 
Brittany Nicole
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This morning , September 2, at 7:00 am we saw 5 orcas off our home at Old Clinton. Traveling north.
Margaret Norling

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September 1- Juan de Fuca
Around 19:45 Sept 01/17 - There were approx 5 orcas, including one large male, swimming westerly nearshore at Holland Park Point, just East of the Ogden Point Breakwater, Victoria. After skirting close to shore amongst the kelp beds, they turned south and headed SW past the Ogden Point Breakwater out towards the Strait of JDF. Traveling. 
Lynette Brown


September 1- Haro Strait
There have been an incredible number of transient killer whales in the Salish Sea this week, with as many as 8 different groups per day ranging from Puget Sound to the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Georgia Strait. Today, the T60s, along with T124A1 and the T124Ds, made their way up Haro Strait. Here's male T60C off Henry Island this evening.
Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, September 1, 2017


September 1 - South Puget Sound
7:10 p.m. - They are approaching Point Robinson.
6:55 p.m. - Orcas, 3-5, at least one big male, heading north to Point Robinson (from lower Gold Beach) Vashon. 
Kelly Burns Keenan
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5:34 p.m. - watching from Owens Beach - just saw a big breach they look to be hunting (map indicated south Vashon east of ferry lanes, near west entrance to Quartermaster Harbor- ALB)
Brittany Gordon
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5:10 p.m. - from Dalco passage viewpoint one heading east fairly close to Point Defiance side. Another followed the first just a couple minutes behind saw only 3-4 surfaces. Maybe a cow and juvenile.
Jill Clogston
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4:51 p.m. - Assume same 4 orcas from  the Ketron sighting just passed by my house heading north about a half a mile north of the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Spread out, not traveling together I am pretty sure they are transients just based on their size but they were too far away for me to know for sure. 
Susan Dynes
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We saw them again around 4:45 between the Narrows Bridge and Point Defiance when we were heading back to Gig Harbor.
Approx 4:25 p.m. - Spotted orcas north of Chambers Bay and headed north.
Photo by Christyn Unzueta, September 1, 2017
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4:27 p.m. - Not sure how many. At least one large male and 2-3 others. Heading northbound under Narrows I believe, but too far to get shots.
4:15 p.m. - Orca's northbound passing Titlow park.
Jill & Bill Clogston
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Warning: Transients on a kill, there is some blood. 
4:00 p.m. - Small pod near Chambers Bay in south Puget Sound.

Video by Jim Ottman, September 1, 2017


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3:13 p.m. -  swimming close to McNeil Island, almost to the northern tip
Allison Stewart Bishins
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3:07 p.m. - splashes and surfacing at the Chambers Creek railroad bridge.
2:57 p.m. - very close to Steilacoom side, north of the ferry terminal and south of the park. Northbound. They are down for a few minutes now, but they were moving fast.   Expect them past chambers creek bridge and toward the golf course next.
2:37 p.m. -  4 orca headed north up the east side of Ketron, should clear the tip of the island soon.
Belen Bilgic Schneider
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6:00 a.m. -  We saw them, 7 or 8, near Hope Island, near Olympia. Stayed about an hour. Between Hope Island State Park and Carlyon Beach.
Photo by Pat Marenczuk Baker, September 1, 2017



Photo by Pat Marenczuk Baker, September 1, 2017


September 1 - Saratoga Passage to Possession Sound
6:32 p.m. - 3 spotted now, Headed past green can on east side of Possession. Headed towards Admiralty.
6:30 p.m. - Just saw one orca (male I believe) off Possession Point headed southwest, may have been more but I only saw the one.
Toby Black
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4:37 p.m. - we just left the T100s southbound between Hat and Whidbey Island, mid Channel. They are grouped up pretty tightly 
Bart Rulon, Chilkat Express
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3:00 p.m. - Just watched them cruise in front of the state park headed south towards Langley pretty quickly...I love where I live!
Shelly Greybeck
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2:35 p.m. -  Spotted 4 Orca off of Baby Island, Saratoga Passage, heading south.
Photo by Edward Greybeck, September 1, 2017

