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J47 Notch and fellow J pod members as they headed north in Admiralty Inlet - photo taken from Fort Flagler.
photo by Jim Pasola, April 11, 2024
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ORCA NETWORK
WHALE SIGHTING REPORT
We are watching and visiting the whales in their home.
Please observe, love, and respect them from a distance.
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SUMMARY
Sightings through April 12 include:
Southern Residents - On April 5, J Pod was seen in the Strait of Georgia.
On April 10, J Pod was spotted in Rosario Strait.
On April 11, J Pod was spotted in north Puget Sound. They made their way north in a hurry, passing by the west side of San Juan Island in the early evening.
Bigg's Killer Whales - On April 4, T87 & T124As were in Puget Sound. T65As & T99s were in Admiralty Inlet.
On April 5, T87 & T124As made their way through the San Juans - T87 split from the T124As in the afternoon. T18s were seen in the San Juans.
On April 6, T65As were in Hood Canal. T100s & T101s were in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
On April 7, T65As were in Hood Canal. T65A5 & T124Ds were in Saratoga Passage. T36As & T51 were in the San Juans. T63 & T65 were in Haro Strait. T49As & T65Bs seen in the San Juans.
On April 8, T65As were in central Puget Sound. T99s were also in central Puget Sound.
On April 9, orcas were seen in Admiralty Inlet and North Puget Sound.
On April 10, T99s & T124Ds made their way playfully in and out of Penn Cove. T87 was spotted in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca. T36As & T49As were in Haro Strait.
On April 11, T65As went into Sinclair Inlet. T87, T99s, & T124Ds were spotted in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
On April 12, T65As were spotted in Puget Sound.
In next report: On April 13, T65As made their way deep into Sinclair Inlet - T65A5 was with them.
On April 14, T65As spent the day in Possession Sound and Saratoga Passage.
On April 15, T65As spotted in Central Puget Sound.
Humpbacks - The humpback that's been spending time on the west side of San Juan Island has been identified as CRC-21539 "Sakura", the 2022 calf of BCY0876. This whale spent an extended amount of time in that spot last year as well!
Gray Whales - With the arrival of CRC2362, there are now twelve confirmed gray whales back inland Puget Sound: CRC22, CRC53, CRC56, CRC356, CRC383, CRC543, CRC2246, CRC2249, CRC2259, CRC2356, CRC2362, CRC2441.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
T109A3A Kʷiisaḥiʔis Update
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Bay Cetology April 12 update: "After more than a week of careful planning and preparation led by the Ehattesaht First Nation and DFO we all set out to capture and relocate Kʷiisaḥiʔis (T109A3A) today and like our attempts to coax her out of the lagoon, her response quickly informed us she would not be manipulated. This Brave Little Hunter has a whitish appearance in the sunlight due to the low salinity surface layer in the lagoon she is in, but after 20 days entrapped since her mother T109A3 passed, she is still robust and active despite little evidence of feeding. We will continue to monitor Kʷiisaḥiʔis and provide expertise on site while keeping track of her extended family as best as possible for as long as necessary in the hopes she can be successfully relocated and eventually reunite with her kin." | |
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GRAY WHALE CRC2362 THIDWICK IS BACK!
On Sunday, April 14, Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express, confirmed the return of CRC2362 Thidwick, spotted in Port Susan socializing with CRC56 Stardust & CRC383 Cascade! He is the 12th Sounder to arrive in inland Puget Sound!
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New webshop item: Whale Sighting Alerts Subscription
Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network and Education Project is now offering our whale sightings phone/text alerts by annual subscription.
Cost is $25.00 every 12 months. If finances is a hardship please email alisa@orcanetwork.org.
Real-time, or near real-time, call/text alerts create opportunities for people to connect with and observe the whales in their natural habitat from shorelines and other platforms around the Salish Sea. And for those who wish to contribute to Community Science you can report your sightings to our Whale Sighting Network team who vets, records, and disperses collected data to researchers, scientists, agencies, educators, public, etc.
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Your support enables Orca Network to continue our work to connect people & whales, educate & inspire people to take action, and collect & disseminate data for research & education.
With Gratitude!
Orca Network
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FOR REAL-TIME WHALE SIGHTINGS FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE ~
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) | |
Thu, Apr 11 - Puget Sound/Haro Strait (J Pod) | |
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Surprise visit from J Pod yesterday! I don't know of any other beings who can make time stand still like they do. For however long they are here, it's all about just being in the moment with them. The problems in the world become nonexistent if just for that moment. And the bonus gift they give is the impromptu gathering of friends along the shoreline. Great to see all of you - whales and humans alike!
photos by Cindy Hansen, April 11, 2024
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04-11-24 J Pod, Haro Strait
J Pod traveled quickly up-island (north-ish) in two groups;
17:25 - 17:30, The first group, a tight group of 5-6 orcas with a male farther out, came around the bend 100' from shore but then immediately headed west away from shore as they swung out to go around Edwards Point. Included in this group was the matriarch J19 Shachi with her daughter J41 Eclipse and granddaughter J58 Crescent (J41's daughter). J42 Echo traveled close to J41 Eclipse along with J22 Oreo. Zooming around in a loop was Shachi grandson J51 Nova (J41's son). The family was surface active as they approached Edwards Point; 3 breaches, J19 rolling at the surface, 2 spy hops and a couple of tail slaps. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank.
18: -18:12, The second group traveled up island (north-ish) about 1/2 to 1 mile from shore. They were low in the water and too far out to ID except I could occasionally see open saddles. For a short time 3 tight individuals almost seemed to be in a resting line. All photographs taken from shore.
Michelline Halliday
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J22 Oreo
photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 11, 2024
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A short highlight clip from Jason of members of J-Pod off Land Bank yesterday afternoon! This group was made up of all the J14s, J31 and J56, and J46. Link to video.
Orca Behavior Institute
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19:01 - They are very chatty.
Jaymi Garvett
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19:37 - J pod calls still audible on Orcasound Lab hydrophone.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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19:36 - Saw one from Ten Mile Point 45 minutes ago as well.
Gerald Graham
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19:15 - Calls still audible on Orcasound - Listen for Whales hydrophone.
Orca Network
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19:00 - I am not hearing anything on Lime Kiln, but I am hearing some calls on Oracsound. Could this also be J pod?
Joe Dreimiller
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18:55 - Trailing group to the south of Lime Kiln, visible on the webcam. Leaders to the north were quite active 18:47 and on. You can rewind (up to 12 hours) and watch. Some sweet little one breaches.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:56 - Visible on the webcam as well.
18:46 - J pod vocals on Lime Kiln hydrophone.
Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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17:40 - At least five breaches several cartwheels and lots of tail slaps. Happy orcas! They are now between False Bay and Pile Point. Still heading up island.
17:22 - Total of at least eight orcas between Eagle Point and False Bay heading up Island. Split into two groups.
Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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12:36 - Now heading west, approaching Point Partridge. Spread out.
Cyrilla Cook
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12:19 - From my view at Fort Casey, northwestbound north of Point Wilson.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:13 - Coming into view from North Beach.
Cyrilla Cook
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12:06 - They've trended a bit east, north of ferry lanes now. Active. Northbound.
12:00 - 15+ lined up, northbound, some surface activity, midchannel, maybe a bit south of Port Townsend ferry lanes?
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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J38 Cookie
11:40 - Real nice pass at Fort Flagler all of Jpod group together at least now heading quickly towards Fort Casey northeast. Link to more photos.
photos by Jim Pasola, April 11, 2024
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11:14 - Viewing from Lagoon Point. Orca continuing to fly north. Now west of mid. Last update from me.
10:42 - Viewing from Bush Point. Whales are mid channel, flying north with the ebb. Line of sight is just south of Marrowstone. Too far for pics.
Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:15 - Many whales spread out, from south of Foulweather Bluff back towards north of Hansville, west of mid. Northbound.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:40 - All the whales that I've seen have passed Point No Point. One group of four to six in the lead and another of three to four trailing 10 minutes behind at least one large male in the second group. All were slightly west of mid-channel but far from here and heading north.
Jim Pasola
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09:28 - Watching multiple fins and spouts off Point No Point, headed northwest!
Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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09:05 - These whales are north of Eglon and headed towards Point No Point.
Orca Network
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08:47 - Lots of activity - maybe clear from Point No Point.
08:21 - Two look north bound - past Possession.
08:17 - Many spouts at Possession. Viewed from Apple Tree Point. Too hazy and far.
Iravasa Athem
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08:05 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, relayed a report at 08:08: 0805hrs: Orcas located north of the [EDMONDS] terminal.
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07:49 - One slow, northbound male, east side off of Edmonds.
Clint Jones
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06:58 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, relayed a report at 07:01: 0658hrs: Pod of 12 orcas in the vicinity of Apple Cove Point, heading northbound.
Wed, Apr 10 - Rosario Strait (J Pod)
Rosario group confirmed J pod: IDs: Brooke Casanova who shared with us a private photo of J38 Cookie taken by a fisherman, and per Monika Wieland Shields.
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09:07 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:19 to report: 907hrs: [Sealth] Vessel Captain confirms spotting 3-4 orcas in the vicinity east of James Island.
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08:36 - Orcas (six to eight) south end of Cypress Island off of Reef Point. Looks like a few big adult males. Kind of staying in one spot. Tail slapping, head bob out of the water. Looks like there are a few babies. I thought they were going north but when I went by I would say south now.
Ryan Johnson
Fri, Apr 5 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Debbie Kinney
Date of Sighting: April 05, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 30
Where seen: Trincomali off Mayne
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Not sure
Any unusual markings?: Too far away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) | |
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Fri, Apr 12 - Haro Strait
18:51 - Killer whales off the west side of SJI, near Madrona. Headed up island.
Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
Fri, Apr 12 - Puget Sound (T65As)
19:55 - Seeing them from Point Southworth with binoculars. They are still northbound. Still south, we’ve temporarily lost sight of them.
Hunter Sasser Oetinger
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19:50 - They are about two miles north of the OlaIla store. On the Vashon side.
Cathy Weirather
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19:15 - Just saw them passing by Olalla Bay northbound super close to Vashon side.
Kenzie Youngmark
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18:26 - Northbound Colvos. Mid channel just south of Olalla Bay.
Lynne Hanson
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17:23 - I lost them. Guessing Colvos.
photo by AirWaterLand Photography, April 12, 2024
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17:13 - Saw three blows south of the south west tip of Vashon Island viewing from marina Point Defiance.
16:58 - Past the ferry terminal still trending west very close to Vashon side view from Point Defiance marina. Four fins loosely grouped.
Cherie StOurs
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16:53 - Just passed ferry dock.
Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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16:40 - T65As transiting across channel, nearing ferry lanes westbound loosely grouped. Update - after reviewing photos, T65A5/Indy was also with the family today.
16:36 - Past Neil Point now very close to Vashon westbound.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:30 - Saw blows heading south by big red freighter on Vashon side.
Dianne Brueckner
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16:30 - Just north of Neill Point on Vashon.
16:15 - Seeing blows at the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor near the blue Ranger Tug.
David Michael
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16:14 - Orcas just spotted south of Quartermaster Harbor Vashon Island. We see three, not sure direction. Now see five [approx. 47.335259, -122.481627].
Justin Foster
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16:18 - Last spotted near Piner Point on Maury.
15:45 - Slowed down just north of Piner Point, Maury Island. One male. Three female.
