Recent Whale Sightings

January 7
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Jan 7 - San Juans
11:15 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:21 to report: UPDATE: 1115hrs: YAKIMA Captain reports vessel has come to all-stop for a single male orca located between Flat Point and Canoe Island. 
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10:48 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:02 to report: 1048hrs: YAKIMA Captain reports vessel has come to all-stop for a single male orca transiting westbound in front of the LPZ terminal. 
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GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Jan 7 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC531 Gretchen) - CRC22 Earhart - The evening was spent with beautiful grey whales CRC22 Earhart and CRC531 Gretchen and amazing friends at Camano Island State Park. This was my first encounter with grey whales from shore and my heart could not be happier. Link to FB video. -photos by Kat Martin, January 7, 2025
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23:23 - Whale blows 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach. -Aaron Gill
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16:18 - Gretchen still feeding just off the shore deep in Elger Bay. I’m going to be taking my leave now. What a sight for first time greys!
15:53 - Gretchen moving deep into Elger Bay [approx. 48.126522, -122.467197]. -Kat Martin
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15:50 - Earhart has moved off shore. Last seen pointed up Saratoga, midchannel. Gretchen is still hanging out in Elger Bay.
15:30 - Earhart at Camano Island State Park now! -Sam Wallace
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15:45 - One is south east of the south tip of Camano Island State Park. Appears to be heading for Elger Bay.
14:40 - One still feeding on that point between Mabana and Elger Bay.
14:25 - At least one headed towards Camano Island State Park but I believe two. Taking long dives and definitely on the move [approx. 48.107537, -122.454350]. -Kasey Shepard
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13:20 - Earhart and Gretchen still feeding off the point between Mabana and Camano Island State Park. Not together, but generally nearby. Earhart might be moving towards the state park last I saw. -Sam Wallace
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11:32 - The other feeding further away where Cindi’s pin is.
11:30 - One still feeding here [approx. 48.105320, -122.439915]. -Thomas McKane
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11:00 - I’m headed out. They are still around the pin on my map.
10:28 - Viewing from near East Point. Greys are about at the pin [approx. 48.106381, -122.451463 (btw Mabana and CISP)]. They seem to be drifting north. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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09:22 - Good morning: viewing two grays appear to be feeding- line of sight south end of CISP [Camano Island State Park] and Mabana. The are between Elger [Bay] and Mabana. -Linda Aitkins
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Tue, Jan 7 - Holmes Harbor (CRC53 Little Patch)
14:35 - Little Patch spotted just east of Baby Island pointed up channel.  -Sam Wallace
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09:30 - Gray whale in Holmes Harbor. Has been hanging around here feeding on ghost shrimp from time to time. Link to FB reel. -Manfred Bartz
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06:15 - Sitting in the hot tub, dark skies, distinctly heard three whale blows, just below the bank. Traveling southbound Holmes Harbor, Greenbank [south of Dines Point]. What a thrill! -Kate Sheppard

January 6
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Jan 6 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC53 Little Patch)
16:40 - Two grays heading north 1.5 miles of Hidden Beach Whidbey side [videos in FB comments]. -Aaron Gill
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Mon, Jan 6 - Lower Saratoga Passage - Taken at Mabana this morning -photo by Susan John, January 6, 2025
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09:58 - Gray whale feeding off of Mabana boat ramp. -Gary Leonard [CWW]
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16:22 - Gray whale (or two) half mile north of Hidden Beach heading north [video in FB comments]. -Francie L Daile

January 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Jan 5 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod & K Pod) - Our hearts are full after an entire day spent with some of the most amazing animals the Salish Sea has to offer. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, January 5, 2025
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K36 Yoda & K20 Spock - J and K pods exiting inland Puget Sound. Fort Flagler, Marrowstone Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, January 5, 2025 - Link to FB video of K Pod passing Point Wilson. -Jami Cantrell
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16:45 - [J Pod] I left but my last look was trailers slowly moving north with some directional changes.
16:32 - Jpod passing Point Wilson still trending north with some intermediate foraging. -Jami Cantrell
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16:32 - Jpod is currently northwest of Point Wilson lighthouse. Light is diminishing fast with the rain and fog... viewing from Ebey’s Landing. -Kevin Phillips
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15:50 - Port Townsend ferry made a nice slow pass through the ferry lane and allowed J Pod to pass by safely. Good job WA ferries. J Pod is headed northbound for Point Wilson at a leisure pace. Closer to Port Townsend side. -Kat Martin
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15:38 - Slightly more mid channel still south of ferry lane watching to see if ferry stops. -Bonnie Gretz
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15:27 - Northbound off Flagler viewing from Fort Casey. -Beriah SoOrio
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5:26 - K pod is now passed Point Wilson still northbound right now. -Candace Gavin
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15:20 - Viewing about 6 [K Pod] straight out from Point Wilson northbound. -Jordan Christine Edwin
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15:20 - Js approx. two miles south of Port Townsend ferry lanes northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:04 - Can confirm seeing them [K Pod] on 14:45 ferry. Appearing to be headed northwest. -Liam Doucet
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15:00 - K pod north of Port Townsend ferry lanes, west side, nearing Point Wilson. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:00 - [K Pod] Beautiful look from the Port Townsend ferry. -Kat Martin
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14:55 - [K Pod] Group out in front of me at Marrowstone Point lighthouse. Still northbound midchannel. -Vanessa Franz
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14:54 - [K Pod] Seeing several from Fort Casey, approaching the smoke billowing away at Port Townsend. -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
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4:33 - [J Pod] Straight out from Lagoon Point but way on the west side in front of the research boat…. nice blows and fins but far. -Bonnie Gretz
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14:33 - JPod is slowly passing Bush Point, mid channel northbound. Fair and following, friends. KPod was a mile plus ahead of Js. They were further east in the channel. Thanks you to Ariel Yseth for keeping us updated on IDs as they passed. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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14:32 - [J Pod] Navy ship just passed northbound group ahead of research boat straight out from Lagoon Point. See plus sign [approx. 48.067130, -122.643281]. -Beriah SoOrio
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14:22 - [J Pod] Viewing from Lagoon Point south. Can see WDFW, research boat and orcas northbound Marrowstone side of channel to mid. Viewing through binoculars. -Kevin Phillips
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14:15 - [K Pod] Lead group approaching Fort Flagler west side of channel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:05 - Viewing blows/dorsals to southwest from Lagoon Point. Northbound ahead of research boat. Not quite to channel marker. -Beriah SoOrio
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13:48 - Heard calls at Bush Point hydrophone. -Audrey Gao
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13:44 - Trailing group [J Pod] near Mercury Ace ship [approx. 47.992477, -122.613550].
13:40 - Possible Ks well north of Bush Point. Possible Js still south of Bush Point slowly northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:13 - Js with J62 tucked in between J19s as they passed Bush Point.
13:27 - Second big group south of Bush Point, midchannel heading north. Research boat with them. Multiple blows at once, looks good for Js. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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13:45 - Might be hearing on Bush Point now but not certain with the noise. -Patricia Prochaska
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13:13 - Possible K pod northbound west of shipping lanes off Bush Point. Hydro totally silent. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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13:07 - Several whales stalled and surfacing in between the two bluffs (viewing from -Norwegian Point) none have come farther south at this point. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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13:05 - Lead group [K Pod] at pin northbound [approx. 47.992191, -122.619554], the other group approx. blue X [approx. 47.954981, -122.556965] [J Pod].
13:00 - [K Pod] A group is northbound at north end of Mutiny Bay midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:49 - Possible flip? Seeing several off Double Bluff, looks like facing east but seeming closer to Point No Point than before… -Amy K. Fowler
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12:43 - Confirming multiple whales are flipped southbound west side sightline Norwegian Point Park to Double Bluff. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:38 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Patricia Prochaska
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12:35 - Out from Mutiny Bay/Bush Point area lots of forage and surface activity at least two males, all west of mid, looks like they might be flipping south. YES whole group southbound now sightline to bluff at north end Mutiny Bay. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:28 - Viewing from Norwegian Point, they're so beautiful,but far northwest already. -Rubie H Baker
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12:23 - Now seeing some stragglers north of Maxwelton, ahead of research boat. Looks like a male and maybe one other? -Amy K. Fowler
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12:22 - Spread out, slow steady travel, 10-12 orcas in Admiralty Inlet heading northwest past Hansville toward Foulweather Bluff on Kitsap side. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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12:17 - Still in view from Point No Point but barely. Seeing several fins east of the yellow channel marker off Double Bluff.
12:10 - Cruising north, still in view from Point No Point but looks like they may be off or north of Double Bluff. Lots of sporadic surface activity! -Amy K. Fowler
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12:10 - From Norwegian Point multiple whales northbound from north end Maxwelton to south end Mutiny Bay [approx. 47.946667, -122.536179]. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:05 - Leaders about 15 minutes north of Point No Point. Last ones are still further south of Point No Point. Steady northbound travel. West or mid channel. -Sara Frey
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11:43 - NOAA boat northbound towards wdfw boat with blue lights between Eglon and Point No Point. Viewing from Sunset. -Beriah SoOrio
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11:39 - They are just north of the police boat milling. I can see them from Eglon. -Melissa Peterson
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11:30 - Some west side directly east Point No Point northbound.
11:25 - From Point No Point very spread. Can’t tell if milling or still northbound [approx. 47.898411, -122.481253].
11:20 - Can make out some make dorsals and blows. Leader about here [approx. 47.859660, -122.425417], northbound with few others spread behind. -Sara Frey
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11:23 - Seeing fins and blows line of sight Scachet Head from Point No Point. Appears to be foraging with slow movement towards Admiralty. -Candace Gavin
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10:57 - Seeing at least one male south of the NOAA/enforcement boat, heading south but everyone else I’ve seen has been heading north.
10:35 - Also seeing blows basically due east of Eglon, north of Edmonds ferry terminal.
10:28 - Seeing some fins from Eglon, between Possession Point and Scatchet Head. I can see some blows with the naked eye against the dark background of Whidbey so I’m assuming they’re closer to Kitsap than Whidbey? -Amy K. Fowler
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10:20 - Distant spouts and fins viewed from the 10:20 Edmonds ferry, moving north closer to the point. -Elissa Martin Story
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10:22 - Seeing them spread [approx.47.887343, -122.475427]. Still trending north. Most seem to be east of mid channel.
10:03 - Slowly trending north toward Admiralty. Mid channel [approx. 47.880179, -122.446780]. -Sara Frey
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09:56 - Viewing from Stamm. They’re very spread out, a lot of directional changes. -Kas Alexis
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09:41 - Also seeing a few from Sunset Boulevard looking northwest milling around by the green buoy. -Corah Whipple
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09:37 - [approx. 47.859660, -122.484166].
09:29 - Correction looks like one male and multiple smaller off Eglon.
09:27 - Off Eglon. Northbound no males seen. -John Carroll
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09:15 - Hearing calls again, faint but there. -Kevin Phillips
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09:17 - Am I also hearing Js?  -Kimberly Fritz
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09:21 - I see many heading north east of the shipping lane in the triangle. North from my last map.
09:11 - I see fins facing north here [approx. 47.840436, -122.440469].  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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09:04 - Green x is where I saw them [approx. 47.845976, -122.419591] from the Edmonds ferry at 08:55. Looking like heading northeast bound [Corrected to westbound]. -Amy Johnson
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09:07 - Appear to be milling now.
08:53 - Northbound straight off Sunset. Eastside visible with naked eye. -Beriah SoOrio
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08:47 - Northbound off docked Edmonds ferry, east side of sound. -Clint Jones
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08:47 - Hearing calls. -Hannah Marie Munro
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08:40 - Individuals Spread between northbound traffic lane Edmonds. Biggest grouping closer to Edmonds Ferry. None directions. -Ryan Bauer
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08:40 - Very actively calling. My first time hearing them. This is so cool! -Katie Draper
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08:38 - Calls are louder now! -Ashley Dyer
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08:18 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Jon Rosati
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08:18 - Agree sounds like K’s. -Silver Hubble
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08:18 - Hearing light calls on the Sunset hydrophone. -Carolyn CW
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08:17 - I hear KPod I think. -Kimberly Fritz
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08:16 - More calls being heard closer. -Kevin Phillips
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08:10 - Solo orca headed north through Edmonds/Kingston ferry. On Edmonds side. -Casey Bizelli
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07:56 - Some faint calls occasionally on the Sunset hydrophone. -Silver Hubble
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Jan 5 - San Juans
14:17 - I might be seeing this group currently heading north in Rosario passed Lummi. I’m viewing what appears to be whales from Cherry Point, it’s just poor visibility. -Silver Hubble
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09:49 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SAMISH Captain reports 12 Orca East of Flat Point heading East.
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Jan 5 - Haro Strait
21:15 - Val just called to say he's been hearing interesting humpback (+orca?!) sounds on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone for the past 10 min or so… -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
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Sun, Jan 5 - Tacoma Narrows
13:00 - I ALWAYS look for whales when driving over the Narrows Bridge and never actually expect to see any. FINALLY hit the jackpot today. I am fairly sure it was a humpback (saw a bunch on an Alaska cruise) so feel pretty certain but we were driving. North side of the bridge. (Barely). -Jane Dopps
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GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Jan 5 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart) - CRC-22 Earhart. Whidbey Island, Hidden Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, January 5, 2025
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13:40 - Earhart left Hidden Beach. Was about a mile south out into Saratoga, last seen pointed towards Camano. Haven’t seen her in 20 minutes. CAN see two gray whale blows towards Holmes Harbor. Seem to be crossing the channel towards Greenbank?
12:40 - Earhart still feeding off Hidden Beach. -Sam Wallace
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Symington
Date of Sighting: January 05, 2025
Time: 12:12 PM
Species seen: Gray (pretty sure!)
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Hidden Beach, Whidbey
Direction of travel : North, then south
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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11:35 - Earhart turned south and moved past Hidden Beach.
10:30 - Feeding north Hidden Beach. Hard to get to with the tide up. -photos by Jaime Shields, January 5, 2025
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11:00 - Had a peaceful walk on the beach with beautiful Earhart (CRC22) this morning. I love these gentle giants. They speak to your soul.  -photos by Donna George, January 5, 2025
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CRC22 Earhart
09:30 - Captured this morning at Hidden Beach.
08:14 - At least one gray north of the north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Bob VonDrachek, January 5, 2025
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07:15 - 07:40 - Good morning! I'm out searching for whales this morning & stopped by Hidden Beach, Whidbey, in the dark. Hearing what I would assume is at least one gray whale in the cove just north of Hidden Beach. Listening from the bluff above. Now that it is light, clearly see a feeding gray [CRC22 Earhart] in the cove.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sun, Jan 5 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC531 Gretchen)
15:55 - Looks like one of them split off southbound. Two have been close together and 3rd one a bit aways. But I see that one may have taken off.
15:35 - All 3 greys out from Hidden Beach parking lot milling around maybe at around 600+ yards?
13:00 - Little Patch and Gretchen last seen 13:00 at pinned location on map [approx. 48.112295, -122.509056] northwest bound but very slow. Gretchen was feeding between Fox Spit and Bells Beach while Little Patch was feeding west of Fox Spit point. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:00 - Two gray whales, assuming Little Patch and Gretchen are halfway between Greenbank and Baby Island, appear to be milling but can’t tell for sure. -Sam Wallace
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13:39 - Seeing what appears to be two grays together by the green marker between Baby Island and Greenbank.
13:13 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - seeing a gray whale on Whidbey side just a little south of the point at Baby Heights - not sure of direction. -Linda Aitkins
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12:00 - [video in FB comments of Little Patch lunging].
09:35 - Little Patch feeding between Fox Spit and Baby Island. -Marilyn Armbruster
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08:30 - [CRC531] feeding north of Bells Beach [just south of Fox Spit]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network