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2:30 p.m. - Report from Jill Hein on Saratoga Ts - southbound past Cama Beach State Park. Traveling mode.
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From this early afternoon on the Island Adventures boat when they were by Camano.
Photo by Holly Ihrig, September 1, 2017

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1:53 p.m. - pod headed south just off Onomac Point mid channel.
Bryan Hansen
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1:07 p.m. - Chilkat with T100's in Saratoga still. They've flipped and heating south, little west of mid channel at Onomac Pt. Heading toward Comano side.
Renee Beitzel
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1:00 p.m. - Caught a glimpse of a large dorsal mid channel directly in front of Harrington Lagoon, but he appeared to be slowly swimming southbound. Believe Chilkat and several smaller ones with him
Durand Dace
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12:42 p.m. - Sighted mid channel off Madrona beach heading north. Mom and juvenile far in front of male. Male moved closer to entrance of Coupeville, lost sight of mom. Update 1245 p.m. -  Clipper leaving Coupeville heading North full speed.
12:28 p.m. - Watching 1 male, 1-2 female and juvenile mid channel off Madrona Beach heading north!
Michel Ashley Sarver
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11:10 a.m. - We found them! Big male, female and baby (correction 4 whales 2 juveniles?) Just north of Cama Beach. They are heading north. Onamack point
Cari Morgan Chapel
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11:00 a.m. - Orca Sighting, Saratoga Passage across from the State Park! Headed towards Coupevdlle! 
Marie Gill
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9:50 a.m. -  San Juan Clipper is just leaving them heading steadily north on the Camano Island side of Saratoga Passage, just south of Elger Bay. It's the T100s again! Mom is in the lead with her calf and juvenile nearby and the male is following a bit behind the rest.
Justine Buckmaster
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7:15 a.m. - 3 orcas at Clinton ferry dock- heading north.
Dori Dace
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7:13 a.m. -  WS Ferry Kittitas reports a small pod of orcas in the ferry lane, heading north.

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August 31

This pod of orcas was spotted Thursday August 31 at about 8:15 AM headed South about 1/4 mile south of Brace Point, West Seattle.
Video by Richard Lunt, August 31, 2017
(Included in our previous Whale Report as T65As, T124A1 & T124D - ALB)

Unidentified killer whales
September 5
Orcas spotted Kayak Point today! Wasn't fast enough/close enough to get pictures but they were there! Hard to tell how many, we saw 3...could have been more. Yes, Port Susan at Kayak Point. We were beachcombing on a field trip. We had been on beach for hours. Can't be exactly certain of the time, I would guess somewhere between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
Julie Urie
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September 4 - Western Juan de Fuca
2:00 p.m. - Bullman Bay - A pod of orca, at least six or seven. They were heading east, about 1/2 mile from shore. Full speed ahead!
Scott Hartman

Humpback whales
September 6 - Juan de Fuca
Humpback BCY0532 Graze 
Great to sea humpback whales minutes from our docks and Transient killer whales off Victoria on our adventure today! 
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 6, 2017
(ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks) 


September 6 - South Puget Sound
Single humpback south of Fox Island near shore, swimming southward. 1715 hours. It had been in Hales Passage for about 45 minutes before turning south from Fox Point.
Tom Wiggin Sr.
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3:16 p.m. - There is also a humpback whale at Salmon Beach headed Northbound at 1516. I can't believe I am seeing Orcas and a Humpback at the same time right now!
Matt Graham
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10:37 a.m. - Humpback now south towards Commencement Bay, near Ferry lanes, sorry no pics , working on Ferry!! 
10:20 am - Humpback 100 yards south of Tahlaquah ferry terminal...moving south , showed fluke , deep dive. 
Wayne, WSF
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September 5 - Juan de Fuca
We Love Sooke for the diversity of marine wildlife and anticipation of what we will experience every day! Humpback whales were encountered all around the Juan De Fuca Strait...Also some disturbed California & Stellar Sea Lions feasting on salmon and our Local Sea Otter (Ollie) resting DESPITE ALL THE EXPLOSIONS around Bentwick Island near Race Rocks Light house from the Royal Canadian Navy.
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 5, 2017