15:30 - Just spotted four orca in East Passage off Maury Island near Gold Beach heading southwest. Looks like they're headed to Dalco Passage.
Burt Miller
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07:45 - 08:05 - I just got a text from someone at Sunset Bay Beach Camp that a lone orca passed by close to shore sometime between 7:45 - 8:05 this morning. The orca was traveling south.
Tamara Kelley
Thu, Apr 11 - Kitsap Peninsula (T65As)
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T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A3 Amira | |
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T65A Artemis & T65A6 Callisto
The beautiful T65As (minus A5) came for a short visit in Sinclair Inlet today. Always a special treat to hang out with this family of transients orcas. Link to more photos.
photos by April Janice Basham, April 11, 2024
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Little sister T65A6 Callisto next to big brother T65A2 Ooxjaa
The T065A Bigg's orcas visited Sinclair Inlet today. They traveled almost to the end of the inlet towards Gorst where they appeared to have run some harbor porpoise in for a snack. Afterwards, they traveled back along the Naval shipyard, passing along the Bremerton side and crossed over and exited out Rich Passage towards Puget Sound. Not much action other than traveling but it is always exciting to see them interact with each other. Sharing some images from today and note that some are tightly cropped in to show close up detail. Link to more photos.
photos by Mike Maddox, April 11, 2024
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T65A2 Ooxjaa
In Gorst with the T65As. I made it just as they got past the naval shipyard deep into Sinclair Inlet and watched as they hunted before exiting and traveling out past Bremerton again. T65A6 Callisto looked itty bitty next to her big brother T65A2 Ooxjaa. I definitely spent most of my time watching their interactions. Photos shot with a telephoto lens and cropped. Link to more photos.
photos by Jolena Tagg, April 11, 2024
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T65A Artemis
From today's adventures. Pictures taken in Gorst. All from land. This is when the orcas made their way into the Bremerton Naval Shipyard.
photos by CT Thompson, April 11, 2024
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20:00 - Can see in east distance (from Suquamish) just out of Port Madison. They were just circling/splashing in area then got too dark to tell from distance.
Cynthia Swensøn
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19:45 - We saw them again, at the mouth of Port Madison, north of Fay Bainbridge. They were very active, splashing and jumping for about 20 minutes in one spot. Wondered if they had killed something. Then they headed north towards Jefferson Head.
Sophy Johnston
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19:00 - Spotted two passing by Indianola dock exiting Port Madison. Never went under Agate Bridge.
Amy Baldwin
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Adam Usner
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: (47.7226473, -122.5179206)
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Milling and traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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18:38 - Off of Indianola dock. Seeing two females I think.
Sophy Johnston
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18:20 - Male & two females swimming west into Indianola.
Cynthia Swensøn
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18:15 - Group of three in southbound traffic lanes northbound. Sight line Bainbridge Island to Richmond Beach! Heading home.
Sue Surowiec Larkin
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18:06 - I saw the male orca at Fay Park, but heading left, towards Suquamish. Then I lost him.
Catherine Alvarado Soto
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T65A2 Ooxjaa
18:05 - By big sailboat east of Fay Bainbridge. Way too close to following boat. At least two. Big male.
photo by Cynthia Swensøn, April 11, 2024
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17:51 - Single orca - male just west of mid channel passing Fay Bainbridge northbound.
17:20 - Found one off Rolling Bay northbound… moving very slowly north. Long down times.
17:12 - One orca northbound in outer Elliot Bay.
Sue Surowiec Larkin
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15:03 - Pass Discovery northbound. Seems split, only see a big male.
Leo Leo
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16:35 - Just saw them a few minutes ago from the Bainbridge ferry.
Stacy Gray
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16:27 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:32 to report:1627hrs: TACOMA Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 6 orca NB, just north of the SEA>BI Route.
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16:15 - West of mid channel approaching Eagle Harbor northbound view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
16:05 - Fast ferry stopped. Northbound orcas to their south just north of Restoration Point -
View from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
Mary Hartmann
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15:50 - T65As are midchannel towards Seattle from Restoration Point. At this time they are eastbound.
Candace Gavin
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15:40 - They’ve exited Rich Passage, headed east into Puget Sound between Bainbridge and Blake Island.
Jim Reitz
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15:23 - Saw one surface there again just now.
Emily Scott
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15:15 - We saw them about five minutes ago eastbound past Orchard Rocks.
Aaron Reddecliffe
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15:13 - Passing Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island now.
Carl Siegrist
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15:10 - I’m watching them from Lytle Beach on Bainbridge Island. They are heading to Manchester, close to the Port Orchard side.
Alison Hatletveit
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15:06 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:23 to relay report: 1506hrs: orcas located at Point Glover, heading SSE, as well as 5 orcas located deeper into Sinclair Inlet.
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T65A Artemis, T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A6 Callisto, T65A3 Amira
14:55 - Group of five orcas eastbound thru Rich Passage. One male, one small one. Just making the turn south toward Fort Ward & Manchester.
14:53 - In Rich Passage, view from Bainbridge side.
photo by Jim Reitz, April 11, 2024
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14:54 - T65As are southbound into Rich Passage. Approaching Point Glover. Grouped up.
Candace Gavin
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14:51 - Lost sight of them from Illahee. Look to be heading east, between Bainbridge/Manchester.
Kirsten Harbour
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14:14 - The pod is slowly headed back out of Sinclair Inlet making their way towards Illahee State Park.
April Janice Basham
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From Bachmann Park [video in FB comments].
Kathy Leigh-Godfrey
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T65A3 Amira & T65A2 Ooxjaa
14:15 - From Watermans Pier.
photo by Jason Boddy, April 11, 2024
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13:52 - Eastbound from the Manette Bridge. Headed towards Bachman Park. Grouping back up again. Closer to Bremerton side of mid channel.
Candace Gavin
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13:45 - Amira came halfway to the Manette Bridge and turned around headed back out now to meet the rest of the family headed towards Bachman Park.
Jim Pasola
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13:46 - Now near Bremerton marina.
13:24 - They are towards the Gorst side.
Kelly Townsend
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13:24 - Three sighted from the ferry on the way to Bremerton where the blue dot is [approx. 47.559491, -122.608002].
Annette Fordyce Shifflett
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12:58 - 65As are deep in Sinclair inlet hunting. Amir is heading east approaching the shipyard.
David Michael
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12:42 - They are near the floating barge in Gorst.
Robby Johnston
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12:39 - Orcas are at Manette in Bremerton right now. Passing through the shipyard. At least three.
Hannah B
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12:28 - Across from Port Orchard Marina on Bremerton side.
April Janice Basham
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12:27 - They have continued deeper into Sinclair and are currently almost to the end of the shipyard.
Tracy Esquer
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12:20 - Pod is moving west, closer to the Bremerton side of the channel. Continuing towards Gorst. Seen from the Port Orchard downtown marina.
Bethany Unger Scoggins
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12:05 - The whales were heading south toward Illahee and Point White Pier.
Sue Surowiec Larkin
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12:03 - Pod is west of Manette Bridge headed towards Gorst. Mid channel.
Candace Gavin
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11:50 - Amir close to Bremerton side approaching Bachmann.
11:40 - Heading southwest towards Sinclair Inlet.
David Michael
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11:29 - Pod is southbound at Point White dock. At least one male and two female. One juvenile. Moving at a quick pace. Mid channel to Bainbridge side.
Candace Gavin
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11:15 - Spotted one from Illahee headed south. Close to Illahee side, believe to have passed the Illahee dock now.
Kirsten Harbour
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Freeburg
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Brownsville Marina, Kitsap Penninsula
Direction of travel : Southbound, out of view in 3 minutes
Behaviors observed: 3 orcas traveling very close side-by-side
If orcas, any males?: 1 adult male (large dorsal fin), 1 adult female or immature male (smaller dorsal fin), 1 juvenile
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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10:16 - They popped back up and still appear to be milling around. My house on Bainbridge just north of Hidden Cove Road end.
10:13 - They went under but were headed back south when they did.
Becky Whitlock
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10:04 - Still between Brownsville and Liberty, trending back south slowly. Kitsap side.
09:54 - Three females, west side of channel, entrance to Liberty Bay! Looks like hunting. Actually - two females and an itty bitty!
Amy Douglas Ramos
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Karen Watson
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 9:43 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: channel east of Keyport
Direction of travel : S.
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: not sure
Any unusual markings?: too far away to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They kept surfacing for about 30 minutes
Photos available?: No
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08:52 - Three orcas just passed by Illahee Dock/West Bainbridge Island, heading towards Agate Pass.
Jennifer Leigh [PSWS]
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08:30 - I spotted four orca off the west side of Bainbridge Island between Point White and Fletcher Bay this morning. They were heading north very slowly. One large dorsal fin, two medium, and one little. My family has owned a home there since 1957 and we have never seen orcas!
Katie
Thu, Apr 11 - Admiralty Inlet (T87, T99s, T124Ds)
09:51 - One orca mid channel off Bush Point boat launch heading north. View from Bush Point boat launch. About to head north.
Sherry Dotson
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08:50 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:58 to report: 0850hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports via 800MHz they've spotted 6-8 orcas located 1/2 mile off Admiralty Head, heading north.
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08:00 - 08:05 - Kit Turner called report seeing who looked to be a male orca at 08:00 opposite north Lagoon Point, Marrowstone side, clear sighting, surfaced a couple of times and then didn’t see him again until 08:05 when he surfaced again opposite Fort Casey so heading northbound.
Thu, Apr 11 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lori Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 4:23 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo lighthouse
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I’m in line to turn into the ferry terminal.
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Denham
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 3:22 PM
Species seen: Uncertain
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo lighthouse ferry lane
Direction of travel : Uk
Behaviors observed: I seen a blow
If orcas, any males?
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
Wed, Apr 10 - Haro Strait (T36As & T49As)
04-10-24 Biggs orcas T36As and T49As.
10:33 - 10:36, Estimating 10 or 11 Biggs orcas, the T36As and the T49As traveling together heading down-island, 1/4 & 1/2 mile from shore. Traveling quickly they transited my location in only 3 minutes. In 2 groups; a tight group of 5 and farther out a looser group of 4-5, the group farther out only surfaced twice. T49A "Nan" and T36A1 "Tierna" were side by side with a youngster between them in the close group of 5. The group surfaced in unison, an undulating line on the calm flat surface of the Salish Sea. Beautiful! Photographed from shore.
Michelline Halliday
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T36A1 Tierna, T49A Nan, T49A6 Charlie
photo & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 10, 2024
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14:18 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:31 to report: 1418hrs: SAMISH Vessel Captain reports they have slowed due to two large male orca on the west side of upright Channel heading south, and a group of five smaller orca on the east side of Upright Channel moving in various directions. The orca are accompanied by a flotilla of whale watching boats.
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12:17 - Main group passing Cattle Point angling into San Juan Channel.
11:38 - T49A2 and A3 approaching South Beach east bound, others about a mile behind.
10:19 - Large group of orcas southbound approaching Land Bank.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Wed, Apr 10 - Discovery Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Janet Maple
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Sequim, at Diamond Point
Direction of travel : Headed toward Discovery Bay
Behaviors observed: Swimming slowly, circled and stayed around a few minutes
If orcas, any males?: He was a male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Nothing more. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time searching frantically for my camera. I did email one photo to you.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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photo by Janet Maple, April 10, 2024 | |
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12:28 - Also of note: WA app report of 6 additional orcas (mix f/J) off Diamond Point.
