April 2023 Whale Sightings

April 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 30 - Puget Sound (T75Bs, T99s, T123s) - 19:50 - Saw orcas, Kingston side, heading north from Kayu Park, Point Wells. -Joni Barnes Pollino
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19:44 - Kayu Park northbound. -Teresa Bara
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19:41 - Near the yellow buoy marker - approximate location, northbound still [approx. 47.748511, -122.448874]. -Larry Benesh
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19:23 - Seeing them from Blue Ridge neighborhood. Midchannel, heading north. Possibly close to Kingston. -Kacie Barrett
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19:27 - Off Richmond Beach now, alongside the barge and tug. -Michelle Carter
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19:22 - Richmond Beach going north mid channel in front of tug boat. -Teresa Bara
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19:22 - Watching from Carkeek - large group with backlight blows. Perfection. -Denise Joines
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19:05 - Large group, not sure if all, are well north of Meadow Point now and heading northbound mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:50 - There's about six heading north, viewing from parking lot at Shilshole marina. -JuJu Julie
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18:50 - Eight of them going north from Golden Gardens. -Melissa Atchison
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18:54 - They are very spread out now drifting slowly in multiple directions but much further offshore from Golden Gardens now.
18:45 - They are still milling making directional changes further offshore now. But still out from Golden Gardens.
18:25 - Group is in three sub groups, likely by matriline, each grouped facing southbound, appear to be traveling but will confirm. Still generally out from north end Golden Gardens. A boat transiting north did good and cut engine once spotted the whales. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:24 - We are still watching them at Golden Gardens. -Melissa Atchison
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18:04 - Look to be headed out toward channel. North.
17:58 - So still in same place and flock of seabirds and eagles fishing in same location! So cool! -Lisa Meoli
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But basically it wasn’t just the male (T99C), but he did circle around and then headed north as Stanley was coming south. Those two boys met up and circled one another south of the north group, then both eventually went north. At the same time one group was still feeding (~17:35) another group of females/juveniles maybe three to four whales, came from the south just north off the Jetty where T99C had just come! Not sure when split happens or ?
17:50 - Seeing gulls swooping out from Meadow Point (where the main action has been) first time seen the birds so must be that point in the hunt when scraps available to them. Still (17:57) out here feeding out from Golden Gardens spread quietly making directional changes. So amazing. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:49 - They are still very surface active off Meadow Point at the north end of Golden Gardens. -Julie Smart
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17:46 - We are in a sailboat off Shilshole, they are hanging out in the bay half mile off the marina. Watching them we are to the north. -Lisa Meoli
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17:32 - Finally left Discovery Park Lighthouse and they're much easier to see off Golden Gardens Beach. Over here breaching still. -Robyn Riley
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17:31 - Male is circling here [approx. 47.688030, -122.405331].
17:30 - The others further north are little livelier now, someone is breaching.
17:23 - Was watching main group still in same general area when happened to look south and see a male, think Stanley, diving just off north end of jetty at the marina. Well away from main group and super close in. Haven’t seen him resurface but could be behind the jetty out of view. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:04 - They are changing direction a lot. Mid channel (watching at Golden Gardens). -Melissa Atchison
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16:55 - Ts have quieted down but are still feeding. Lots of directional changes, head stands, tail slaps but much less robust surface active. They and oils slick drifting north while continuing to feed just off Golden Gardens [approx. 47.687184, -122.413733].
16:25 - This group of Ts is still going at it with whoever they are hunting, presume sea lion based on duration of time and action. Lots of surface activity still. They are drifting northeast with their prey.
-Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kevin Hannon
Date of Sighting: 4/30/2023
Time: 4:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Off Golden Gardens
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: From the shore
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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16:12 - Under the Brothers, looking from the bathhouse at Golden Gardens. No direction. Lots of surface activity, splashing. Likely feeding. -Gnar McKnee
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mark Tonelli
Date of Sighting: 4/30/2023
Time: 4:05 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 12
Where seen: Central Puget Sound, approx one mile due west of Sunset Hill Park in Ballard, north of
Meadow Point
Direction of travel : feeding, not traveling
Behaviors observed: hunting
If orcas, any males?: at least 2
Any unusual markings?: t
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Good but distant views from Sunset Hill park. Number of animals is an estimate, given behavior hard to count exactly
Photos available?: No
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16:02 - Still at Sunset Hill. Hanging out. Not really going any particular direction at the moment. -Jeni Morgan
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15:50 - Ts are still feeding generally here just out from Golden Gardens/Shilshole Marina. Lots of surface action, water disturbance, headstands, directional changes as they feed. Busy waterway with vessels coming and going out of the marina and general sailing that is regular occurrence off Shilshole and those heading to and from the locks. Sea lions barking, the lucky ones [approx. 47.685393, -122.426825]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:00 - Still viewing from Sunset Hill Park. Been multidirectional (guessing hunting) since 14:20. Still now there. -Katie Chevalier
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bethany Vick
Date of Sighting: 4/30/2023
Time: 2:55 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: northwest of Shilshole Marina
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: I think so! It looked like one male off by himself from the hunting party
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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14:48 - Now north of the three small sailboats, direction unclear.
14:40 - Slowly milling between Golden Garden and Fay Bainbridge, trailed by three small sailboats, approx mid channel.
14:19 - Red dot, east of barge traveling southbound [approx. 47.704557, -122.448626].
14:00 - Viewing from Meadow Point at Golden Gardens. -Elise Snoey
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14:13 - San Juan Clipper is leaving them passing Golden Gardens Bathhouse. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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14:12 - Viewing pod from Sunset Hill Park. East channel passing Shilshole marina. -Linda Joy Richmond
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14:05 - T99s and T123s at least southbound general from east side of channel southern end Carkeek heading towards Golden Gardens. They are closer to this side than my previous map indicates. Slow steady southbound, big group. So beautiful. Lots of happy families and whale watchers at Carkeek. Some adult squeals too, so fun [approx. 47.698677, -122.420089].
13:57 - Clipper showed up few minutes ago and has slowed to view the Ts (well wide and north of) on their way back to Elliott Bay. Would be good current place to land your eyes.
13:47 - They are sightline Carkeek to Jefferson Head. Seem bit more towards mid channel now but perspective is different being set back at Carkeek. Slow steady southbound travels mostly grouped with Stanley leading short distance [approx. 47.734406, -122.438199].
13:30 - Members of the T99s and T123s least currently out from Carkeek near blue boat Poseidon (fishing or research). Southbound now east of mid channel slow steady pace.
13:00 - This group is loosely spread. Continuing southbound travels east side of the Sound off south end Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Carkeek be next best spot then Golden Gardens [approx. 47.754058, -122.397538].
12:55 - Seeing eight, at least one male, spread in two to three groups, east side of channel about quarter way out. Southbound.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sun, Apr 30 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds)
11:42 - They turned heading south towards Stretch Island, been very stealthy.
11:21 - Somewhere near Allyn, they passed Stretch Island about 45 minutes ago going north. -Daniel Joseph Ferreira
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10:00 - Went past our place just south of Jarrell’s Cove, heading north. -Kelly Frett
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09:56 - Coming up on Jarrell's Cove mid channel, Pickering Passage heading north. -Teresa Saunders Westcoat
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09:53 - Just passed Walker Landing northbound. -Jacob Virnig
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09:35 - Heading north to Jarrell’s Cove from bridge. -Pamela Warren
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Scott
Date of Sighting: 4/30/2023
Time: 9:35 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Pickering Passage just north of Harstine Bridge
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling side by side quickly north toward Allyn
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
Pickering passage. Harstine Island -avid Scott -photos by David Scott, April 30, 2023
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09:28 - Just passed under the bridge. Moving faster than on Friday.  -Amy Wisch
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09:25 - Just went from Squaxin Island toward Harstine Bridge. -Lisa Cole [PSWS]
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08:30 - A friend just confirmed that the orcas went by Walker Park [Hammersley Inlet], heading out [eastbound]. -Becky Harrington Adams 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Apr 30 - Anacortes - 10:18 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 10:19 to report: YAKIMA@1018 Captain reports one Humpback west of Shannon Point.
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Sun, Apr 30 - Central Puget Sound (CRC19820 Malachite) - 14:55 - Watched him for about 40 minutes. What a show off! -Sarah Dorsch
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This afternoon at the promenade on Owen Beach. -photos by Cherie StOurs, April 30, 2023
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13:55 - Big breach out from Dash Point. Closer to Vashon. -Mollie Segall
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We were at Anthony’s for lunch and got to watch! It was amazing to say the least. Found you today and am sharing with the rest of our group. It was a birthday outing my sister and all will remember. Thank you! -Karen Greenup
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11:30 - 13:00 - From Owen. Funny how all track of time is lost when in these moments. My heart is so full it's overflowing. -photo by Ashley S Whitman, April 30, 2023
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13:00 - He went north towards Dash Point, watched him the whole way through Dalco. -David Michael
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13:00 - Humpback in the crossing between south Vashon and Ruston right now. Very active, lots of splashes. Out my sight now. -Gayle Millett
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13:00 - Last saw him heading north around Dash Point. -David Michael
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12:40 - Still headed eastbound towards Commencement area, mainland side of mid channel-ish. -photo by Marla Smith, April 30, 2023
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12:36 - A ferry full of awe and amazing views! -Barbara Weber
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12:30 - From the promenade to the right at Owen's! Can't believe I made it in time! -Kitkat Whales
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12:26 - Just now. Pod between Point Defiance and Tahlequah. Heading east and north. Lots of launching out of the water. Ferry had to do a hard stop mid way. -Travis Warren
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12:27 - Lots of tail slapping off of Dune. Can hear the percussives all the way over here on the [Vashon] island. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:47 - Other direction. Headed towards Commencement Bay, Tacoma. 