January 4
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 4 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - K45 Prosper & K20 Spock - Cold, rainy and windy day out with these beauties [K Pod]. Most of them taken from Point No Point. Link to more photos. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, January 4, 2025
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K45 Prosper - Southern Resident Killer Whales passing by Point No Point. Link to more photos. -photo by James Tilley, January 4, 2025
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[K Pod] Point No Point, taken from land. Link to more photos. -photos by Timothy Wong, January 4, 2025
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K22 Sekiu - K37 (second to left), K33 (middle) and likely the rest of the K12s. Angles made it tricky to ID others but K20 and K45 were in this mix as well. -photos & IDs by Tamara Kelley, January 4, 2025
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Caught up with this guy off of Norwegian Park in Hansville in the afternoon. He had a single traveling companion from what I could tell, either a female or juvenile male. -photo by Jennifer Taylor, January 4, 2025
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21:48 - Hearing faint calls (I believe) on the hydrophone. -Hannah Marie Munro
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21:24 - The stars of the show are still on stage on Sunset hydrophone. 
20:43 - Calls again on Sunset hydrophone. -Joe Dreimiller
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18:11 - Js and Ks both on Sunset Bay hydrophone.
18:07 - Sounds like Ks on the hydrophone right now. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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17:03 - It is hard to tell with the boat noise, but I think I heard a few faint calls on Sunset hydrophone.  -Joe Dreimiller
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16:00 - Viewing from Eglon moving south, way deep in the Possession triangle now, but had a great breach fest near Possession Point. -Silver Hubble
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15:58 - They may be trending more southeast now, still seeing breaches straight out from Eglon but further out. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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15:45 - Breach fest in between Point No Point and Eglon. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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15:45 - So sweet to see them breaching and slapping. This was from the last bit of their playtime seen from Eglon [video in FB comments]. -Allison Dutton
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15:35 - Breaches at south end of Point No Point viewing from Sunset. -Beriah SoOrio
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15:16 - Large group headed south from Pilot Point towards Eglon. At least 8 orcas. Lots of breaching. -Carly Sprague
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15:25 - I think we see the baby?
15:07 - West side of shipping channel.
15:06 - Pretty surface active.
15:05 - Half way between Pilot Point and Eglon. Headed south. At least six [SRKWs]. -Kim Page
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15:00 - Appeared to a flip southbound watched one group close to shore at Point No Point lighthouse. -Silver Hubble
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14:44 - They [SRKWs] flipped! -Carrie Mccoy
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14:40 - The whole group got to Point No Point, they were obviously foraging, and have now all turned back south close to the west side. Lots of surface activity. -Jim Pasola
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14:25 - The two orcas that headed north a while ago, are heading south again. Passing Point No Point Lighthouse.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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13:58 - Viewing from Maxwelton Park the fog and rain have set in again. SRKW have research boat with them with police light on top. Northbound at the approx. red pin on my map [approx. 47.922528, -122.494667]. Can see dorsals and splashes. -Kevin Phillips
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13:40 - The two that passed Point No Point have continued north last seen mid channel about off of Mutiny Bay. -Jim Pasola
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13:22 - Two orcas passing Point No Point Lighthouse, heading north.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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13:05 - I got some elevation and I do see two one large male and another that are fairly close heading northwest. Most of the whales I see or line of sight about Sunset northbound maybe mid-channel. -Jim Pasola
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13:00 - Leaving Apple Tree Point with large group in line with the point at Scatchet Head, research boat accompanying them, slow north/northwest don’t know if any more are further north yet - good luck everyone and keep praying for J35 plus J62 and mama. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:51 - Group here. Breaching. Spread out [approx. 47.887495, -122.470170]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:50 - Stiill blows and surface activity west of mid out from Eglon. -Sara Frey
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12:40 - Looks like a research vessel out now, Kitsap side but still can see blows and find occasionally, long down times.  -Silver Hubble
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12:31 - Looks like orcas have flipped and are northbound into the triangle again. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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12:30 - From Apple Tree Point I see at least one approaching Scatchet and one approaching Cultus, seem committed north/northwest towards Point No Point still out towards midchannel. Edit to add: small group halfway between Cultus and Scatchet -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:30 - At least three orcas north of Eglon, slowly heading north.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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12:20 - Blows and breaches still at this cross point [approx. 47.910488, -122.488134]. Viewing from Edmonds marina for the last hour or so. I believe the group that was headed towards Kingston flipped northwest. -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
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12:13 - Police boat pulled over recreational boat. Whales around them between Sunset and Point No Point.
12:06 - North group approaching pnp viewing from Sunset. Many more spread to the south as well. Leisurely northbound. -Beriah SoOrio
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12:03 - Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Casey Bouton
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12:00 - Four males out here west of mid north of Haines directional changes mostly facing north now possible flip - lots of fog/poor visibility coming going//update definitely northbound with sightline Apple Tree Point to spread well north of Edmonds to Mukilteo. Oh, wait more, almost to Cultus Bay - plus a group heading toward Picnic Point with lots of surface activity:breaches. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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11:57 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Patricia Prochaska
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11:52 - Breach just north of Haines Wharf. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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11:53 - Can see fins, splashes etc. directly across from the ferry terminal.
11:50 - On the Edmonds-Kingston ferry looking right now! -Alyssa McDonald Plut
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12:00 - I'm seeing males northbound now. They were milling but I'm seeing some consistent northbound off Apple Tree Point - west of mid.
11:50 - Group with multiple males and others now on west side of mid, southbound off Apple Tree Point to Haines. Approaching ferry lanes.
11:35 - Steady southbound now mid channel - only seeing males. Trending east. Will be approaching Haines - (line of sight from Apple Tree Point Kingston to Haines). -Sara Frey
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11:42 - Fog rolled in again, made the visibility hard in the area where they are, but they were still traveling southbound in the same general area, but did appear to be on the move at this point also only saw large dorsal.
11:33 - Big fins and blows, heading south mid to maybe a tiny bit west of mid channel still north of the ferry line. Seem to be in front of the large barge by shore that has all of the garbage on it. -Silver Hubble
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11:30 - 11:36 - From Apple Tree Point several males sightline to Cultus and Possession Sound to Picnic Point heading east/southeast about in southbound shipping lanes to west of mid. Also there is a large log with a cormorant on it mimicking a logging orca. They’re traveling at a good clip now already headed for sightline to north of Edmonds. -photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, January 4, 2025
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11:27 - Still traveling south mid channel just coming up on Edmonds now.
11:22 - In the triangle now, just in front of the tug that is headed north.
11:17 - In Eglon in front of the tug headed south almost to the triangle.  -Melissa Peterson
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11:17 - Some are further south and more west than my last post. So further southwest than this pin [approx. 47.865587, -122.461187]. -Sara Frey
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11:15 - Viewing from Marina Beach in Edmonds blows just north of the ferry line, unsure of direction at the moment. -Silver Hubble
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11:12 - I see lots of directional changes from some off Possession Bank. Northwest of the green buoy off Possession Point.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:10 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point Kingston towards west Cultus Bay [approx. 47.865039, -122.474252]. They are in the northbound shipping lanes, southbound slow with surface activity. -Sara Frey
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11:09 - Spotted at Eglon beach. -Vee Schmitt
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11:05 - From Sunset. Milling southbound south of Point No Point west side. -Beriah SoOrio
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10:47 - Seeing blows from Edmonds, looking toward Point No Point. Too far away to see any fins. -Lauren Ryan Booth
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10:47 - Seeing some dorsals pop up west of mid channel viewing from Sunset looking northwest. orcas heading southbound. -Kas Alexis
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10:18 - Fog has cleared up a bit and I see them north west of last position. There’s a huge container ship heading right at them. do they know they’re there?  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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09:57 - Friend is on the Edmonds/Kingston ferry and saw at least some fins and blows to the north. -Sara Frey
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09:30 - Fog just rolled over them. But they were doing all the things! Cartwheels, breaching, tail slaps, spyhops. So surface active. 
09:20 - They’ve stopped, foraging, breaching, splashing. Lots of directional changes. They all seem to be grouped up again [approx. 47.862848, -122.414643].  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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09:15 - Four to five orcas breaching and spyhopping on the horizon towards the ferry channel off Picnic Point. -Tyler Hartje
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08:59 - Viewing mid channel from Picnic Point. Heading south into the triangle. -Kas Alexis
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08:49 - Good morning all! Viewing from the south end of Whidbey. Whales are south/southwest bound. Spread out. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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08:46 - Viewing from Possession Beach boat launch southbound. To the south of here. Spread out a bit. -Kevin Phillips
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08:47 - I think most if not all have gone into Possession triangle facing south and west. 
08:30 - The rest are coming south. Passing Chennault Beach. The ones I’m seeing are midchannel-ish to Mukilteo side.
08:27 - At least two more heading south midchannel outside of Chennault Beach. 
08:23 - There’s at least four with one large male heading south out of Possession Sound. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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08:00 - 08:20 - From Mukilteo lighthouse watched three to five orcas [K Pod] 1 male and few others southbound across ferry lines - close to west shore - a few breaches between Glendale and Possession. -Ann Armstrong
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08:21 - More calls. 
08:03 - Calls still present behind the boat noise. -Kevin Phillips
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07:49 - Hearing calls again. -Jennifer Taylor
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07:37 - S1s (J Pod) on Sunset Bay hydro. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
06:25 - Hearing more calls now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
05:37 - Echolocation and faint vocal on Sunset Bay hydro. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
05:37 - Possible faint J pod calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks [PSWS]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Jan 4 - San Juans
10:51 - We saw them near Reuben Tarte County Park headed west through Speiden Channel. -Charlie Hellstern
*
08:53 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:00 to report: SEALTH Captain reports the vessel has slowed entering the harbor due to a pod of Orca. 
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES -
Sat, Jan 4 - California Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Kelley
Date of Sighting: January 04, 2025
Time: 12:50 PM
Species seen: Orca pod
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: Off Shoreline Park Santa Barbara
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Playing
If orcas, any males?: Couldn’t tell
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was AMAZING!
Photos available?: No

January 3
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 3 - Possession Sound (K Pod, later rejoined J Pod in the Possession triangle) - K45 Prosper & K20 Spock - K20 Spock & K14 Lea - Kpod Possession Sound in the pouring rain! Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 3, 2025
*
K37 Rainshadow - I got to Possession beach in time for a beautiful pass by K Pod this morning in the pouring rain. I didn’t know if I’d get a single decent picture, and I don’t know if it’s in spite of, or because of, the rain, but I thought these had an almost ghostly quality and I love them! The last pic is of the whale whisperer herself, Rachel Haight, and the spotter extraordinaire, Cindi Crowder Rausch, who I had fun getting soaked with today! Link to more photos. -photos by Donna George, January 3, 2025
*
K Pod passes by Possession Point State Park in the rain. Link to FB video. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
22:39 - Call on Sunset Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
22:19 - Calls on Sunset Bay. -Yanwei Cai
*
19:30 - Still hearing faint calls. -Torrey Volk
*
17:17 - Still very loud on the Sunset hydrophone! -Kas Alexis
*
17:15 - They are back on the Sunset hydrophone. -Joe Dreimiller
*
17:10 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Patricia Prochaska
*
16:34 - I can hear them on the hydrophone now! -Kaitlynn Forsberg
*
16:30 - Audible on Sunset hydrophone. -Sarah Redmon
*
16:26 - They are north of the Kingston terminal, almost to the tip of the island towards the lighthouse. We can see three to four fins now and they look like they are northbound.
16:16 - Viewing from Sunset Ave in Edmonds, multiple breaches mid to west side of the channel looking at Point No Point Lighthouse.
16:10 - Audible on the Sunset hydrophone again!  -Stephanie Brenaman
*
15:00 - Saw a pod of orcas about a mile northwest of Point No Point! Headed southeast. -Austin Kotter [PSWS]
*
11:32 - Calls continue on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Beriah SoOrio
*
11:01- Still hearing faint calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
10:43 - You can hear them on the Beach Camp hydrophone again.  -Amanda Hulstein
*
10:42 - Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Kevin Phillips
*
09:40 - K pod southbound past Possession Point. Close to Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:30 - Some are coming into view from Possession Waterfront. -Lewann Babler
*
09:20 - Confirming SRKWS 100 feet off Whidbey southbound, I was at Glendale. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
08:50 - Orcas at Clinton terminal southbound. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
08:50 - Passing south through the Clinton ferry lanes. Longer down times. Link to FB video. -Natalie Scantlen
*
06:53 - Hearing faint calls on the Sunset hydrophone. -Joe Dreimiller
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Jan 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
13:00 - Seen off the ferry from Swartz Bay/Victoria to Vancouver. Link to FB videos. -Carrie Coco

January 2
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 2 - Saratoga Passage/Possession Sound (K Pod before they rejoined J Pod in the afternoon) - K37 Rainshadow & K33 Tika - KPod from south Whidbey. Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, January 2, 2025
*
K33 Tika - K37 Rainshadow & K20 Spock - I spent the next few hours with K Pod, following them along the southeast Whidbey shore. - Link to more photos & video. -photos by Sarah Geist, January 2, 2025
*
K Pod as they made their way south along Whidbey. Link to FB video. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 
*
18:06 - Hearing orca calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
15:08 - From Picnic Point K pod has almost reached J Pod back across the triangle. J Pod looks to be Apple Tree/Eglon area. -April Janice Basham
*
14:30 - Ks approx. [48.572841, -122.181565], still aiming west. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 
*
14:00 - Milling a bit the green marker off Possession. Beautiful pass at Possession. -Sarah Geist
*
13:55 - Right off the southern tip of Whidbey, south bound. Viewing from Picnic Point. -Lauren McManus Harris
*
13:50 - Just passed Possession State Park. -Faye Arlene
*
13:53 - Possession Point. I wish I was on that shore!
13:40 - Seeing them from Picnic Point. They’re approaching Possession triangle. -Ernie Yip
*
13:20 - Southbound passing Glendale.
13:10 - Still north of Glendale but see them approaching.
12:55 - Now south of Clinton terminal very much Whidbey side steady southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:55 - Orcas at Clinton ferry still headed south. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
12:33 - Seeing 12+ whales. 
12:11 - Viewing from north of Clinton. Whales are southbound, Whidbey side, between Hat and Whidbey. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:49 - They've passed Sandy Point close in southbound. Two males in group.
11:47 - Approaching Sandy Point. 
11:40 - Four to five orcas in Saratoga Passage southbound west of Sandy Point.  -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, January 2, 2025
*
Thu, Jan 2 - North Puget Sound (J Pod, K Pod rejoined in the afternoon)
15:58 - They’re pushing more offshore and seem to be going north east towards the triangle. Some foraging/directional changes but real slow movements.
15:36 - Some out from Eglon Kitsap side sloooow trend north. -Jami Cantrell
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Annie DeLeon
Date of Sighting: January 02, 2025
Time: 3:33 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: On the clipper near Eglon / Rose Point
Direction of travel : s
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:08 - From Picnic Point K pod has almost reached J Pod back across the Triangle. J Pod looks to be Apple Tree/Eglon area. -April Janice Basham
*
14:45 - J pod near yellow tanker “RB Lisa” [approx. 47.828790, -122.464086] looks like most/all grouped steady northbound. Research boat with them. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:30 - Little boat out there with four ot six orcas [approx. 47.820244, -122.437879]. First they were going south, now apparently moving north in between Edmonds and Kingston. -Silvana Giuseppina Iosue
*
14:31 - We are seeing a group north of the Kingston/Edmonds ferry. They’ve been moving east to west closer to Kingston. They don’t appear to be going north or south. -Kat Martin
*
14:27 - They’re not really moving too much at this time. They’re a little bit. Late south of the area I posted earlier on map.
14:20 - Most headed back south/southeast, with about 10 grouped up.
14:17 - Seeing some right around here going back south, others still foraging to the north [approx. 47.844874, -122.461091]. -Jami Cantrell
*
14:10 - Sighting from Haines Wharf Park heading south. -Erin Fannon
*
13:45 - We saw members of the J35 matriline (at least J47) that were northbound into the Possession triangle from the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. NOAA was with them but then took off to head east. Supposedly members of K Pod are over by Glendale headed southbound. -Kat Martin
*
13:24 - Seeing them in Edmonds north of the ferry terminal. -Kelly Ross McConnaughey
*
13:20 - Seeing some in Kingston Edmonds ferry lanes going north. -Jami Cantrell
*
13:15 - Two fins northbound off Edmonds marina. Link to FB video. -Celeste Eid Rustom Winslow
*
12:12 - Definitely have two separate groups then, because up north (Richmond Beach viewing) they're still hanging out and sorta trending north. -Sarah Crumb
*
12:34 - They may have flipped north. The ones I was seeing further north were no longer visible as of 10-15 min ago.
12:04 - Still trending south. From my perspective this is about what I see. The group that’s farther southeast might be somewhere around Carkeek [approx. 47.723619, -122.426647].  -Jami Cantrell
*
12:00 - Group milling around between (hard to pinpoint) Carkeek and Port Madison - with some directional changes. Breaches and pec slapping! Cuties!  -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
12:00 - Milling about, tail slaps, breach here approx. [47.725634, -122.443120]. -Sarah Crumb
*
12:02 - The ones that I have been seeing are still going south. They’re about on the west side of the channel. Viewing from Golden Gardens.
11:44 - Viewing from Golden Gardens. Seeing about two to three traveling southbound. Mid to maybe more west of the channel, hard to tell [approx. 47.746282, -122.449859]. -Kat Martin
*
11:35 - A group southbound passing Jefferson Head, others spread much further south presumably still southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:28 - Watching from Richmond Beach, a few of them mid channel. [southbound]. -Sandy Jones
*
11:35 - Male heading south. West side of mid channel marker between Richmond Beach and President Point.
11:18 - Fast ferry slowed again for orcas east of Kingston ferry terminal.
11:11 - Fast ferry stopped in front of Richmond Beach. There are still a few hanging around the mid channel marker! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
11:05 - Seeing a couple fins from Carkeek way on east side of channel, long down times. -Stephanie J. Deckard Henry
*
10:50 - Group of ~4 milling a bit mid channel between President Point and Richmond Beach. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
10:43 - FIns directly off Richmond Beach southbound. -Sarah Crumb
*
10:32 - Seeing several very spread out orcas, southbound, long down times. Approx. area [47.755847, -122.442371]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:39 - Just spotted male dorsal near the mid channel marker.
10:35 - There are a couple milling about north of President Point close to Kitsap side.
10:30 - Looks like group is pushing east towards Edmonds terminal/Woodway. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
10:14 - Several southbound mid channel between Kayu and Kingston terminal. -Beriah SoOrio
*
10:05 - Three to four milling and breaching at the yellow spot [approx. 47.795714, -122.426893]. -Stephanie Brenaman
*
09:50 - Many whales mid channel between Edmonds & Kingston quickly heading south.  -BT Gifford
*
09:15 - Just north of the Kingston ferry southbound mid to east channel. -Sara Frey
*
09:02 - I’m on the Edmonds Kingston ferry right now and have seen ~2 orcas around south Whidbey with binoculars. -Lila Luthy
*
08:21 - Echolocation and calls present. -Kevin Phillips
*
08:18 - Still hearing lower-toned calls and echolocation on Sunset Bay.
07:52 - Hearing calls that sound like lowing cattle. No high-pitched squeals and squeaks, just repeated lower toned calls with the clicking of echolocation. Calls seem a little quieter to me than they had been a few minutes ago. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
07:43 - Still lots of calls and echolocations. -Orca Network
*
07:22 - Still hearing them on Sunset Bay. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
06:45 - Hearing calls. -Kimberly Fritz
*
06:43 - Hearing calls. -Joe Dreimiller
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Jan 2 - Haro Strait
10:46 - Two as-yet-unidentified Bigg's, eastbound over Beaumont Shoal, Haro Strait. -Gerald Graham
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kisa Quanbeck
Date of Sighting: January 02, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: 48.5728413, -123.1815651 (Haro Strait off Mosquito Bay)
Direction of travel : S fast
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: None observed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We think there were 6-8 based on the number of different breaching points and places but it's just a guess.
Photos available?: No
*
08:23 - Orcalab hydrophone lots of loud calls from the Orcalab location. -Kevin Phillips