Wed, Apr 10 - North Puget Sound
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15:15 - Point No Point.
photo by Rochelle Bohman Fluckiger, April 10, 2024
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Wed, Apr 10 - Admiralty Inlet (T87)
14:14 - I saw him surface once at that time like you said then Redhead turned around and headed north. He was mid channel still headed south. I was trying to get to my phone to report again but didn’t see him surface again. Also VERY hazy viewing from from Whidbey.
Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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13:29 - We can't confirm, but think T87 Harbeson was as far south as the Coupeville/Port Townsend ferry traffic lanes. PT side mid channel. (Redhead has since left but they were in that spot before heading away from that area).
13:08 - Another faint call! Super cool.
13:06 - Possible Biggs call (T87) if was in fact a call. Port Townsend hydrophone.
Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:50 - Redhead acquired T87 heading southeast a beam of Ebey's Landing.
Christopher Lewman
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12:08 - Single orca seen Northwest of Point Wilson, Port Townsend heading south. Heading toward Whidbey island, Admiralty Head area.
Ryan Johnson
Wed, Apr 10 - Puget Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 10 17:54:31 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.70757,-122.41936 [NW of Meadow Pt, Golden Gardens]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Diane Capps
Wed, Apr 10 - Penn Cove/Saratoga Passage (T99s & T124Ds)
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T99C Barakat
T99s & T124Ds, Penn Cove, Saratoga Passage. Link to more photos.
photos by Rachel Haight, April 10, 2024
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T99E
The report of whales at Strawberry Point got to me rather late. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take my chances on seeing whales that no one else had seen yet. I had a job interview today anyway so in my car I went. I initially saw the whales from Monroe Landing in Penn Cove. The appeared to be hugging the other side so I hopped back in my car and went to the Coupeville Wharf. By the time I got there, the whales were right there. What a stunning pass it was. T99E was leaping everywhere. It was playtime for these whales. I was shaking, I thought I was going to cry. I have been waiting for this kind of shore day with the T99s for years. They eventually turned back around and left Penn Cove. They met up with the T124Ds I believe, as I have some unfamiliar eyepatches and dorsals in my Long Point shots. What a day! All shots taken from land. Link to more photos.
photos by Kat Martin, April 10, 2024
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T99D Puck & T99C Barakat
An unexpected treat yesterday, Wednesday - orcas within a mile of my house! Wow – the T99s and T124Ds were in town! They leisurely headed towards Penn Cove, did a circuit, and then back out and south down Saratoga Passage. They were very surface active all day – so many spyhops and pseudo breaches, tail slaps and general playful behavior, with Mt. Baker overlooking us all. So nice to see them again, and lots of whaley friends, old and new! These 2 matrilines are as follows (thanks to Bonnie Gretz for laying this out so nicely - Matriarch T99 Bella (b. 1984), daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), son T99C Barakat (b. 2009), son T99D Puck (b. 2015), and daughter T99E (b. 2021). T124Ds are mom T124D Field (b. 1996), T124D1 Salish II (b. 2014), and daughter T124D3 (b. 2021).
photos by Jill Hein, April 10, 2024
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T99 Bella & T99E
So happy to see T99s and 124Ds in Penn Cove today! Caught up with them at the mussel docks, then they headed east and I got some medium close looks as they passed the Coupeville Wharf, with lots of surface activity… perhaps having lunch! Relocated to Long Point, where they had pushed out more mid-channel, but still active, lots of lovely spy-hops! It's wonderful to have them in my "front yard"! T99s are matriarch T99 Bella (b. 1984), daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), growing son T99C Barakat (b. 2009), son T99D Puck (b. 2015), and little daughter T99E (b. 2021). T124Ds are mom T124D Field (b. 1996), T124D1 Salish II (b. 2014), and little daughter T124D3 (b. 2021). Fun to watch with many orca lovers.
photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 10, 2024
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So, so far away from us on Camano but oh so fun to still watch! So many beaches, tail slaps, and spy hops. Link to more photos.
photos by Charvet Drucker, April 10, 2024
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Bit rambunctious.
photo by Justin Ashworth, April 10, 2024
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19:26 - One just breached!
19:22 - Southbound in front of Bells Beach.
Tabitha Jacobs-Mangiafico
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18:30 - Southbound approaching East Point, Whidbey side of midchannel.
18:08 - Southbound midchannel between south end of Camano Island State Park and Baby Island.
17:49 - Orcas are around midchannel between Camano Island State Park boat launch and Hidden Beach, heading southeast. Lots of surface activity still.
17:32 - Orcas are visible from Camano Island State Park boat launch, still far north of us. Looks like they're still on Whidbey side (maybe closer to midchannel but tough to tell from this angle). Southbound with some surface activity.
Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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17:07 - From Hidden Beach it looks like the orcas are moving towards Camano side.
Janet Moody
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17:05 - Now picking up steam moving south pretty quickly.
17:00 - Moving into the mid channel couple miles north of Hidden Beach.
Aaron Gill
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16:45 - The two littles have been so playful, then Barakat joined in on the fun, and he started tail and pec slapping, then he breached twice, then who I assume was 99E started breaching too. Continuing southbound along Whidbey shore, heading towards Hidden.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:45 - They are in line with the Camano Inn, hugging the Whidbey side. Still southbound. Lots of breaches and splashing.
Charvet Drucker
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16:39 - Probably two to three miles north of me.
16:35 - Finally got a sight of them lots of action and splashing they’re off Shangri-La Shores.
photo by Aaron Gill, April 10, 2024
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15:23 - Several spotted off of Harrington Lagoon, still looks like they’re heading south.
Myah Bernard
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15:18 - I'm viewing them right now from Harrington Lagoon on the other side of the channel but headed towards Hidden Beach slowly.
Mel Nasby
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14:30 - Far east of Long Point, possibly angling south. T124Ds out here too.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:16 - Breaches, spyhops at Long Point.
Janet Moody
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13:54 - Approaching Long Point. Still eastbound.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:47 - Lots of tail slapping, blows and spyhops, still a little east of the Coupeville Wharf.
Janet Moody
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13:38 - They are headed out of Penn Cove to the east.
Tara Palmer
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13:28 - Moving slowly east almost passing the Coupeville Wharf.
Janet Moody
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13:25 - Just west of the Coupeville wharf, steadily headed east. At least one male.
Terri Lomax
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13:15 - Viewing from the Coupeville wharf still. They’re headed east. Mid to Coupeville side.
Kat Martin
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13:05 - Seem now moving east.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:05 - At least five around the mussel flats milling about.
Janet Moody
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12:53 - They’re in Penn Cove in front of the mussel farm!
Stevie Good
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12:50 - Approaching mussel rafts westbound. Still playful.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Orcas in Penn Cove headed west towards the mussel flats as of about 15 minutes ago! Not sure if they're still in the area, I just caught them going by through the window at work.
Dacotah Ashley Cook-Juhl
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12:45 - BEAUTIFUL pass by the Coupeville wharf. I can barely type!! Confirmed T99s. Still west bound.
Kat Martin
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12:45 - Watching from the side of the road near Monroe’s Landing. Lots of splashing. Whale boat following towards Coupeville.
Janet Moody
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12:31 -They are getting close to the Coupeville pier heading east to west.
Tara Palmer
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12:23 - Continuing westbound, playful as they travel. Nearing Monroe Landing, midchannel?
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:35 - Continuing into Penn Cove, just passed Monroe Landing westbound. Swiftsure just arrived on scene.
12:15 - They're in Penn Cove, close to south shore, still westbound.
12:10 - Heading towards Penn Cove. Five whales, one male. Still a bit far for IDs.
Jill Hein
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12:01 - Viewing from Monroe Landing. Passing the green buoy. West bound. Mid channel.
Kat Martin
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11:55 - Seeing them between Polnell and Utsalady, appear to be milling, viewing from Long Point. Very distant from Long Point.
Jill Hein
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11:52 - Nearly to green buoy now, look like they'll be north of it, headed west. I'm relocating.
11:50 - I am viewing from hill above Walmart. Waiting here till last possible moment. They are nearing green buoy off Long Point, still westbound, aiming for Penn Cove.
11:40 - Viewing from afar, so this is best guess. Still steady westbound.
11:23 - Westbound approx. here [48.270085, -122.592115]. Can't tell how far south of me exactly though.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:08 - Just left Polnell Shores, they’re southbound now and passing Polnell Point. Definitely at least one male with them. I think we counted a male, two females and a baby.
Victoria Hicks
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Blackbourn
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 10:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Skagit Bay between strawberry point and Utsalady
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: traveling and tail slapping
If orcas, any males?: Looks like they are all female
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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photo by Steve Blackbourn, April 10, 2024 | |
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10:40 - Orcas passing Mariner's Cove southbound, a bit of a commotion on the nice calm water a few minutes ago, and it turned out to be a small group of orcas passing Mariners Cove/upper Saratoga/Whidbey, heading toward Polnell. There appear to be four, maybe five of them, and they are fairly close to shore instead of way out in the channel. We saw a few breaches, which was really exciting!
Marianne Parry
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Blackbourn
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 8:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Between Strawberry Point and Utsalady in south end of Skagit Bay
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Looks like one of the females has a pup
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
Tue, Apr 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
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17:10 - This is the single fella we saw in Port Angeles Harbor! He only surfaced three times and then disappeared! But very clearly a big boy! I was on a run and he took me by surprise!
photo by Brittany Ahearn Shrout, April 9, 2024
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Tue, Apr 9 - Admiralty Inlet
11:35 - Out from Point Wilson, closer to that side. North/northwest bound.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:30 - The group seemed to be drifting more mid-channel, viewed from Lagoon Point. Not far behind the container ship.
Lewann Babler
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09:11 - Orcas northwest of Hansville. Seen from the Clipper. They were traveling northbound along the Clipper's right side. Saw at least seven.
photos by Lisa Kollmansberger, April 9, 2024
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Tue, Apr 9 - North Puget Sound
18:45 - Still trending south but much further east to mid channel. East of Apple Tree Point, north of ferry line.
18:30 - Mostly eastbound, longer downtimes. North of Apple Tree Point Kingston.
18:20 - Appear to be moving Southeast. Some surface activity. North of Apple Tree Point. Still on west side of shipping lanes. More like eight.
Sara Frey
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18:42 - Actually continuing south. Sticking to the east I think.
18:33 - Very long down times. Last spotted them around here [approx. 47.786399, -122.411241]. Then didn’t see them again.
18:11 - We can see them with binoculars from Kingston already not sure about direction.
Iravasa Athem
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17:41 - Kim Page called to report four orcas (two females, baby and male) heading southbound between Pilot Point and Eglon close to shore on Kitsap. Next up would be Eglon!
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound
11:30 - Another orca sighting one mile off Shilshole Marina. They seem headed northwest. Difficult to discern number. Rough guess at least eight. Spotted from the ferry looking north.
Bill D.
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound
10:00 - Sabrina messaged to report: Just saw a pod at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal not sure which one it is but wanted to send an update. They were going south between Vashon and Fauntleroy. I saw one large dorsal, one smaller looking adult and two smaller younger looking orcas.
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound (T65As)
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T65A4 Ellifrit & T65A2 Ooxjaa | |
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T65A4 Ellifrit
From a quick pass this morning and no 65A5 [present].
photos by Jim Pasola, April 8, 2024
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16:52 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report at 17:45 to report: 1652: WALLA WALLA Captain reports via 800MHz 3 orcas NB, mid channel nearing the BI [Bainbridge Island] traffic lanes.