12:26 - Breaching and slapping in front of Ruston waterfront. Closer to Tacoma than Vashon. -Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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12:17 - Nearing ferry lane, still moving east closer to mainland side.
12:20 - Past ferry now nearing Dune. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:02 - Seems to be inching east towards Owen Beach area.
11:57 - I think I’m seeing a humpback right off of Point Defiance. West of Vashon ferry lane. I’m viewing off of Sound View Drive in Gig Harbor with binoculars. Too far for pics or ID. Maybe Malachite. Multiple breaches. -Ruthie James
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12:03 - What a show! Off Owen. -Adora Peters
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12:04 - Approaching Owen, still breachy with pec slaps, closer to mainland side, looks to be meandering east still.
11:51 - Now breaching his way east on mainland side between Point Defiance and Owen.
11:44 - Breaching occasionally out from shore now off of tip of Point Defiance, Coast Guard boat there in vicinity. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rachel Parks
Date of Sighting: 4/30/2023
Time: 11:54 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Off Owen Beach moving north
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Breaching, slapping with fins, 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 -photo by Rachel Parks, April 30, 2023
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11:40 - Closer to the point of Point Defiance. I still hear the splash from breaches but not actively watching. I can see the tour boat. I’m on Vashon. -Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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11:28 - Marla Smith messaged she is viewing the humpback who is in Dalco Passage, now west of Owen Beach. Whale is still breaching, looks to be closer to mainland side. From Tahlequah ferry terminal area.
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11:19 - Still breaching mid channel across from Owen Beach. I heard the loud boom just off my deck before spotting him.
11:15 - He’s on the Vashon side between Point Dalco and Tahlequah. -Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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11:03 - Report of a humpback whale breaching off the southwest point of Vashon Island right now.
~10:30 - Marla Smith shared report from their Vashon community page of humpback(s) breaching in Colvos Passage Camp Sealth, whale is traveling southbound.
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Apr 30 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen) - 15:52 - [One gray] still milling around feeding between Mabana and Summerland. -J David Adams [CWW]
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The most beautiful magical morning with Gretchen CRC531, west of Sandy Point, Whidbey Island. Christy could sense there was a grey right out front below the cliff. Nothing like being woken up at 5:45 before the sunrise, and lo and behold, there is Gretchen, ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks. The calmness, serenity, her breaths, the morning bird songs, and watching the sun come up with her gracefully rolling, and she did some rolling! -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, April 30, 2023
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photos by Christy Grant, April 30, 2023
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05:45 - 07:00 - CRC531 Gretchen feeding west of Sandy Point beginning at 05:45. Gretchen came really close to Sandy Point and then swam off into the sunrise, possibly towards Hat Island or around the south toward Clinton.  -Marilyn Armbruster
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Sun, Apr 30 - Possession Sound - 16:06 - Spouts looking west/northwest from Hibulb Lookout over the north end of Jetty Island. -Hans Hovland
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15:15 - I see spouts between Hat & Tulalip, closer to Tulalip. Southern tip. -Alice Moyal
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14:20 - One off of Hat Island, east side. -Jaime Shields
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13:00 - San Juan Clipper is leaving four grays in Port Gardner Bay, one moving south near Jetty Island, one south of Hat Island, and two together moving toward the ferry lanes. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Laura Johnston
Date of Sighting: 4/30/2023
Time: 8:10 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: About a quarter of the way to Whidbey Island, from Mission Beach (Tulalip)
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: travelling
If orcas, any males?: n/a
Any unusual markings?: Too far away to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: not for this whale. Now that I know about this, I'll try to share when I see Sounders feeding on ghost shrimp right out here!
Photos available?: No

April 29
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 29 - San Juans (J Pod) - 04-29-23 J-Pod, Haro Strait SJI
14:50 -15:11, Four members of J-Pod, including 1 large male, traveling quickly north/ up island, 1/3 - 1/2 mile from shore. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
16:57, a single orca quickly north/ up island, 1/3 mile from shore, 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
17:14 - 18:55, The first orca to come into view was J56 Tofino. She was breaching while leading her Mom J31 Tsuchi north/ up island. As she came closer she repeatedly lifted her tail to slap the surface. J27 Blackberry followed behind as more and more orcas came into view. Most were in groups 1/3 - 1/2 mile from shore, with some moving up-island out of sight past Point Edwards (which is just south of Landbank's Westside Preserve). A large group of 12-14 individuals paused and formed a resting line for a few minutes then J27 began to slap his tail which started members of the group to tail slap. I counted at least 25 tail slaps through the evening. There was a direction change at 17:55, the first of many, always proceeded by repeated tail slaps, then a period of socializing. The group circled, floated on their backs, spy hopping at each other, flopping over, pectoral slaps; beautiful and interesting activity. Along a half- mile of shoreline, they traveled in two tight groups, back and forth, intermingling, slapping and floating. By 18:15 they were as far north as Pt Edwards and then they abruptly changed direction. They flowed down island, the group breaking apart and moving farther off shore until out of sight. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve and photographed from shore.
19:08, Two stragglers, southbound, 1 and 2 miles offshore. Viewing from 1 Mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - J26 Mike -photos & ID by Michelline Halliday, April 29, 2023
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Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #15: “There was also a report of J pod off Fisherman Bay in San Juan Channel. Dave then headed down to the boat and left Snug Harbor in “Orcinus” at 1120. Dave decided to head down the west side of San Juan Island first to see if he could find the whales off Eagle Point. Haro Strait was a little breezy and no whales were found on the way down so “Orcinus” headed through Cattle Pass and up San Juan Channel. J pod was still a little south of Fisherman Bay and the encounter began at 1228. The J11s, J14s, J17s, and J19s were in a tight group moving slowly south. Since J pod appeared to be resting and were not arching enough for good ID photos, Dave stayed for three series of surfacings to make sure all were photographed before deciding to go look for the remaining whales. The J16s were likely the whales seen off Eagle Pt. and they were still out there somewhere in southern Haro Strait…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #15.
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Weeks later than planned, we were finally able to launch our vessel for the season. It was a magical moment as less than 5 minutes after getting the boat off the trailer I could see blows in the distance, and it turned out to be most of J-Pod in San Juan Channel. Thank you Js for christening the beginning of our 2023 on-the-water research season! -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 29, 2023
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19:34 - Lost everyone in the glare of the sun for a while. But can see some now together as a group of about 10-12 or so. I don't know where everybody else went. That group is still going southeast, away from our island. Going across towards the Olympics.
19:10 - Some lunging off of Pile Point near the shore. Everybody else has gone out away from Pile Point in a larger goofy group. Breaches, tail slaps, etc. That group is coming south but also going further offshore. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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18:10 - Possible flip south on Land Bank whales.
17:15 - J19 passing Land Bank northbound.
15:10 - Larger group of Js still grouped up, now off South Beach heading west towards Eagle or offshore of Eagle. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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16:00 - Saw two orca just off Cattle Point. Heading west, possibly toward Lime Kiln. -Larry Emley [WSSJI]
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13:48 - Group of orcas that are north of Eagle Point are now continuing to go up island towards False Bay. Large male close to shore. At least four orcas.
14:12 - Eagle Point orcas are now milling off of False Bay. Have moved away from shore.
13:33 - Orcas just north of Eagle Point. Milling. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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12:40 - The 21 Js are approaching Cattle Pass southbound, all grouped up. Correction, 19 Js - no J22s or J16s in San Juan Channel group.
12:10 - Appears to be all but J16s grouped up heading for Cattle Pass a little over halfway down Griffin Bay.
11:53 - San Juan Channel Js back and forth halfway down Griffin Bay but trending southbound.
11:20 - More SRKW near Eagle Point.
10:55 - Southbound top of Griffin Bay. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Melissa Fuentes
Date of Sighting: 4/29/2023
Time: 9:34 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: South of Cattle Point in Haro Strait
Direction of travel : Traveling west at a medium pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling, one breached
If orcas, any males?: One male
Any unusual markings?: None that were visible
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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09:30 - Group of seven to nine orcas heading north up San Juan Channel towards Fisherman bay on Lopez side. -Jeanne Sept [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 29 - San Juans 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 29 12:22 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.57347,-122.88593 [Upright Head]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Orca3000
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Apr 29 - Puget Sound (T75Bs, T99s, T123s)
16:45 - I was riding the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge. Around halfway, we saw orcas off the right hand side of the ferry (facing Bainbridge), it looked like maybe 3 animals. Thanks! -Andy Law
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T75B2 Jasper - T75Bs - On a beautiful sunny Saturday, Bonnie Gretz and I joined PSE’s “Saratoga” out of Port Townsend and we were off to see some whales! Not too far from port, the T75Bs, (four whales) T99’s (five whales) and T123s (four whales) were heading south along Whidbey’s west shoreline so we were fortunate to catch up to them - a total of one dozen including one of my favorites - STANLEY! Lots of them were too far away to ID individually, but Stanley was a given. -photos by Jill Hein, April 29, 2023
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T123A Stanley - On a beautiful, warm and sunny day, Jill Hein and I hopped on Saratoga out of Pt. Townsend, and quickly caught up with the T123s (Mom T123 Sidney, b. 1985, big son T123A Stanley, b. 2000, T123C, daughter Lucky, b. 2012, and T123D, daughter Darcy, b. 2018) and the T99s (Mom Bella, b. 1984, T99B, daughter Holly, b. 2007, T99C, son Barakat, b. 2009, T99D, son Puck, b.2015, and T99E, daughter, b.2021) just past Double Bluff on Whidbey Island. They were traveling south pretty fast through some wind chop, and were spread out, then grouped up, then spread out on both sides of us. So lovely to see after too long since my last orca encounter! Met some nice new people, including a young woman from Colorado who was on a birthday trip, her first time seeing wild whales! I love when I meet people who are having this amazing experience for the first time! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 29, 2023
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20:35 - We watched them mill at the mouth of Colvos and it seems they have flipped back around towards the Vashon ferry and Seattle. I will stay at my position till dark.