January 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Jan 1 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod; J35 carries deceased J61 past Point Robinson) - J22 Oreo & J38 Cookie - After spending many days foraging in the Possession triangle, on New Years Day, Jpod and Kpod finally made an appearance further south as they circumnavigated Vashon Island. I spent that morning watching the T137s cruise up Colvos passage, then rushed to the east side to meet Js and Ks as they approached the north end of the Island. Both ecotypes in one day, pretty great way to start the year! After a flip north that had me thinking they’d changed their mind, a flip back south twenty minutes later was a relief as they streamed back past us, indeed pushing southbound. Once at Point Robinson, what started as a joyful pass ended in sorrow, as we were witness to J35 once again grieving the loss of another calf. Just like so many things in life, loving something hard, means grieving something fiercely. May we all hold space for her in our hearts, respect and honor her grief process, and also, for all of the other mothers in J, K, and L pods that have had their own losses. Sadly, this is an all too often heartbreak within this beloved and charismatic population. Hopefully one day that won’t be the case, but for now, as we watch her grieve, be there for each other with a kind word, hug, or shoulder to cry on. I didn’t include any photos of Tahlequah in this photo set, but rather moments from the rest of the pass. May their travels here into Puget Sound find plenty of salmon, quiet and clean waters, and a whale community that unites in bold action on their behalf. We love you, Tahlequah and family. Link to more photos. -photos by Marla Smith, January 1, 2025
*
K37 Rainshadow - Passing by Point Robinson. -photo by Andy Cottrill, January 1, 2025
*
This little lovely Southern Resident from the Vashon ferry terminal waiting to board and return to Tacoma tonight.  -photo by Becky Adams, January 1, 2025
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K37 Rainshadow - J27 Blackberry - A bittersweet encounter with J and K pods. Point Robinson, Vashon Island. Link to more photos. Link to video. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, January 1, 2025
*
K33 Tika - Point Robinson, Vashon. Link to more photos. -photos by Tami Hillis, January 1, 2025
*
New year's day resident whales as seen from uptop Maury Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Isaac Gibson, January 1, 2025
*
New Year’s Day shots from south side of Point Robinson. Link to more photos. -photos by Mac McGrath, January 1, 2025
*
Js & Ks pass by Point Robinson. Link to FB reel. -Amber Stanfill
*
Js & Ks pass by Point Robinson. Link to FB reel. -Michael-ann Bobette Velasquez
*
Js & Ks pass by Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -April Janice Basham
*
Just a little part of a lovely New Year’s Day pass at Point Robinson. Link to FB video. -Annette Messitt
*
Off Point Robinson this afternoon. If you listen closely at the very beginning you can hear the orcas making noises (vocalizing?). First time hearing that. Link to FB video. -Joe Smith
*
19:15 - Sound Action received community report of hearing multiple orcas pass in Colvos Passage near Al's Market/Lisabeula. -Sound Action
*
17:00 - Seeing multiple blows at southwest tip of Vashon viewing from Point Defiance promenade. -Cherie StOurs
*
16:50 - Still a group off Piner Point, Leaders are dipping off Vashon shore into central Dalco Passage. Still have some tight to shore. Close to Colvos entrance and seaweed farm. Everyone looks to be foraging.
16:47 - Breaching in East Passage, group one has reached Vashon ferry terminal, they are spread all along the Island, close to island, very active. -Melissa Bird
*
16:46 - At Dune. Losing light. The leaders are by Vashon ferry on Vashon side and moving fast. -Nick Jaramillo
*
16:42 - Lead group has passed Neill Point towards Vashon ferry terminal. Others still in East Passage.
16:32 - Approximate locations from Dune [47.338607, -122.458368]. -Melissa Bird
*
16:29 - Viewing the large group from near Rosehilla. Still travelling south southwest far side near Ruston. -Andrew Tabit
*
16:29 - Have a group of at least 10 just south of Piner Point. Trending southwest, and another large group more towards mid channel but on island side, we'll west of southern buoy. -Melissa Bird
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 4:16 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: East Passage S of Maury tip between Tallequah/DashPoint State Park
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: y
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: (viewed from north of DPSP) group has moved past Maury/Quartermaster and looks to be midchannel on a line from Dash Point to the tip of Vashon, well north of ferry lines so far. Tight clustering has loosened a bit, that plus failing light makes it harder to get a real count. 20+ is best guess. Should be excellent viewing from Defiance, Browns Point, Tahlequah etc
Photos available?:
*
16:16 - At the south tip of Maury still heading south at brisk pace. One breach and one spy hop visible. Many still together! -Sandy Hassell
*
16:15 - From Dune... seeing a group including males southbound mid channel, in line with & just north of, southern east channel buoy. -Melissa Bird
*
16:12 - Another group northeast of channel marker buoy. -Ed Rickert
*
16:11 - At least two thirds of the grouping are approaching the mouth of Quartermaster, surface active with a few breaches. Continuing west. -Mollie Segall
*
16:10 - Just north of Commencement channel marker buoy headed northwest. -Ed Rickert
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 4:02 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 20
Where seen: tip of Maury across from Dash Point
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: y
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: (boat with them is not the Splendido, when I refreshed the screen it disappeared) - tightly grouped, heading south in channel towards Tahlequah/Browns Point/etc - I scanned water behind but can not see trailing small group any more, at the rates of speed the group may have merged up when the lead group stopped to mill.
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 3:54 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: East Passage spread out between Summerhurst back to Gold Beach
Direction of travel : S quick
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Large group of 12-20 tightly clustered in the middle of the shipping channels -much further out from Maury than usual - almost to Summerhurst. Behind are two smaller groups, the last just north of Gold Beach. Lead group was traveling quickly but just slowed down. Boat "Splendido" (per maine app) which had intercepted them earlier is now traveling behind first group ahead of the others.
Photos available?:
*
15:45 - I spotted them from the top of Maury Island Marine Park - probably five or so, mid channel heading south. -photo by Jake Conroy, January 1, 2025
*
15:45 - Across from Dash Point fishing pier Vashon side. -Linda Emoto
*
15:40 - Several spouts visible from Browns Point on Vashon side - just south of the lighthouse - can’t determine direction but definitely several visible. -Sandy Hassell
*
15:38 - Southwest Vashon side, three groups [approx. 47.375479, -122.386251]. -Isaac Gibson
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 3:31 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 15
Where seen: East Passage off Maury/north of Gold Beach see details
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling became milling-hunting now traveling again
If orcas, any males?: yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Since 15:31 been watching - first was a group of 4-5, including 1 adult male + small calf, traveling long dives on Maury side mid-channel headed S down East Passage; they briefly moved more to midchannel then milling or hunting. 2nd and 3rd clusters of 3-5 following behind, groups became surface active. Boat came charging by from the south but slowed down/cut engines after passing first group and is now sitting out there. While I typed this lead group resumed south travel and is now just north of Gold Beach, traveling much slower than before and lots of slapping and half-breaches (viewing from private yard off 53rd on mainland)
Photos available?: No
*
15:25 - A steady stream of about 15 orcas… three to four at a time… just passed Point Robinson… southbound. -Annette Messitt
*
15:08 - The lead group has three to four in it coming up to the lighthouse very soon. There is a tight pack of 10 to 15 behind the research boat also moving at a steady rate southbound. Viewing from Marine View Park. -Jill Reeder
*
14:39 - More mid channel off portage and one large male more Vashon side same location southbound. -Mark McGough
*
14:34 - From Point Robinson Lighthouse can see blows and dorsal with the scope to the north of KVI. With NOAA research boat. Still southbound closer to Vashon side. -Candace Gavin
*
14:34 - Lead group with NOAA now past Three Tree Point. Southbound. -Mark McGough
*
14:20 - Very large trailing group 15-20 southbound Dilworth!
14:11 - Second group has at least four including male. And trailing them is male (think Blackberry) closer in Vashon. Could hear his blows before seeing him.
14:05 - Larger beautiful group (at least 15+) steady southbound west of mid channel passing Dilworth in glassy calm seas. A lot of tails slaps, inverted rolls. Appears the calf is in this group. Several more trailing not far behind a bit closer to Vashon. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
14:05 - Passing Dilworth. -Audrey Gao
*
14:00 - Large group headed southbound just south of Glen Acres, Vashon side of mid channel some surface activity. NOAA with them. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
13:53 - Just saw several from Lincoln Park, but they were much closer to the Vashon side, so could just spot the dorsal fins through binoculars. Heading south fast. -Dana Martin
*
13:50 - Group of four to five orcas heading southbound mid-channel, Fauntleroy ferry just had to stop for them.  -Danny Arauz
*
13:50 - Seeing spouts from Seahurst neighborhood - heading south, close to Vashon. -Susan Plecko
*
13:33 - A group of four to five is heading south, East Passage. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
13:30 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:31 to report: 1330hrs: ISSAQUAH reports 20 orca spread out between Blake Island and Vashon Head. Various directions of travel.
*
13:28 - Nine orcas off north Vashon. Taken from Lowman Beach. This was after multiple breaches by Vashon ferry dock at 13:19. -photo by Robin Sinner, January 1, 2025
*
13:24 - From the Vashon-Fauntleroy ferry. -Jerrinne Becker Haas
*
13:44 - Some got so close to the ferry!
13:25 - Ferry stopped for the orcas.
13:20 - Passing Blake [southbound].
13:11 - Orca approaching ferry lane from the north. NOAA boat behind them. Seeing from Fauntleroy dock. -Audrey Gao
*
13:11 - Committed northbound traveling quickly, group approaching Lincoln Park/ferry lanes. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
13:00 - Northbound [approx. 47.515811, -122.440083]. -Leo Leo
*
13:03 - Group I’m watching have just flipped northbound south of Brace Point, surface active. Still unsure if committed but looking that way. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
13:04 - Should add on ride over was seeing several well to the south.
12:55 - From ferry to Vashon seeing group of at least 10 who looks to include a calf, southbound mid channel out from point of Lincoln Park. NOAA researchers were with this group and have now moved on. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
12:52 - Now seeing orcas southbound off of south end of Lincoln Park, research boat with them. -Mike Yov
*
12:49 - Only saw a few, but we were far away with no binoculars. The ones we saw were heading down east channel.
12:37 - From ferry at Vashon dock. Seeing southbound whales spread out. Maybe mid channel. -Joy McFate Lee
*
12:35 - We spotted a pod from the Southworth-Fauntleroy sailing. Sighting from the Vashon Island docking, in between Fauntleroy and Vashon Island, heading south. -Allison Hazen-Prahst
*
12:30 - From Emma Schmitz, research boat is just passing Manchester, second group spread out behind them. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
12:22 - They are visible from the ferry, heading to Vashon south of the ferry line lanes. -Amie Macnab
*
12:20 - Just south Vashon ferry lanes. Still southbound. Trailing group still to north southbound with NOAA boat. -Beriah SoOrio
*
12:12 - Breach of a big male west side of the channel, heading towards west side of Vashon. -Jenn Lawler
*
12:10 - Viewing from Lowman Beach with bins. Hugged Blake Island and now approaching Vashon ferry terminal. -Ann
Ventic
*
12:10 - We’re leaving this spot. There’s a group of 15ish still north of Alki, then a group of 8-12 back by NOAA, and then two groups of at least 2ish males a mile or so back. All southbound, midchannel.
12:00 - The big group of 20+ is still north of the yellow channel marker north of Vashon, midchannel, southbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:53 - Viewing from Alki beach. Closer to west side of the channel. Next to small red boat. -Alice Pearson Rickenbach
*
11:50 - Several orcas just seen from Bremerton-Settle ferry. Appear to be heading south. -Krista M
*
11:47 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:54 to report: 1147hrs: Triangle route vessels notified of 5 orcas located east of Blake Island, mid-channel, heading southeast.
*
11:41 - In the Red yacht on AIS location of whales too [approx. 47.555020, -122.424307]. -Noelle Morris
*
11:40 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:50 to report: CHIMACUM: 1140hrs: Vessel reports 5-6 orcas north of Blakely Rock. 1145hrs: Vessel now counts 15-20 orcas.
*
11:51 - Research boat now approaching them west side between Alki and Bainbridge Island ferry terminal.
11:46 - Big breach between Alki and Bainbridge ferry terminal.
11:37 - Viewing from Alki mid channel near sailboat and plus sign [approx. 47.604745, -122.445729]. -Beriah SoOrio
*
11:36 - Big yacht stopped orcas hunting it looks well before Fauntleroy dock only boat out there, white yacht following now. -Noelle Morris
*
11:30 - Probably 20ish in this northern group that’s still north of Blakely Rock, southbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:20 - I’m seeing at least a dozen in two groups close together southbound mid channel mid Elliott Bat/Eagle Harbor. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
11:17 - Viewing from Creosote Park. West of mid fast travel southbound. -Vanessa Franz
*
10:40 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:04 to report: 1040hrs: CHIMACUM- Vessel reports slowing down to ensure safe passage of two pods: first pod of 3-4 orcas heading southbound and second pod with two orcas, also heading southbound.
*
10:24 - 15 plus, around the SG buoy in the northbound traffic lanes.
10:18 - West Point light house heading south across Elliot Bay. -Ryan Bauer
*
07:02 - Pretty sure heard some faint calls [Sunset Bay] around 07:02, but ferry noise has been going ever since. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Jan 1 - Haro Strait (T34s & T37s) - T34s and 37s. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
*
13:07 - Seeing orcas on the Canadian side. -Jan Deccio [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Jan 1 - San Juans (T49As & T68Cs) - These orcas were identified as the T049As and the T068Cs, believe 12 in the two matrilines. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy [WSSJI] 
*
13:12 - They are off Sentinel Island mid channel!
12:37 - They are more mid channel now and I can count five! Looks like they are heading west.
12:27 - Orcas in Spieden Channel! Too far from me to count but looking quite active! -Cari Larsen Scheef [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Jan 1 - Puget Sound (T137s) - T137D Wright & T137 Loon - T137A Jack - New Year's Day with the T137s. The water was quiet and calm as they made their way through Dalco, Colvos, and Rich Passages. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, January 1, 2025
*
T137D Wright, T137 Loon, T137B Tempest - T137A Jack - I spent the morning with the T137’s in Colvos near Olalla. Link to more photos. -photos by Amber Irvine, January 1, 2025
*
T137A Jack - T137B Tempest, T137A Jack, T137D Wright, T137 Loon -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - At Prospect Beach today. Link to more photos. -photos by Krysta Berens, January 1, 2025
*
T137D Wright, T137 Loon, T137B Tempest - T137A Jack - Amazing way to start 2025! With the T137s! Even better when we were able to have some pictures and help our four year old learn how to is the four individuals we saw in Olalla today! Link to more photos. -photos by Robyn Dally, January 1, 2025
*
T137s exited out during the day and SRKWs came down in the evening. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, January 1, 2025
*
T137A Jack - T137s - New Year’s Day visit to Tacoma. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, January 1, 2025
*
From Owen's Beach this morning. -photo by Scott Traynor, January 1, 2025
*
We followed Jack and crew all over today from Anderson Point to Southworth Ferry and over to a few fishing piers ending up in Port Orchard. Lots of running and it was a beautiful day with ours and Andrea Schvaneveldt family. Happy New Year everyone! [video in FB comments]. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
17:00 - Can confirm, we saw them in Liberty Bay. -Ephraim Lamberty-Pabon
*
17:00 - Saw Jack off of the Liberty Bay Marina dock. He was headed back out of Liberty Bay at last sight. -Brenda Campbell
*
16:38 - Now in Liberty Bay. -John Gardiner
*
T137A Jack - T137D Wright
16:30 - We stood on the public dock at Keyport as the orcas passed on their way into Poulsbo. Link to more photos. -photos by Kim Farris Peck, January 1, 2025
*
16:20 - Group of three heading from Brownsville to Keyport. -photo by Lynn Kerr Beeman, January 1, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Emily Beeman
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: North of Brownsville Marina
Direction of travel : N and NNE towards Keyport
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Maybe 1
Any unusual markings?: Could not see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: May have been the baby, much smaller orca traveling with a mother.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
15:51 - North of Brownsville across from Battle Point Light after feeding south of Brownsville just off of the shore. John Gardiner
*
15:20 - Orcas northbound toward Brownsville marine. Hunting along the west shoreline. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
15:10 - Saw them at Illahee Dock. -Terri Sue Samuels
*
15:27 - [approx. location 47.598598, -122.584218].
15:16 - Still northbound near a large white boat between Kitsap and Bainbridge.
14:53 - Longer down times. Trending north between Kitsap and Bainbridge - I’ll keep posted if they change direction. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
14:47 - Heading north towards Illahee. -Cindy Swenson
*
14:42 - Off of Waterman Point and Point White, now aiming east in the passage. -Mollie Segall
*
14:42 - Orcas northbound in Port Orchard Bay. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
14:36 - Viewing off Beach Drive past Waterman’s Point. -Mackenzie Jistel
*
14:31 - Coming out of Rich Passage. Seem to be hugging Bainbridge.
14:15 - From Manchester State Park.
14:13 - Viewing from Manchester State Park coming through Rich Pass! -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
T137A Jack
14:17 - I was at Anderson Park and took this one. Quite a ways out and moving fast. -photo by Korinna Barth, January 1, 2025
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alexa Julian
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 2:05 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: By Orchard Point at Manchester
Direction of travel : N, towards the canal to Bremerton
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: Not sure
Any unusual markings?: Na
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was on the 1:30 bremerton to seattle ferry. At 2:07, I saw one popping up out of the water behind a large shipping container ship. It was off the coast of "Orchard Point" in Manchester. I tried to get a video but we turned and I couldn't see him from my window anymore. You can barely see his fin pop out.
Photos available?: No
*
14:08 - Spotted at Orchard Point from South Beach, headed north!
14:00 - From South Beach on Bainbridge, one fin very close to yacht on east side of yacht. -Nekoo Rose
*
14:00 - Now off of Manchester by the cargo ship. No longer aimed northeast!
13:53 - Well north of Blake now, appear to be heading northeast. (As seen from Manchester). -Mollie Segall
*
13:55 - Heading towards Rich Passage right now, nearing the big container ship. -Paul Lee
*
13:58 - Heading south fast.
13:53 - Just saw several from Lincoln Park, but they were much closer to the Vashon side, so could just spot the dorsal fins through binoculars. -Dana Martin
*
14:00 - Just went behind the big tanker viewing from port of Manchester - predicting Rich Passage!?
13:53 - North of Blake Island continuing northbound, can’t tell if they’ll do Rich Passage yet or not - but they do seem far.
13:45 - [video in FB comments].
13:32 - Hugging Blake Island northbound viewing from Harper Pier.
13:17 - Passing Southworth ferry west bound along Blake Island- seem to be hunting. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
13:11 - Just made it to the Southworth ferry, last sighting was near the docked boat on Southworth side. -Rebecca Austin
*
13:10 - Passed Point Southworth, appear to be trending west of Blake, up towards Manchester. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
*
13:00 - Jack and family today at Southworth ferry dock. Happy New Year! [video in FB comments]. -Cindy Swenson
*
T137A Jack
13:00 - From Southworth. -photos by Chris Wilke, January 1, 2025
*
12:58 - Approaching Southworth, very close to Kitsap shoreline. -Mollie Segall
*
12:39 - Just south of Peter Point closer to the Kitsap side. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
*
12:20 - Heading for Southworth.. -David Soder
*
Thank you, thank you for this wonderful page! I started off 2025 with a beautiful view of these stunning creatures.  -Debra Stewart Enfield
*
12:16 - Just passed Anderson Point steady pace northbound.
12:06 - Viewing from Anderson Point! -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
12:12 - A stunning pass at Ollala [video in FB comments]. -Mollie Segall
*
12:11 - Headed north past Anderson Point now.  -Pamela Reitsma Knapp
*
12:10 - Viewing from Lowman Beach with bins. Hugged Blake Island and now approaching Vashon ferry terminal. -Ann Ventic
*
12:10 - Passing Anderson Point! -Jennifer Barnswallow
*
12:05 - Viewing from Anderson Point. They haven’t reached us yet but still traveling northbound. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
11:59 - At Olalla market now, under the water so maybe eating. -Sydney Stroyer
*
11:59 - Just passed Ollala. -Duncan Coles
*
11:52 - Seeing them from Ollala Bay Market. -Robyn Riley
*
11:51 - They’re at Olalla Bay! -Rebecca Austin
*
11:45 - Jack and crew northbound in Colvos hugging Kitsap side. Should be approaching Ollala soon!!! Viewing from Lisabuela. -Amber Stanfill
*
11:39 - Heading north in Colvos Passage past Point Richardson. -Deborah Corpolongo
*
11:38 - Grouped up, slowly northbound approaching Lisabuela, still mainland side of mid channel.
11:19 - They are just north of Point Richmond, steady northbound, mainland side of mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
11:13 - I’m north of Sunrise Beach viewing from land and saw three heading north through Colvos. Closer to Vashon. There is a small boat following them. -Jessica Dahlgren
*
10:54 - Looks as if the crossed over to Gig Harbor side now heading west still in Colvos viewing from promenade at Owens. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:43 - Northbound Colvos hugging Vashon near buoys. Boat following. -Charlene Engelland
*
10:40 - Heading into Colvos channel now - south tip of Vashon moving slow and long downs. -Sandy Hassell
*
10:37 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:04 to report: 1037hrs: CHETZEMOKA- Vessel reports spotting 4 orcas heading northbound through Colvos Pass. 
*
10:35 - Still near southwest tip of Vashon slightly heading east again in front of Vashon. Viewing from Owens Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
I found this group last night and just saw my first orcas off Owen Beach! Thank you! -Jody Thelin
*
10:29 - Trending northwest towards Colvos. -Ashley S Whitman
*
10:29 - Heading west trending towards Colvos. -Jordan Caple
*
10:27 - They've done some hunting & have helped to feed lots of birds. They're currently milling closer to Vashon. Seems to be trending west now. -David Bennett
*
10:33 - Purposefully northbound now, heading towards Colvos.
10:26 - Still milling in the same general area, enjoying their meal.
10:13 - Northbound in West Dalco currently trending towards Colvos Passage but not to entrance yet. -Melissa Bird
*
10:13 - Mid channel at south end of the row of houses - large male dorsal very visible. Flat water so great views! -Sandy Hassell
*
10:12 - One big fin plus a pair of blows… mom and baby?? West of ferry lane northward. -Charlene Engelland
*
10:10 - Trending east a bit on Vashon southwest tip birds are all around them. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:09 - Milling here [approx. 47.323708, -122.519696]. -Jordan Caple
*
10:01 - Still feeding out from Sunrise watching from promenade at Owens Beach. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:01 - Watching from Gig Harbor with binoculars just saw activity off Owens. -Charlene Engelland
*
09:48 - Appeared northbound heading up toward Colvos Passage, viewing from Point Defiance Marina next to Anthony's. -Shannan Cummings Genest
*
09:47 - Watching them in Dalco just west of ferry lanes. Direction changes. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
09:34 - Hunting midchannel west Dalco. -David Michael
*
09:25 - At Dune Peninsula they just became visible headed northbound. -Nick Jaramillo
*
09:25 - Sighting now Owen’s Beach heading toward ferry. -Leslie Sproul-Traynor
*
09:25 - Right off Owen Beach, maybe eastbound. -June Smith
*
08:40 - Already passed under Narrows northbound. Photo and video someone showed me had at least three orcas, one male. Nick near the base of dorsal, but resolution wasn't good enough to confirm T137A. -Ashley S Whitman
*
08:44 - They’re milling in that area.
08:30 - Visible from Titlow close to Point Fisdick shoreline slowly southbound [approx. 47.251955, -122.575108]. -Jason Cook
*
08:22 - Spotted from a private residence, headed north past Point Fosdick headed toward Narrows. -Katie Steinhoff
*
08:09 - A friend just sent a video of three orcas in Wollochet Bay. One male, 2 females. -James Neil
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: D Leland
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 7:30 AM
Species seen: Too dark out to tell
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Wollochet to Point Fosdick
Direction of travel : South along shore maybe 100 feet off shore line
Behaviors observed: Breached several times
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Jan 1 - Strait of Georgia
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Robert Reed
Date of Sighting: January 01, 2025
Time: 3:15 PM
Species seen: Two humpbacks
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Off the Little Qualicum River estuary.
Direction of travel : East down Georgia Strait… then they appeared to turn back to the west and farther offshore. Moving slowly.
Behaviors observed: Some breaching and tail slaps.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Jan 1 - San Juans 
14:42 - Just saw these two [humpbacks] in Cattle Pass.  -Janelle Colleran-Owens [WSSJI]
*
12:20 - Two humpbacks off Turn Island headed east seen from WSF Yakima. -Frederick Earl Dowell [WSSJI]
*
12:27 & 12:30 - Unknown - not orca - whale sighting. Friday Harbor East Sound area. Ferry route. Ferry service said humpback.  -Hannah Brown
*
08:01 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:10 to report: 0801hrs: SEALTH Vessel reports spotting a single humpback whale off Flat Point in Upright Channel. No discernable direction of travel.