Humpback BCX1251 "Orion" - Juan de Fuca
Photo by Paul Pudwell, September 5, 2017 


September 5 - South Puget Sound
4:52 p.m. -  looks like he is headed towards Colvos Passage now.
4:35 p.m. - He's closer to the Tahlequah ferry dock now. Very active.
4:15 p.m. -  Lots of tail slapping
4:10 p.m. -  Just saw him between Tahlequah and Ruston! Cruising towards Ruston
Lori Patch
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6:55 p.m. - Still there, just west of Owens beach. Just surfaced closer to Tacoma eastbound.
5:37 p.m. - He's making his way westbound again between Anthony's and Owens beach
5:15 p.m. - He's now eastbound mid channel at the Point Defiance/Talequah ferry lane
5:00 p.m. - Activity patterns suggest this is the same whale from the last several days. The tendency is that he is pretty slow moving and under for long stretches on deep dives, then has 2-3 30 minute periods per day of wild vocalization and pectoral slapping (usually when surrounded by way too many boats way too close). My house is one of the cottages that sits out over the water, (the last one with the Oregon Duck flag). I heard him overnight a bit and saw him all weekend. I'm a little worried about this guy. He's still out just northeast of Owens beach, just saw him surface 5:00.
3:41 p.m. - He's still out there in front of Owens beach...deep dives and not a lot of action, but still meandering (no real direction).  Seen from my deck at Point Dalco
Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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4:42 p.m. - visible hump then fluke seen from the port side of the WSF Sealth en route to Tahlequah nearer Vashon on a sightline to Point Defiance (not Ruston).
Andrew Casad
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1:59 p.m. - Humpback breaching outside of Quartermaster Harbor, south end of Vashon Is.
Amy Bliss-Miller
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1:23 p.m. - Off Ruston way single whale flipping flopping and calling out right now
Nancy Polich


September 5 - North Puget Sound
7:45 pm. Humpback at Point No Point close to shore waiting for a moonrise and now a pleasant surprise!
Elyse Sollitto
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6:06 p.m. - Just crossed the ferry lane might be headed more southwest now towards Kingston.
4:59 p.m. - Humpback Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Headed south. Appears to be alone, may be a different humpback than the one reported earlier this morning.
Courtney Burrell
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1:00 p.m. - Watched 2 humpbacks milling about just south of Whidbey island east of the northbound shipping lane right about 1.00pm. They turned and headed North, up Admiralty Inlet.
Shannan Epps
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11:55 a.m. - It is glassy calm out here, I've not seen the humpbacks. Whales headed NWerly directionally towards Admiralty well over 30 minutes ago according to a woman I spoke with in Edmonds.
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10:13 a.m. - Now with them on Chillkat Express, Edmonds ferry terminal north maybe 3/4 mile offshore.
Trevor Tillman
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9:00 a.m. - WS Ferries reports a humpback in the Kingston-Edmonds ferry lane. No direction given.
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8:03 a.m. - Trevor Tillman reports seeing 2 humpbacks heading northeast along the Edmonds/Kingston ferry route. Approx 2 miles off Kingston.
_____________________

September 4 - North Puget Sound 
3:57 p.m. - Humpback still milling about halfway between Apple Cove Point and Edmonds. Has been here pretty much all day.
Gina James Vigna
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CS631/CRC16017's right side dorsal.
12:57 p.m. -  humpback at Apple Cove Point, heading north. Super cool!
Photo by Lisa Corona, September 4, 2017


Photo by Lisa Corona, September 4, 2017 

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Tim and I went out on our own boat today and got word as we were leaving the dock that there was a breaching humpback at Apple Tree Cove near Kingston! We joined Chilkat and watched Two Spot surface and dive a few times.
Eventually Chilkat and all the other boats around left, as they were leaving Two Spot surfaced right in front of our idle boat!! She then circled us slowly, checking us out, she stayed right under the surface and kept circling, then she went under the boat and came up next to us again! Then she fluked...
Janine  Harles (photos below)
 
CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" off Kingston.
Photo by Janine Harles, September 4, 2017

CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot"
Photo by Janine Harles, September 4, 2017