19:42 - They have committed to Colvos Passage southbound. The sight behind the sun is breathtaking.  -April Basham
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19:51 - Group of five orcas, heading down the tip of Vashon Island. They are currently in Colvos Passage on the west side. -Crystal Thompson
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19:39 - Orcas are steady moving southwest headed towards Southworth. As viewed from north Vashon ferry dock. Mid channel with beautiful sunlit blows. -Candace Gavin
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19:19 - I’m viewing from the west. Last surfaced with Lincoln Park in background. Just past where the light & dark water converge. -Jason Cook
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19:16 - They appear to be trending west towards Blake Island and Vashon towards Colvos as viewing from the Vashon ferry dock.
18:32 - Seeing blows from the Vashon ferry dock looking north, they are in front of the ferry dock from my vantage mid channel. Seem to be trending southwest. No confirmed direction yet.  -April Basham
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18:20 - Southern tip of Blake as viewed northwes from Emma Schmitz. About four to five orcas with lots of blowing. At least one large dorsal. Looks like they're having a blast and enjoying the weather! -Russ Mann
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18:18 - Between Blake Island and Emma Schmitz now, further offshore. Larger male still trailing. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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18:13 - Lone individual seen from 63rd and Alki. Just west of blue and white sailboat. -Kathleen Fife
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18:16 - Off Constellation Park in West Seattle, Blake Island in background. Trailing group T99s? All small orcas.
18:10 - In line with Vashon ferry dock east of mid channel, southbound view from Constellation Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
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18:04 - At Alki and 64th, you can see them right now right in front of the ferry. Naked eye. Westbound but slow. -Ray Shea
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Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Whales 4/29 @1802 Issaquah Master reports 3 orca whales off Alki Point headed South.
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17:59 - We spotted them from the bluff. -Amy Martino
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17:53 - He made a close pass off Constellation Park in West Seattle.
17:47 - Orcas off 64th and Alki.
17:44 - Close to Alki moving west/southwest off 64th.
17:48 - See them of 64th and Alki, south of ferry lane. -photos by Mary Hartmann, April 29, 2023
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17:52 - Seeing them south of Alki Point from Emma Schmitz. -Stephanie Raymond
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17:45 - Posting to report orcas off Alki. Three or four individuals followed by male. Seen easily from 63rd and Alki heading westward toward the point. -Kathleen Fife
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17:35 - I'm not even really trying to see them but just did. From Elliott Bay Marina through the sea of boat masts I caught a glimpse of the Ts steady southbound north of Alki. It’s probably going to be a really nice pass off West Seattle. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:19 - Saw them from Sunset Hill 45 minutes ago. They were headed eastbound, just south of Discovery Point. Thanks to everyone who posted on here. -Boston Nyer
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17:15 - T99s and T123s skirting outer mid Elliott Bay ahead of the party cruise ship (lively loud PA) exiting the bay. On course for Alki Point steady southbound east side of channel in two groups. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:03 - Thank you all so much for helping me get my first ever sighting! Saw them rounding the corner past the lighthouse from Sunset Hill Park around the time this comment was made. -Monica Finn
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16:35 - Just east of the lighthouse. What a show! Still headed south.
16:21 - Can confirm. Heading westbound toward deeper water. -Steve Snoey
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16:18 - Passing Shilshole Marina southbound. -Jason Cook
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16:15 - T99s and T123s are directly out from north end Shilshole easily visible with naked eye. See map. Steady southbound travel generally in two groups with slight spread. Stanley trailing group. Saw spyhop. Beaches are crazy crowded. Got lucky with temporary viewing spot [approx. 47.685588, -122.415822]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:10 - Video taken by my 12 year old, from Golden Gardens Beach. Captured one of the spy hops. -Jenny Gardner
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16:04 - Heading southbound. They just passed Blue Ridge. Approaching Golden Gardens. Moving quickly. -Kristin Cesca
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15:50 - From neighborhood, I caught quick glance of the Ts about here, see map. They are close in, approaching Meadow Point at Golden Gardens. It’s looking to be a close pass off the point [approx. 47.705242, -122.401131]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:49 - Viewing from Carkeek Park. Closer to shore on Carkeek side. Still moving south at a steady pace. -Candace Gavin
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15:23 - Flying south almost to south end of Saltwater Park. -Alan Gojdics
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15:20 - T99s and T123s moved offshore even more then trended back east a tad. Steady southbound now grouped together tight. All so beautiful with blue sky and backdropped by Olympic Mountains, especially when group surfaces in tandem and of course Stanley is so buff. In general off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park very much east side of channel [approx. 47.764294, -122.392702]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
15:11 - Just saw them too just by Richmond Beach. -Natalie Seidler Alvarado
*

14:58 - Just saw them north side of Richmond Beach! -Olivia Mekonnen
*
15:00 - Another stall and directional changes and spyhop while trend southbound.
14:46 - Ts have resumed travel southbound, north of north end park offshore but close this side.
Grouped up with couple including Stanley trailing.
14:50 - Just arrived to shoreside, the families are still feeding between Kayu Kayu and Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, some movement southbound by Stanley and others. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:56 - They’re just starting to trend south now.
14:28 - The group is paused between Kayu Kayu and Richmond Beach really close to Shoreline side, probably on a meal. -Michelle Goll
*
14:02 - Orcas spotted at Edmonds heading south. -Ashley Jurasek
*
14:00 - At least five orcas traveling south from Kayu Kayu AC in Shoreline, this side of channel. -Michelle Goll
*
13:38 - Pod of orcas just swam past ferry dock in Edmonds! Heading south! -Kristin Lindsay Mooney [PSWS]
*
13:33 - Stanley & Co. from Edmonds Marina Beach. -photo by Ariel Yseth, April 29, 2023
*
13:23 - Visible with binocs from Apple Tree Point, north of Edmonds with surface activity. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
13:10 - Update for T99s and T123s southbound. They have a seal now [Edmonds area - approx. 47.824836, -122.393896]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
12:07 - Briefly caught them surfacing between PSE & Clipper. Lost them after that. Eglon. -Jason Cook
*
11:35 - We flew over the whales, seen in Mutiny Bay, a few minutes ago in a float plane. So cool! -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
*
11:00 - Update for T123s and T99s southbound [Useless Bay - approx. 47.958929, -122.480064].
10:30 - T123 pod and T99 pod at least in this a group. Southbound from my map [approx. 47.965448, -122.534150]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
10:15 - Passed Limpet Lane southbound, at least two males.
10:05 - Approaching Limpet Lane close to Whidbey.
10:05 - Seeing a lot more. 10ish? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:16 - We just saw the orcas from Robinson Beach. -Jenny Marie Jones
*
10:03 - Moving south, again. Just north of Mutiny Bay. -Vanessa Cameron
*
09:57 - Heading south now.
09:54 - Lot of birds. Most likely a kill with all the milling around.
09:46 - Have eyes on them at Frank Robinson beach. -Kevin Doar
*
09:40 - Appeared to make a kill based on milling and birds gathering.
09:35 - Viewing from Shore Meadows, they're eastbound into Mutiny Bay -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:33 - My sister and brother-in-law just saw them south of Bush Point. -Vanessa Cameron
*
09:28 - Mindy Christensen called to report they observed the pod of orcas, first three, then two more off Bush Point Lighthouse traveling southbound, heading towards Mutiny Bay.
*
09:15 - Continued south past Bush Point close to Whidbey shore.
09:05 - Fins approaching Bush Point. One male and others. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
T99C Barakat -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:35 - Large group of orca off Lagoon Point southbound.  -photo by Benjamin Potter, April 29, 2023 - T99C Barakat -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:30 - Six orca southbound from Lagoon Point 200 yards from shore Lagoon Point side. Moving fast. -photo by Bill Setter, April 29, 2023
*
Sat, Apr 29 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - We were able to view four orcas from a boat between Harstine Island bridge and Jarrell Cove State Park. -photo by Scott Traynor, April 29, 2023
*
19:54 - Went by Hunter Point towards Steamboat Island 15 minutes ago. -Jim Chamberlin
*
19:42 - Saw them just north of Coopers Point 20 minutes ago. -Dave Charles
*
18:22 - Just sailed by three in Dana Passage heading toward Boston Harbor. -Katie Lassiter
*
15:46 - Just saw some fins [Victor area - approx. 47.360148, -122.816075]. -Juan Esteban Haeckermann-Godoy
*
15:23 - Past Reach/Treasure Island. Still heading north.