December 31
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 31 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)
18:45 - 19:00 - Heard multiple breaths from the west side of Hat Island in the dark (power is out). Continuing north into Possession. -Sarah Sadid
*
18:00 - 18:10 - Lots of chatter on the Sunset Hydrophone. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
17:40 - I left but was still hearing them north of Glendale.
17:23 - Still hearing them again north of Glendale.
17:04 - Group off Glendale. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
I wish today’s Glendale crew had stayed a few more minutes. I heard this group approaching from the south before I saw them no more than 100 yds offshore. They foraged in northerly direction well into darkness with one big, loud breach. Thankful for friends who joined me in the cold to watch and listen. A blessed final day of 2024 with the locals. -Beriah SoOrio
*
16:54 - Very faint calls audible on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Tenaya Brian Stecker
*
16:22 - Lots of directional changes by the green buoy south of Possession Point off Possession bank. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
16:18 - Ferry just slowed on its approach to Clinton. I spotted one on Whidbey side heading south. -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
16:06 - They’re exiting Possession Sound now. Southbound into triangle. 
15:45 - The group on Mukilteo side are all facing south right now. Unsure if they will continue.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
15:33 - We’ve had ten to twelve pass us at Glendale. They are spread north/south and east/west. Still northbound.
15:13 - Leaders are approaching Glendale. Miid to Whidbey and others are mainland. Northbound at a leisurely pace. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
15:00 - Today from Picnic Point. They were putting on a show! -photo by Emma Vasilj, December 31, 2024
*
15:05 - We can see them blowing very far in the distance from Mukilteo! -Allie Macdonald
*
15:11 - There’s a big group on Mukilteo side too! Coming up behind.
14:50 - Leaders Entering Possession Sound hugging Whidbey coastline. 
14:46 - Looks like they’re charging towards Possession Sound. Just south of Possession Point. Passing the green buoy. 
14:38 - They are really charging northeast. Porpoising and fast!  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
14:40 - Near Picnic Point now.
14:30 - Group with the NOAA boat is in between Haines Wharf & Possession Boat Launch, midchannel. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
14:20 - A group of us have been watching from Picnic Point. Still tons of action closer to Kitsap side but they seem to be getting a little closer to our side. Still with NOAA boat. -Allison Dutton
*
14:15 - This southwest group is now milling/hunting/generally facing south instead of north.
14:00 - Seeing three distinct groups [approx. 47.877282, -122.409726]. The west two are heading north towards Admiralty, the east group is with the NOAA boat pointed towards Possession Point. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
13:50 - Calls over hydrophone. -Audrey Gao
*
13:31 - There’s a group of about 15 northbound in between Possession Point and Eglon. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
13:15 - Discussing their direction with a friend… I have decided they are going all of the directions. All of them. They have moved north in the triangle. But not really angled either direction. And sometimes they’re facing south. So I’ll go with “foraging in the north central triangle area”. -Sarah Geist
*
13:28 - Calls again.
13:07 - Calls over Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Audrey Gao
*
13:20 - I think they’re just foraging out in the triangle. No committed direction. I'm seeing orcas facing all directions. Viewing from Stamm.
12:51 - All northeast bound. Leaders in line with Double Bluff. Viewing from Stamm [approx. 47.872762, -122.410474]. -Sarah Geist
*
12:26 - Viewing from Sunset - huge group heading into Possession Sound - NOAA boat trailing. -Kas Alexis
*
11:54 - Still hearing lots of calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone, being covered by boat noise currently. -Lisa Wise
*
11:50 - Main group appears to have flipped south. Just north of Apple Tree Point Kingston. West side of shipping lanes. NOAA present. -Sara Frey
*
11:45 - Taken from Edmonds to Kingston ferry today. Beautiful morning to take a ferry ride and see the orcas. Group of 9-ish orcas milling out from Apple Tree Point in background. -photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, December 31, 2024
*
11:37 - Hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Patricia Prochaska
*
11:25 - A group in this area. Saw a couple breach [approx. 47.835580, -122.456151]. -Audrey Gao
*
11:15 - Out from Apple Tree Point Kingston to Haines. Mid to west. Pretty spread. Good surface stuff behind NOAA a ways. Might be trending west. Lots of whales. -Sara Frey
*
11:08 - Three to four viewing from Picnic Point for the last half hour milling about on the west side. -Rachel Domenic
*
10:50 - Large group seen north of Edmonds. Lots of splashing and leaping! Watching through binoculars from Kingston so hard to say how many exactly. -Lucy Falla
*
10:48 - Orcas in between Edmonds and Kingston. Saw two groups from the ferry heading to Kingston. -Dan Deiters
*
10:41 - Orca sighting, on the Edmonds to Kingston ferry this morning. -Sharon’s husband
*
10:40 - Just saw three to four orcas east of Kingston.  -Jayne Oberle
*
10:27 - Orcas south of ferry lane. -Audrey Gao
*
10:41 - From Sunset Ave to Apple Tree Point, big social group stalled mid channel just north of ferry lane. Breaching, tail slaps, pec slaps.
10:35 - Two groups parked in the ferry lane, just east of midchannel. One cuddle puddle north of the ferry lane.
10:20 - Seeing one foraging approx. here [47.872260, -122.430692]. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
10:45 - West of mid approaching Apple Tree Point.
10:20 - Ferry from Kingston… orcas spread across, north of ferry lanes. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
09:26 - I think I heard some faint squeaks over the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Audrey Gao
*
09:05 - Observed at least six to eight passing the Kingston/Edmonds ferry on the west side of the channel but they quickly moved east and I started hearing them on Sunset Bay. -Sara Frey
*
09:03 - Sara F called to report seeing at least four orcas, including one large male, south of Apple Tree Point, likely near Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. They are northbound, spread west side/midchannel
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Annie DeLeon
Date of Sighting: December 31, 2024
Time: 8:32 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: On Victoria Clipper to Vic
Direction of travel : Northwest
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was a ferry passenger
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
08:21 - Victoria Clipper V reports about 15 orcas, many males, northbound in the separation zone just north of West Point/Discovery Park. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 31 - Haro Strait (T75Bs & T99s minus T99Bs) - T99C Barakat - We went way out west between Victoria and the San Juans and found the T99's minus 99B and the T75B's! The whales were playful and were harassing the Ancient Murrelets that were on the water, practicing take down maneuvers! Some birds escaped unharmed. Happy New Year! Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, December 31, 2024
*
T99D Puck - T99C Barakat -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - New Year's Eve orcas! No better way to end the year than spending time with these magnificent creatures! Link to more photos.  -photos by Jennifer Swenson, December 31, 2024
*
16:46 - Calls seem to be louder on the Orcasound Haro hydrophone.
16:40 - Hearing very faint calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone.
15:21 - Hearing calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone.
15:07 - Now milling near the Zero Rock light.
14:38 - Orca sighting. Five to six moving north in Haro Strait close to the Canadian side west/northwest Lime Kiln. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Dec 31 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - From very far away and heavily cropped of Jack surfacing in Budd Inlet, in front of Burfoot Park. -photo by Kim Merriman, December 31, 2024
*
Jack and his family north of Burfoot Park but south of Boston Harbor Marina this afternoon. Just before they took a long dive and headed into Dana Passage.  -photos by Edie Baker, December 31, 2024
*
15:49 - Slowing heading north along Case Inlet on east side. Three orcas. Not yet to north end of Harstine.
15:32 - Still milling about. North of Herron Island. East side of Case Inlet.
15:18 - Case Inlet. North of Herron Island. -photos by Allie Williams Seidner, December 31, 2024
*
15:31 - Just north of Herron, across from Harstine toward the mainland. Seeing puffs and dorsal fins. -Reagan Carosino
*
15:06 - Northbound west side of Herron Island. Four orcas. -Cara P. Martin
*
14:30 - Heading north past Point Wilson, Harstine Island. Mid channel. -Katie Steinhoff
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jodi Kline
Date of Sighting: December 31, 2024
Time: 1:20 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Burfoot Park. Olympia
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
13:45 - Headed up Dana Passage.
13:20 - Viewing from Zangle Cove headed north towards Dana Passage. -Jocelyn Rae Finch
*
13:26 - Still heading north passing Little Fish Trap. Slow surfacing with LONG dives. Heading toward Dana Passage. Viewing from my deck across the water on Eld Inlet. -Kim Merriman
*
13:15 - Spotted from Boston Harbor marina, moving north fast. -Jennie Wike
*
13:11 - We saw them just before Boston Harbor a few minutes ago. They went down and have been down for a few minutes now. -Anna Marx
*
13:05 - Just passed Burfoot Park heading north. -Quin-Anne Hinrichs
*
T137 Loon, T137B Tempest, T137A Jack
13:00 - Taken as they were leaving Budd Inlet (just an iPhone video). Sorry for my loud breathing/stomping around [video in FB comments].
12:45 - They are about mid channel in Budd Inlet, out from Burfoot Park-ish (I’m viewing from a private residence so hard to tell exactly). Looks like they are moving slowly away from Olympia. -photo by Katie Christensen, December 31, 2024
*
12:38 - We can see some spouts across the water from Burfoot Park. -Melissa Layton
*
11:46 - Just now, just north of Squaxin Park! Heading toward Olympia. Also forgot to mention - I’m viewing from West Bay Marina in Olympia. They were spouting and moving slowly south in Budd Bay, hugging the eastern shore but nothing in 10 minutes or so… guessing they took a dive! Meanwhile, seals are active and splashing here at West Bay Marina. -Dawn Anderson
*
10:58 - They are heading slowly south into Budd Inlet approaching Burfoot Park. Very leisurely travel and not covering much distance. -Kim Merriman
*
10:36 - I see four of them from Boston Harbor Marina. Headed west. -Paul Davis
*
09:10 - Four orcas on the south end of Harstine Island, headed west towards Briscoe Point. -photo by Nick Wenzel, December 31, 2024
*
09:25 - They just passed our place on Point Wilson, still heading south. -Leslie Elliot
*
08:53- Good morning! My mom spotted orcas this morning. South sound, in Case Inlet. Seen just to the north of Joemma State Park, viewing from Point Wilson on Harstine Island. Looks like five to six hanging out between us and Joemma. Flurry of seagulls diving around the water, two eagles joined picked up something and flew to a tree in DW’s yard. Moving south now flapping their flukes. -Katie Steinhoff

December 30
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 30 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod & K Pod)
17:35 - [Js] Calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:22 - [Js] calls on Sunset Bay still. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:20 - Seeing several from Sunset Ave in Edmonds looking toward Possession, seem to be milling. -Kim Schouten Paulsen
*
15:50 - [Js] Hearing calls on Sunset Bay. -Patricia Prochaska
*
Mon, Dec 30 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Simon ffitch
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2024
Time: 4:26 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Central Puget Sound, off Bainbridge Is, approx Murden Cove, Yeomalt Point
Direction of travel : South, estimate 6-7 knots plus . My boat was travelling at 4-5 knots and they bypassed steadily.
Behaviors observed: Traveling, male was moving erratically for short period when first sighted, then moved steadlily south with female.
If orcas, any males?: appeared to be one male with tall fin
Any unusual markings?: none observed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was surprised there were not more. Transients perhaps. Didn't see a pod.
I was travelling from Shilshole to Eagle Harbor in a sailboat at about 4 knots.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
13:03 - 13:07 - At Point No Point Lighthouse. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, December 30, 2024
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-photo by Amy Fowler, December 30, 2024
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13:14 - [Js] group is south of Point No Point now, inshore of tug. Baby was in that group!
12:59 - [Js] >3 out in front of tug boat northwest of Point No Point. Cruising south!
12:55 - [Js] I thought the stragglers had passed Point No Point but now seeing another group of maybe 3 up north, heading south.
12:49 - [Js] still more north of Point No Point! -Amy K. Fowler
*
14:45 - Lots of surface activity, breaching here [approx. 47.835856, -122.460233]. Southbound with a group in front approaching the ferry.
14:40 - At least some out from Apple Tree Point Kingston southbound.
14:30 - Was seeing two groups west of mid around the Eglon area but lost them now.
13:55 - Can see north group, probably out from Eglon, southbound, west side. Long downtimes. -Sara Frey
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13:09 - 45 minutes ago - from between Norwegian Point and Point No Point [video in FB comments]. -Amber Brust
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11:41 - Group I’m watching (I think the trailers) are now moving southbound with a purpose.
11:30 - Seeing a large group foraging and surface active here-ish [approx. 47.975700, -122.591543]. -Sarah Geist
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bella Rana
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2024
Time: 4:21 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: About 25% of the way to Seattle from Bainbridge along the ferry route
Direction of travel : Traveling east along the Bainbridge to Seattle ferry route
Behaviors observed: Swimming parallel to ferry
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There could be more orcas than the ones I specifically saw that just didn't surface so the group could be bigger than 4
Photos available?: No
*
16:00 - Seeing splashes south of West Point. Viewing from Sunset Park. Direction unknown. -Deb Cronheim
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15:27 - 15:43 - one male, one female across from Discovery Park lighthouse headed south, still seeing them headed south. -Peter Seid
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15:13 - At least one large male viewing from Golden Gardens headed south. -Kim Schouten Paulsen
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14:45 - Saw at least four plus from Carkeek looking towards Fay Bainbridge southbound. -Kim Griggs
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14:11 - Very spread midchannel to west of. Many males. Fast southbound travel. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:04 - Viewing from Richmond Beach spread out! So many of them! -Andrea Schvaneveldt
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13:43 - My husband just saw two, possibly three through a telescope! We’re parked up the hill. -Kathleen Deetzia Linden
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13:52 - Very spread out. Some south of channel marker already.
13:46 - Group is midchannel between President Point and Point Wells.
13:42 - Spotted dorsal fins mid channel. Line of sight President Point to Stamm. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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13:21 - Approaching Kingston southbound viewing from Kayu. Bonus breach. -Beriah SoOrio
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13:15 - Spotted two near Kingston ferry now loosely spread out . Heading south. -Michelle Tynan
*
13:00 - Submarine passed by the orcas. Nearing ferry lanes, spread out, southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:55 - West group almost to the Edmonds/Kingston ferry.
12:41 - See breaching in the triangle well north of where I saw one a minute ago.
12:35 - Approaching Apple Tree Point Kingston. At least a few on the west side including adult male. Steady southbound travel mode. -Sara Frey
*
12:14 - A group out from Eglon, mid channel to slightly west of mid, traveling southbound. -Ashley S Whitman
*
11:55 - Seem to be going more southeast now. As they get closer south (to me at Eglon) they're disappearing to the east into the triangle…
11:48 - Looking north from Eglon, I can see orcas moving quickly south, west side of channel. Maybe out from Pilot Point? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:38 - A group is passing Point No Point Lighthouse, mid channel, southbound. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
11:05 - Some of them have rounded the point and are headed for Double Bluff. There's a pretty good ground swell I don't think I'm seeing much.
11:00 - The only whales I'm seeing from Point No Point are line of sight right at Mutiny Bay. Far in the distance only seeing blows from here. Past mid channel. -Jim Pasola
*
*They split around this point; some continued south in a hurry, while some took their time heading towards the Possession triangle*
*
10:55 - A group of 10-ish just passed Limpet Lane right off Whidbey shore. -Sarah Geist
*
10:41 - South of Bush Point. They are still mid-channel southbound. -Heidi Bruns Shank
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10:35 - Viewing from Shore Meadow. They are spread about a mile north/south. Still moving fast southbound. Whidbey side of mid. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:25 - Tight group bunched up north of Useless Bay Whidbey side of midchannel heading south. At least two adult males. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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10:17 - What I believe to be the trailers past Bush Point. Just east of mid channel marker. -Sarah Geist
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10:15 - Friends report spread out whales roughly midchannel passing Bush Point. Southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:52 - Viewing from South Lagoon. Whales are mid channel moving southbound and approaching the tip of Marrowstone. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
08:30 - Two groups of orcas 10-15 individuals spotted from Port Townsend to Coupeville Ferry currently on north side of Marrowstone heading south. Link to FB video. -photo by Seth Lecy, December 30, 2024
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08:13 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:48 to report: 0813hrs: SALISH Captain informs Ops the vessel is at all-stop as a precaution to allow safe passage for a pod of orcas. Captain will call Ops with further details of pod size, etc.
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08:24 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:48 to report: 0824hrs: SALISH Captain reports a pod of 17-20 orcas travelling south, located mid-channel on the PT/COUP route.
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 30 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - Luhr’s Landing/Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Link to more photos. -photos by Kelly Dawson, December 30, 2024
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T137A Jack - T137D Wright -photo by Randy Witter, December 30, 2024
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In Carr Inlet. Link to GIFs of breaches. -Randy Witter
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16:30 - I left the Anderson Island ferry terminal as the orcas were hugging the island heading west between Anderson and McNeil for a second time today. -Lane Sample
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16:07 - Orca just passing the Riviera Marina on Anderson Island heading toward Steilacoom. Halfway between Ketron and Anderson Islands. -June Juliano Huelskamp
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15:09 - Headed towards Steilacoom right now.  -Paul Davis
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15:01 - Going north possibly toward Ketron.
14:49 - They are traveling just going to pass Oro Bay.
14:32 - Breachfest at Nisqually directional changes. -Julie Davis
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14:47 - Orcas heading east close to Anderson shore coming up on Thompson's Cove. -Colleen Moe
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14:21 - Very active. Multiple breaches.
14.18 - Headed south.
14:13 - We are viewing them from Nisqually Nature Center. Near Swift sure whale watch boat. -Paul Davis
*
14:03 - Just watched them moving towards Tolmie from our beach on Johnson Point hugging south side of Anderson Island. Long deep dives. Whale watching boat is with them. -Lorrie Dozier Hall
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13:08 - Last spotted by us out past McNeil and Anderson out to LongBranch. Westbound.
12:51 - Near the McNeil ferry dock. Headed between McNeil and Anderson. Red towboat came in fast, did cut engine. -Celia Seiler
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12:59 - Just saw them between Anderson and McNeil. -Alicia Sessler
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2:25 - At the tip of McNeil looking like they’re going southbound towards Anderson; with Torry Chamberlayne.
12:03 - In front of Gertrude Island southbound.
11:45 - Seems like they’ve moved more mid channel as they travel southbound out of Carr.
11:18 - Southbound in Carr closer to Longbranch side surface active. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
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10:45 - Just saw Jack, woohoo, at Bella Bella, he's heading south mid channel. -Julie Davis
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10:34 - Viewing from Bella Bella . Headed south. Seeing blows and tail slaps. Closer to KP side it appears. -Torry Chamberlayne
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10:27 - Almost to Home area on Longbranch side.
10:10 - Still in the area off of Cutts Island/Kopachuck mid channel heading south, but now have taken a deep dive. -Michael Rodenbaugh
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10:40 - Big one also favoring Gig Harbor side [approx. 47.275323, -122.701363], best guess for next viewing is Bella Bella, but who knows? They keep us guessing!
10:30 - One more BIG one mid-channel hanging out [approx. 47.291375, -122.714737].
10:15 - Three spotted from Forest Beach - Key Peninsula side, moving quickly southbound. Fingers crossed for the folks at Penrose! -Deanna Foster Goldberg
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09:35 - Headed south. Currently mid-channel between Cutts Island and Glen Cove.
09:15 - Finally on the move headed south. Moving very slow. Mid-channel off of Raft Island.
08:50 - Still there. Not as active. 5 confirmed. No direction at this time.
08:30 - Orca outside Minter Creek [north end of Carr Inlet]. No direction. 4-5. Likely just made a kill. -Randy Witter
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Mon, Dec 30 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Katie Kahle
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2024
Time: 3:28 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Iceberg Point [Lopez Island]
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Dec 30 - San Juans
15:30 - Four humpbacks headed south through Griffin Bay looks like they are headed towards Cattle Pass. -Val Young-Berglund [WSSJI]
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Mon, Dec 30 - Tacoma Narrows
15:25 - We are at Narrows Park (under the 2 Narrows bridges) and spoke with a lady who saw the Swiftsure go by on Tacoma side along with some spouts.  -Jill Freeman
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15:21 - Just leaving. Very small. Just north of the span.
15:08 - Juvenile humpback here northbound [approx. 47.262272, -122.552359].  -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Dec 30 - Saratoga Passage
15:25 - Now seeing blows further out from Fox and closer to mid channel, trending south. I wonder if that's a second gray.
15:06 - Gray blowing out a ways from Fox Spit. I'm viewing from Camano Island State Park. -Krista Paulino
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Mon, Dec 30 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: December 30, 2024
Time: 3:40 PM
Species seen: Possible Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Lat 48.014 Lon -122.268 between Hat Island and Priest Point
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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10:55 - Gray heading west towards [Hat Island] marina, slow cruise  -Steve Brown [HIWS]