CS631/CRC16017's  pec.
Photo by Janine Harles, September 4, 2017 

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11:00 a.m. -  heading south again. Almost to ferry line.
9:44 a.m. - Just north of Kingston/Edmonds ferry line, mid to west channel. 2? Breaching, etc. mod down times. Northbound. 
Sara Frey
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10:22 a.m -  Humpback still off Apple Tree Point, mid channel. Milling. Chilkat and several other boats around it.
9:30 a.m. - Humpback off Apple Tree Point, between mid channel & Kingston side. Breaching multiple times. Milling around.
Gina James Vigna

September 4 - SOUTH Puget Sound 
4:00 p.m. - whale still SW of the Vashon ferry. Seeing him from the Vashon lookout. 7-10 boats in the area.

1:53 p.m. - Still west of the ferry dock.
1:10 p.m. - southern Vashon, west of the ferry dock, heading east.
Photo by Joy Donogh, September 4, 2017

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1:00 p.m. - I just spotted it from Vashon Island Viewpoint, it is now heading east along the southern tip of Vashon.
Connor O'Brien
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11:59 p.m. -  Still on Vashon side, just east of ferry dock heading west
11:23 a.m. - westbound hugging Vashon island about midway between ferry terminal and the Southwest tip
11:11 a.m. - westbound close to Vashon just to the left of the ferry dock
Jill Clogston

BCX0700 - Dalco Passage
Photo by Jill Clogston, September 4, 2017

Photo by Jill Clogston, September 4, 2017

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11:33 a.m. - Sounds like there are two. We just got back home to Manzanita beach and heard there was a whale that came up into Quartermaster Harbor. In harbor now going towards Burton. That must have been the one that surfaced next to our canoe at Point Piner. (possible 2nd whale is gray whale)
K Rachel Keil
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10:00 p.m. -  Many tail slaps north of Browns Point mid Channel. 
Bill Clogston
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9:58 a.m. - Breaching tail flapping 400 yards east Point Defiance
9:45 a.m - Just saw it surface going towards ferry.
John Ehret
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9:59 a.m. - He is slapping his tail like mad...I can't believe we hear it.
Nancy Polich
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9:02 a.m -  Now Trending west. Almost mid channel between Browns Point.
8:45 a.m -  Trending east towards Commencement Bay.
8:18 am. - moved a little further east outside of Quartermaster Harbor.
8:10 a.m. -just outside Quartermaster Harbor, tail waving.
7:49 a.m. - SE corner of Vashon trending east.
Jill Clogston
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7:45 a.m. - In the ferry lane headed toward Point Defiance.
7:00 a.m. - Large whale (humpback) 1/4 mile north of Pt Defiance at 7am close to fishing boats.
Michele Riley Campbell
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September 3
7:33 p.m. - Humpback spotted Commencement Bay near the Point Defiance-Vashon ferry run.
Tami Steel
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2:55 p.m. - Just had to leave, but we have been watching this humpback circle between Vashon and Ruston, feeding for 2 hours.
Sherri Desseau
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1:49 p.m. - Trending east. Closer to Vashon. Lots of boats behind it appear to be keeping a respectful distance.
1:42 p.m. - From Dalco Passge viewpoint saw Humpback fluke at SW Corner of Vashon island. Many boats surrounding.
Jill Clogston
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12:51 p.m. - This is the humpback that was first spotted a week or so ago in the eastern Strait of Juan De Fuca with old entanglement scars. (BCX0700 - ALB)
Renee Beitzel
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11:25 a.m. - Closer to Vashon. No fluking. Traveling westward. Nearing Talequah ferry dock.
11:20 a.m. -  Resisighted Humpback. Looks like came out of Commencement Bay heading east.
Jill Clogston
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11:00 a.m. - Mid Dalco in ferry channel moving toward Pt Defiance at 1100
Michele Riely Campbell
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9:43 a.m. -milling close to Vashon side just east of ferry dock
9:21 a.m. - Humpback from Owen Beach heading west to right of Tahlequah ferry dock. Closer to Vashon.
Jill Clogston
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9:50 a.m. - Humpback now headings east looks towards Browns Point.
9:27 a.m. - Humpback headed west Vashon side of Point Defiance at Owen Beach.
Bill Clogston