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16:34 - Northbound on the east side of big ship auto liners viewed from Manchester.
Noelle Morris
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14:20 - They just passed north end of east side of Blake Island. looks like they continued northeast from there.
Jessica Medina
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16:08 - Headed north, between Port Orchard and Blake island.
16:02 - I’m not sure which thread is which, but at 4:01 there are three to four in front of the Southworth ferry, delaying the boat a bit.
Morgan Eagar
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15:40 - Small pod four to five orcas, northbound, mid channel in Colvos approaching Southworth.
Tim Ferris
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14:41 - Still northbound 20 minutes ago from Prospect Point.
13:39 - Confirm direction shift. Now approaching Olalla northbound on Kitsap side.
13:32 - They were grouped (four) mid-channel northbound at approx. four to five knots.
13:29 - Passing me northbound off Point Richmond.
Montlake Mutt
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12:54 - Seeing one dorsal about midchannel southbound out of Colvos.
Candace Gavin
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12:54 - Appear to be hunting north of Camp Stealth near Vashon shore.
12:43 - Many directional changes with long down times.
12:35 - Spotted north of Dalco on Vashon side still southbound. About one to two miles north of Dalco.
Montlake Mutt
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11:32 - [orcas] Just passed us in Olalla. I saw one male and three others.
Robin Garcia
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11:30 - Got clearer looks now, rest of T65As here (unsure if 65A5 is with) all southbound now moving mid channel past Lisabuela.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:27 - Now south of Olalla moved to Vashon side.
Montlake Mutt
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11:27 - He [T65A3] has been super stealth! He must have traveled at least a mile underwater.
Jim Pasola
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11:21 - Amira has crossed to mid channel, leading, Island side of, others passing Lisabuela mainland side, male there too, assuming might be Ooxjaa but can’t get clear pic with mirage line.
11:17 - Just got surprised by T65A3/Amira, close in to island shores but crossing the channel now towards others who are still southbound mainland side approaching Lisabuela.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:15 - Two females and calf are mid channel southbound . Male may be on hunt.
11:13 - Lone male very close Kitsap side of Colvos southbound. One male, two females, one calf.
Montlake Mutt
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11:08 - At least three, includes one male, mainland side approaching Ollala southbound.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Gail Joice
Date of Sighting: April 08, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: N Elliott Bay, Seen from Expedia Park
Direction of travel : Actively hunting in one spot
Behaviors observed: Hunting, tail slaps, blows
If orcas, any males?: One tall male fin
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Thank you for Network app that reported this group off Elliott Marina.
Argosy tour boat was watching midBay.
Photos available?: No
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10:00 - Did you hear about a pod of six whales southbound from Elliot Bay marina?
Fred Felleman
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09:57 - Sharon M called to report the orcas from Manchester are now entering Colvos Passage from the north. The group is just south of Southworth ferry terminal heading southbound into Colvos. Definitely saw a male and calf with older.
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09:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:11 to report: 0900hrs: W/S notified WALLA WALLA of two separate pods of orcas in the vicinity of Orchard Point and North of Blake Island.
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound (T99s)
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T99C Barakat
The day was long and the weather was wild but so worth it!! Visiting with friends and making new ones as we patiently waited. The first group that was making their way down Colvos between Vashon and Gig Harbor flipped just as we were seeing blows! So from Owens Beach we all moved to Dunes for the second group coming down the East Passage. Weather steadily got worse but we all hung in there as they finally showed up for a quick pass! Viewing from the Dunes Peninsula. Link to more photos.
photo by Cherie StOurs, April 8, 2024
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T99 Bella, T99D Puck, & T99E tucked in the background
The T99s came to visit us in Tacoma once again! This pod of five came down to Dash Point Park for a few minutes before continuing their journey through Dalco Passage. Link to more photos.
photos by Mollie Segall, April 8, 2024
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19:02 - From my binoculars they were moving left to right with Gig Harbor behind them. Should specify only saw one fin instead of the full five.
18:49 - Spotted from Owen facing Gig Harbor, appear to be going east now. Mid passage. Not sure if they went up Colvos.
Caroline Alper-Posso
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18:44 - Should be able to see at Owens. Tracked all the way to the corner. Dive often and lengthy so don't give up.
18:33 - Heading towards Owen Beach.
18:24 - Just passed the big cargo in front of Vashon. Viewing from Point Ruston.
Da Is
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18:23 - They have passed the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor and are headed into the Tahlequah ferry lane, moving west.
Jim Evans
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18:22 - As viewed from Dune Peninsula westbound mid channel approaching the eastern tip of Vashon. Grouped up. Long downtime.
Candace Gavin
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18:22 - Mid channel appear to me to be headed north at least from my perspective here at Owens Beach.
Dallas Braham
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18:13 - Pod is between the container ship and yellow body as viewed from Dune Peninsula westbound mid channel towards Tahlequah/Point Defiance ferry lanes.
Candace Gavin
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17:58 - Slowly going west bound. From viewing perspective at Point Defiance Marina they are on the far side of cargo ship nearest Dune. I have water towers in the background still.
Jason Cook
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17:42 - Passing in front of Quartermaster Harbor now. Trending towards Ruston/Dune direction, mid channel.
17:30 - Approaching Browns Point. Mid channel. Moving quickly west.
17:16 - Still in front of Dash Point pier, but closer in than before. Still making their way west.
17:00 - Passing Dash Point right now! Mid channel but closer to mainland. Traveling quickly west.
Mollie Segall
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17:00 - Looks like they are off Dash Point.
Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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14:56 - Seeing them out in the distance now past Des Moines Marina mainland side of mid channel headed southbound with long downtimes. Super windy, high chop making viewing challenging.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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T99C Barakat, T99D Puck, T99B Holly
12:34 - Close pass by Constellation Point.
12:40 - After a close pass at Constellation moving southwest towards Vashon in line with Dolphin Point.
photo by Mary Hartmann, April 8, 2024
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12:30 - Passing Charles Richey Viewpoint southbound.
Jack Bonfiglio
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12:18 - Several individuals seen from 63rd Ave SW and Alki. Moving steadily west/southwest.
photo by Kathleen Fife, April 8, 2024
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12:08 - Standing in front of the Statue of Liberty. Just right off Discovery about halfway between Alki and there.
Stephanie Day
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12:14 - Between Alki and Restoration Point.
12:07 - Close to 2200 Alki in line with Eagle Harbor.
Mary Hartmann
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11:55 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Captain WALLA WALLA reports 4 orca towards Vashon SB near Duwamish Head.
11:55 - Three orcas seen on Bremerton to Seattle ferry. One male. Headed west towards Kitsap.
Aaron Berg
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11:59 - Am moving towards Alki from Magnolia.
11:51 - South of the ferry lane moving southwest off 2200 Alki.
11:23 - Finally seem to be in travel mode moving southwest between Magnolia water tower and Alki. At least one male in this group.
10:57 - Still tail lobbing by Elliot Bay marina, drifting southwest on west edge of marina.
Mary Hartmann
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10:58 - Couldn't tell which way they were headed [approx. 47.618860, -122.387251] (only saw them for a few minutes while the ferry slowed down).
Angie Chesney-Mattison
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10:34 - Still surface active drifting west middle of Elliott Bay marina.
10:27 - Milling between bridge and marina on hunt? Five orcas.
10:20 - Lots of surface activity by Magnolia Bridge view from 2200 Alki.
Mary Hartmann
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10:10 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:30 to report: 1010hrs: WALLA WALLA Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of orcas 1 mile North of Duwamish Head.
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Apr 8 10:05:58 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.64809,-122.43288 [Magnolia Bluff]
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Headed south
Submitter Name: Adam
Whale Alert App
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09:23 - Orcas! Three or more. About 1000 meters off of Discovery Park [North Seattle]. South to southeast direction.
Creston Wood
Sun, Apr 7 - Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Apr 7 14:17:16 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.89765,-123.32233 [East of Galiano Isl]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: James
Whale Alert App
Sun, Apr 7 - Haro Strait (T49As, T63, T65, T65Bs)
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T63 Chainsaw
Sharing when we got the chance to see one of the coolest orcas in the Salish Sea…. T63 aka “Chainsaw”. He was traveling with his mother T65 up Haro Strait very quickly. They turned to take Boundary Pass and later joined up to say hello to the T65B’s and the T49A’s north of Waldron Island. We heard they split with the T65B’s and headed north towards East Point, Saturna Island and the T49A’s continued eastbound.
Captains Barbara and David Howitt
photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 7, 2024
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Sun, Apr 7 - Bellingham Bay
18:16 - Anacortes ferry had a sighting about twenty minutes ago.
Lisa Hoang
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Tuckerman
Date of Sighting: April 07, 2024
Time: 9:20 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Boulevard Park, Bellingham, WA
Direction of travel : South. lingering when first spotted then steady pace south
Behaviors observed: Milling, travelling, spy hopping
If orcas, any males?: 2?
Any unusual markings?: One juvenile. One orca with indistinct saddle patch
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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photo by Steve Tuckerman, April 7, 2024 | |
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Daniel Duran
Date of Sighting: April 07, 2024
Time: 9:15 AM
Species seen: Orca pod
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48.726202, -122.511716
Direction of travel : W, SW
Behaviors observed: Hunting, traveling
If orcas, any males?: yes one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: two females and one baby with one male
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
Sun, Apr 7 - San Juans (T36As & T51)
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I got to see a brand new orca while we were out. T51 Roswell is a big guy! Glad he’s doing well after his extended stay with T49A2 in Barnes lake last fall. T51 was traveling with the T36As, of which the youngsters, T36A5 and T36A1A were wrestling and playing the entire time. Both breached at least once, but I only got a photo of T36A5’s. Looks like he’s a little boy as well!! Link to more photos.
photos by Sam Wallace, April 7, 2024
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Sun, Apr 7 - Hood Canal (T65As) | |
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Followed T65A3 up Hood Canal to Dabob Bay. At my first stop, we saw the spouts of at least two others further out, but as I traveled north I only saw Amir. Included some silly harbor seal pics for fun. Still learning how to use my camera/zoom lens. So nice to meet some of y’all today! Link to more photos.
photo by Kelly Dawson, April 7, 2024
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14:41 - Point Whitney, I haven’t seen anything yet but others who are here saw at least one large dorsal fin.
Kelly Dawson
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13:15 - We are north of Scenic Beach on the east side of the canal and have seen two not far off shore.
Jennifer Klos
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13:12 - Committed northbound into Dabob Bay.
Mike Maddox
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13:10 - Passing Dosey. Viewed from Misery Point. Looking to be headed into Dabob.
Aaron Bartleson
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13:04 - Single large dorsal viewed from Dosewallips State Park.
Kelly Dawson
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13:03 - Just passed us [Scenic Beach]. Headed for Dabob.
Robin
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13:00 - Now males more mid channel moving closer to Scenic Beach side. Cannot tell yet if committed towards Dabob Bay or Seabeck.
12:45 - I'm at Scenic Beach and see the two males way over west of mid channel heading north still passing Brinnon. Haven't seen females yet.
Mike Maddox
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12:52 - Almost to Scenic Beach a little south headed north.
Kathy Cole
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12:28 - Just passed the Duckabush River heading north.
12:22 - Mid channel.
12:21 - Just passed Canal Tracts heading north Duckabush River.
Steven Aksamit
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12:20 - Passed the Duckabush headed to Scenic Beach.