December 29
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 29 - San Juan Channel (J Pod)
16:59 - SRKW on the North San Juan Channel hydrophone! -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 29 - Gulf Islands, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mercedes Thurber
Date of Sighting: December 29, 2024
Time: 2:13 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: 48.85410° N, 123.48886° W, Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island
Direction of travel : Southeast
Behaviors observed: Hunting? Traveling?
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Sun, Dec 29 - Haro Strait - Pod of Bigg’s in Haro Strait. Link to Youtube video. -Gerald Graham
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16:52 - They moved off to the west through Baynes Channel.
15:11 - Hearing some calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone.
15:00 - Just passing Phyllis Park on the Canadian side. Headed south/southwest.
14:40 - Orca sighting, mid Haro, due west of Lime Kiln. A few boats are with them. Headed south. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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Sun, Dec 29 - Puget Sound (T137s) - T137A Jack making a swift pass between President Point & Richmond Beach early this afternoon. -photo by Ashley Alecci Goninan, December 29, 2024
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Caught them from Rolling Bay this afternoon [video in FB comments]. -Molly Ehlinger
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16:39 - Orcas by Southworth ferry. -Becky Taylor
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16:27 - They were on a kill circling… deep dives now I lost them.
16:21 - They are just about to head down Colvos at Southworth southbound.
16:11 - West side of Blake going southbound. -Noelle Morris
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15:47 - Beautiful blows southbound mid channel just north of Manchester cargo ships view from Constellation Park. -Mary Hartmann
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15:35 - They’re near red buoy off the tip of Fort Ward.
15:24 - They passed Blakely Rock. -Audrey Gao
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15:24 - They are approaching Alki, they spent 15 min hunting across Rockaway Beach. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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15:03 - They are in this area for around 10 minutes [approx. 47.631721, -122.469496]. -Audrey Gao
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15:00 - Orcas appear to be on a kill going back and forth in outer Elliot Bay west of midchannel. Seattle to Bainbridge Island - Pritchard Park viewing. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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14:47 - Passing Eagle Harbor (viewed from above Pritchard). -Halle Friedman
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14:32 - Seeing them between Skiff Point and Yeomalt Point on Bainbridge southbound. -Shannon Boss
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14:30 - They are passing Manitou Beach, southbound, Kitsap side.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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14:20 - All whales have passed West Point lighthouse continuing southbound… west of midchannel. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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14:00 - Spotted from Sunset Park, south of Fay Bainbridge, Bainbridge side. Southbound.  -Deb Cronheim
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13:45 - They are now heading out of Port Madison. 
13:42 - Looks like they are heading deep into Port Madison. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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13:38 - Orcas north of Point Monroe (north end Bainbridge) southbound south end of outer edge Port Madison close to Kitsap side.
13:12 - Just after last posting saw an exhalation sightline south of Jefferson Head (from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park) but have not seen anyone since (now 13:26). Visibility is good, there is some chop and white caps so not sure if just long down times or? 
13:10 - A male at least is just approaching Jefferson Head close to Kitsap side. Steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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13:11 - Passed Point Jefferson and heading into Port Madison area.  -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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13:01 - Seen from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. -Wren Haaland
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13:00 - Steady southbound.
12:55 - Right out front of President Point now! Milling around. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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12:42 - Just finished a meal continuing south. One mile north of President Point. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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12:31 - They are out of Kingston ferry terminal, mid channel and heading south.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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12:32 - I still can see them far from Kingston. Slowly heading south in the middle of the channel [approx. 47.779501, -122.456896]. But looks like they stopped.
12:13 - Looks like they are still heading east to Edmonds [approx. 47.800064, -122.463136].
12:10 - I can see them from far away from Kingston ferry station. Looks like they are going east. Long dives now. -Andoni Arrambide
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T137D Wright
12:00 - Near Apple Tree Point. The three female spent about 5 minutes taking down a seal. Jack stayed at about 100 feet away, almost logging, as if he was not allowed to participate in the hunt, maybe because of the recent wound. Then they switched back to travel mode southbound. -photo by Yanwei Cai, December 29, 2024
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12:05 - One male - Jack! - T137 family heading toward ferry line viewing from Swiftsure southbound [videos in FB comments].
11:47 - Out on Swiftsure today. Seeing a large male dorsal [approx. 47.827004, -122.443226 (2 mi. NW of Edmonds)]. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
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11:57 - Southbound Apple Cove Point. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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10:40 - Directly in front of Cultus Bay and appear to still be westbound. -Dori Johnson
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10:30 - T137s went south past Possession Point. Currently westbound just past the green marker south of Possession Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:20 - We seemed to have just missed them passing Possession Waterfront, catching a glimpse only of a large male southbound Whidbey side. -Lewann Babler
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09:40 - Several orcas quickly SB [southbound] just south of Clinton/Mukilteo ferry. Closer to Whidbey Island side. At least one male. -Theresa Mitchel
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GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Dec 29 - Saratoga Passage
14:06 - Can see from Fox Spit as well. -Victoria Crenshaw
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15:13 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - gray whale north bound - north of Baby Island. -Linda Aitkins
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13:55 - Viewing from Swiftsure [approx. 48.104991, -122.448646 (2 mi. NW of Mabana)]. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
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13:39 - One gray here [approx. 48.106579, -122.445823 (2 mi. NW of Mabana]]. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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Sun, Dec 29 - Possession Sound
13:30 - One gray off the southeast end of Hat Island! -Sarah Sadid
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08:24 - There is a grey whale feeding in front of the north breakwater [on Hat Island]. -Barb Conwell [HIWS]

December 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 28 - Haro Strait (T34s, T37s, T37As, T38As, T49As, T75Bs, T75Cs, T124As) - Nothing like saving the best for last! Today we headed out on the water with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching for their last trip of 2024 and what will likely be our last whale encounter of 2024 as well, and we ended up encountering what was by far our largest group of Bigg's killer whales this year! Bigg's were heard vocalizing on the Lime Kiln hydrophone off and on for many hours overnight, so we had a very good feeling to start the day. On our way out, a friend picked them up in northern Haro, and relayed "There are a lot of whales here!" He wasn't kidding! We're estimating there were close to 40 animals present. There were so many calves and juveniles, and interestingly not any adult males. We ourselves saw for sure T37A4, the T37s, T38As, T49As, T75Cs, and T124As but there were several groups we didn't get to. We'll have to take a closer look at our photos and consult with our colleagues who were out there to get a final tally, but what an impressive day. Here's one photo to start of T75C and her youngest, T75C4, who was seen for the first time a year ago this month! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, December 28, 2024
*
After lots of going through photos and conversing with colleagues we think we've dialed in who all was present for that T Party in Haro Strait a few days ago: T34s/T37s, T37As, T38As, T49As, T75Bs, T75Cs, T77s, T124As. Our current count is 37 whales! It's by far the largest group of Bigg's we've encountered in 2024. The family groups were all mixed up and with a number of juvenile whales present it seemed that identifying the calves might prove difficult. But there was one little one in particular who had me stumped, and after a few days of comparing notes with other researchers at Center for Whale Research and Bay Cetology the conclusion is it is likely a new calf for T38A! It will take a few more encounters to confirm, but I'm amazed we were able to help document a "new" whale at all amidst that chaos. It speaks to the value of collaboration across various research groups and community scientists (with a nod too to Maya's Legacy Whale Watching for hosting us that day!) to more accurately document what's going on with these whales. Here's Jason's video highlight compilation from our memorable encounter. Link to video. -Orca Behavior Institute
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10:50 - A T Party has been picked up northbound between D’Arcy and Sidney Islands - undoubtedly the source of the overnight vocals.  -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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06:50 - 08:00 - Was so amazing [listening to Bigg’s calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone]! -Tracey Leslie [WSSJI]
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01:44 - Hearing faint calls - maybe Biggs? -Bambi Miller [WSSJI]
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Sat, Dec 28 - Saratoga Passage (T137s) - T137A going by East Point. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 28, 2024
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16:35 - Saw them from the Clinton ferry terminal going around the south side of Hat Island heading east. -Vanessa Ahrendt
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15:58 - Females seen from Sandy Point. Jack had passed 5 minutes earlier heading south. -Jeff Meredith
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15:56 - Females at bottom of Camano.
15:50 - Southbound passing Sandy Point. Only saw Jack.
15:43 - Approaching bottom of Camano. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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15:15 - We just encountered 3 females three nautical miles northeast of Langley headed to Langley [southbound] [approx. 48.067053, -122.438763]. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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14:36 - The three females are passing Baby Island now, still slow northbound. Still long downtimes.
14:21 - The group milling was three females as far as we could see. They began going northbound again, long downtimes.
14:07 - We see a few milling around between Fox Spit and south of Baby Island.
13:38 - They are actually split a bit, some past Fox Spit as well.
13:34 - Approaching Fox Spit now, northbound, Whidbey side. -Charvet Drucker
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13:42 - All four now present north east of Baby Island. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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13:09 - Moving north now.
13:00 - T137A milling out from Saratoga Woods, Whidbey side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:40 - Just past Langley now. One bull so far. Heading northwest. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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12:40 - One large male in Saratoga Passage. Seen from Langley heading north through passage. May be the same group of three but only saw one. [Follow up:] You guys, I was gifted a pair of binoculars finally for my December birthday. This is the first time I’ve asked my family (husband and kids) to come with me to whale watch and as you can imagine, I don’t get the chance to even look very often. We are from Puyallup, and wanted to test out my new “nocklee-uhs” (as my son would call them). Even with no reports yet, we headed up for an adventure. Went to the museum first, and as we were there got the report about Hat. As we were walking back to town, we saw the male traveling through the passage, from shore, no binoculars needed! My kids and I were screeching. It’s all three of their first time seeing an Orca and it was MAGIC. If you’ve made it this far- THANK YOU to this community. You all are contributing to magic moments like this and it is much appreciated. -Nikki Gould
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11:40 - Three orcas passing northwest corner of Hat Island northbound, 100 yds offshore. -Lori Christopher
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HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Dec 28 - San Juans
18:39 - Humpbacks off Mineral Point 20 minutes ago heading north. -Nina Crocker [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Dec 28 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kdee Daberko
Date of Sighting: December 28, 2024
Time: 4:03 PM
Species seen: Gray whale + no dorsal fin
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Greenbànk Saratoga Passage
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Seemed to be milling around. Only saw spouts
If orcas, any males?: N/A
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Stuck around for 30-40 minutes
Photos available?: No
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14:50 - Little Patch still feeding close to shore, north Hidden Beach.
14:06 - Feeding off of Hidden Beach. PSE following now. -Jaime Shields
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14:20 - CRC53 close in just north of Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:23 - We see the grey whale right now in Hidden Beach. -Stephanie Spear
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13:06 - Whale watchers boat and possible grey whale south west of Camano State Park closer to Whidbey side. -David Stroh
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13:05 - Confirmed it is Little Patch. Still feeding close to shore just south of Hidden Beach.
12:30 - Feeding by Hidden Beach. South. Not sure if it’s Little Patch yet. -photo by Jaime Shields, December 28, 2024
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Sat, Dec 28 - Lower Saratoga Passage
12:42 - One gray close to Whidbey northwest of Langley now. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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11:12 - Viewing from Mabana - seeing what appears to be a gray whale moving northbound straight across from us. Whidbey side of midchannel. -Linda Aitkins
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10:14 - Still watching him.
10:06 - Just spotted in Langley, headed north. -Deanna Hume-Cheatwood
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10:08 - Seems to milling Whidbey side of mid channel, off Langley just north of marina. Been watching for about 20 minutes. Several minutes between blows. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
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09:35 - Baleen whale mid channel in Saratoga Passage just west of Sandy Point headed north. -Luanne Seymour

December 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 27 - Plumper Sound, BC (T37A4 & T124As) - T37A4 Crinkle on right
12:30 - 13:00 - This group of about seven transient orcas came through Plumper Sound (by Pender Island, BC). They may have had a calf with them. They successfully hunted a seal and then booked it south. Link to more photos. -photos by Janie Mack, December 27, 2024
*
Fri, Dec 27 - Saanich Inlet, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jim Grier
Date of Sighting: December 27, 2024
Time: 3:21 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Patricia Bay BC.
Direction of travel : North west.
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?: Yes one large 5-6 ft fin. Second individual was much smaller
Any unusual markings?: Slight notch lower half of dorsal fin.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were definitely travelling and appeared several times within half mile or so that we watch them.
Photos available?: No
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Fri, Dec 27 - Haro Strait
07:50 - Two to three killer whales heading up island towards Henry. Very close to shore. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
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Fri, Dec 27 - Possession Sound (T37A, T37A2, T137s) - T137s -photo by Hannah Collinge, December 27, 2024
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T137A Jack & T137D Wright -photo by Cara Dana, December 27, 2024
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14:36 - Mid channel southbound between Stamm (viewpoint) and Point No Point. -Beriah SoOrio
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14:12 - Passed Possession boat launch with some speed. Counted five animals. Continued southbound.  -Kevin Phillips
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14:08 - Past Possession boat launch. -Sarah Geist
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13:45 - T137s have passed Glendale southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:40 - Others north of Glendale coming south. Sara G spotted Inky coming back heading towards Glendale from southwest of us.
13:38 - Inky has passed Glendale Whidbey side of mid channel. Possibly another near but haven’t seen the group or Jack. Southbound with long down times. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:30 - North of Glendale but steady approach southbound Whidbey side.
13:18 - South of ferry dock southbound. They cruised in close to the docking ferry. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:21 - They stalled out just south of Hat for about 20 minutes, but look to be continuing south now. Whidbey side. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
13:14 - I saw a male dorsal fin north of ferry lanes heading south. Whidbey side. -Audrey Gao
*
13:13 - Seeing three to four between ferry dock and Hat Island, heading south, stealth mode now. -Francie L Dailer
*
12:45 - Saw orcas from ferry between Hat Island and Whidbey southbound towards Clinton, Whidbey side. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:49 - I have 37A2.
12:39 - Whales are southbound between Hat and Whidbey. More than 137s here. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:07 - Passing Sandy Point southbound. Three orca for sure. One big male.
12:04 - Saw two southbound at Sandy Point, large male, mid channel closer to Whidbey mid. Three orca. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
11:30 - Orcas are southbound, south of Langley from my perspective at Mabana. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:06 - Hello: we have at least 5 orcas in Saratoga out from Mabana also a gray whale. Can't tell direction. Thanks to Susan John for spotting them. -Linda Aitkins  -photo by by Susan John, December 27, 2024
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Dec 27 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
14:56 - Moving slowly south.
14:45 - Directly across from Hidden Beach, Camano side. -Shannon Ivins
*
14:00 - 53 is about one and a half nautical miles northeast of Hidden Beach heading south. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
*
12:30 - Little Patch has moved offshore at least quarter to half mile. He is just hanging around out there, no obvious direction. He may be done feeding in the Cove (as opposed to circling back in). I’m heading out. Viewing conditions have deteriorated. The abundance of scoters and other sea birds in that area, and the relationships, is always just as fascinating as watching the grays themselves.
12:15 - Little Patch still circling around feeding. Moves offshore couple hundred yards moves back in. Currently still in small cove northwest of Hidden Beach parking lot.
11:45 - Can confirm 53 Little Patch. Circling around feeding slow trend east as he goes about his feeding.
11:30 - Gray back in cove feeding north side Hidden Beach. Presume Little Patch. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
11:12 - Little Patch has shimmied north a bit.
10:55 - He has moved into the cove and is feeding.
10:10 - Grey whale northbound 150 yards off HB [Hidden Beach] ... It’s LP [Little Patch] and he is just milling around. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
Fri, Dec 27 - Lower Saratoga Passage
11:06 - Out from Mabana a gray whale [likely CRC531 Gretchen]. Can't tell direction. [Per Serena, this was a secondhand report]. -Linda Aitkins

December 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Dec 26 - Strait of Georgia - Off Lasqueti Island, BC. -photos by Lynn Sprague, December 26, 2024
*
OFFSHORE KILLER WHALES -
Thu, Dec 26 - Monterey Bay, CA - Whale watching in Monterey Bay, CA. Unprecedented amount of orcas! They say 60+ so amazing! Explained as offshore orcas versus the typical transient orcas typically seen in the area. Link to more photos & videos. -photos by Kari Dummer, December 26, 2024
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Dec 26 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
12:59 - Still out at Hidden Beach heading out.
12:23 - I got eyes on him. -Eliseanna Morrison
*
11:56 - I am still looking at Little Patch feeding at Hidden Beach. -Sarah Geist
*
Thu, Dec 26 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - CRC531 Gretchen feeding off Mabana. Link to more photos. -photo & ID by Serena Tierra, December 26, 2024
*
-photos by Marilyn Armbruster, December 26, 2024
*
13:40 - Saw the grey that was feeding off Mabana here [approx. 48.102048, -122.449649]. -Kasey Shepard
*
13:07 - I'm assuming she continued northbound, I haven't seen any blows in over 10 minutes. Was doing long dives before that.
12:51 - Starting to move north, north of Mabana now.
12:42 - Still feeding at Mabana. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:23 - Viewing from south of Langley and can see blow out from shore nearish Mabana area. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:15 - Gray has moved north of the Mabana boat launch, still feeding.
11:50 - Gray feeding at Mabana! -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:16 - Confirmed. Little Patch at Hidden Beach.
10:57 - Grey whale in the cove north of Hidden Beach. -Sarah Geist
*
10:00 - Heading northwest middish channel approx. between Langley Marina and Pebble Beach.
09:40 - Baleen whale, possibly grey, northwest bound west of Sandy Point heading towards mid channel. -Marilyn Armbruster

December 25
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 25 - Admiralty Inlet (Presume J Pod & K Pod)
12:19 - Hearing more calls just now… they've not left. 
10:46 - 10:47 - After stretch of silence, just heard a call.
10:28 - Southern Residents vocalizing on Bush Point, Whidbey hydrophone! -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
01:36 - Faint SRKW calls/chatter on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Ashley S Whitman
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 25 - Port Susan/Possession Sound
16:45 - After moving south from south of Mukilteo Lighthouse Beach we’ve been looking from Haines Wharf for the past 45 minutes hoping to catch them coming south with no luck. We did not have camera so cannot ID, but for description sake: fins resembled those of T34s and make up was 2-3 females and very young one. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
15:42 - Just briefly caught them south of Mukilteo. Looked like two females and a young one, southbound pretty quickly on the mainland side. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
15:40 - JUST missed them heading south at Mukilteo Beach. They were moving so fast! -Tiffany Nash
*
15:35 - We saw them in Mukilteo. Worked real hard to see them all day and then they just swam by. There were about 5 of them, and they passed by very close to the shoreline. -photo by Karen Le, December 25, 2024
*
14:30 - Southbound orcas spotted along northwest side of Hat Island. -Lori Christopher
*
11:05 - Still northbound. At least 3, maybe 4. Hard to tell [approx. 48.181765, -122.430865].
10:37 - [Orcas] North/northwestbound [approx. 48.152958, -122.426371]. -A
*
09:50 - At least 3 Christmas Day orcas, mid channel, heading north. Just past Tillicum Beach boat launch. -Kimberly [PSWW chat]
*
Wed, Dec 25 - Saratoga Passage (T37A, T37A2, T137s)
16:03 - 6 orcas reported off Hidden Beach, no direction. -WA app
*
T137A Jack - T37A2 Inky
13:52 - 37As and 137s just passed Hidden Beach close to shore. They were southbound. Haven’t seen them come back up. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 25, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nick Thorsvig
Date of Sighting: December 25, 2024
Time: 1:24 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48.1494445, -122.5702528 (1 mi. N of Hidden Beach)
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Wed, Dec 25 - Puget Sound
13:12 - Just saw four orcas heading south past President's Point Kingston. -Judy Kimelman
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Dec 25 - San Juans
15:36 - The whale is still out there 50 minutes now.
14:47 - Just had a humpback breach! He or she is heading toward Reuben Tarte Park! Now! -Cari Larsen Scheef [WSSJI]