September 3 - North Puget Sound
10:56 a.m. - This Humpback off Edmonds/Richmond Beach was ID'd as CS631/CRC16017 "Two Spot" by Renee Beitzel, Chilkat
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10:54 a.m. - Right off Point Wells right now. Heading south. 
Chris Boucher

10:45 a.m. - Confirmed, s/he's still in the area. 1/2 mile or so south of marina Beach. 
Peter Mo
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10:10 a.m. - It's a humpback! 3/4 mile west of the Edmonds marina, currently headed towards Marina Beach.
Brian McGinn
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Approx 9:00 am. - Saw black fin, tail flip and 1-2 possible with regular blows this am off the back of the Edmonds Kingston ferry closer to Edmonds. We know we saw a black tail flip several times...but were too far to identify,  may be the humpback mentioned!
Shannon Mitchell
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September 2
8:30 p.m. - Humpback in between Vashon and point defiance. He was a little guy, so amazing! This was at 830 tonight.  (video shows BCX0700 - ALB)
Brandi Nix
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7:49 p.m. -  still visible from Anthony's.
7:08 p.m.-  Just saw several spouts of water off of Owen Beach in Tacoma. Definitely a whale, probably just one.
Allison Stewart Bishins
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6:34 p.m. - Heading north through the Colvos.
6:25 p.m. -  mid channel between Vashon and Pt Defiance. Heading north slowly.
Gaby Kinner
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6:08 p.m. - Humpback just off Point Definance heading north
Joy Donogh
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2:30 p.m. -  One or Two humpbacks between mouth of Gig Harbor and Point Defiance. I really think two. They were on the move.
Kathleen Cage
__________________

September 1
5:03 p.m. - Humpback on the side of Point Defiance, at the tip of 5 mile drive
Mana Rahl

5:00 p.m. -  if it's the same Whale he just showed back up south of Vashon west of Owen Beach. 
Kelsey Lynn

BCX0700
4:00 p.m. - Humpbacks (2) at Point Defiance. Dalco Passage from Owen Beach and Pt. Defiance. This one came up from behind us. Beautiful!
Photo by Kathy Fox, September 1, 2017

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1:05 p.m. - Now off south end of Maury headed east toward piner point close to shore.
John Troup
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BCX0700
I was on shore by the Browns Point Lighthouse. Taking photos across Commencement Bay around 12ish.
Photo by Krissie Carl, September 1, 2017

Photo by Krissie Carl, September 1, 2017

11:11 a.m - I am at Brownspoint and I can see the humpback splashing and swimming in the ferry line off Vashon.
Krissie Carl
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11:09 a.m. - Humpback hanging out in Commencement Bay. 
Patricia Peachy Reagan

10:45 a.m. - Humpback spotted in Commencement Bay Friday about 10:45! Heading south.
Nancy Hammill Terrell

Gray whales
September 7
2:14 p.m. - A stray gray whale westbound in Hammersly Inlet passing Libby Point.
Photo by Pamela Burger, September 7, 2017 

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12:50 p.m. - (Humpback) whale going into Hammersly inlet right now be careful. (Was a Gray whale; see Burger photo/report above) 
Brandon Nelson
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September 5 - Juan de Fuca
Email received 8:53 a.m. - And, a resident Gray is still poking around Bullman Beach this morning.  Not so close as before/tide is very low, but still around.
Scott Hartman