15:12 - Just past Stretch. Still northbound. -Paul Page
*
14:44 - Northern tip of Harstine headed toward Stretch Island. -Laurie Mathews
*
14:23 - Steven Venetta sent a beautiful video of these whales northbound. Grapeview, north of Harstine Bridge south of Stretch Island.
*
14:07 - They're approaching Jarrell’s Cove now, heading north. -JP Peterson
*
13:23 - Harstine Island Bridge now; headed to Jarrell’s Cove [northbound]. -photo by Betsy Hicks, April 29, 2023
*
13:20 - Approaching the Harstine Bridge. -David Michael
*
12:15 - Headed toward Steamboat Island. -Felicitous Chick
*
11:40 - They passed the southeast end of Harstine Island cruising southbound. -Tanya Borchardt
*
10:30 - Saw a report on Puget Sound Whale Sightings of four or five orcas between Herron and McMicken Islands heading south. -Piyakaad Barry
*
09:11 - Orcas in Case Inlet just south of Vaughn Bay. Looks like four - a couple of juveniles. Last night the juveniles were here & the sea lions didn’t appear to be bothered. These this morning are feeding and it looks like they’re feeding on salmon. Eagles are hanging around them too. -Julie Lasnetske
*
08:35 - Transients, I presume, feeding in Case Inlet south of Vaughn Bay. -Mark Lemon [PSWS]
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Sat, Apr 29 - Monterey Bay, CA - Was taken while on an orca watch cruise. Got lucky with this shot. Monterey, CA. -photo by Carol White, April 29, 2023
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Apr 29 - South Puget Sound - 14:05 - There is a humpback traveling southbound off the southern end of Kopachuck State Park. -Kristina Smith
*
GRAY WHALES - Sat, Apr 29 - Saratoga Passage - 18:58 - Can see two grays from Langley! -Jayn Goldsen
*
17:48 - Two whales heading north from Gull Way, towards Pebble Beach [Camano]. -Peg Boley [CWW]
*
Sat, Apr 29 - Possession Sound - 13:57 - [Gray whale] heading toward the [Hat Island] marina. -Mark David Hanson [HIWS]
*
Sat, Apr 29 - Admiralty Inlet - 12:10 - Grey Whale close in southbound off South Lagoon Point going slow.  -Bill Setter
*
09:50 - Gray whale passed the Keystone terminal. Southbound. Looks like CRC2440. -photo by Tiffany Waldner, April 29, 2023
*
Sat, Apr 29 - Port Susan - Some gray whales from Port Susan. They spent a majority of their time close to the Stanwood side (Kayak and Warm beach) but we got a good pass by on the Camano side in the late afternoon. -photos by Charvet Drucker, April 29, 2023
*
16:38 - Three grays headed south at Tyee. -Bruce Chessen [CWW]
*
13:56 - Three to four grays feeding in front of Mountain View Beach [Port Susan]. -Cecilia Pelascini [PSWW]
*
12:45 - I’m one of the crowd. Looked like five to me, with two being on the smaller side. They’ve been eating in the cove at Warm Beach. I’m keeping my eyes on the jet skiers. If I can track down a whale alert flag, I’ll ask if it can be put up on the dock when whales are present. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
11:52 - Four grays just put on a show for the crowd at Kayak Point Park. Heading north. -John C Storbeck
*
08:50 - Two grey whales off of Camano Head heading into Port Susan. Viewed from Langley. -Jaime Shields
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Sat, Apr 29 - Possession Sound - 10:10 - Humpback [possibly gray, no confirmed humpbacks reported in the area] at the entrance of Everett marine. Just entered waterway swimming up channel. -David Graddon
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Sat, Apr 29 - Bellingham area
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Khalila Soubeih
Date of Sighting: 4/29/2023
Time: 5:00 PM
Species seen: uncertain, smaller than an orca with a black, curved dorsal fin
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Fairhaven marina
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
*
Sat, Apr 29 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amy Griffin
Date of Sighting: 4/29/2023
Time: 4:55 PM
Species seen: Whale spout, unknown
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Useless Bay
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:

April 28
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 28 - San Juans (J Pod)
19:55 - They’re near Jones Island, spread out.
18:00 - Two groups of orcas heading west down President's Channel - likely J-Pod! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 28 - San Juans - 18:13 - Large group of orcas just passed by Orcas [Island] in President’s Channel. Two groups spread out. Look to have gone between Waldron and Orcas. [Going] west, but around Orcas between Waldron and Orcas so southwest? -Rebecca Berger
*
Fri, Apr 28 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 18:59 - Orcas in front of Stretch Island, heading northwest into Case Inlet. -Evelyne Van Ingelghem [PSWS]
*
17:55 - Orcas heading north approaching Jarrell Cove. -Liesl Plomski [PSWS]
*
17:15 - Orcas near Harstine Bridge! [going north] -Kim Johnson [PSWS]
*
17:41 - They did flip and head back north, under the bridge about 20 minutes ago. -David Coates
*
14:40 - Out of sight now. -April Basham
*
16:33 - From the Harstine Island Bridge, they have moved south past the bridge. Midchannel. -Candace Gavin
*
16:08 - From the Harstine Bridge, I can see fins looking towards the direction of Jarrell's Cove. -April Basham
*
15:28 - Four or five orca across from Jarrell's cove in Pickering Passage just now, headed south. -Scott Presnell [PSWS]
*
14:28 - Viewing from Victor area still. They appear to be crossing from Rocky Bay towards Stretch Island now. Viewing is difficult as they are really far mid channel.
14:10 - Can see blows with binos in the distance. Viewing from Victor area looking towards Rocky Bay. Non directional. -Candace Gavin
*
13:56 - Two orcas passed by Stretch Island headed toward Allyn about an hour ago. -photo by Richard Renner, April 28, 2023
*
12:43 - Just past Harstine Point. Heading north toward Allyn. -Leslie Blaisdell
*
11:55 - Five orca heading north near Jarrell's Cove, Pickering Passage toward Grapeview. -Teresa Saunders Westcoat
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tim Thomsen
Date of Sighting: 4/28/2023
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Traveling north in Pickering Passage, just north of the Harstine Island bridge
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling, possibly hunting
If orcas, any males?: One possibly
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amy Wisch
Date of Sighting: 4/28/2023
Time: 11:22 AM
Species seen: Possibly Minke [confirmed orca]
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Heading north in Pickering Passage, just north of Harstine Bridge.
Direction of travel : Northbound
Behaviors observed: Traveling at leisurely pace.
If orcas, any males?: 4-5 dorsal fins, all small dorsals
Any unusual markings?: N/A
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
11:20 - Just passing the Harstine Island bridge northbound. -Jeffrey Stander
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tom Hall
Date of Sighting: 2/28/2023
Time: 10:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Totten Inlet
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: Not observed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Apr 28 10:10 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.18142,-122.94015 [Carlyon Beach, Olympia] 
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Totten Inlet
Submitter Name: Shane Belson
Whale Alert App
*
08:30 - As they were heading north out of Eld Inlet. -photo by Kim Merriman, April 28, 2023
*
08:45 - Took a west.
08:20 - Heading north out of Eld and continued toward Squaxin Island before I lost sight as they took an east. -Kim Merriman
*
06:45 - Viewing from Zangle Cove, a group of orcas heading south towards Budd Inlet and Boston Harbor. Long down times. -Jocelyn Rae Finch
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Apr 28 - Haro Strait (BCY0994 Dalmatian & BCZ0414 Zephyr) - 15:50 - Another humpback off Lime Kiln in Haro. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Two! One is BCY0994 "Dalmatian". -Pete Ancich [WSSJI]
*
The other is BCZ0414 Zephyr! -Ellie Sawyer [WSSJI]
*
13:48 - Spieden westbound now. -Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]
*
13:10 - Humpback south of Flattop Island heading southwest maybe towards Reuben Tarte. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Puget Sound - Time not noted - I just saw a humpback come up for air maybe 20-30 feet off the shore on the side of Owen Beach facing the Narrows. Dorry - no pictures - it was there and gone and didn’t come up again until it was a speck in the distance. -Christie McMearty [PSWS]
*
18:31 - Humpback feeding north of Narrows Bridge, half mile. Surfaced four times staying in one spot center channel.  -Susan White
*
15:25 - Just seen at the southeast corner of Fox Island. Headed north. -Rodney Baum
*
13:56 - Watching humpback leaving Carr Inlet heading south. Last saw directly opposite me along McNeil, no eyes for about ten minutes. Breached twice but unable to catch on camera. -Jennifer Swenson
*
11:27 - Just spotted it from my kayak a little further north. Definitely a humpback. It’s heading south back towards Raft Island. -Don Van Doornik
*
09:30 - Randy Witter called at 10:50 to report seeing a large whale, possibly humpback but cannot say for certain, at 09:30 in Carr Inlet directly across from Raft Island heading northbound. Randy saw the whale surface three times as it continued north. 