December 24
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 24 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - J61 in the middle - J38 Cookie - From Bainbridge Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Anthony Cummins, December 24, 2024
*
From Rockaway Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Catherine Alvarado Soto, December 24, 2024
*
16:14 - From Lowman right in front of the giant boat ahead of Blake Island. -Jeff Meredith
*
16:06 - Viewing from Bainbridge at South Beach [approx. 47.555424, -122.447297]. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
16:06 - Seem to be hanging around this area [approx. 47.566444, -122.438723].
15:51 - Some activity and jumping around.
15:47 - Watching from North Vashon. They seem to be passing Alki Point Lighthouse, mid channel and pointed towards the Vashon/Fauntleroy ferry lanes. -Leo Medina
*
15:31 - Some passing north end of Blake Island.
15:28 - From Emma Schmitz, I see some blows south of the ships anchored off Manchester, still southbound. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
15:28 - They are super spread out! There was a group still up near Blakely Rocks as the Bainbridge ferry came in. -Amy K. Fowler
*
15:19 - Another group just passed Rockaway Beach, mid channel.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
15:13 - One just south of the yellow channel marker, off Fort Ward South Beach.
15:06 - One popped up right behind that boat proceeding northward by Fort Ward South Beach.
15:03 - Seen from Alki but much closer to Bainbridge side, hugging the northern end of Fort Ward’s South Beach. -Jeff Meredith
*
14:59 - Seeing lots of blows east of Rockaway looks like some are heading east.
14:40 - Viewing from Magnolia. See blows between the buoy near tip of Fort Ward. -Audrey Gao
*
14:57 - A few more just passed Rockaway Beach, east of mid, and still southbound.
14:28 - Viewing from Rockaway Beach, some moved to the east, closer to Seattle. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
14:35 - On Bainbridge ferry from Seattle saw at least two near Rockaway heading east. -Ricky Lambert
*
14:30 - I now have a new Christmas Eve tradition of hanging out with Jpod. Thank you to everyone that is always so willing to share their knowledge and the location of these amazing whales. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and new year! Creosote Park Bainbridge Island. -photo by Amber Irvine, December 24, 2024
*
14:15 - Five to six orcas spotted off the Seattle Bainbridge ferry at 14:15 heading south towards Vashon. There was definitely one very big dorsal fin! -Delaney Russell
*
14:06 - Seen from Magnolia Blvd at Parkmont - over by Bainbridge and mid channel - at least four moving south. -Jennie Struijk
*
14:00 - Seen from Pritchard on Bainbridge. Mid channel, southbound. -Brian Meier
*
13:45 - Viewing from Sunset Hill there are southbound fins from a line through West Point (leaders) to the turning circle yellow buoy off Rolling Bay in Bainbridge. A cargo ship just showed they are all west of the northbound lane. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
13:30 - Seen on Bainbridge across from Discovery! -Anya Rifkin
*
13:26 - Seen from Fay Bainbridge southbound. -Wendy Secrist
*
13:15 - Still southbound, west side mid channel, spread out, still viewing from Sunset Park though they’re getting closer to Discovery now. -Imma Dahlia
*
13:15 - Watching what I think are the leaders approaching yellow buoy off West Point. West side of midchannel. Still southbound. -Michelle Goll
*
13:11 - Watching from Golden Gardens! They are on the other side of the channel near a boat that appears too close to them. I saw at least three fins including one that was very large. Using a spotting scope. -Stephanie Celt
*
13:09 - I’m at the south end of Shilshole and can see some breaching all the way across towards Bainbridge.  -Andrée Hurley
*
13:00 - There’s still a group of at least five just southish of Fay Bainbridge, midchannel. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:56 - Many more whales spread across channel moving quickly south between Bainbridge and mid Shilshole.
12:49 - Orcas midchannel southbound between Shilshole and Bainbridge north to south spread in 3 small groups, more behind them southbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:39 - They all seem to be south of the Richmond to Fay Bainbridge line now. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
2:36 - Viewing at least six, spread out mid channel from Sunset Park/Golden Gardens, southbound. -Imma Dahlia
*
12:35 - Viewing from Sunset, Point Madison in background, three southbound, east of mid, one male.  -Deb Cronheim
*
12:29 - I'm at Golden Gardens and saw one dorsal north of here closer to Richmond. -Ricky Lambert
*
12:29 - Watching them from Carkeek mid channel southbound. -Denise Joines
*
12:26 - Seeing a couple blows pretty far south from Richmond Beach. Mid channel southbound. -Audrey Gao
*
12:25 - I’m not sure if the leaders are still steady southbound around Carkeek/Golden Gardens, but there’s a group of at least 20-ish hunting in between Richmond + Faye Bainbridge + Port Madison.
12:13 - There are actually 10 or so that are kind of eastbound, directly towards Richmond. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:18 - Five minutes ago I saw a couple south/southeast bound. Some milling mid channel.
12:06 - Mid channel southbound. Viewing from Richmond Beach. -Audrey Gao
*
12:04 - Mid channel going south. Viewing from President Point neighborhood. -Joe Griffin-Harte
*
11:55 - Southbound, really spread out in singles/small groups, occasionally surface active with a bigger group that’s hunting near Port Madison [approx. 47.746025, -122.422188]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:22 - I’m just north of President Point… I’m now seeing them south bound in front of the refinery. On the east side of the center. -Trish Moylan Davis
*
11:20 - Just south of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry and southbound. Confirmed from here on Apple Tree Point and neighbors are on the ferry. -Sara Frey
*
10:40 - Saw them on the north side of ferry heading from Edmonds to Kingston. -Kim Griggs
*
10:23 - Hearing calls. -Orca Network
*
10:02 - On the Sunset hydrophone  -Cheryl Harmon
*
08:45 - Victoria Clipper V confirms SRKW west of traffic lanes, milling 3 miles south of Sierra Echo buoy (near Pilot Point by my estimation). -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 24 - Bellingham Bay
16:40 - I saw at least two killer whale (looked like female + juvenile) swimming northeast towards downtown Bellingham from Boulevard Park! -photo by Adam, December 24, 2024
*
Tue, Dec 24 - Rosario Strait
14:30 - I didn't have service to update but I saw the tail end of these guys around 14:30 They were super far offshore near Green Point at Washington Park headed south, but closer to Bird Rocks and Lopez. Moving super fast and saw several surfaces. Definitely three to four orcas. Didn't see a male. Saw them one more time but way far away after they were under water for about 10 minutes. So glad I caught them! -Caitlyn Blair
*
11:57 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:26 to report: 1157hrs: Vessel [SAMISH] reports they are slowing for a pod of 2-3 orcas milling about in the vicinity of James Island.
*
Tue, Dec 24 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Anne Wilson
Date of Sighting: December 24, 2024
Time: 12:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Off Fort Casey grass fields
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling, circling, jumping
If orcas, any males?: One 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 -photos by Anne Wilson, December 24, 2024
*
Tue, Dec 24 - Penn Cove/Saratoga Passage/Skagit Bay (T137s)
16:35 - Continued west bound towards Polnell Point but still more east of there middle of the channel. Definitely four orcas. And formation just like that I've seen from the T137s. Loon and Tempest in the front, Jack and Wright in the back next to each other.
16:18 - Now between Utsalady Bay and Mariners Cove west bound.
16:09 - I got them. West bound from Skagit Bay. Approaching Mariners Cove mid to Whidbey side of channel. There are four orcas. -Kevin Phillips
*
14:30 - 14:45 - Watched 3 orcas from the [Strawberry Point] beach swim through Skagit Bay and up towards Deception Pass. Watched them fish and breach for about 30 minutes! -Morgan Rezak [PSWS]
*
14:15 - At least a single orca east bound by Maple Grove. -Larry Trim [CWW] 
*
13:23 - Here-ish [approx. 48.268333, -122.582740]. 
12:56 - Here-ish [approx. 48.253111, -122.610299].
12:49 - At least two are eastbound on the Oak Harbor side of the channel. Update: milling. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:14 - East[bound]. 3 [orcas]. They just left the cove.
12:08 - At least one orca in Penn Cove. Time to ring the bell! -Zach Street
*
Tue, Dec 24 - Saratoga Passage (T37A & T37A2)
15:32 - Viewing from East Point, orca are SLOWLY southbound, Camano side of mid. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
14:49 - Orcas southbound Camano side of midchannel off south end of Camano Island State Park. -Serena TIerra, Orca Network
*
14:32 - At least two orcas coming north of Hidden Beach - midchannel from our view.
14:00 - Orcas north of Cama State Park - south bound. -Linda Aitkins
*
13:00 - Orcas off Camano Island, Washington Rocky Point on northwest side headed south down Saratoga Passage. -Joan Schrammeck [CWW]
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T37A Volker & T37A2 Inky -back of camera photo by Serena Tierra, December 24, 2024
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GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Dec 24 - Saratoga Passage
14:40 - Gray northbound midchannel north of Baby Island. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Tue, Dec 24 - Admiralty Inlet
14:03 - Had headed more towards the south, further away from us.
13:45 - Watching baleen whale off Fort Casey, south side. It has headed more towards the ferry, so [traveling] east. -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren

December 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 23 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - J61 surfacing - From Stamm Overlook! Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, December 23, 2024
*
18:33 - Faint squeals on Sunset hydrophone. -Brooke Thompson
*
17:09 - I might be hearing calls now. -Kristen Stram Pempel
*
16:20 - Still out there [approx. 47.839653, -122.409081], heading northeast. -Silvana Giuseppina Iosue
*
15:54 - I heard some very faint calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone (and some super loud thuds?). -Amy K. Fowler
*
15:45 - Watching from Sunset Ave in Edmonds and they’re pretty far out in the Possession Triangle. They seem to be treading northeast, but way out there. Line of sight is in the middle between Point No Point and Useless Bay. -Michelle Goll
*
15:21 - They are heading north again, just passed the Edmond’s ferry port. -Silvana Giuseppina Iosue
*
15:10 - Definitely northbound looking but still milling now from Off Leash Edmonds. -Kristin Mackenzie, Orca Network
*
14:57 - Just saw them from the Edmonds Kingston ferry just south of the marina. -Dave Davenport
*
14:55 - Still visible from Marina Beach Park. Boats with them. Mid-channel? -Laura Bestor Riedel
*
14:37 - Beautiful orca viewing from Marina Beach Park, very slowly moving southbound close to shore. Research boat with them! -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
14:24 - Currently stalled out north of Point Wells. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
14:20 - Viewing from above Point Wells. At least 6 orcas in two groups northbound heading towards the Edmonds Marina on the Edmonds side of the water. -Lynn Baker
*
14:18 - They are very viewable from the Edmonds pier. -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
14:10 - [From the Edmonds Marina].  -photo by Silvana Giuseppina Iosue, December 23, 2024
*
13:48 - There are a a few just passing the ferry-heading south. Assume they’re the leaders. Others still further north towards Possession. Visible w/o binoculars from Sunset. -Jaymi Davison Garvett
*
13:44 - Orca in between the Kingston ferry in Edmonds, spread out. -Sue Coccia
*
13:42 - Seeing them across from Edmonds pier, Heading to Kingston in the ferry lane. -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
J36 Alki -ID by Katie Onthesalishsea
13:39 - Off Edmonds pier. -photo by Tracy Kuenzer, December 23, 2024
*
13:36 - Viewing from Sunset Beach. Lead group of four getting close to Edmonds ferry lane/dock area. Others trailing and spread out, heading southbound mid to east channel. Grouped between research boat and other boats. -Kristin Mackenzie, Orca Network
*
13:35 - A big group is approaching the Edmonds ferry terminal now, southbound, with several other groups trailing. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
13:35 - I saw them a few minutes ago and there were four of them that I spotted. One was very small. Is that the new baby? -Jeannie Dubois Kiewicz-Brooks
*
13:35 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:36 to report: PUYALLUP Captain reports 12 Orcas SB closer to Edmonds.
*
13:24 - I can see them from Sunset Ave in Edmond, near the sailboat and research boat. -Kristine Stevens
*
My dad and sisters first time spotting! They said it was a Christmas miracle. -Isabelle Ivankovich Busby
*
13:20 - Viewing from south of Haines Wharf out by some small boat. -June Mansfield
*
13:13 - Viewing from Edmonds pier, full body breaches, splashing [approx. 47.882319, -122.421561]! -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
13:11 - Still southbound, passing Stamm now, mainland side. This baby is so dang cute. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
13:08 - Still there, seen from ferry in distance. Circle above is accurate. -Linda Groat
*
12:42 - Viewing from Sunset Beach. Still foraging in the triangle. Lots of directional changes. Spread out in this area [approx. 47.870360, -122.390657]. NOAA boat with the most western group (I think). -Kristin Mackenzie, Orca Network
*
12:31 - I can hear them on the Sunset hydrophone finally, I always miss them, so beautiful.  -Julie Davis
*
12:29 - The eastern group is traveling more steady southwest bound now. Main group is in between Stamm and Eglon/Point No Point, slowly southbound.
12:06 - Really spread out [approx. 47.877535, -122.414430]. Seeing a big group on the east side, around Picnic Point + Haines Wharf, foraging and milling, but there are also some in between Stamm + Cultus Bay and then more further west, angled deep into the Triangle.
11:50 - Here-ish [approx. 47.884710, -122.365101], generally southbound, but look to be milling/foraging. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:05 - Still hearing calls, clicks, buzzes on Sunset Bay, also sounds like something cronching on the hydrophone now. -Amy K. Fowler
*
11:56 - Viewing from Haines Wharf park, seeing four to five of them. -Kavita Makdani
*
11:30 - Group of five to seven here and headed west [approx. 47.889891, -122.409675]. -Isabelle Ivankovich Busby
*
11:11 - Had a bunch pass Possession. But all have flipped and are southbound now. -Sarah Geist
*
11:12 - Looks like a flip. Southbound.
10:52 - Viewing from Glendale-seeing distant blows, mid to other, northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:00 - Seeing fins and blows approx. here [47.907822, -122.354998]. Northbound travel but stopping to forage at times. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
11:00 - Saw this couple hanging out at Possession Triangle from Picnic Point. -photo by Ernie Yip, December 23, 2024
*
10:42 - After ferry noise finally abates, clear S01 calls at two distinct received amplitudes -- suggesting communication between groups at different ranges from the hydrophone... -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
10:39 - One group passing Possession boat launch. -Sarah Geist
*
10:29 - Just south of Possession Point. Looking like they are headed towards Mukilteo-Whidbey side of channel.
10:12 - Viewing straight out from Picnic Point. About mid channel. Lots of surface activity - seem to just be hanging out.  -Tiffany Nash
*
10:24 - More and more coming into view. Seeing full bodies now. Possession. -Sarah Geist 
*
10:20 - Echolocation clicks and a buzz on the Sunset Bay hydrophone!
10:14 - S17 and S16 calls - K pod favorites - on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. Review here. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
10:07 - Can see blows and dorsals with binos from Possession boat launch. -Sarah Geist
*
10:00 - Loud beautiful calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:52 - Spread out in the circle [approx. 47.883913, -122.384714] foraging and trending northeast. A few large males. Looks good for J pod.
09:11 - J47 ID’d in lead group that passed Edmonds Dive Park northbound. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
09:48 - Seeing blows from Haines Wharf. Looks like they are further mid channel now. -Diana Pham
*
09:20 - Currently seeing a group of them in the area circled on the picture [approx. 47.827285, -122.412052]. Just north of Edmonds/Kingston Ferry lane heading north towards south Whidbey. -Stephanie Brenaman
*
09:15 - From Edmonds Marina dog park. -photo by Maya Trujillo Hunter, December 23, 2024
*
09:15 - Hearing faint calls, sounds like Js. -Nikol Damato, Orca Network
*
09:04 - Just saw a pod swimming north past Edmonds marina (side note I don’t know direction but when looking at water they went right!). Probably headed to Mukilteo. -Maya Trujillo Hunter
*
09:02 - Sara F called to report orcas off Apple Tree Point, appear to be northbound. They are in the shipping lanes and others are likely spread to the east.
*
09:02 - More calls being heard now that ship noise is somewhat quieter. -Orca Network
*
08:46 - Faint Southern Resident calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone amidst heavy vessel noise. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Aubrey Nesti
Date of Sighting: December 23, 2024
Time: 8:58 AM
Species seen: Dolphin [orca - confirmed J & K pods]
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: On the Edmonds ferry just after leaving the dock
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 have a video, not the best quality. If you would like me to email it let me know
Photos available?: No
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Dec 23 - Possession Sound 
12:11 - Right as the ferry came in I saw him swimming toward it going south. I don’t know if he passed the ferry before it came in but I’ve been sitting here north of the dock and haven’t seen him again yet [video in FB comments]! -Emily Horton
*
12:20 - Southbound in front of Mukilteo Ivars, close to the shoreline.
11:43 - Just north of the Mukilteo ferry dock. Between the ferry dock and the blue cranes.
11:30 - Humpback still in the same area.
10:20 - Humpback between Mukilteo ferry terminal and mt baker terminal headed north. -Melissa Simmons, WSF 
*
09:58 - Humpback spotted briefly Mukilteo side of Whidbey. -Nima Fale
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Dec 23 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
15:24 - #53 is westbound off of Fox Spit. -Trevor Tillman, PSE

December 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 22 - Possession Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - J and K pods as they passed Glendale Beach on Whidbey Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 22, 2024
*
Mon, Dec 23 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - From Edmonds pier looking towards Whidbey Island. -photo by Tracy Kuenzer, December 23, 2024
*
Sun, Dec 22 - Possession Sound (J Pod & K Pod) - Members of J and K pods (including new born J61) passing Possession Park on a blustery day, continuing their prolonged stay in Puget Sound feasting on Chum salmon. -photos by Sandy Pollard, December 22, 2024
*
Male is J38 Cookie - Spent the day keeping track of sightings of Endangered Southern Resident orcas J Pod! Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, December 22, 2024
*
20:08 - Still hearing intermittent calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone.
18:13 - Still hearing them. -Joe Dreimiller
*
18:03 - Hearing orca calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
*
16:30 - Last groups slowly moving from Apple Tree Point south towards the Kingston ferry. Leaders may already be past the ferry. Slow and west side of the shipping lanes - Kitsap side.
16:05 - Have slowed off Apple Tree Point - still slowly trending to ferry line.
16:00 - West shipping lanes just north of Apple Tree Point heading to Edmonds/Kingston ferry. Lots of surface activity. Bit spread north to south.
15:40 - Seeing them around the same spot, traveling southbound. At least some are in the west shipping lanes, approaching Apple Tree Point. Probably a bit south of Eglon. -Sara Frey
*
15:30 - Pod of at least six orcas heading south mid channel just north of Kingston currently. They are quite active jumping out of the water but we are currently too far off for a good photo. -Tom Rider
*
14:15 - They are here milling. Lots of breaches, etc [approx. 47.855234, -122.483847 (1 mi. SE of Eglon)]. -Sara Frey
*
13:04 - Viewing from Edmonds pier. Way over east [corrected to west] side south of Possession Point. -Dorothy Jacobsen
*
13:03 - Trailing group still east of mid channel while others are spread east to west.
13:01 - Viewing from Sunset Ave. spread between Eglon and Point No Point. Steady southbound. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Miranda Coldren
Date of Sighting: December 22, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Seen off of Edmonds but they looked close to Double Bluff on Whidbey
Direction of travel : moving south and then north east
Behaviors observed: Breaching
If orcas, any males?: a couple of males at least
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
12:33 - Spotted at Stamm, I’d assume still proceeding southbound. -Jeff Meredith
*
12:15 - In Annie Lenox voice, “Here comes the rain again… falling on my head like a memory…” All of our friends are southbound towards the Edmonds ferry lanes.
12:05 - Viewing from south end of Whidbey. Looks like all are trending southbound. Trailers passing green channel marker now. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:53 - Leaders committing south towards Edmonds on east side of channel. Trailing Ks now past Possession Point. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
11:46 - They are continuing to head south on the east side of the buoy leaving my viewing area. Looking to be passing Picnic Pont next. Enjoy.
11:42 - First group of 10? headed south towards the buoy. Second group of eight or more just passed the tip of Whidbey (Possession Point) also headed towards the buoy. -Ed Pearson
*
11:40 - Can confirm both Js and Ks mid channel off Possession Point State Park steady southbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
11:40 - Seeing a group clustered together of what appears to be the J17s. Not 100% sure because the camera view finder is small but I think I saw J47.  -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
11:33 - Continuing south almost to Possession Point State Park. -Ed Pearson
*
11:22 - Leaders southbound passing Possession Point waterfront, mid channel. -Lewann Babler
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Stephanie Norman
Date of Sighting: December 22, 2024
Time: 11:12 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 20
Where seen: Glendale, Possession Sound 47.93428° N, 122.33804° W
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling, porpoising and multiple full breaches
If orcas, any males?: 10
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
11:15 - Trailers passing Glendale southbound. From Glendale earlier: trailing group had Ks for sure. [Js present as well].
10:55 - Many southbound approaching Glendale, spread out. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:50 - Still hanging out in this area just south of the Clinton ferry.
10:41 - They appear to be milling still south of the Clinton ferry. 
10:30 - Southbound at the moment.
10:29 - More orcas just south of the Clinton ferry near the beach side. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
10:30 - Viewing from Brighton. Possible flip south. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
10:29 - Still far, but below Hat Island.
10:24 - Viewing from Sandy Point. Just saw breach behind sailboat. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
10:23 - They were just north of the ferry lanes, but they are heading south into them again. Long down times moving slow.  -Paul Kelly
*
10:23 - They were milling about just north of Clinton ferry lanes. Some tail slaps. Now heading back south approaching ferry lanes. 
10:13 - They are now headed mid channel more towards Saratoga Passage.
10:02 - They are mid channel closer to maybe Mukilteo headed towards Everett. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
J47 Notch - At Mukilteo heading northbound and then up by Hat Island. -photos by Tracy Kuenzer, December 22, 2024
*
09:54 - I see the rest heading north. Between Clinton terminal and this freighter [approx. 47.974851, -122.294610].
09:44 - Heading south. About to cross the Mukilteo ferry path. -David Vetter
*
09:49 - They were milling just north of Glendale. Headed back north. Counted around ten in that group with more north of them. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
09:16 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: T/S reports 4 Orca south of the [Mukilteo] terminal.
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tina Lerner
Date of Sighting: December 22, 2024
Time: 9:14 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Possession Sound, south of the Clinton dock
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Hunting, milling,
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
09:17 - I can see two male and two female, possibly more spread out.
09:10 - Orcas mid channel at Clinton/Mukilteo ferry crossing headed northbound. In a distance. Can’t see how many. -photo by Melissa Simmons, December 22, 2024
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Dec 22 - San Juans
16:16 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Master of the SEALTH reports 3 orca north bound off Rosario strait and reef point.
*
08:30 - Saw them from the WSF Samish off Upright Head - only one surfacing cycle but they appeared to be heading southeast. Possibly including T49A2. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
07:55 - WSF Sealth to WSF Ops - two orcas at Flat Point headed north. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Dec 22 - San Juans
14:00 - San Juans by Allan Island [corrected to James Island, Rosario Strait]. Out with PSE [video shows humpback]. Link to FB video. -Nicki Ourada
*
DOLPHINS -
Sun, Dec 22 - Admiralty Inlet
12:33 - Just encountered about a dozen pacific white sided dolphins off of Admiralty Head! Maybe [trending] north? Mostly milling and bow riding. -Trevor Tillman, PSE