September 5
1 1:33 a.m. - Sounds like there are two. We just got back home to Manzanita beach and heard there was a whale that came up into Quartermaster Harbor. In harbor now going towards Burton. That must have been the one that surfaced next to our canoe at Point Piner.  (possible 2nd whale is gray whale - see Ehret report below)
K Rachel Keil
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9:09 a.m. -  (reported as humpback) just passed us on SE Maury (Sandy Shores area), in very shallow water, quickly heading south close to shore.
After some discussion: 
...given the speed it was traveling and the very shallow water it was in. I thought it was a humpback based on the fin that surfaced the two times I saw it rise and blow. But gray makes more sense. I've gone out and polled my neighbors who also saw the whale as it passed. They all agree that it wasn't a true fin, and was more of a ridge.
Jon Ehret 
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September 4
There is a video on Gig Harbor's Town Talk Facebook page - it looks like a gray. It actually swam into the harbor a bit and then back out. I shared your request with the owner of the video. In the meantime I got a response from someone who saw the whale in the harbor from their boat - she reports: "It was alone and seemed quite small." (we receive screen grabs from the video and it does look like a gray whale - ALB)
Heidi Armstrong
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7:11 p.m. - I'm at work; second hand report of what is believed to be a gray whale that's entered the actual Gig Harbor now.
Durand Dace
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September 3 - Juan de Fuca
4:00 p.m. - Gray whale sighting - On Sunday, Sept. 3 we saw a single Gray whale in the far western corner of Bullman Beach. Rolling on the surface, fins showing. Had time to walk down it/about 1/2 mile, and shoot photos. Then we walked with it up the beach; it, all the time, staying in shallow water and showing itself numerous times. Feeding, playing, traveling
Scott Hartman

Unidentified whales
September 4
8:03 a.m. - Whale passing by Maury Island Marine Park this morning, swimming south toward Commencement Bay
Matt Levi

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September 2
8:22 p.m. - Spotted I think a single grey whale in Dyes inlet around 7. In the Lions park area. Couldn't tell if it went back out or down toward Silverdale?
Linda Bancroft Weinacker

September 2 
8:17 a.m - We just spotted whales (2-3) off the Edmonds ferry. They were heading east toward Edmonds, couldn't get good enough view to see if they were males or females. Huge tail came out of the water and a few partial dorsal fin views. There were two or three, may have been humpback. Did not get good enough views of dorsal fins to identify.
Julie Crawford
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September 1
5:30 p.m. - Twice I saw a (grey) whale  arch up showing her dorsal. I was at Rocky Point ,Whidbey Island.  It had slanted dorsal, not like an orca but smaller.  Wow I've never seen a humpback like this before.  She seemed to be feeding, following krill or these shiny schools of silver fish. And a sea lion bopping up his head from time to time. What a beautiful place to enjoy such nature.
(reported as gray but w/dorsal sounds like humpback - ALB)
Thank you,   Diane Jandreau
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Single whale spotted waiting for Bainbridge ferry in downtown Seattle. 4:50 PM on 01sep
Ruaraidh Stenson
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1:46 p.m. - Unidentified whale off of Shilshole Marina. We've seen 3 blows but no good look at the whale. Maybe a smaller gray. Heading towards marina. I could not see any dorsal from my angle. 
Shelly Richer Edwards

ABOUT ORCA NETWORK  
Orca Network is a 501 c3 nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, and the importance of providing them healthy and safe habitats.
Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network involves citizens in helping researchers track the movement of whales, and encourages people to observe whales from their homes, businesses, ferries, and beaches.
Whale reports are sent in to our Sighting Network and emailed out to researchers, agencies, and citizens on our network, and posted on our website (MAP of sightings also on website). Whale reports and observations are sent in by a variety of sources, and Orca Network does not guarantee the accuracy of any report or whale identification.

To Report Whale Sightings:



Killer whales have special protection in Canadian and U.S. waters.
Be sure to educate yourself about new protections, including regulations with specific distances and recommendations for viewing killer whales.

DO NOT APPROACH or position your vessel closer than 200 metres/yards to any killer whale in the U.S.(100 meters/yards in Canada). DO NOT APPROACH or get closer than 100 metres/yards to any other marine mammals or birds, whether on the water or on land.

 The rules apply to all types of boats, including motor boats, sail boats and kayaks, in Washington.

For more information on the Federal Regulations:   NOAA Fisheries website. 


To Report Harassment of Whales:
  • In US waters call NOAA Enforcement at 1-800-853-1964 
  • In CANADIAN waters call DFO Observe Record and Report (ORR) Violations Hotline at 1-800-465-4336
Report the boat name &/or a description of the boat, & get photos/video if at all possible.