*
GRAY WHALES - Fri, Apr 28 - Samish Bay - What an amazing sight at Larabee State Park tonight [photo of gray whale]. -Nate Bolton, Instagram: Pnw.bolton.photography 
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Semiahmoo Bay - 15:00 - 16:00 - We spotted this out in Semiahmoo Bay while walking on the Spit. They appeared to be swimming towards White Rock/Drayton Harbor for at least 30 minutes then turned around. We'd see about five blows then about five minutes later, five more. We saw that one boater looked to be caught by surprise and another who passed closely appeared to be oblivious.  -photo by Cathy Bangerter, April 28, 2023
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Juan de Fuca Strait
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Apr 28 19:56 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.28440,-123.00000 [West of Partridge Bank]
Number Sighted: 1
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitter Name: ShiSh
Whale Alert App
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Saratoga Passage - 19:18 - One gray at Camano Head. Just passed the buoy and looks to be heading east/southeast into Possession Sound. -Luanne Seymour
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Apr 28 18:50 PDT 
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.09675,-122.51157 [Baby Island Heights]
Number Sighted: 1
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitter Name: Sara Duderstadt
Whale Alert App
*
16:25 - Two grays south of Summerland moving lazily north. -Peg Boley [CWW]
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Port Susan - 15:03 - Two grays southbound from just north of Kayak Point Park. In the middle of Port Susan. -Linda Gilbert Thomson [PSWS]
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Holmes Harbor - 16:05 - Cindi relayed a report of gray off Rainbow Lane, Holmes Harbor.
*
07:49 - Gray whale traveling northbound in Holmes Harbor, on the east side of the harbor in the vicinity of Goss Lake Road. What a lovely way to start the day - pulling up the blinds at 07:30 and seeing a grey whale heading north on the east side of Holmes Harbor in the vicinity of Goss Lake Road. -Sandra Pollard
*
07:49 - Sandra Pollard called to report a gray whale traveling northbound in Holmes Harbor, on the east side of the Harbor in the vicinity of Goss Lake Road (approx. 48.040036, -122.516313). -photo by RJ Snowberger, April 28, 2023
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Burrows Bay/Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2440 Tahoma) - 14:20 - CRC 2440 still hanging out. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:20 - Crc 2440 southbound in Burrows Bay. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
Fri, Apr 28 - Possession Sound - 09:07 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:08 to report: 09:07 - Captain of TOKITAE reports one gray whale NB of the traffic lanes.
*
09:11 - Just passed under Tokitae ferry, came up for a breath portside and continued north. -Ellie Szollosy Olsen
*
08:47 - Just spotted a couple blows well south of Hat Island off the Clinton ferry dock as the ferry is pulling in. Looks like a single northbound gray. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
07:35 - Gray whale close in heading south below on southwest side of Hat Island. -Reports both by Roy Short & Toni Kay Jefferies [HIWS]
*
06:16 - Alice reported at least three gorgeous grays down in the cove heading northwest. Lots of flukes. -Alie Moyal [HIWS]

April 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 27 - San Juan Islands (T18s & T49As) - The T18s and T49As spent hours hunting a Steller sea lion right outside of Friday Harbor - the same whales in the exact same location where we saw them hunt a Steller last fall! This time, the younger whales seemed to take the lead in the hunt, which is likely why it was so extended. The sea lion was still alive at sunset, so we don't know how this epic battle ended, but it was an incredible sight to behold. Here's Jason's highlight video of our memorable encounter. -Orca Behavior Institute -video by Jason Shields, April 27, 2023
*
The loudest breach landing I've ever heard! This evening from T19B Galiano right outside of Friday Harbor. The T49As and T18s spent over three hours on a Steller sea lion hunt, clearly toying with him while letting the juveniles hone their skills. The sea lion was still alive at dusk, so we won't know how the battle ultimately ended. There will be more of the story to share, but this photo demanded to be shared tonight! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields April 27, 2023
*
19:15 - Training continues; super Steller still lives.
18:05 - Sea lion is somehow still alive.
16:45 - On a sea lion hunt outside Friday Harbor.
15:50 - Decision time: They're at the bottom of Upright Channel and have yet to choose whether to go north or south in San Juan Channel.
14:30 - T18s and T49As now near the Lopez ferry terminal heading northwest.
13:25 - T18s and others now southbound on the east side of Blakely. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
11:20 - 11:30: They were [at] the red dot [approx 48.636284, -122.647687]. They were heading southeast for a while but stopped several times and paused at the surface. Lots of harbor seals and even a porpoise sighting. Confirmed four orcas. One looked smaller maybe only a couple years old. The rest were large females.
11:21 - South end of Lummi [Island]. Three to four orcas right now.  -photo by Casey Cook, April 27, 2023
*
Thu, Apr 27 - Discovery Bay (T46s & T46Bs) - 20:00 - Apparently still in Discovery Bay per comment in Olympic Peninsula Whale Sightings! -Rachel Rodell
*
15:10 - [Orcas] seem to be deep in Discovery Bay again! -Rachel Rodell [OPWS]
*
16:00 - Deep in Discovery Bay, south of Mill Point, heading northbound. -Toyia Hatten [OPWS]
*
Thu, Apr 27 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 18:09 - We are on the Allyn pier and can see with binoculars. -Heather Berry
*
17:41 - Headed north towards Allyn Pier!
17:35 - Still off Rocky Point! -Amanda Brenna
*
16:49 - About 500 yards south of Rocky Point.
16:45 - Going into Rocky Bay.
16:40 - Looks like they are feeding. -Jayna Hanson
*
16:31 - And now I see them back heading south. Seems like they are milling about between Rocky Point and Stretch/Treasure Islands.
16:26 - Between Rocky Point and Treasure Island. Heading into North Bay slowly. -Jennifer Lindsay
*
14:16 - Last saw them [approx. 47.363739, -122.820641].  -David Bennett
*
12:43 - Passing Jarrell's Cove now, close to mainland side heading north still. -JP Peterson
*
12:42 - Passing Jarrell's Cove headed north.
12:09 - All have passed Harstine Bridge headed north still. -Jami Cantrell
*
11:57 - Eyes on them heading north towards Harstine Bridge. -JP Peterson
*
11:48 - Heading north towards Harstine Bridge! -Jami Cantrell
*
10:20 - 11:00 - Viewing from Zangle cove, a group on the east side of Cooper Point. Lots of surface activity! [approx. 47.172310, -122.912659]. -Jocelyn Rae Finch
*
09:20 - Six orcas very surface active on southeast side of Harstine Island. Traveling west toward Squaxin Island. The sound of the blows is amazing!  -Kim Merriman
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Apr 27 - Puget Sound
18:29 - Southbound from Anderson Island Ferry dock [approx. 47.167921, -122.663146].
17:28 - Southbound mid channel north of McNeil Island. -Jason Cook
*
17:13 - They surfaced a few times. Looked like two whales but not 100% sure. Very long dives in-between.
16:58 - It is at the Fox Island pier. -Alex Steiner
*
16:55 - Viewing from Fox Island, it is heading south. -Barb Pritchard Hulbert
*
16:14 - Humpback mid channel. Long down times. Viewing from Narrows Park. Might be easier to see from Titlow. -Brittany Hays
*
13:53 - Just saw him between Point Defiance & Vashon. Heading south. -Jen Clark/
*
12:53 - [humpback] Was heading towards the Narrows Bridge but lost sight of it.
12:33 - Humpback.  
12:31 - Whale spotted from Dune Peninsula! Not sure what yet but will keep you updated! Slow time between breaches and spouting. Close to Vashon ferry. -Casey Bues
*
07:20 - We saw a humpback just south of Brace Point. It was fairly close to shore, breached, and then continued south/southwest at a diagonal across shipping lanes towards Vashon. -Frolicking Farm
*
GRAY WHALES - Thu, Apr 27 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - 15:30 - There was a solitary gray offshore at Deception Pass State Park at West Beach. I first saw it’s back as it traveled southbound, then lost sight of it. About an hour later, it was moving slowly northbound along the shoreline, feeding as it went. Then it turned around and headed southbound along the shoreline. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
Thu, Apr 27 - Saratoga Passage - 17:00 - Heather Anson called to report a gray whale about one mile north of Hidden Beach heading southbound close to shore, in very low tide. Brief look, saw whale surface catching the tail end as it headed south.
*
Thu, Apr 27 - Port Susan - 15:18 - One gray was by Kayak dock, now farther west still visible with binocs. -Dorothy Jacobsen
*
Thu, Apr 27 - Possession Sound
10:45 - Still in the area but close to Hat shore heading south.
08:45 - Grey off of B & M, midway to Whidbey.

April 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 26 - San Juans (T18s)
15:30 - They were possibly heading down the west side from Henry Island.