December 21
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 21 - North Puget Sound (K Pod)
16:35 - Male southbound, well past Fay.
16:31 - Viewing from Golden Gardens, directly across to Fay Bainbridge. Fin and giant splash. Southbound, mid. -Deb Cronheim
*
16:27 - Seeing a couple mid channel just southwest of Carkeek Park. -Bambi Miller
*
16:00 - Here-ish, southbound [approx. 47.726378, -122.441428]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
15:43 - Multiple breaches just now and lots of birds hovering above the area! So beautiful! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
15:25 - Southbound just south of Kingston, still north of the yellow channel marker, midchannel. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
13:48 - Still audible when I stopped listening.
13:21 - Tuned back in around 13:10 and have been hearing K pod on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
13:23 - From Eglon, saw male dorsal fin twice headed south bound, mid channel. Haven’t spotted again. -Britt Henshaw Martin
*
11:56 - These are SRKW. Edmonds northbound. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
*
11:30 - This was about last we saw them before squall interfered with visibility: At minimum 6-8 orcas continue northbound through Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes spread out. Includes at least two males. Rain/rain squall making for sometimes sh*tty visibility.
11:21 - Second male east of mid channel.
11:19 - Male in line with Kingston transect Kayu Kayu…and several about quarter mile south of Kingston steady northbound mid channel.
11:11 - Male orca northbound off yellow mid channel buoy off Kayu Kayu Richmond Beach. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Craig Bray
Date of Sighting: December 21, 2024
Time: 10:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: (47.6510099, -122.4499373) Mouth of Elliott Bay near Magnolia.
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Surfacing. Some directional changes.
If orcas, any males?: Yes. At least 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One juvenile, teenager?
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Matt Hall
Date of Sighting: December 21, 2024
Time: 9:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Off magnolia approx. 47.6322333, -122.4153083
Direction of travel : S, SW
Behaviors observed: Traveling and at least one big splash
If orcas, any males?: Unsure.
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: N/a
Photos available?: No
*
09:15 - Still approaching West Point spread all across channel some surface activity with long down times in between, northbound.
08:55 - Approaching West Point lighthouse midchannel headed north. -Jami Cantrell
*
08:14 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:19 to report: 0812hrs: SEA/BREM/BI vessels notified of a pod of northbound orcas currently located north of Alki Point.
*
0814hrs: TACOMA reports they've spotted 5 orcas, located in the northbound traffic lanes.
*
Sat, Dec 21 - Colvos Passage/East Passage (J Pod) - J61 in the middle - From J Pod’s close pass by Three Tree Point. Link to more photos. -photos by Connor O'Brien, December 21, 2024
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J61 next to mom J35 Tahlequah - J47 Notch & J57 Phoenix - Jpod made me face the elements today bringing their new calf to Tacoma! Link to more photos. -photos by Amber Stanfill, December 21, 2024
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Jpod with new baby in the South Sound. Weather was definitely a challenge but it didn’t stop people from coming to see the SRKWs at Dunes Peninsula Park at Point Defiance. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, December 21, 2024
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J35 Tahlequah & J61 -photos by Rachel Haight, December 21, 2024
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From Point Defiance. -photos by Ryan Dicks, December 21, 2024
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16:42 - From Colman Pool. Some close to shore another further out. -photo by Mary Hartmann, December 21, 2024
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16:42 - Close pass at sunset from Lincoln Park, winter solstice. -photo by Robin Sinner, December 21, 2024
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Caught a breach off Owens Beach, Tacoma. Link to FB reel. -Geneva Aims
*
16:47 - Just passing Vashon ferry dock northbound.
16:36 - From Lowman, can see several just before the Vashon radio towers, east of the barge, northbound. -Trileigh Tucker
*
16:30 - Approaching Fauntleroy ferry terminal. -Orca Network
*
16:11 - Seeing spouts from Lincoln Park/Colman Pool. Just rounded the point. -Ann Ventic
*
15:53 - Spotted from Seahurst midchannel. -Jeff Meredith
*
15:40 - Group passed super close to Three Tree Point - northbound. -Orca Network
*
15:30 - We just saw them 20 minutes ago between Point Robinson and Des Moines. -Kelly Stonelake
*
15:25 - Leaders have passed Three Tree Point closer to mainland side. -Connor O'Brien
*
14:54 - Trailers right about here going north [approx. 47.402495, -122.353666]. -Jami Cantrell
*
14:47 - I am currently sitting in the parking lot by the creek in the Des Moines, Marina/fishing pier and there’s at least two if not, three that are passing by right now that are mid channel but closer to Des Moines side of the channel. -Amanda Aird Penland
*
14:17 - They’re just passing Point Robinson now. They are mid channel and pretty spread out. Still northbound. -Annette Messitt
*
14:00 - Moving north [approx. 47.359644, -122.370406].
13:51 - Visible southeast from Point Robinson, mid channel. -David Michael
*
13:10 - Mid channel near Gold Beach (as seen from above The Ram on Ruston Way). -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
13:10 - Best thing I’ve ever seen with my own eyes. Thank you so much to this group [video in FB comments]. -Cody Ashleigh
*
13:02 - Last spot we had them heading north viewed from Dune Peninsula. Good luck. They were a little past Maury kind of mid channel, it's been yucky out.
12:32 - They flipped so they are in front of Dune now.
11:43 - Breaching end of Owen, some went around the corner already. -Julie Davis
*
12:30 - Still eastbound, trending north/northeast. No longer have eyes on them and unfortunately this is all the time I can spend with these beautiful beings today. They were split into two groups. Leading group was the larger, with a calf (not sure which one) noted in the smaller trailing group. -Ashley S Whitman
*
12:12 - Group in lanes eastbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:10 - Still visible off Dune. -Jeff Meredith
*
12:26 - Some are just east of the ferry and some farther northeast just saw an amazing breach! Wish we were on the ferry.
12:08 - Moving east in front of ferry.
11:58 - Seeing them straight out from Owen beautiful! -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
12:00 - Watching from ferry- they’re headed back towards Owen. -Jenna Thomas
*
11:56 - Still seeing from Dune out toward Owen, there are directional changes. -Julie Davis
*
11:48 - They flipped back northbound. Viewing out west from Owens Beach. -Torry Chamberlayne
*
11:43 - A few breaches between Owen/end of the peninsula and the entrance of Colvos. Midchannel as seen from Gig Harbor. -Mollie Segall
*
11:30 - Been stalled here-ish [approx. 47.328556, -122.529518]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:27 - Little far off, but thank you for helping me find my first J Pod viewing! Off Owen Beach. -Adrienne Miles
*
11:08 - Nearing orange buoys at south end of Vashon heading west. -Paul Davis
*
11:05 - Spot at least ten.
11:02 - Maybe four headed west in front of ferry off Dune. -Joe Smith
*
10:56 - Heading westbound again approaching ferry lane. From Dune [approx. 47.325402, -122.474276]. -Patti Trosper
*
10:55 - Viewing from south tip of Maury seeing lots fins all pointed west milling off Neil Point Vashon side. -Anna Stuart Olive
*
10:54 - Splashes seen from Brown’s but much closer to Gig Harbor side. -Jeff Meredith
*
10:53 - Still seeing them from Dunes heading west.
10:25 - I'm still seeing one from Northern Fish, big male anniversary orcas for us going east. -Julie Davis
*
10:47 - Seeing them mid channel in front of Dune. -Paul Davis
*
10:44 - Trending west into Dalco, just crossing Quartermaster. Surface active.
10:19 - Direction change, seeing a group now northwest bound. -Brooke Casanova
*
10:08 - Saw one heading east near Quartermaster. -Paul Davis
*
10:08 - Seeing them from Katie Downs heading east spread out in Commencement. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:00 - Seeing six plus. Heading towards Browns Point/Commencement Bay. -Joe Smith
*
10:10 - There's a few stragglers passing Brown's now.
10:05 - Leaders are here heading towards Chinese Reconciliation Park [approx. 47.301194, -122.470499].
09:49 - Currently eastbound, viewing from Dune [approx. 47.318886, -122.487322]. -Patti Trosper
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sharon Allsup
Date of Sighting: December 21, 2024
Time: 9:51 AM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Dalco Passage
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Fog-mist obscuring vision; took about five minutes to confirm through a scope that the blips were indeed orca dorsals (neither an adult male) and not tree debris appearing through the waves. Both were east of the ferry, on a line between Dash Point to just south of Owens Beach. Probably more than two
Photos available?:
*
09:50 - There is a lot of them. They're passing the tip of Maury right now and they're way spread out. We counted at least 13! -Da Is
*
Sat, Dec 21 - Puget Sound (K Pod)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Matt Fiess
Date of Sighting: December 21, 2024
Time: 9:40 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: South of West Point at Discovery Park
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?: Not sure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: While standing on the bluffs at Discovery Park, I spotted 4-5 orcas south of West Point Lighthouse. They were traveling north close to the distance offshore the yellow buoy is off of West Point. There were two males together, one or two smaller dorsal fins travelling apart from the two males, and one smaller dorsal fin traveling right next to one of the orcas with a larger dorsal fin. I watched them until they got close to the yellow buoy off of West Point. Then I walked down from the bluffs to the shore north of the lighthouse, but could not relocate them.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Matt Fiess, December 21, 2024
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09:45 - Off Dune foraging and moving east. Lots of breaching.
09:34 - Moving east in Dalco breaching, these appear to be residents. -David Michael
*
09:34 - A group either broke off or I can't see the others but they're heading towards the Tacoma side mid-channel from the Vashon and Ruston [video in FB comments].
09:25 - Breach!!!
09:24 - They resurface they're still at Dunes Point. There seems to be lots of them.
09:18 - Track them out of Colvos and they were pacing pretty fast towards Owen. There are at least two or three but they were traveling fast and moving lots of water so it was hard to see. They either deep dive and I don't see them, or which direction they ended up going. -Da Is
*
09:08 - Just passed Sea Cliff. Heading south toward Sunrise Beach. Probably at least six? -Jan Bowman
*
09:12 - Seeing possibly up to ten, at least one large male spread out, generally moving south. Lots of surface activity, may be hunting [approx. 47.330056, -122.543283].
09:05 - Exiting Colvos, southbound Vashon side. -David Michael
*
08:00 - Report of orcas headed south in Colvos near Lisabuela. -Sound Action
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sat, Dec 21 - Haro Strait
09:34 - Five to six [Bigg’s] orca, just north of Lime Kiln, northbound. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES -
Sat, Dec 21 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Daniela Velazque
Date of Sighting: December 21, 2024
Time: 7:54 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 48.16357° N, 123.39661° W
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: No males. Small females, I assumed
Any unusual markings?: Open saddle. They both looked very small!
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw them traveling on the Coho ferry to Vancouver. They looked like they were heading into the Port Angeles harbor.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Daniela Velazquez, December 21, 2024
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Dec 21 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
14:47 - Moving a bit faster northbound between Mabana and Bells Beach.
14:38 - Very slowly drifting north.
14:31 - Just saw a blow midchannel out from Mabana boat launch. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:37 - Definitely in travel mode. Heading north.
13:30 - Passing mid channel in front of Langley. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 21, 2024
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13:02 - Little Patch CRC-53 has swam more towards Camano Island in the passage. PSE boat is around him at this time. -Kevin Phillips
*
12:54 - Between Sandy Point & Langley. WS, direction unknown. Whale boat right here too. -Heather Hardin
*
12:35 - Little Patch feeding just west of Sandy Point. -Michele Tosh Brodsky
*
12:42 - He may have stopped feeding as he has moved a little more westerly towards Langley Marina. Video [in FB comments] of around noonish.
11:30 - 12:25 - Video taken high bank west of Sandy Point. He’s still feeding here.
11:17 - Little Patch feeding west of Sandy Point, Whidbey.  -Marilyn Armbruster

December 20
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 20 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)
17:10 - Js have continued northbound, now just south of Richmond Beach/Jefferson Head. They are spread wide from east to west, at least those I can see.
16:58 - In waning light been watching several J pod members for the past 10 minutes or so spread out generally northwest of Meadow Point, Golden Gardens, east of mid channel. See map for general location. All making slow trend northbound with some milling [approx. 47.693702, -122.435451]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
*
16:40 - Can see them on east side off Golden Gardens milling. -Lea Kane
*
16:24 - There was some tail slapping and spy-hopping north of West Point. Northbound. -Michelle Goll
*
16:12 - [SRKWs] Orcas turned after passing West Point and are going north again now. -Christian Schormann
*
16:20 - Consistent northbound travel observed from Sunset Hill Park. Groups spread from West Point to leaders near Fay Bainbridge.
16:00 - Matt Leaman and I are seeing multiple fins milling off West Point. There may be a directional shift from southbound to northbound…
15:27 - Trailers southbound just past West Point. Photo zoomed from Sunset Hill Park. Edit: Those weren’t the trailers… somewhere in the middle of the pack. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
16:06 - Quite a few are consistently northbound. The sun is down and we’ll lose visibility soon.
15:53 - It seemed like most had passed West Point southbound but now there’s a lot of milling and direction changes just to the south.
15:39 - Kitsap ferry going very fast for as many orcas are all around.
15:15 - Seeing a male southbound coming up on West Point/Discovery Park, closer to east side of channel and when I look around they just at the lighthouse too! -Michelle Goll
*
15:04 - Still a few milling around! Just spotted in front of Shilshole marina. -Erin Giraffe
*
14:54 - Looking through big binoculars from up on the bluff above Golden Gardens and they’re still so tiny!
14:45 - Spotted about five to six orcas (including what appears to be two males) to the west off Golden Gardens headed southbound at a pretty quick pace. -Jennifer Greiner Clark
*
14:36 - Viewing from Golden Gardens Park. -Tim Couch
*
14:30 - I was cruising south from Edmonds today and directly two miles west of Shillshole Marina I saw a pod of ~15 of these beauties. Link to more photos. -photos by Shawn Kennedy, December 20, 2024
*
14:15 - Yes, still viewing but they’re trending south. -Kas Alexis
*
13:34 - Headed southwest mid channel currently viewing from Richmond Beach.  -Maia Jewell
*
12:50 - Spotted male dorsal heading south. Line of sight President Point to a bit north of Point Wells Tank Farm.  -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
12:45 - Viewing from Edmonds heading south. Mid channel! -Julie Harris Martin
*
12:28 - Confirmed southbound (in the northbound shipping lanes).
12:24 - Red pin (approximate) [47.811798, -122.444148]. -Ben Blankenship
*
12:15 - Just seen about four orcas on regular Kingston Edmonds ferry. -Karra Torasdottir
*
12:02 - Seeing one orca to the right of the ferry, south of the freighter, to the left of the little boat. Sorry for bad reporting! It’s cold and I’m too excited! -Linda Raines Tyner
*
11:59 - Viewing from Kingston Edmonds ferry! Southbound, look closer to the north end of Kingston. Lots of surface activity. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
11:40 - Spread a bit west side approaching the Edmonds/Kingston ferry. -Sara Frey
*
11:34 - From Marina Beach Park in Edmonds we can see several spouts between Eglon and Kingston. No direction. And difficult to say with water distortion but looks to be close to Kingston side. -Nick Buxton
*
11:30 - Off Apple Tree Point, southbound, lots on west side. Lots of surface activity! -Sara Frey
*
09:50 - They have slowly trended north and now just southwest of Possession Point. 
09:15 - Still in the same spot as Clipper reported 30 minutes ago. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
09:11 - Calls still going behind the boat/ship noise. -Kevin Phillips
*
08:47- Still loud J calls. -Orca Network
*
08:43 - Victoria Clipper V spotted SRKW this morning at 47 51N, 122 28w heading southeast. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
08:37 - Louder calls now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
08:29 - Calls on Sunset Bay Hydrophone. Have been going since around 08:15 or so. There was boat noise but it has since stopped.  -Kevin Phillips:
*
08:15 - SRKW calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Ashley Whitman 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Dec 20 - Admiralty Inlet (T36As minus T36A1s & T68Cs) - T68C3 Jacobsen & T68C3A - T36A Leland & T36A5 - Admiralty Inlet, taken from Lagoon and Bush Points. T68Cs and T36As sans T36A1 and T36A1A. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 20, 2024
*
T68C6 - T36A2 Kailas - Sometimes, when you're looking for faaaar away orcas, some pop up right in front of you. Crazy day with friends and surprise transient orcas. Pictures taken from Lagoon Point and Bush Point, on Whidbey Island. Link to more photos & video. -photos & IDs by Sarah Geist, December 20, 2024
*
T36A Leland - From Bush Point. -photos by Kevin Phillips, December 20, 2024
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Off Fort Casey State Park (Whidbey). I was as surprised as the sea lions were with this fast traveling pod of orca showing up. I see a baby in the group. Link to more photos. -photos by Don Clotfelter, December 20, 2024
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14:13 - South now passed Bush Point nice beautiful pass close to shore [video in FB comments]. -Silver Hubble
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14:12 - From Bush Point [video in FB comments]. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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14:02 - Heading a little more west now appears to be maybe six or seven in this group it almost looks like there could be a little one?
13:46 - Got them again still heading south now Bush Point to Lagoon Point line of sight. -Silver Hubble
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13:55 - Still north of Bush Point. I see a calf with this group.
13:46 - Southbound viewing from Bush Point boat launch. These guys are right under the rainbow! -Kevin Phillips
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13:38 - Can see them approaching Bush Point. Still a bit north. These are Ts.
13:37 - Last line of sight surface [from Bush Point boat launch] was Lagoon Point - could see blows. Been a few minutes since I last saw them. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:00 - Orcas close to shore south Lagoon Point, Whidbey, southbound.  -Friends of Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Fri, Dec 20 - Admiralty Inlet (T37/T37Bs & others) - From Fort Flagler Beach. -Sarah Llywellyn
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16:08 - Pardon the super shaky video, I was videoing through my binoculars for the first time.
15:55 - Continued south past Bush Point mid channel beautiful back lit blows. I’ll have to look and see what my video came out like I tried to take one through my binoculars just to get the full effect. This seemed like a very large group.
15:29 - Steady southbound mid channel coming up upon the Nordland area I believe.
15:04 - Line of sight for seeing this group is about here of course with the tanker going past now I’m probably not going to see anything for a little bit.
14:45 - This group is now visible with binoculars from Bush Point Sandpiper Road end heading south. -Silver Hubble
*
13:01 - Headed back to work but they're still in that exact same spot.
12:47 - I am able to see them in approximately the same location that was last posted from Port Townsend. -Jennifer Taylor
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12:05 - Stalled approx. here - might have views from the battery at Fort Flagler [approx. 48.103050, -122.708708]. 
11:53 - They are so far, three to four miles from me, but some splashes you can see naked eye they're so huge. But even in binos, they're hard to see. From Fort Casey.
11:50 - Still stalled, many breaches, cartwheels, porpoising, lunging, etc. Presume Ts on a hunt. 5-7 seems accurate.
11:44 - Approx. same area, maybe further southwest now, still milling. Earlier they looked aimed to Fort Flagler, currently they do not.
11:37 - Some milling, big splashes.
11:35 - Here-ish south/southeastbound [48.111427, -122.708609 (.5 Mi. N of Ft. Flagler)]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:19 - Killer whales milling north of Fort Flagler in Port Townsend Bay right now. Looks like five to seven. Can't stay to wait to see where they go. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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11:03 - Orcasound listener detected nice clear Bigg’s calls on the Port Townsend Marine Science Center hydrophone! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Dec 20 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - Video of Little Patch. Link to FB video. -Marilyn Armbruster
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I saw him for a quick minute before he headed towards Camano. -photo by Mel Nasby, December 20, 2024
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Little Patch -photos by Kevin Phillips, December 20, 2024
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15:53 - Here comes the sun… a rainbow… and Little Patch. -Janet Moody
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16:20 - Still at Hidden Beach but now southbound.
15:40 - About 150 yards from Hidden Beach.
15:20 - Little Patch still circling. Looks like they might be heading closer to Hidden Beach.
14:20 - Little Patch is approximately the same spot as the map above. -photos by Jaime Shields, December 20, 2024
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13:16 - Little Patch southbound approx. my map point [48.119259, -122.531575].
13:03 - Woke up from the nap/feeding and took off south. Currently between Baby Island and Hidden Beach… headed towards Langley.
12:53 - On the move southbound from Hidden Beach.
12:51 - Still in the exact same spot at 40 minutes ago. He takes three to five breaths then down for a few minutes then back to breath again. Repeating... and not moving north or south east or west.
12:11 - Feeding or resting in the deeper waters right in front of Hidden Beach. Approx. 150 yards out from shore. Give or take.
11:56 - Pushed back out in the passage - trending a bit southbound.
11:40 - Back into cove just north of Hidden Beach.
11:32 - Pushed out into passage a bit was trending north. Leisurely.
11:23 - Little Patch is actively feeding in the cove just north of Hidden Beach. -Kevin Phillips
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10:50 - Still in the same spot :: heart-shaped blow. -Janet Moody
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09:40 - Feeding along the north edge of the cove. Tide is super high so can't walk the beach further down to where he's at.
09:25 - Pesumably gray whale Little Patch just off Hidden Beach, Whidbey, trending north towards the cove just north of the parking lot.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network