Elizabeth Bennett
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11:42 - Just passed Triton State Park.
Cathy Weirather
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11:18 - Ooxjaa now passing Mike's Beach Resort northbound but more midchannel but still west of midchannel.
11:10 - Male northbound west side passing Mike's Beach Resort. Haven't seen others yet.
Mike Maddox
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10:45 - Passing Eldon northbound.
David Michael
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10:45 - Just shy of Hama Hama northbound now.
Kathy Leigh-Godfrey
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10:35 - Hamma Hamma large male closer to shore, at least two spouts seen past mid channel northbound.
Kelly Dawson
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10:09 - Approaching Hamma Hamma northbound, Amir is close to west shore.
David Michael
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09:40 - Headed north from Holiday Beach towards Hama Hama. Two females followed by a male.
Paul Davis
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09:25 - Just saw large fin near 101 just past Holiday Beach.
Becky Adams
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09:30 - Passing Lilliwaup northbound.
09:05 - Passing Holiday Beach northbound, west of midchannel.
08:54 - Amir approaching Hoodsport midchannel northbound.
David Michael
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08:30 - Spotted one fin from Potlatch, there’s a boat nearby. Still hugging north shore.
Katie Mattran
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08:02 - We are about two miles east of the Tahuya River. I expect they are around the Great Bend now, they were moving fast.
07:36 - Just saw another closer to north shore heading west at a good clip.
07:34 - Seeing at least one fin Hood Canal about mile 13 north shore, very close to south shore [east of Union].
Tori
Sun, Apr 7 - Saratoga Passage (T65A5 & T124Ds)
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T65A5 Indy, T124D3, & T124D Field | |
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16:29 - Starting to move south. Just a bit further south of my last pin.
16:15 - On a hunt approx 48.061223, -122.533983]. Slow south trend.
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:06 - 124Ds and 65A5.
Trevor Derie
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15:43 - They’re north of Beverly Beach milling but trending south.
Dan Gulden
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15:17 - They just passed my house on Greentree. We are right at the opening of Holmes Harbor. I can no longer see it due to the trees but it appeared like that’s where it was headed. Followed by a tour boat.
15:13 - Going south at entrance to Holmes Harbor.
Cheryl Lake
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15:08 - At least four orcas west of Baby Island, heading south into Holmes Harbor.
Martha Poppy Sinclair
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16:02 - Watching from Camano Island State Park. Hard to see through fog bank, look to be still milling around closer to Whidbey.
Shelly Greybeck
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14:42 - Just left and they are still in the same spot. Don’t appear to be committed to any direction yet.
Lorena Perezcarlos
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14:25 - Still milling at the moment.
14:06 - At least three to four milling about. No confirmed direction. Mid channel to Whidbey side.
Candace Gavin
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13:59 - Orcas in Saratoga Passage. Off Hidden Beach [Whidbey]. No direction yet.
Candace & April
Sun, Apr 7 - Possession Sound
14:26 - Spotting dorsal fins west of Everett, viewing from Tulalip. Westbound. Looks like orcas from here due to the tall dorsals. Possession Sound. At least two, looks like four to six.
Maia Jewell
Sat, Apr 6 - BC Coast
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 6 21:15:32 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 53.27390,-131.81309 [Inside Haida Gwaii]
Number Sighted: 11
Submitter Name: James
Whale Alert App
Sat, Apr 6 - Bellingham Bay
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There were three to four in that area [Bellingham Bay].
photo by Kerri Anderson Holt, April 6, 2024
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Sat, Apr 6 - Discovery Bay | |
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My aunt may have sent these to you already - off of Beckett Point facing west.
photo courtesy of Erin O'Dell, April 6, 2024
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Sat, Apr 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T100s & T101s)
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T100C Laurel & T100F Estrella in the background | |
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T101A Rush & T101B Lagoon
Good for the soul! A last minute decision to jump aboard IE5 on Saturday – such a nice surprise to find beautiful calm waters – and the T100s (4 whales) and T101A and T101B who are brothers – six whales total. AND a gray whale. AND a few Dall’s porpoise. WOW. The whales were basically in traveling mode, no fancy action, but oh so so beautiful to see! A brilliant decision for a change! All photos zoomed and cropped.
photos & IDs by Jill Hein, April 6, 2024
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| T100 Hutchins & T100C Laurel | |
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T101A Rush & T101B Lagoon
Out on IE thanks to Jill Hein saying "let's go!" We caught up with some speedy Dahl's porpoise on the way west… they played with our boat and wake for a bit… it's a rare treat to see those beautiful little porpoises! We then caught up with the T100 pod of four: Matriarch T100 Hutchins (b.1979), big son T100C Laurel (b. 2002), daughter T100E Tharaya (b. 2009), and youngest T100F, Estrella (b. 2014, maybe Hutchins' last calf, as she's 45). a bit east of Constance Bank, heading south east in glass smooth water. They were just traveling along...it was cloudy but so beautiful! We were lucky to get some fairly close passes, hearing them breathe is so wonderful! (Some people I talked to on the boat came all the way from Mississippi… their first wild whale sighting!). We then went a bit further west to see a lone gray whale, who has a white spot on his/her back, but never fluked up, so no i.d. We headed back east and found the T100s again, then moved closer to San Juan Island to see big brothers T101A, Rush (b. 1993) and T101B Lagoon (b.1997). They too were leisurely traveling south east. A wonderful day with our beautiful orcas… fed my soul!
photos & IDs by Bonnie Gretz, April 6, 2024
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18:07 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 18:12 to relay a report: 1807 hrs: orca in the vicinity of the PT/COUP ferry lanes.
18:04 - Silver Hubble is my trusty eyes who first spotted them! Continuing south still quite a ways out from us.
17:44 - New group of orcas [approx. 48.201615, -122.813259] appear to be traveling south (maybe southwest) towards Admiralty Inlet. Can’t quite tell if they are committing into Admiralty or if they are heading to Port Townsend. They are way far out (viewing from Libbey on Whidbey) is best guess approximation. At least three, one big male.
Tamara Kelley
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15:00 - We left them heading southeast roughly a mile south of Lopez, pointing in the direction of Whidbey.
Jill Hein
Sat, Apr 6 - Hood Canal (T65As)
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T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A4 Ellifrit | |
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T65A Artemis
The T65A's in Hood Canal today. Link to more photos.
photos by Mike Maddox, April 6, 2024
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Great adventure following them with these messages. Glad my son was looking out from our truck and spotted them.
Chris Brown
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18:53 - Just off McDonald’s Cove Road in Brinnon.
photo by Antonio Rubal, April 6, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Holton
Date of Sighting: April 06, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Hood Canal (47.6403619, -122.9350031) close to west shore, then over by east shore
Direction of travel : Traveled south through the canal, looped and went north
Behaviors observed: Traveling, hunting (?)
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One orca was very close to the west shore, maybe 50 yards, it then traveled about 300 yards south where it lingered (staying near surface, ?hunting) and then we saw it on the far (eastern) shore where we saw two additional dorsal fins appear. The group then traveled north together
Photos available?: No
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18:23 - Heading toward Triton Cove.
18:20 - Heading south on the Olympic side. We lost them a few minutes ago.
Briana Wever
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18:10 - Last post. They committed to heading south down Hood Canal west of mid channel headed towards Triton Cove. Pics for ID [T65A2 present].
17:44 - Possibly a kill. Sea gulls circling around now.
17:35 - They have turned back north but still in same area along the Coyle Peninsula. Possibly milling. Too far for pics but seeing from Seabeck boat launch now.
17:15 - Still southbound mid channel about at the red pin [approx. 47.671235, -122.802792].
16:50 - I have four to five orcas at Hazel Point in Hood Canal headed south. Long dives. Picture taken from Big Beef Creek.
Mike Maddox
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14:15 - [Direction of travel] seemed south but tough to tell as they were about 100 yards away from the bridge while we were driving. Saw the dorsal twice though.
14:15 - May have just seen a tall dorsal south of the Hood Canal Bridge.
Chris Brown
Sat, Apr 6 - Possession Sound
18:55 - They are still at the Clinton ferry terminal circling.
Melissa Simmons
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 06, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Just off Clinton before ferry
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Hunting possibly
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
I reported this yesterday a sighting at 6 PM. There were three orcas at least also at the same time, but not in the video were two gray whales across the other side between Hat Island and Everett …sorry not much better videos. This is viewed looking from Clinton out towards Hat Island.
Fri, Apr 5 - San Juans (T18s)
T19s disappeared at Battleship. T18s were by Sidney Spit.
John Boyd [WSSJI]
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Orca Network (video of that group from a friend in Roche).
Holly Bailey Aprecio
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12:40 - Westbound north side of Spieden Channel. At least three orca. Two miles east of Roche Harbor. This group came north through San Juan Channel. [T19B present per Cindy Hansen, Orca Network].
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10:15 - Report of orcas northbound outside Friday Harbor.
Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Fri, Apr 5 - Haro Strait
16:00 - Killer whales on Lime Kiln hydrophone now!!
Alison Jantzi [ONCG]
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16:23 - Picked them up again, Northwest of Lime Kiln close to the Canadian side. Large whale watching boat following them. Southbound.
15:57 - Calls on LK hydrophone!
15:25 - Milling mid-Haro southwest of Lime Kiln. Reported to be Bigg's.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
Fri, Apr 5 - San Juans (T87 & T124As)
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T124A1A & T124A4 Sabio
We got a chance to see Biggs orca T87 as he was charging north towards Friday Harbor. Earlier he had been traveling with the T124A’s as they came up San Juan Channel, but he broke off to head back south while they took Upright Channel. As we approached Turn Rock we found that he had turned north again. He moved very quickly 7+ knots until he reached Pt Caution on San Juan island at which point he turned around again and went charging south. He continued all the way south exiting Cattle Pass. He was outpacing our sailboat so we chose to go see the T124A’s who just finished hunting in Eastsound, Orcas Island. It was so exciting seeing the newest calf in the family who appeared to be traveling with T124A4.
Captains Barbara and David Howitt
photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 5, 2024
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Reportedly the oldest male transient in our area, Harbeson (T087) is over 60 years old. Rosario Strait. | |
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T124A4 Sabio & T124A1A
Baby T124A1A and mom and an auntie on the Salish Sea.
photos by Ron Kornfield, April 5, 2024
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14:02 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:21 to report: 1402hrs: SAMISH Vessel reports 1 orca NB just outside Friday Harbor, in San Juan Channel.
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12:22 - Per John Boyd [WSSJI] these are T87 Harbeson and the T124As who had been spending time inland Puget Sound.
11:58 - Just saw about four orcas off of Cattle Point on San Juan Island, heading east along Goose Island.
Kirstie B
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11:45 - Biggs Salmon Bank aiming for Cattle Point.
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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09:13 - We saw one from the 8:30 AM ferry between Anacortes and SJI. It was at 9:13 AM so about 15 minutes out from Friday Harbor. It was headed the opposite direction from the ferry.
Leanne LaFramboise
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A friend just sent this photo of a solo male right out in front of Friday Harbor ferry dock.
photo courtesy of Brenda Campbell, April 5, 2024
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Fri, Apr 5 - Admiralty Inlet
15:14 - North/northeast Protection Island.
Elsarape Rodriguez
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15:03 - They appeared to have turned back north. Unfortunately I witnessed a fishing boat chase them and cut them off. So aggravating. (I’m way too far to identify the boat number and it’s not showing up on the boat app.) Thought I heard a couple of calls on the hydrophone but not positive.