13:30 - Bigg’s killer whales including the T18s westbound in Spieden Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 26 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46s & T46Bs) - 13:00 - IE way off west of Hastie Lake Road. -Bonnie Gretz
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 26 12:24 PDT
Sighting User reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.29232,-122.80109 [West of Fort Nugetn Rd, West Whidbey] 
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Connor Smith
Whale Alert App
*
46E Thor -photos by Connor Smith, April 26, 2023
*
I didn't have my phone with me, so this is a bit delayed. Spotted some fins off West Beach, Oak Harbor, headed northwest. So far out it was hard to tell how many, but at least one big male [approx. 48.346427, -122.821136]. -Bethani White
*
12:00 - Redhead picked up the killer whales east of Partridge Bank northbound. 46s and 46Bs. -Christopher Lewman
*
11:04 - Just now from Diamond Point - Very distant, around the far eastern point of Protection Island. Didn’t get a clear sight of the orcas, but I briefly saw a saw lion/seal being thrown into the air. -Toyia Hatten
*
09:00 - Great views of these orcas from Cape George, while they were off the southeast coast of Protection Island. I thought I counted six, including a big male and what sure looked like a little calf traveling in echelon position. -Carli Herrs
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mike Lapointe
Date of Sighting: 4/26/2023
Time: 8:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: In between Cape George & Diamond Point in Discovery Bay
Direction of travel : circling
Behaviors observed: traveling, hunting, frolicking
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: too far away for photos
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Apr 26 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 20:55 - They’re in Pickering, direction unknown. About one to two miles north of the bridge. Someone said it wasn’t them, that they were farther north but I heard distinct blows, so I’m not sure. -Megan Gene Carlson
*
19:46 - Still just milling around between Rocky Bay and Treasure Island.
19:10 - Trending north toward Allyn.
18:58 - Big pod just outside Vaughn Bay just now. -Paul Page
*
17:33 - Six orcas heading north in Pickering Passage at Jarrell's Cove Harstine. Toward Stretch Island. Long down times. -Teresa Saunders Westcoat
*
16:20 - At least three northbound over by Squaxin Island, stealth mode. Seen from Arcadia Point. Two to three were seen by Hungerford Point earlier (opening to Hammersley Inlet) before I got here, and then we caught a glimpse of them heading east in that area, just prior to seeing them head north by Squaxin. -Gayle Swigart
*
16:25 - Heading back towards Harstine. Just saw from Arcadia Point. At least three. -photo by Becky Harrington Adams, April 26, 2023
*
14:30 - At 14:50 Rachel received a report from a friend who says Harstine resident friend confirms whales went southbound in Pickering around 14:30.
*
12:03 - They’re slowly heading north and a bit east. -Cammy Malm LaRiviere
*
11:55 - Cammy updates the pod is still staying in same general area. Presumably they are now feeding on whatever they were hunting earlier.
11:25 - We received an email from Cammy reporting 5 orcas hunting harbor porpoises north of Harstine Island.  
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 26 9:55 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.36144,-122.80570 [Rocky Point, Case Inlet] 
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Karen Hays
Whale Alert App -photo by Karen Hays, April 26, 2023
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, April 26 - Admiralty Inlet  - 18:50 - Mike Waite called to report a single humpback whale in Admiralty Inlet. The whale is traveling slowly northbound between Bush and Lagoon relatively close to Whidbey side, probably closer to Lagoon Point now. 

April 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 25 - Active Pass (T36As, T124As, T124C, T125A, T128) - Treated to a wonderful early morning sighting of a mixed group of Bigg’s orcas swimming quickly westward through Active Pass. According to R. Hayden and B. Bissonette they were: T125A, 128, 124C, the T124As & T036As. From the shore of Galiano Island. -Karoline Cullen, Salish Sea Orca Squad - T125A Flotsam -photos by Karoline Cullen, April 25, 2023 -video by Gary Cullen, April 25, 2023
*
Tue, Apr 25 - Boundary Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 25 14:40 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.72467,-123.19489
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Shaun
*
Tue, Apr 25 - San Juan Channel (T49As - minus T49A1 & T49A2) - T49A Nan and her youngest T49A6, who is just over one year-old. The T49As (without A1 or A2) made their way north up San Juan Channel this morning. While not an "official" nickname, thanks to his/her underbite, we at OBI have taken to calling T49A6 "Charlie II". This is both in homage to T1 Charlie Chin who also had an underbite, and a reference to Charles II of Spain who famously had the Hadsburg jaw. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, April 25, 2023
*
09:43 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: The MV CHELAN reports via 800MHz broadcast, a couple of orca milling about at the entrance to Friday Harbor.
*
Tue, Apr 25 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 19:30 - 20:30 - I’ve just been watching a small group of at least three orcas in Case Inlet, milling between McMicken Island and the south end of Herron Island. Maybe trending slightly north. Took some photos in failing light. There have been a lot of sea lions in this area lately. -photos by Dave Berliner, April 25, 2023
*
17:00 - 18:00 - First, they went north past Treasure like they were going to head into Allyn. They hung out for half hour or so. Then, they cut across over towards Vaughn Bay, but instead turned and headed south to Herron. Then they continued past Herron, and we lost sight of them. They moved south of Herron around 18:00. -Laura Jewell St
*
17:36 - On the Allyn Waterfront pier looking south towards Treasure Island, can see fins mid channel northbound. -Candace Gavin
*
17:33 - We just saw them heading along Treasure Island towards North Bay. -Emma Jayne
*
16:47 - Officially moving north towards Stretch Island. Losing my view from Herron Island ferry dock.  -Candace Gavin
*
16:05 - Still circling and hunting here [approx. 47.304102, -122.834716].  -Danielle Sayebrook
*
15:22 - They are still in the same general area. No commitment on direction still.
14:49 - Still in same general area. Still milling. No commitment on direction.
14:29 - Viewing from the mainland Herron Island ferry dock. Mid channel no direction yet. Seem to be milling [approx. 47.285584, -122.847555]. -Candace Gavin
*
13:17 - Thanks! They kept playing right across our marina in front of Stretch, off their point, back and forth. We could only see them with binoculars, still so amazing to watch! They were jumping all over the place, rolling high out the water, and spouting mightily. We could see that even from our far distance away. My friend thinks she may have seen a sea lion flipped into the air. Too bad they went north, only teasing us, lil’ stinkers! -Sheryl Fellman
*
13:00 - We’re seeing four to five on east side Case off north tip of Harstine. Milling and floating [approx. 47.307450, -122.814356]. -Liz Wolk
*
13:05 - Same location, post hunt.
12:35 - Hunting [just outside north end Pickering Passage - 47.302506, -122.838218]. -David Michael
*
12:09 - Jaqueline P. called to report at least three orcas who just exited north end of Pickering Passage heading northwest, directionally towards Vaughn/Allyn.
*
04:30 - I totally heard these guys pass me in the dark. I was outside and I heard what I thought were a couple of blows so I started listening hard and I could hear tons of seagulls making noise (which is super unusual at 04:30). So I watched Orca Network all morning to see if it was them and it was! -T.j. Smith
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Apr 25 - Admiralty Inlet - 15:50 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:00 to report: 1550hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single humpback heading northbound just South of Pt. Wilson, located mid-channel of the crossing.
*
Tue, Apr 25 - Puget Sound (CRC19820 Malachite) - Definitely Malachite with his black polka dot on his right pectoral fin. -photos by Jason Cook, April 25, 2023
*
18:15 - Salmon Beach. -photos by Gill Chard, April 25, 2023
*
18:20 - Pretty close to Salmon Beach southbound in Narrows. -Jason Cook
*
17:42 - Currently breaching right at Point Defiance. -Julie Smart
*
17:36 - Just saw humpback tail slapping and lunging moving south from Point Defiance towards Narrows. -Mary Moreno
*
17:36 - Back in the Narrows. -Jack Sasser
*
17:30 - Malachite heading south toward Narrows. My mom called and said he was spy hopping and breaching. She is in Gig Harbor. He was closer to Tacoma side. -Brianna Schroeder
*
13:59 - Just spotted humpback - close to Vashon heading towards ferry terminal. I’ve seen him surface about four times. -photo by Jennifer Swenson, April 25, 2023
*
12:54 - Malachite just went northbound under the Narrows Bridge. -Karen Caldwell
*
GRAY WHALES - Tue, Apr 25 - Saratoga Passage 
17:55 - Two grays just dove deep right at Sandy Point. Not sure where they are headed now.
17:44 - One to two grays near Whidbey bluff almost to Sandy Point heading southeast. -Luanne Seymour
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 25 16:58 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.04918,-122.43733 [between Langley and Bells Beach] 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Dennis Headley
*
16:15 - Two grays heading north mid Saratoga Passage by Summerland. -Peg Boley [CWW]
*
14:42 - Turned south and heading away from Baby Island. There are two grays, between Baby Island and Saratoga Road, Whidbey side.
14:30 - Gray feeding off Baby Island, headed in a slow northern direction. -Charvet Drucker
*
14:00 - Gray heading towards Baby Island. -Sommer Bowlin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tabitha Jacobs Mangiafico
Date of Sighting: 4/25/2033
Time: 12:28 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: In front of Saratoga Woods
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?:
Photos available?: No
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 25 12:06 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.04903,-122.43663 [btwn Langley and Bells Beach] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Dennis Headley
*
Tue, Apr 25 - Port Susan
15:58 - Single gray passed by Tillicum Beach close in heading north.
12:15 - 13:30 - Watched three grays in Port Susan between Kayak and Bretland swim towards Tillicum Beach and then turn south along Tillicum and Tyee Beaches. Last seen heading south off Tyee. These three were first reported midchannel off Sunny Shore at 11:18. -John C Storbeck
*
12:01 - Single gray just rounded Camano Head heading north in Port Susan. -Sandy Clemence
*
11:11 - Whales just went past my place just south of Tyee [Camano]; could only hear them as trees in way. -Christi Smith [CWW]
*
10:24 - I just saw a gray whale headed south of Tillicum Beach! -Missy Main
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Tue, Apr 25 - Admiralty Inlet - 18:35 - Viewing straight out from Shore Meadow and seeing one whale, deep dives and fluke - not sure of species. Traveling southbound, last seen north of yellow channel marker - mid-channel. Now seeing a second whale following behind, also southbound. -Emily Wandres
*
17:46 - Heidi Bruns Shank messaged to report two whales southbound midchannel out from Bush Point. Unsure of species.