December 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Dec 19 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)
18:03 - Hearing calls on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. 
15:35 - It was pouring outside and we had to leave, but they were heading south. 
15:10 - They moved slightly east, out from Eglon. 
14:47 - Viewing from Eglon beach, the research boat and some whales heading south (north from us), mid channel.  -photo by Catherine Alvarado Soto, December 19, 2024
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15:00 - [SRKWs] They are now half way between Pilot Point and Eglon beach. -Kim Page
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14:47 - Another group of at least 10 is southbound rounding the bend at Point No Point. Midchannel.
14:32 - They rounded the bend and are headed into the triangle now. Kitsap side but headed southeast.
14:09 - All grouped up and heading south toward Point No Point. Viewing from Norwegian. -Jenny Klis
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13:38 - Seeing three fins, including one adult male trending southwest about two miles northeast of Point No Point.  -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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12:49 - Many orcas northbound not sure if committed to Admiralty Inlet or not, but trending that way. -Kevin Phillips
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12:42 - Interesting potential call-and-response going on for last 10 minutes and continuing live now on the Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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12:32 - Seeing some in the distance from Stamm - definitely trending north/towards the west side of Whidbey. -Kas Alexis
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12:16 - Research vessel is with a group that is sneaking up the west side of Whidbey Island. Like Alice mentioned big breach trending northbound all others spread all over from Edmonds north. -Kevin Phillips
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12:15 - Slowly trending north just south west of Possession Point. Big breach, lots of birds coming down. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:33 - Through binoculars, seeing many whales traveling northeast-ish... from the southwest side of Possession triangle.
11:31 - WDFW research boat is out here in the Possession triangle with the residents. Look for the orange zodiac. North of Kingston ferry terminal from my view point. -Kevin Phillips
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11:24 - We saw some splashes but that’s it! -Alyssa McDonald Plut
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11:18 - I have sight on a smaller group north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. Northbound. With some multi directional others. Viewing from Possession Shores.
11:11 - Nice group approx. at my pin spot milling/foraging [47.883023, -122.403988]. -Kevin Phillips
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11:00 - Just saw a couple more west of the submarine out of Eglon.
10:50 - I saw one large male surface a few times just east of the shipping lanes in front of the submarine I was watching pass by, north east of Apple Cove Point.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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10:55 - What a wild, multiuse watershed we live in. Whales are in between Stamm and Eglon, seem to be traveling more consistently south now, but still slowly.
09:54 - Staying down for a long time and seem to be resting, very slowly. Generally pointed southbound but staying in the same place [approx. 47.850943, -122.407364].
09:36 - Funny side note: they’re being sooooo slooooowwwwww. I just counted a baby tail slap that took 6 seconds.
09:31 - Still spread out in the triangle in several groups. One group is feasting & playing further northwest in the triangle, south of Scatchet Head. Another group is slowly southbound much closer to the mainland side, and then there are several more spread inbetween.
09:29 - They’re milling & foraging right now.
09:15 - Milling here [approx. 47.860002, -122.403426]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound 
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09:32 - Viewing from Edmonds facing northwest, they're grouped around that white fishing boat. Six at least, one male between Maxwelton and Possession Point. -Rubie H Baker
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09:19 - Seeing them just southwest Haines Wharf - west of mid channel. -June Mansfield
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09:19 - Still chatting up a storm. -Grace McRae
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09:15 - Sounds like an orca party on Sunset Bay hydrophone! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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08:39 - Faint calls and clicks on Sunset Bay hydrophone. Sounds like J Pod! -Orca Network
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08:07 - Large pod heading north just passed behind ferry on Edmonds side of Kingston/Edmonds ferry... that was biggest group then more pretty spread out. -Casey Bizelli
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08:20 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:20 to report: PUYALLUP reports via 800MHz they have come to all-stop at EDM [Edmonds-Kingston ferry] for the northbound pod reported by SPOKANE.
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08:04 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:12 to report: Vessel [SPOKANE] reports via 800MHz they've spotted 4 orcas heading north just off Pt. Wells.
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Dec 19 - Haro Strait
22:10 - Bigg's orca calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Dec 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch)
16:12 - Hidden Beach headed south. -photo by Dallas Braham, December 19, 2024
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14:51 - Sweet blows from the gray at Hidden Beach. -Janet Moody
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CRC53 Little Patch
14:22 - Hidden Beach. I've got eyes on a grey whale just south of Hidden Beach. Just past the forage buoys. I believe northbound… -photo by Kevin Phillips, December 19, 2024
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10:45 - Northbound near Camp Diana area Camano side of passage. A few miles north of Mabana Shores.
10:30 - Baleen whale north of Mabana Shores appearing to be milling Camano side of passage [approx. 48.101459, -122.441646]. -Marilyn Armbruster

December 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 18 - Puget Sound (J Pod & K Pod)
15:59 - From Richmond Saltwater Beach the are still southbound, they have angled much further west of mid channel. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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15:24 - Still moving southbound near Jefferson Head. Mid channel to west of. Now loosely grouped. -Candace Gavin
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14:49 - Just saw about six orcas from the Kingston - Edmonds ferry. -Brittany Hill
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andrew Gabriel
Date of Sighting: December 18, 2024
Time: 2:44 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: 47.791N, 122.485W
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Travelling
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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14:23 - From Kingston ferry terminal with line of sight Edmonds ferry terminal I have at least 10+ southbound. Mid channel to west side. -Candace Gavin
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14:05 - Stalled at Apple Tree Point. No southbound towards the ferry. Maybe 10+. -Sara Frey
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13:40 - From the Kingston ferry terminal can see blows and dorsal southbound from Apple Tree Point. Slightly spread from mid to west side. -Candace Gavin
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13:35 - Have orca southbound off Apple Tree Point just north of Kingston. At least several males. West shipping lanes. Steady southbound. -Sara Frey
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12:17 - Second hand report: many whales southbound from north of Edmonds with Eglon in the background. -Kevin Phillips
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10:34 - I have a friend on the Kingston ferry now, saw them heading north, about 10 minutes ago. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tim Johns
Date of Sighting: December 18, 2024
Time: 8:48 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Between Edmonds and Kingston (approx. 47.814128, -122.452064)
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Timestamp on the photo is off by an hour (doh! sorry!)
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Tim Johns, December 18, 2024
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08:42 - Victoria Clipper reported SRKWs southbound just north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Dec 18 - San Juans (T37A4 & T124As)
14:25 - These whales are now westbound in Cayou Channel approaching Crane Island. Looks like it might be T37A4 and the T124As, who were around a few days ago [April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy confirmed IDs]. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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13:03 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:38 to report: 1303hrs: Vessel CHELAN reports a pod of 5 orcas off Flat Point, heading in a northeast direction in Upright Channel
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13:00 - From the ferry: five to seven orcas in Upright Channel, south side of Shaw Island. Link to FB video. -Nate Rooks

December 17
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 17 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
15:27 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 18:09 to report: 1527hrs: [Puyallup] C/M reports via 800MHz 6 orca moving in the southbound direction, 1.5 miles east of KING.
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13:19 - Calls continue on the hydrophone. -Orca Network
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13:00 - I hear them, too. -Patricia Prochaska
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12:59 - Back on Sunset hydrophone. -Lavinia Mitchell
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12:59 - Faint & not so faint J pod calls continue on Sunset Bay. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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12:42 - [calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone]. -Bambi Miller 
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12:35 - Hearing faint calls on the Sunset Beach hydrophone. -Lacey Butler - Sellberg
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12:34 - Started hearing calls on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
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11:45 - Many whales northbound west shipping lanes. Apple Tree Point to tip of Whidbey, line of sight for the leaders. Not great conditions. Steady northbound look committed to Admiralty. -photo by Sara Frey, December 17, 2024
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Tue, Dec 17 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - K37 sporting a new notch while passing West Point light house. Link to FB video. -back of camera photo by Ariel Yseth, December 17, 2024
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12:18 - East at the time. Now maybe mid, can barely see with out binocs from Golden Gardens, slightly north of Golden Gardens now. Still northbound.
11:40 - Fins south of West Point lighthouse, northbound. Viewed from Sunset.  -Deb Cronheim
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11:57 - Looks like just Ks going north past West Point. K33, K12s, K42 positively ID’d in a tight group of 15ish whales. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:05 - WSF Tacoma ferry paused for them about 10 minutes or so. They are back underway now at 11:05. Northbound [approx. 47.606043, -122.432497]. -Jodi Winterton
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11:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: They’ve [MV TACOMA] spotted a pod off Alki Pt. -
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10:37 - Passing Alki Point headed north - east side of channel. -Jami Cantrell
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10:30 - Passing Blake Island from Constellation Park. 
10:15 - Visible from Constellation Park in West Seattle northbound east of mid channel in line with north tip Vashon. -photo by Mary Hartmann, December 17, 2024
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10:09 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz tight group with at least two adult males just in line with Vashon ferry dock still steady northbound east of shipping lanes. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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09:50 - Viewing from Froy, leaders just passed the Fauntleroy ferry lanes, mid-channel; Northbound travel. -Pia VanHanen
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08:57 - Group I was watching have now flipped northbound just past Glen Acres. Looks like a committed flip.
08:44 - Straight out from Glen Acres, seeing some fins steady southbound so far, mid channel, very poor visibility through rain/fog. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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07:58 - It's an early morning whale day today! Southern resident orcas are headed south near the north end ferry [Vashon-Fauntleroy-Southworth]. -Sound Action
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Dec 17 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Scott Herning
Date of Sighting: December 17, 2024
Time: 11:45 AM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Admiralty Inlet
Direction of travel : east
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: via [Coupeville/Port Townsend] ferry
Photos available?: No
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Dec 17 - San Juans
14:18 - Two humpbacks, San Juan Channel, west side of Shaw, heading to Friday Harbor. -Dennis Kennedy [WSSJI]

December 16
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Dec 16 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod & K Pod)
17:05 - Continued calls and echolocation clicks on Sunset hydrophone. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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16:53 - Heard again. -Joe Dreimiller
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16:37 - [Calls] again.
16:34 - Yup [calls]!  -Gerald Graham
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16:25 - I think I am hearing them on Sunset Bay hydrophone. -Patricia Prochaska
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16:00 - I just heard one faint call on Bush Point.  -Joe Dreimiller
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15:53 - Approx. here [48.12949, -122.55304 (.5 mi. off Hidden Beach)], very spread, steady southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:41 - Viewing from Sunset. LOTS of whales spread across the channel- southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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15:32 - Spread out in groups moving fast in approx. area [47.970278, -122.566641 (.5 mi. W of Double Bluff)]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Recordings on Orcasound - Listen for Whales sound like K pod calls. Edit: and Js. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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15:25 - Louder calls now on Bush Point, sounds like SRKWs -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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15:20 - I just got here at Shore Meadow, I'm seeing quite a few spread out surface active orcas, well south of me, so moving fast. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:18 - Possible faint calls on Bush Point hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christopher Thornton
Date of Sighting: December 16, 2024
Time: 2:55 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Bush Point, Freeland WA
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: traveling rapidly closer to Whidbey side of channel
If orcas, any males?: 2 males
Any unusual markings?:
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) -
Mon, Dec 16 - Puget Sound (T37A4 & T124As) - From Des Moines pier. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 16, 2024
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From the Walla Walla this morning -photo by Hannah Gacey, December 16, 2024
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16:40 - Very leisurely southbound again still north of Point Evans on Tacoma side. Doubt they will make the bridge before dark. It's just us out here, lots of eagles calling in the quiet sunset, with distant exhales from the orcas. Just beautiful.
16:33 - Leisurely milling right off Narrows Viewpoint on 5 Mile, look to be prey sharing. LOTS of tail slapping & head stands, during blue hour.
16:30 - In the Narrows off Narrows Viewpoint. Link to Youtube video.
16:09 - Milling off Point Defiance proper, but still trending southbound. -Melissa Bird
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16:08 - The first group is already into the Narrows and the second group is quickly approaching Point Defiance mid to a west side.
15:30 - Westbound and southbound [approx. 47.329265, -122.469691]. -Patti Trosper
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16:07 - Out of view from my vantage. Photo looks like the orca was proposing. Direction southbound toward Narrows.
16:04 - More surface activity near the mouth of Narrows. Too far away to tell if it's predation or major travel mode.
16:01 - Just saw a breach in the Dalco triangle between Vashon, Gig, and Tacoma. -Ashley S Whitman
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16:01 - Trailers now moving with much purpose in Dalco Passage, southbound towards the Narrows, off Sunrise Beach mid channel from Dune. -Melissa Bird
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15:57 - Aiming southwest towards Narrows. Travel mode. -Ashley S Whitman
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15:50 - Rounding the south point of Vashon. Moving pretty steadily west bound along Vashon. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
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15:47 - Watching from the ferry dock on the south of Vashon. At least 6-7. West bound. -Nicole Monique
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15:46 - Headed toward Owen Beach. -Rebs Barb
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15:45 - Visible from Owen Beach looking out at Vashon. Closer to the Vashon side traveling southwest. -Torry Chamberlayne
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15:44 - At least 8 including calf, coming up on Vashon ferry terminal, westbound.
15:39 - Leaders are almost across entrance to Quartermaster, westbound towards Dalco Passage.
15:32 - Leaders have rounded Piner Point, westbound towards Dalco Passage, trailers off Piner Point, southbound.
15:26 - Two groups, one off Piner Point, close into Vashon, second group trailing maybe a mile behind, off Shore Acres area, more mid channel but still on Vashon side, all southbound. Thanks to Candace Gavin for the help finding them. -Melissa Bird
*
15:30 - A beautiful day to try and catch sight of some orcas! A few hours spent waiting at Dune this afternoon hoping to catch a glimpse as Orcas were spotted heading south towards Tacoma. Finally caught sight as they traveled westbound along Vashon, split into two groups. Quiet until they crossed over from tip of Vashon heading southbound towards Narrows, when the second group got pretty surface active. Seen from Dune Peninsula.  -photos by Jennifer Swenson, December 16, 2024
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15:02 - Passed by Dash Point southbound. -Marlin Black
*
14:30 - From friend viewing from Maury Marine Park platform/Vashon: Two groups. One Vashon side and one mid channel each about five to seven orcas. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:00 - Last saw heading steady southbound south of Point Robinson Lighthouse close to Vashon side. -Patti Trosper
*
13:56 - Seeing lots of blows toward Point Robinson - viewing from Normandy Beach Park. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
13:43 - Mid channel headed southwest viewing from Des Moines marina. -Mandy Michelle
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13:42 - They’ve decided to make a cut hard west and are now aiming towards Vashon. About mid channel and just north of Des Moines pier. -Mollie Segall
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13:49 - Still watching them straight out from the little viewing deck at Normandy Park - tail slaps & jumps. Looks like they’re crossing over to Vashon - definitely committed southbound.
13:37 - Viewing from Normandy Park - east of channel. Appear to be heading towards Vashon. -Andrea Schvaneveldt
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charlie Harris
Date of Sighting: December 16, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: 300 feet off shore at 206th SW Normandy Park
Direction of travel : Travelling southbound at a pretty fast clip.
Behaviors observed: Traveling as a group. At least one small juvenile
If orcas, any males?: one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
13:29 - Resuming southbound travel now (maybe slightly west too), close to mainland shore and approaching Des Moines pier.
13:13 - Milling and/or hunting between Des Moines pier and Normandy Park. East side of the channel. -Mollie Segall
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T37A4 Crinkle on the left
12:50 - Just watched them pass Three Tree Point close to shore and continued south.  -photos by Connor O'Brien, December 16, 2024
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12:17 - Viewing from Seahurst, they are straight out mid channel steady southbound. -Patti Trosper
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11:30 - From Coleman Pool at Lincoln. Toward Blake. Long down times moving quickly. East side of channel. -Jodi Winterton
*
11:18 - Heading south close to Vashon Island. Just passed a large tanker. Viewing from West Seattle side. -Kristen Kyriacou
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10:53 - At least three south bound. Baby? Seen from Constellation Park. -Patti Waterfall
*
10:53 - Past Alki lighthouse heading southwest maybe going further out towards the east side of Vashon? But could be still going south too - hard to tell. -Tim Krutov
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T37A4 Crinkle on right
10:49 - From Constellation Park.
10:24 - Close pass around Duwamish Head.
10:15 - From Duwamish Head.  -photos by Robin Sinner, December 16, 2024
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10:49 - Off Constellation. Closer to West Seattle side. Headed south. Moving fast. -Jodi Winterton
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10:35 - Alki Ave & 54th Pl SW heading west. -Katie Lambert
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10:30 - Moving southwest off the 1200 block of Alki in line with Restoration Point east of mid channel. -Mary Hartmann
*
10:25 - Kimberly called to report seeing 6-7 tightly grouped whales including two males trending south, possibly towards West Seattle, as viewed from Creosote, Bainbridge Island.
*
10:12 - The four orcas are now close to West Seattle (between Pier 69 and Salty's) heading west out of Elliott Bay.
09:38 - I last saw the four orcas from the 9:02 sighting moving towards the Duwamish. I believe they are still in Elliott Bay, possibly moving further in toward the Duwamish. -Nicole Tanner
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10:10 - I only counted four. No males. Doesn’t even look like sprouters. Headed towards Alki.
10:03 - Out from stadiums. Viewing from Bainbridge Island ferry. -Christine Merritt
*
10:03 - Spotted three hunting a seal in Elliott Bay. -Paige Gagliardi
*
10:02 - Saw them from the ferry. Heading southwest out of Elliott Bay. -Anna Hightower
*
10:01 - Port staff report orcas milling off Alki moments ago, per Fred Felleman. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ana Garcia
Date of Sighting: December 16, 2024
Time: 9:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: (47.6191919, -122.4712143 [Elliott Bay])
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Milling/hunting
If orcas, any males?: Not sure
Any unusual markings?: Not visible
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Lasted about a half hour
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Selina Ryser
Date of Sighting: December 16, 2024
Time: 9:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Elliott Bay - around 100 yards
Direction of travel : s
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
09:38 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: WALLA WALLA is coming to a stop for 6 orcas in Elliott Bay; currently heading south toward the waterway.
*
09:56 - Looks to be about half dozen. Hard to tell. From West Seattle, they are chilling and hunting in front of ferry docks.
09:35 - In front of aquarium now. Ferry has paused for them. -Jodi Winterton
*
09:02 - Adrienne Stutes, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Orca have been spotted in Elliott Bay this morning by folks at the Bainbridge terminal. Report is of 3-4 animals approximately NE of Magnolia area, possibly headed south.