14:54 - Everybody on the Saratoga is so lucky right now! The orcas came right up to a very still Saratoga and circling them. Oh my gosh!
14:30 - At least part of the group has turned south again [approx. 48.131032, -122.744074]. Watching from Whidbey through high powered binoculars.
Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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14:28 - I can see them from the Port Townsend side at Point Hudson and yes, I see the boat as well, a little too far for my phone to grab a good picture but I can see them!
photo by Jennifer Taylor, April 5, 2024
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14:25 - Can barely see but are here across from Fort Worden.
Ivy Nelson
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14:23 - Seeing blows from Fort Casey. All the way on the Port Townsend side. A boat is with them!
Elsarape Rodriguez
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14:23 - Killer whales are just south of Point Wilson.
Trevor Tillman
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13:45 - From North Lagoon Point orca were last seen on the other side of the channel, continuing north. I got distracted by a gray and lost the orca.
Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:41 - At least three and possibly four. Moving closer to Whidbey (Lagoon Point) from mid-channel now.
Julie Page
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12:33 - Four to six orcas northbound north of Bush Point.
per Chris H [WA app]
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12:37 - Just saw three [orca] headed towards Lagoon Point.
12:25 - Orcas mid channel NB [northbound] north of Bush Point. I saw a dorsal fin that looked like a male. Not much surface activity so hard to tell how many. Just an occasional tall fin visible.
Julie Page
Thu, Apr 4 - Possession Sound
18:27 - At least four. They went by Spee Bi Dah pretty fast heading north closer to mainland.
18:11 - Heading into Port Susan Bay.
18:08 - Spotted between Hat Island and Spee Bi Dah.
Jack Callaghan
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16:30 - Viewing from Madrona/Clinton. Orca are mid to Whidbey moving north. Line of sight was north of the Everett Marina.
Cindi Crowder Rausch
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16:00 - Northbound right now just came up again mid channel. Two to three I believe.
15:57 - I have [orca] dorsals at the Mukilteo lighthouse. Closer to Whidbey side moving towards north. Came up right behind the Coast Guard ship when I saw them.
Kevin Doar
Thu, Apr 4 - North Puget Sound (T65As & T99s)
20:08 - Single orca south end of Maury, close to shore heading into Quartermaster Harbor, Rosehilla/Manzanita side. Close in, like 100 yards off shore on about a zero tide. Into the harbor, not across and not moving fast.
John Troup
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20:05 - Last report from me. Besides the single male orca that came to the Dash Point side of the channel, I could hear and faintly see the other more midchannel/Vashon side and continuing west approaching Quartermaster.
19:55 - A single male just came very close to shore at the tip of Dash Point. He just floated there and was breathing at the top of the water for two to three minutes. Have not seen the rest of the pod.
Mollie Segall
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19:31 - I’m at Dash Point right now and they are straight across from us moving slowly.
Amanda Aird Penland
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19:28 - Moving west very close to shore at Gold Beach (Vashon Side). As seen from Dash Point.
Mollie Segall
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18:51 - Got distracted by cute river otters, looked up just in time to see rest of T65As show up! Amira close in to shore, rest of family (unsure if A5 is there) out in mid channel, all southbound.
18:39 - T65A2 just passed Point Robinson, close in and now transiting south east crossing the channel, keeping a very low profile. Have not seen the rest of the family.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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18:35 - T65A3 passing Point Robinson - still southbound at the time.
photo by April Janice Basham, April 4, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: STEVE BURCH
Date of Sighting: April 04, 2024
Time: 5:22 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: south of Point Beals on Vashon Island
Direction of travel : south
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: notch in dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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16:33 - Just spotted a lone orca southbound, midchannel, between West Seattle and Tillikum Village! Moving fast, already halfway down Blake Island, still southbound.
Trileigh Tucker
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16:32 - Orcas southbound south of Blake Island west of mid channel view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
Mary Hartmann
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15:20 - Currently watching them from Golden Gardens. Looks like they’re mid channel in line with Shilshole. They appear to be hunting.
Lauren Ryan Booth
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14:07 - Just saw one at Richmond Beach, mid channel.
Rubie H Baker
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14:07 - Booked it to the east side. From my viewpoint on President Point I caught a quick glimpse across the way looking at Golden Gardens. This was the larger male I believe that seems to be ahead of some others.
13:44 - In front of President Point now!
Ashley Alecci Goninan
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13:15 - Large male passing Apple Tree Point, Kingston, west side of the shipping lanes - close to Kitsap side.
Sara Frey
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13:02 - Watching them head south in Possession triangle offshore of Eglon area.
Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:56 - T65As and T99s one and a half miles down the shore line from Point No Point slowly heading in the Kingston direction.
Tony Tilt, PSE
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12:22 - Still seeing blows midchannel between Maxwelton and Point No Point. East of Swiftures current location. Puget Sound Express.
Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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12:12 - See one male across from Point No Point closer to Whidbey side heading southeast.
Janine Harles
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11:43 - Assuming these are Bigg’s as the whales are keeping a lower profile when the surface and seems like they’re traveling in a zig zag pattern, but I could be wrong.
11:38 - Still southbound just west of yellow midchannel buoy off of Limpet Lane.
11:24 - Seeing blows still southeast bound. One to two miles out. Viewing from Limpet Lane toward Kinney Point State Park.
Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:10 - Viewing from Shore Meadow mid channel southbound, too far for ecotype. Not surface active.
Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:01 - Seeing fins southbound just south of Marrowstone on Kitsap side. Very hard for me to see between Bush Point and Shore Meadows.
Heidi Bruns Shank
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09:15 - Victoria Clipper reported about 14 orcas off of Lagoon [Point] heading south not sure of the ecotype!
Tony Tilt, PSE
Thu, Apr 4 - Puget Sound (T87 & T124As)
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T124A1A & T124A4
The past few weeks have been the hardest that I have endured in my adult life. I don't really have the energy to post a story to go with these photos, but I am grateful for orcas and their ability to bring me a moment of peace. Here are my photos of the T124As and T87 from Olalla to Southworth. Link to more photos.
photos by Jami Cantrell, April 4, 2024
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T87 Harbeson
I made it down to Owen Beach after work just in time to catch a quick pass. Link to more photos.
photos by Jason Cook, April 4, 2024
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T87 Harbeson
A truly beautiful day to be near the water and to see these beautiful transient orcas. I don’t have ID info, only on one the very large male T087 Harbeson. So many people got a surprise as this is spring break for so many schools and people were out to enjoy the day, plus got a bonus!! This was at Titlow Beach in Tacoma around noon today. Link to more photos. A very fast pass - viewing from Titlow/Hidden Beach, Tacoma. Link to more photos.
photos by Cherie StOurs, April 4, 2024
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T124A7, T124A1 Bonapartes, T124A Kittiwake
The 124As and T87 Harbeson made another loop around Vashon. Never a dull day watching whales. We followed them from Narrows Park up Colvos Passage and fully exited into the waters behind Blake Island they continued at quick pace northbound from there. Such a treat. We were debating whether we wanted to be done or not when we got word there were whales going down the east side of Vashon. We'll why not, we hopped the ferry instead of driving around to go home and lucky us we caught the 65As, a good friend and the most adorable pair of river otters to end our adventure. Link to more photos.
photo by April Janice Basham, April 4, 2024
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A small pod of three orcas were spotted at Point Defiance - Tacoma. I’ve never seen them in this area, it was a very pleasant surprise!
photo by Christine Kane, April 4, 2024
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Gig Harbor in the background.
photo by AirWaterLand Photography, April 4, 2024
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T87 Harbeson
From Owen Beach today.
photo by Mollie Segall, April 4, 2024
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From Owen Beach. Link to video.
Bee Lorenzen McVicker
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18:04 - Off Bainbridge heading north. Two to three orcas mid channel.
Jane Rein
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18:17 - Saw orcas off Anderson Point. I believe there were four. I wondered if one was a baby as two stayed right next to each other at all times.
Shelley Sisson
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18:17 - Confirmed orca. Closer in line with Sunset Hill Park, west of mid channel marker.
18:05 - Multiple dorsals seen west of channel of Discovery - viewing through binoculars at Sunset Hill. Will confirm when closer if indeed orca.
Katie Chevalier
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17:24 - Northbound by Eagle Harbor.
17:15 - West in channel approaching Blakely Rocks view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle fast northbound.
Mary Hartmann
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17:11 - Headed northbound even with Space Needle - viewed from Manchester.
17:03 - I’m seeing some hunting in front of great wheel way out west shipping lanes - viewed from Manchester.
16:40 - Passing west side of Blake Island northbound - viewed from Manchester.
Noelle Morris
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16:50 - Heading north off the north tip Blake Island.
Julie Rosenblatt
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16:42 - From Manchester I can see the pod all the way on the other side northbound along Blake Island. Not sure a committed direction yet.
April Janice Basham
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16:40 - Passing west side of Blake Island northbound - viewed from Manchester.
Noelle Morris
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16:36 - Moving fast, already halfway down Blake Island, still southbound.
16:33 - Just spotted a lone orca southbound, midchannel, between West Seattle and Tillikum Village!
Trileigh Tucker
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16:30 - Pod is around here [approx. 47.538918, -122.510330] trending northwest. Maybe a bit more midchannel than this.
Jami Cantrell
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16:20 - Heading north, along the west side of Blake Island.
Magdalena Phillips
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16:14 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:23 to report: 1614hrs: CATHLAMET Vessel reports 4 orca NB just off the pier at SW.
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16:13 - Orca are now northbound into the ferry lanes at Southworth.
Candace Gavin
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16:09 - Viewing from Southworth now! Still heading north, probably five to six animals.
Magdalena Phillips
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15:16 - From a friend's house on private property at Prospect Point about ten to fifteen minutes ago they’re heading north steadily. Mainland side.
Jami Cantrell
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15:04 - Passing Olalla headed north at a quick pace. Mid channel to mainland side.
Candace Gavin
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14:55 - Passed Maplewood beach just west of mid-channel. Under for about a minute at a time. Should be at Olalla Bay Market & Landing shortly I saw one adult male, and looked like two babies and a larger juvenile or female, but not sure. Male was trailing the other three.
Stacey Olson
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14:48 - Orcas grouped up approaching Lisabuela mid channel, Harbeson trailing by about five minutes a tiny bit closer to island side, steady northbound.
Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:38 - Heading to Ollala.
Kathryn McMillan
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14:39 - Northbound in Colvos approaching Lisabuela - they are trailing the fishing boat and small research boat? Behind them.
14:36 - Passing Bates Walk on Vashon right now. Closer to Ollala side. Behind fishing boat, small boat behind them.
Shelby Middling
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14:21 - Viewing from Sunrise Beach they are near the shore of Vashon.
Kenzie Erickson
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14:08 - Confirming at least one is heading into Colvos.
14:06 - Secondhand report says some at the mouth of Colvos on the tip of Vashon, but I haven’t confirmed with my own eyes.
Mollie Segall
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14:02 - They're coming around the bend. I can see them from Owen Beach.
Holly Fischer
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13:59 - T87 went east. Passing Owen mid channel.
13:55 - Passing Point Defiance, large male closer to Owen side. The others Gig Harbor side. As seen from west of Owen Beach.
Mollie Segall
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13:52 - They're rounding Point Defiance. Close to Tacoma side. They’re out in midchannel heading towards Vashon. Moving fast.