*
17:26 - Cheryl Connor messaged to report a single whale heading south off Lagoon Point. They could only see blows, so unsure of species, but likely a humpback or gray.
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Tue, Apr 25 (reported as dolphins) 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 25 12:22 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.34753,-122.32506 [near MaST Center, Poverty Bay)
Number Sighted: 3
Submitted Comments: Dolphins
Submitter Name: Judith Eiler

April 24
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 24 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - J-Pod. West side of San Juan Island. Late April. This is what it used to be like! And it was like that again, at least for today. Photo taken this afternoon from Land Bank's Westside Preserve. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 24, 2023
*
04-24-23, J-Pod Haro Strait - 15:25, traveling up island/north in a group of 3, the leaders were J19 Shachi with her daughter and granddaughter, J41 Eclipse and J58 Crescent. They were about 1/4 mile from shore. I could hear more blows to the south, orcas still out of sight. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
15:32 - 15:42, about a 1/3 mile from shore the 2nd group 12 -13 individuals came into view traveling very tight up island/north, 1 mile south of Landbank. It was hard to count, they were so tight together but surfacing at different times. The air around them was white with the mist from their blows. The big males J27 Blackberry and J26 Mike were with young J51 Nova. All around them their family and friends were gathered; J31 Tsuchi with J56 Tofino, J35 Tahlequah with J57 Phoenix. I didn't see their saddles but by fin shape I believe I saw J39 Mako, J42 Echo and J36 Alki. J47 Notch brought up the rear. 
16:05, two members of J-Pod milling at Point Edwards, including a large male, moving a little farther out from shore, up island until out of sight. -Michelline Halliday - J11s - J47 Notch - J27 Blackberry -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 24, 2023
*
17:01 - Wow, what a show! Breaching, tail slapping, porpoising - WOW! Thanks, Orca Network! -Denise Joines
*
16:26 - Hearing J pod on Lime Kiln! -Linda Aitkins
*
16:23 - Still vocalizing. -Sue Moore Steward
*
16:13 - Lots of voices at Lime Kiln! Tanker noise is gone. -Susan Vennerholm
*
16:05 - Calls audible on Lime Kiln: S4s plus. - As of 15:50 or before, lead J pod orcas were in view on the camera, tanker noise has waned and as of 15:53 could hear echolocation, also noted by Brittany. -Orca Network
*
15:53 - Clicks and echolocations on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Brittany Noelle
*
11:00 - Another plot twist! J-Pod just showed up between Cattle Point and Salmon Bank heading east towards the Ts! -Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 24 - San Juans (T36As, T49A1, T124As, T124C, T125A, & T128) - 15:26 - Northbound between Guemes and Cypress. -Melanie Holbrook
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Rosario Strait (T36As, T49A1, T124As, T124C, T125A, & T128) - T-Party! After a week of no trips for me due to weather, we finally got a good day with GREAT whales! When we departed the marina, we already knew where a large group of Bigg’s KWs were (Off Lawrence Reef), and we first went to Deception Pass. As we came back out, we got word of a gray whale a bit further south along Whidbey Island, and so we wentto find it. Turns out, the whale was a newcomer known as CRC2440, who was just recently given the nickname of “Tahoma”. He first showed up in the area last spring, and spent the entire following year in the region. Looks like he found his new favorite hangout area. A fantastic encounter with him; he stopped to feed in the shallows and showed up some great flipper and fluke angles. After Tahoma, we went back north to catch up to the T-Party, who were just passing the Anacortes Ferry Landing. Among this group were 15 orcas; the T36A and T124A Matrilines, presumed brothers T125A & T128, with T124C, and T49A1 tagging along. Arguably one of the largest concentration of orcas I’ve seen since I moved out here! Several of the orcas I’ve never seen before, so a bonus treat for me! A beautiful day with beautiful whales! -Wallace Woods Photography - T36As & T124As -photos & IDs by Wallace Woods Photography, April 24, 2023
*
14:40 - They passed by Washington Park. Brief but lovely looks at T125A, T128, T124C among others. T49A1 passed by very close to shore alone in beautiful light. So wonderful to see in warm sunny weather! Continuing northbound, maybe northeast. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network - T49A1 Noah -photo & ID by Rachel Haight, April 24, 2023
*
14:20 - A large group of transients is now in Rosario Strait northbound nearing/near Washington Park, Anacortes per Rachel Haight who was seeing blows heading her way. Original report and IDs below. IDs: Per Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]: “Thanks to our friends aboard the Odyssey who have ID’d these whales as the T36As, T49A1, T124As, T124A4s, T124C, T125A, and T128.”
*
It was certainly a thrill to see them traveling in tight formation under blue skies and bright sun! Party attendees were, T36A’s Matriarch is T36A Leland (b.1990), T36A1 Tierna (b.2005) and her kiddo T36A1A (b.2022), T36A2 Kailas (b.2012), T36A3 Storm (b.2015) and T36A5 (b.2021). The T124As included T124A Kittiwake (b.1984), T124A Sabio (b. 2010), T124A6 Kasuun (b.2016), T124A7 (b.2021) and Sabio's kiddo T124A4a (b. 2021). Presumed brothers Jetsam T125A (b. 1998) and Flotsam T128 (b. 1988) were also among the party goers. They were new whales for me, always exciting to meet new whales. T124C Cooper (b. 1992) and T49A1 Noah (b.2001) rounded out the crowd. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
T125A Jetsam - Males are T124C Cooper, T128 Flotsam, & T125A Jetsam -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 24, 2023
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lizette Longacre
Date of Sighting: 4/24/2023
Time: 7:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Between Jones Island and San Juan Island traveling from northwest to southeast
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Spotted them on the north side of Jones island as they traveled southeast then again again at the south end of Jones.
Photos available?: No
*
Mon, Apr 24 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 20:00 - Case Inlet [video]. -Regina Pozzi
*
09:12 - Appear to be heading west around McNeil. -Rich Kuras
*
09:00 - Southbound [Chambers Bay area - approx. 47.183398, -122.631323]. -David Michael
*
08:51 - We see spray straight off from railroad bridge at Chambers. Very choppy. No id yet. -Rich Kuras
*
08:30 - Approaching Chambers Bay southbound, mid channel. -David Michael
*
07:15 - Orcas in the Tacoma Narrows southbound. Stopping for feeding. Observed from our deck at Salmon Beach. -Zeno Martin
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Mon, Apr 24 - Thatcher Pass - 06:44 - Bradley Coombe, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: CHELAN Captain reports a group of stopped orca in Thatcher Pass.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Apr 24 - South Puget Sound - This guy passed Herron Island on Monday. -photo by LO Monaghan, April 24, 2023
*
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Apr 24 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2440 Tahoma) - 14:20 - Per Cindi on IE5, 2440 is off Ault Field, Whidbey Island. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2440 Tahoma) - We first went to Deception Pass. As we came back out, we got word of a gray whale a bit further south along Whidbey Island, and so we went to find it. Turns out, the whale was a newcomer known as CRC2440, who was just recently given the nickname of “Tahoma”. He first showed up in the area last spring, and spent the entire following year in the region. Looks like he found his new favorite hangout area. A fantastic encounter with him; he stopped to feed in the shallows and showed up some great flipper and fluke angles. -photo & ID by Wallace Woods Photography
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Port Susan - Gray Whale feeding pits and fin tip prints showing where Shackleton CRC21 was using his fins to "walk" over this very shallow sand bar before low tide last night. Haven't seen this before. Water in this area was probably 5-7 feet deep when he passed through about 7PM last night. This is at Tillicum Beach on Camano Island in Port Susan. -John C Storbeck
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Saratoga Passage
10:00 - Three of the grays were then on the south side of Summerland appearing to be close to shore. Possibly feeding but very hard to tell from Langley. but trending slowly south at that time.
09:39 - Marilyn messaged again, now viewing from Langley and sees four grays on Camano side just north of Summerland. 
08:55 - Marilyn Armbruster messaged to report seeing in the distance two blows about one mile north of Langley. Cannot tell direction, possibly feeding near Doghouse restaurant.
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Holmes Harbor
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Apr 24 13:20 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.01944,-122.52402 [Freeland Park area]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Heading north close to shore
Submitter Name: Harold Drews
Whale Alert App
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Crescent Harbor: - 09:45 - Whale in Crescent Harbor west of Polnell Point. -Terra Parham [ONCG]
*
Mon, Apr 24 - Possession Sound (CRC21 Shackleton, CRC22 Earhart, CRC383 Cascade, CRC531 Gretchen)
12:05 - Crc 21 milling [Possession Sound - approx. 48.000692, -122.281373].
11:15 - Crc22, 383, and 531 eastbound from my map spot [Possession Sound - approx. 48.048384, -122.350087]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

April 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 23 - San Juans (J Pod)
19:10 - Mostly north of Reuben Tarte now aiming for Boundary.
18:40 - Js visible from Reuben Tarte spread from the south end of Jones back towards Point Caution, mostly on the far side of the channel but trailers perhaps more on San Juan side.