13:49 - They should be coming up on Point Defiance in a few. Boats ahead of them.
David Bennett
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13:45 - Mid channel off of Point Defiance direction choice now - up Colvos or towards Commencement Bay?
13:36 - Now resuming northbound direction. Approaching Point Defiance.
Stace Gordon
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13:33 - Caught a breach about three minutes ago [approx. 47.292808, -122.537894]. They're steady northbound.
David Bennett
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13:29 - Continue to mill about with single boat in their midst. No obvious direction and still mid channel.
13:24 - Milling a bit at south end of Salmon Beach. Mid channel
13:20 - Mid channel north bound across from Salmon Beach.
Stace Gordon
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13:06 - North of Narrows Bridge middle to Gig Harbor side grouped six.
Susan White
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13:03 - Just passing under Narrows Bridge heading north viewing from Titlow.
Cherie StOurs
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12:55 - Video from their approach to the Narrows Bridge.
Anika Blake
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12:53 - They seem northbound towards Narrows Bridge again closer to Gig Harbor.
Keri Simons
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12:44 - Viewing from Titlow seeing a lot of breaching across from Point Fosdick on Fox Island side. No direction.
Cherie StOurs
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12:24 - Someone's getting a show off Ketner's Point.
David Bennett
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12:21 - Just past the Fox Island light house mid channel tail slapping and heading slowly back out to Narrows or Fox Island pier.
Brianna Aratin
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12:17 - They do appear to be headed slowly back to Point Fosdick after milling around a bit. Off the tip of Fox Island here.
Anika Blake
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11:59 - They are slowly heading back towards the Narrows, but milling around still in view from the Fox Island Bridge.
Brianna Aratin
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11:55 - They are mid channel directly out from the lighthouse currently. Viewing from the Fox Island Bridge!
Anika Blake
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11:44 - They're still east of the Fox Island Bridge. I'm at the sandbar. Can see them between bridge supports.
David Bennett
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11:38 - Visible from Fox Island Bridge.
Brianna Aratin
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11:38 - They are in Hales Passage, slowly nearing the bridge.
Kirsten Vacura
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11:30 - Looks like they’re passing mouth of Wollochet Bay still headed towards bridge.
Jenna Iams
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11:17 - From Fox Island Bridge, seeing distant fins - appear to be headed north still. Hard to tell, but maybe near Cromwell?
Kirsten Vacura
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11:04 - I was at Point Fosdick - can confirm. All entered Hale Passage headed quickly towards bridge.
Jenna Iams
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11:03 - Definitely headed [toward] Fox Island bridge. Viewing from east side of Fox Island.
Barb Pritchard Hulbert
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10:56 - They entered Hale Passage heading to the Fox Island Bridge.
Lily TucSar
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10:44 - Almost to the Fox Island Pier moving swiftly!
Karen Caldwell
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Thanks to back of camera photos from Ashley Whitman we see T87 Harbeson is among the group.
Orca Network
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10:36 - Viewable from Titlow. Close to Gig Harbor.
Becky Bard
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10:35 - Still trending southbound. Closer to Gig Harbor side. Off Titlow.
Jessica Huie
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10:35 - Viewing from Tacoma Narrows Park. They are passing the Narrows Marina. They’re headed towards Chambers Bay.
Lyndsey Carter
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10:33 - They're heading southbound past the Narrows. That pass the common Narrows Park. They seem to be trending towards Titlow, but they were midchannel. I'm at a higher vantage point from people who were looking at the beach who thought they were further out. They're further south mid channel - moving fast.
David Bennett
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10:30 - Straight across from Hidden Beach just south of Narrows. Gig Harbor side.
Kelsey Hines
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10:28 - Past Narrows Bridge. South bound. Closer Gig Harbor side.
Jessica Huie
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charles Lear
Date of Sighting: April 04, 2024
Time: 3:53 AM [time is incorrect]
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Narrows bridge
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There was a baby orca protected by 2 others
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
|  |  | photos by Charles Lear, April 4, 2024 | |
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10:23 - Seeing blows from Hidden Beach still north of Narrows Bridge heading south.
Cherie StOurs
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10:20 - Approaching bridge from north center to Gig Harbor side spread out.
Susan White
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10:16 - Seeing blows off the beach at Titlow. Southbound.
Jessica Huie
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10:16 - Blows in front of Salmon Beach heading south.
Kirsten Vacura
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09:21 - Logan Baker, WDFW sent message they are seeing the orcas off Point Defiance, at least three, very active and traveling southwest.
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09:14 - They passed the ferry terminal hugging Vashon but appear to have turned more south headed towards Point Defiance. Just got back to my car and no longer have eyes on them. May have been approximately five with one male.
09:08 - Heading west already past ferry terminal.
Joe Smith
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09:05 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:27 to report: 0905 hrs: MV CHETZEMOKA Captain reports via 800MHz vessel has come to a stop for 6+ orcas just off the bow, WB towards Gig Harbor.
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09:02 - Just saw one smallish fin and took off for Browns Point. Haven’t seen them here yet.
08:37 - Just saw them at the yellow buoy past Dash Point. Heading south.
Dianne Brueckner
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris Cooper
Date of Sighting: April 04, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: close in to Maury Island in front of Sandy Shores Drive
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 big, 2 small fins
Any unusual markings?: just saw the fins
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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08:29 - At the tip of Dash Point now… a few hundred yards from shore. Still headed southwest.
Believe there were three. I saw two smaller fins together and one large male? A bit away from them.
Sean Rourke
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07:17 - Three or more orcas southbound from Des Moines Marina towards Redondo close to shore. Didn’t see any large male fins, but three or four female fins swimming together and blows. Saw them from 7:00 am until 7:10 am with our morning coffee.
David Valleau
Mon, Apr 1 - Puget Sound (T36As, T65As, T87, T99s, T100s, & T124As)
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T87 Harbeson
18:20 - In Elliot Bay, just off Magnolia coast. Link to more photos.
photo by Alan Amick, April 1, 2024
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19:30 - Spotted from Magnolia Bluff, Seattle.
Peters Martmut
Fri, Mar 29 - Gulf Islands
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 18:00:04 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.81589,-123.34467 [between Previoust & N Pender]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Derek
Whale Alert App
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Wed, Apr 10 - California Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Laurie Hiatt
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: By Pt Reyes lighthouse
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling slowly
If orcas, any males?: I believe 1 was male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
| photo by Laurie Hiatt, April 10, 2024 | |
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Wed, Apr 10 - Haro Strait
11:49 - Humpback, quarter mile from shore heading up island (north), one mile south of Landbank.
Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
Mon, Apr 8 - Haro Strait
07:38 - Two humpbacks just off Smugglers Cove, San Juan Island (west side). Humpback? Five straight breaches and fin slaps. Heading down island.
Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
Sun, Apr 7 - Haro Strait (CRC-21539 Sakura)
For anyone interested, this humpback whale is CRC-21539 "Sakura", the 2022 calf of BCY0876. For those who were whale watching last fall, this is the whale who set up camp for an extended period of time off Lime Kiln last year also. Has a fondness for the spot!
Erin Johns Gless, PWWA [WSSJI]
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11:45 - Just north of the Lime Kiln lighthouse at Bottom Feeders Cove.
Jed Heimkes [WSSJI]
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10:26 - Another sighting at Deadman’s Bay!
09:23 - Large whale sighting right next to Lime Kiln Lighthouse.
Wendy Alexander [WSSJI]
Sat, Apr 6 - Haro Strait
20:19 - Looks more like a lunge feeding humpback to me.
Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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20:13 - Second hand report of orcas at Lime Kiln! [Edit: confirmed humpback].
Katie Onthesalishsea [WSSJI]
Thu, Apr 4 - Haro Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Apr 4 9:33:13 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.51859, -123.1577 [Lime Kiln]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Gone as quick as he showed up. Not sure what direction he is headed.
Submitter Name: Chad
Whale Alert App
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Fri, Apr 12 - Saratoga Passage
11:01 - [gray] Now east of Baby Island, heading southeast.
10:55 - [gray] Now just north of Baby Island, still heading south.
10:30 - At least one gray whale in Saratoga Passage, north of the Baby Island navigational buoy, slowly heading south.
Martha Poppy Sinclair
Fri, Apr 12 - Lower Saratoga Passage
17:21 - Two greys and an orca sighting north of Sandy Point and south of Langley chilling along Edgecliff Drive.
Marilyn Armbruster
Fri, Apr 12 - Possession Sound
17:00 - 18:30 - Waters between the Navy basin, Hat Island, Tulalip, and Jetty Island. At least seven whales from ~17:00 - 18:30. Likely all grays with bushy blows, except one that had a tall, narrow blow.
Amy Willoughby
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14:12 - Two more grays southwest Gedney Island traveling north.
Trevor Tillman, PSE
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13:20 - Grays still milling around southeast end of Hat Island.
Sara D
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12:20 - Three grays at the south end of Hat Island.
Lori Christopher
Fri, Apr 12 - South Possession Sound
14:14 - Viewed through binoculars - mid channel.
14:04 - Still moving steadily south close to the surface.
13:50 - Viewing at least one whale from Glendale Beach heading south!
Emma Cavan
Thu, Apr 11 - Possession Sound
16:23 - Gray whale here. No direction included [approx. 48.013499, -122.304614].
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09:30 - Look to be heading slowly north/east towards Port Susan. Hard to be sure from the viewing distance.
09:15 - Two, possibly three greys milling in this area. Research boat is with them [approx. 48.033741, -122.339135].
Holly Bailey Aprecio
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07:24 - Two grays in the Snohomish delta. Feeding, closer to mainland.
Jaime McBroom
Thu, Apr 11 - Elliot Bay
07:53 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:57 to report: 0753hrs: Vessel reports they've spotted a single grey whale in Elliott Bay, moving south.
Wed, Apr 10 - Possession Sound
19:10 - I am looking towards Priest Point (via scope) from Clinton and see lots of blows and some unidentifiable whale parts. I’m guessing it must be the grays.
Tiffany Dana Kelly
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12:00 - East of Hat Island, one to two grays. Only able to see blows and a small glimpse of one tail!
Stephanie Brenaman
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09:10 - One gray whale north of Hat Island marina, close to the island, westbound.
08:15 - We also are seeing blows at the southeast tip of Hat Island, at least two possibly three whales.
Lori Christopher
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07:28 - Four grays this morning. Three together off Tulalip bay. One further east more towards Snohomish delta but close to Tulalip side. The three together heading towards Port Susan. The other one just kind of milling.
Jaime McBroom
Wed, Apr 10 - Puget Sound
07:00 - This was in Poverty Bay, Des Moines.
Michelle Roy
Tue, Apr 9 - Possession Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 9 19:02:04 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.0342, -122.2518 [Priest Point/Snohomish Delta]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Janis
Whale Alert App
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07:46 - Three gray whales southeast of Hat Island in Possession Sound [approx. 48,002371, -122.291663].
Creston Wood
Tue, Apr 9 - Possession Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 9 11:16:24 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.95964,-122.33461 [Near Clinton terminal]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: to the north of this location
Submitter Name: Christopher Kent
Whale Alert App
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10:30 - Gray whale seen during 10:30 crossing of the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry. Was coming from Mukilteo area toward Clinton.
Kaitlyn Bradley
Tue, Apr 9 - Saratoga Passage (CRC356 Carson)
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CRC356 Carson in Saratoga Passage on Tuesday. After seeing a report of a gray heading south along the Camano shore, I headed to Camano Island State Park and caught a close pass before he headed over to Elger Bay. I followed him to Mabana and watched him feed until it got dark. All photos taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos.
photo by Serena Tierra, April 9, 2024
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19:57 - Gray has moved offshore and is trending south again off Mabana. Last update from me.
19:47 - Gray stalled after last update, still feeding south of Mabana boat launch.
19:25 - Still feeding and slowly trending south, off the south end of Mabana.
19:02 - 356 now feeding south of Mabana boat launch.
18:45 - CRC356 feeding just north of the houses at Mabana.
18:32 - From Mabana bluff, saw a blow around here. Not sure if it's the same whale as earlier [approx. 48.095896, -122.441029].
18:05 - Gray has been trending south following the shoreline. Out of view for me now.
Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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18:03 - Just saw another blow from Lowell Point private beach south of Mabana.
Linda Aitkins
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17:50 - Feeding south of the blue dot on my earlier map.
17:38 - Gray is around here, just fluked facing west [approx. 48.116867, -122.464956].
Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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17:15 - Viewing from a private beach at Lowell Point. Saw a blow of a gray whale In Elger Bay.
Linda Aitkins
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17:12 - Just fluked, definitely eastbound.
17:10 - Gray is now south of Lowell Point. Has moved further offshore (away from Camano) but seems to be pointing southeast at the moment so may be heading over to Elger Bay or Mabana to feed.
16:48 - Gray north of Camano Island State Park boat launch, southbound on Camano side of Saratoga.
Serena Tierra, Orca Network
Mon, Apr 8 - Possession Sound
09:26 - [gray whales] confirmed two whales (possibly three) heading down the east side of Hat [Island]. Confirmed spy hops witnessed by two different people.
Alie Moyal [HIWS]
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08:08 - At least one gray whale observed traveling slowly northwest up Hat Island from the southwest side.
Tonya Robards Rimbey [HIWS]
Sun, Apr 7 - Rosario Strait
19:32 - Gray whale headed north off Cape St Mary [Lopez Island].
Isaac Gibson
Sun, Apr 7 - Lower Saratoga Passage
11:45 - Gray spotted milling off Pebble Beach! Moving VERY slowly out of Saratoga Passage (southbound).
Jess Knudsen
Sun, Apr 7 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC56 Stardust, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade, CRC543)
15:17 - Eyes on grays as well as orca. Grays feeding currently about where Bart Rulon had them at.
Maia Jewell
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14:20 - Saw blows and a bit of whale in Possession Sound near Hat Island. PSE was right with it. Viewing from Harborview Park.
Destiny Shelton
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13:08 - CRC 543 is back in the sound and traveling with 22,383, and 56 eastbound [approx. 48.019040, -122.281871]!
Bart Rulon Wildlife
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12:57 - SJC leaving two whales trending south/southwest off southeast point of Hat. There were at least three north of us between Hat and Mukilteo. Can confirm through pictures of previous 12:57 sighting that 53 was among the bunch as well.
Alli Montgomery
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12:10 - CRC 356 is eastbound at my map spot [approx. 48.023968, -122.324636].
Bart Rulon Wildlife
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10:40 - Actually two, one north/northwest of Hat and one west of Hat, appear to be grays.
At least one still north/northwest of Hat Island at 10:30.
Ryan Moss
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10:30 - Three grays north of Hat Island this morning, about thirty feet off shore.
Lori Christopher
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 07, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Possibly GRAY
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: LAT: 48.00338 LON: -122.2795
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Possession Sound
Photos available?: No
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09:52 - Alice Moyal spotted a gray whale east side Hat Island about mid way up heading west/northwest.
[HIWS]
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08:40 - Two grays were traveling northbound hugging northwest Hat Island shoreline.
Roy Short [HIWS]
Sun, Apr 7 - Puget Sound
10:40 - Southbound travel now, it is a gray, closer to the Vashon side.
10:23 - Baleen whale mid channel Colvos Passage near Driftwood Cove. No direction of travel, milling.
Kristi King
Sat, Apr 6 - Victoria area
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 6 9:58:12 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.46361,-123.28020 [Ten Mile Point, BC]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Cam
Whale Alert App
Sat, Apr 6 - San Juans (CRC2249 Hattie)
17:30 - After taking a detour offshore, gray whale is now heading up island from South Beach area.
14:20 - Gray whale westbound between Lopez and Cattle Pass. Edit: Hattie 2249!
Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
Sat, Apr 6 - Port Susan
10:09 - Port Susan had two grays tracked south from Bretland, past Tillicum and Tyee last spotted near shore heading south at 10:09.
John C Storbeck
Sat, Apr 6 - Saratoga Passage
17:15 - Gray whale off of Langley right now.
Jason Gordon
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17:12 - Greys heading south now.
17:03 - Looks like two orcas [video shows at least one gray whale feeding] spotted just north of Thomas Hladkey Memorial Park [Langley].
Michael Theodore
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13:45 - Via binoculars from Camano Island State Park bluff, I saw five blows along the red arrow [approx. 48.075643, -122.448804] 35, 30, 90, & 25 seconds apart, one to two individuals consistently westbound.
Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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13:41 - Saw the two grays heading north about 20 minutes ago off of Bells Beach on Whidbey side and haven't seen them since.
Nick Gore
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12:15 - Three more blows just off Pebble Beach point, sighted thru binocs from Camano Island State Park overlook, likely from one to two gray whales, possibly foraging. Blow intervals of 25 and 105 seconds.
12:00 - Growing white caps making it harder, but sighted one blow just off Pebble Beach point, thru binocs from Camano Island State Park overlook, likely from one to two gray whales, possibly northwestbound.
11:02 - Watching from Camano Island State Park today. Reported blows via WA. Will try to find them again and confirm grays, but I’m 60% sure based on blow pattern.
10:48 - This was the approximate location I saw the three blows [approx. 48.042874, -122.359561].
Scott Veirs, Orcasound
Sat, Apr 6 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earthart & CRC2356 Stalwart)
12:55 - CRC 2356 is eastbound from Camano Head [approx. 48.051720, -122.357680].
Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:46 - SJC leaving Earhart 22 trending south off southeast point of Gedney.
Alli Montgomery
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12:25 - CRC-22 is milling at my map spot [approx. 48.001178, -122.294709].
Bart Rulon Art & Photography
Fri, Apr 5 - Liberty Bay
12:43 - Liberty Bay, Poulsbo [video of gray whale in FB comments].
Chris Bushue
Fri, Apr 5 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC2249 Hattie)
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Our friend the Lagoon gray. I believe Rachel said, CRC2249 Hattie. [ID per Serena Tierra & Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network]
photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 5, 2024
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13:42 - Seems traveling south now here [approx. 48.079579, -122.615208].
Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:35 - He was trending north, and then he turned back south right towards. He’s literally just right in front of the lookout for Lagoon County Park!
13:25 - Gray whale right off Lagoon Point.
Elsarape Rodriguez
Fri, Apr 5 - Saratoga Passage (CRC383 Cascade & possibly CRC356 Carson)
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I saw a whale for the first time ever! It was one of the most magical and amazing moments of my life!!! believe he/she is a gray whale. I wasn’t able to get a video of the whale’s arched body that surfaced but did record a couple sprays. I took some screenshots of the spray, which looks like a heart to me.
photo by Sarah Jordan, April 5, 2024
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12:19 - I’ve got eyes on him! [approx. 48.080676, -122.456952].
Elsarape Rodriguez
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11:28 - One mile north of Langley. For sure one gray (maybe two?) slowly headed north. Mid channel Saratoga Passage.
Stacy Estlick Wright
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10:45 - Drove thru Langley and a few folks said they were past Pizzeria now. I don't know how far north from there. When I saw them they were close in to shore (Whidbey).
10:20 - They were trending towards Langley.
09:30 - 10:20 - Woke up to two beautiful gray whales. Still out here milling around [just west of Sandy Point]. They are slowly trending north close to Whidbey [383 & 356 possible, Tony Tilt, PSE & Serena Tierra, ON].
photo by Marilyn Armbruster, April 5, 2024
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Thu, Apr 4 - Saratoga Passage
17:20 - Spy hop and blows directly in front of Hidden Beach parking lot.
17:05 - Blows at Hidden Beach closer to Whidbey side.
Janet Moody
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16:35 - Heading into Hidden Beach.
16:24 - Trending south.
16:16 - Two gray whales feeding off would be sure one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach.
photo by Aaron Gill, April 4, 2024
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10:45 - One gray or humpback at Pebble Beach [Camano] heading north.
Leah Forrey [CWW]
Sun, Mar 31 - Possession Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Mar 31 19:09:55 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.03626,-122.24959 [Snohomish Delta]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Rob Howie
Whale Alert App
Sat, Mar 30 - Colvos Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 30 13:48:51 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.43443,-122.52306 [off Anderson Park]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Traveling south
Submitter Name: Mike Curry
Whale Alert App
Fri, Mar 29 - Upper Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 16:02:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.27861,-122.50774 [out from Mariner Cove]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Joel Birchman
Whale Alert App
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 14:03:57 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.22272, -122.6378
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: Heading South from Penn Cove towards Snatelum Point
Submitter Name: Hans Bjornestad
Whale Alert App
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Fri, Apr 5 - Hood Canal
10:30 - I observed what appears to be one and possibly as many as three (second video may show more than one) in Union, WA this morning around 10:30, along State Route 106, mile marker 9. Last seen heading towards Twanoh State Park [video shows minke].
Rich Ethridge
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES | |
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Mon, Apr 8 - Burrows Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Moore
Date of Sighting: April 08, 2024
Time: 6:09 PM
Species seen: Seen fro far away with binoculars. Not sure. Large blow spout, but could not see dorsal fin or tail fluke
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Seen from shore across Burrows Bay (48.4526307, -122.6962087)
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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ABOUT ORCA NETWORK/QUICK LINKS | |
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 shorelines.
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) and social media pages. Whale reports and observations are sent in by a variety of sources, and while we do our best to obtain accurate species and individual IDs, Orca Network does not guarantee the accuracy of any report or whale identification.
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Report Sightings to Orca Network:
- Call 1-866-ORCANET (1-866-672-2639) & choose sightings option
- Email sightings@orcanetwork.org
- Facebook: DM or post on our page
- Website form: https://www.orcanetwork.org/report-sightings
- Please include: Date/Time - Species (describe if unknown) - # of Animals - Location of Cetacean(s) - Direction of Travel & Behaviors
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Visit Orca Network's Langley Whale Center - Whidbey Island:
- Location: 105 Anthes Ave, Langley, WA 98260
- Telephone: 1-360-221-7505
- Hours: Generally open 11am-4pm, Thurs-Mon, but please call for current schedule.
- Museum: Exhibits - Specimens - Educational Materials - Lending Library - Movies to view
- Gift Shop: Books - DVDs & CDs - Field Guides - Clothing - Jewelry & more
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Be Whale Wise:
All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Killer whales have special protection in Canadian and U.S. waters. Be sure to educate yourself about current protections, including regulations with specific distances and recommendations for viewing killer whales. The rules apply to all types of watercraft, including motor boats, sail boats, kayaks, and paddle boards in Washington State.
Report Harassment of Whales:
- In WA/US waters call NOAA Enforcement: 1-800-853-1964
- In CANADIAN waters call DFO Violations Hotline: 1-800-465-4336
(Include watercraft name, registration #, description, and photos/video when possible)
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