16:20 - Orcas northbound in San Juan Channel near Fisherman Bay. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 23 - Admiralty Inlet (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 14:30 - We relocated and we’re about to give up but then I spotted fins. Ts generally about here heading southeast steady pace. The white cappy seas and wind make viewing challenging [North Puget Sound - approx. 47.902226, -122.444798].
13:45 - Marilyn Armbruster first caught sight of the Ts in heavy chop. We can now see and track the pod traveling quickly in southeast direction [North Puget Sound - approx. 47.915747, -122.480097]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:24 - Still off Norwegian Park at Point No Point. -Jeffrey Stander
*
12:35 - Update northeast direction now and spread out a bit more. It looks like they are hunting [approx. 47.921535, -122.519702].
12:15 - T71B, T71B1, T71B2, T124D, T124D1, and T124D3 are here.
12:12 - T71Bs and T124Ds southeast direction [Skunk Bay area - approx. 47.921304, -122.540254]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
12:04 - Orcas in Skunk Bay. Swiftsure whale boat is with them. Slow moving south towards Point No Point. -Martha Carlstead
*
11:02 - Redhead just picked up killer whales at Double Bluff. Slowly southeast-bound T124Ds and T71Bs are back.  -Christopher Lehman, Puget Sound Express
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Apr 23 - South Puget Sound - 14:15 - Spotted this one between Harstine Island (North Beach) and Stretch Island. -photo by Miche-Rhymes With-Quiche, April 23, 2023
*
10:46 - Think they headed south on the east side of Harstine.
09:50 - Two humpbacks lunge feeding off the northern tip of Harstine. -Ken Donald
*
GRAY WHALES - Sun, Apr 23 - Burrows Bay/Guemes Channel (CRC2440 Tahoma)
16:05 - Flipped! Heading back west, almost to the southwest corner of Guemes.
15:42 - 2440 is heading east through Guemes Channel [approx. 48.522571, -122.636053]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
14:09 - Gray is approaching Cabana Park beach. May go through Burrows Pass.
14:00 - Erin Johns Gless messaged to report a gray slowly trending northwest in Burrows Bay.
*
12:00 - 12:30 - It was milling very close to the shore for around 30 minutes, but then traveled north. One gray whale off Rosario Head at Deception Pass. -Kate MC
*
Sun, Apr 23 - Mutiny Bay
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Apr 23 17:09 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.99567,-122.56979
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: Two feeding
Submitter Name: Catherine Drews
Whale Alert App
*
Sun, Apr 23 - Saratoga Passage (CRC356 Carson & CRC531 Gretchen)
19:11 - Now heading south towards Hidden Beach.
19:03 - Two gray whales, feeding one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach right off the shore Whidbey. -photos by Aaron Gill, April 23, 2023
*
18:01 - Two grays (maybe three?) just passed Indian Beach heading north. Close to Camano. -Steve Buckley-Nantz [CWW]
*
11:27 - Erik Anderson sent message reporting two grays now mid channel, south of Polnell Point. Headed toward Camano Island.
*
11:10 - Three grays have now angled more towards Camano Side of mid channel. Line of sight, Fox Spit and north side of Camano State Park, northbound.
10:45 - For sure three grays between southside Camano State Park and Fox Spit northbound. Whidbey side of mid channel. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
10:15 - Grey off Snatelum Point. Breaching and feeding just west of the green buoy.  -Erik Anderson
*
10:30 - Third whale, possibly Earhart, who came from the south, popped up trailing the other two (who were traveling close together) all facing northbound. Some milling, some directional changes southeast of East Point.
10:10 - These two grays moved south and offshore, are milling around and now moving slowly northbound Whidbey side between Bells Beach and East Point.
09:30 - CRC356 Carson and CRC531 Gretchen feeding close together of south Whidbey Shores/East Point. Trending southbound as they feeding along the shore. Nothing like baleen whale breath on a drizzly Sunday morning. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rachel Greco
Date of Sighting: 4/23/2023
Time: 9:15 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: (Baby Island area - 48.0976746, -122.5217152)
Direction of travel : Traveling East
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
09:05 - Gray feeding off Baby Island.
08:44 - One gray whale mid channel Saratoga Passage heading northbound toward Baby Island.   -Erin McCloskey Flynn
*
Sun, Apr 23 - Holmes Harbor - 17:30 - At least two gray whales in Holmes Harbor hugging the east side south of Beverly Beach. Shallow water and pectoral fins out of the water occasionally, no direction. -Cindi Bowen
*
15:00 - Two grays heading south from Beverly Beach. -Jeffery Abbott
*
12:30- 12:45 - Marilyn Armbruster first spotted blows just south marker on map and now we both seeing two grays just north of marker. In general whales are northbound with some milling on eastern shore close in [approx. 48.044544, -122.513614]. Also at least 50-100 harbor porpoise all over south end here. Is beautiful. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:23 - Fred Lundahl relayed report from friend Andrew Weiner who reported seeing two grays off Freeland Park! -photo by Andrew Weiner, April 23, 2023
*
Sun, Apr 23 - Possession Sound (CRC543 & CRC2362 Thidwick) - 11:29 - Just spotted a gray behind A 26 [northeast Hat Island] moving south. -Michael Broussard [HIWS]
*
11:00 - Crc 543 and 2362 milling [Possession Sound - approx. 48.003800, -122.299825]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

April 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 22 - Active Pass/Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - Left: J47 Notch - Right: J39 Mako - J26 Mike
15:00 - 17:00 - I saw one humpback and over 13 orcas today at Lighthouse Marine Park in Point Roberts. Location of humpback and killer whales both heading south, [approx. 48.9694748, -123.0852943]. -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks & Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Melissa Hafting, April 22, 2023
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 22 11:36 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.86246,-123.35035
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Gal Icek
Whale Alert App
*
We were lucky to see Jpod in Active Pass! -R. Hayden, Salish Sea Orca Squad -video by R. Hayden, April 22, 2023
*
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sat, Apr 22 - Admiralty Inlet - 18:06 - At first I thought gray, but then I saw one's back, clearly. And then two more spouts at the same time. I was standing on the bank very close to them, and poor Susan was getting my texts as I narrated what I saw. Three orcas, including one male, close to shore approximately one mile south of Bush Point. They circled awhile, disappeared then headed south.
16:05 - Orcas off Tanglewilde and Vista [Whidbey]. -Kate Sheppard
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Apr 22 - Powell River, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 22 10:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.84182,-124.57634
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Wayne Wright
Whale Alert App
*
Sat, Apr 22 - South Puget Sound
15:38 - An hour ago he was slowly moving south, still close to Hartstine shore. South of Fudge Point. Lots of sea lions and porpoise, too. Loud blows helped us to locate him.
14:10 - Humpback in Case Inlet. He’s on the Harstine Island shore south of Herron Island. -Charlotte Smothers
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Apr 22 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21 Shackleton, CRC22 Earhart, CRC185 Gisborne, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade, CRC2356 Stalwart) - 17:12 - [Grays] Right at Summerland now moving north about a half mile out. -J David Adams [CWW]
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16:52 - Three grays just south of Summerland right now. -Fran Horvath [CWW]
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14:43 - Spouts off Madrona, Whidbey side. -Karla Kirkland [CWW]
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12:08 - Crc 2356 and 185 are right next to Baby Island, slowly swimming northeast [approx. 48.102801, -122.524940].
11:25 - CRC 21 southbound from my blue mark [Saratoga Passage - approx. 48.071539, -122.439386]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
10:02 - Bonnie Gretz called to relay report from friend who reported seeing a gray whale southbound Holmes Harbor along Greenbank side in general across from Baby Island.
*
~ 10:00 - We forgot to post this earlier, but at the time one whale was heading into Holmes Harbor we were seeing the blows of two grays, likely two of original three, way to the south in Saratoga, out from Camano Island State Park/East Point. -Marilyn, Rachel, Jason, and Alisa
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09:45 - One whale spotted from North Bluff Road headed south along the shoreline. -Ellen Carrico Telaneus
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CRC356 Carson - Hidden Beach grays CRC22 Earhart (Amelia), CRC383 Cascade and CRC356 Carson. Was so beautiful to watch these three feeding at morning high tide. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, April 22, 2023
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09:15 - CRC356 joined 22 and 383, they fed for a while west end Hidden Beach and then all three headed south offshore but still close to Whidbey. Two are currently aiming directionally toward Holmes Harbor, not sure if committed. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:50 - Off of Bells Beach, Langley 15 minutes ago [Video of gray whale]. -Kristin Platt Rose
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08:34 - Third whale (edit can confirm 356 Carson per looking at photo by Marilyn Armbruster) who was east end of Hidden Beach has now moved offshore and heading northbound at the moment. Long dives.
08:20 - The two, CRC22 and CRC383 moved east (see live video) then circled back offshore and fed for a few minutes now facing north, beautiful flukes. And turned back inshore to the west in the recessed area down the beach.
08:00 - Three grays feeding Hidden Beach: one off parking lot, two others (including CRC22 Earhart) close in off trail. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Liz Anterasian
Date of Sighting: 4/22/2023
Time: 8:07 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Near Hidden Beach in Saratoga Passage, Greenbank WA
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Eating- rolling on their sides to hunt ghost shrimp
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 2 are traveling together and a third separately
Photos available?: No
*
07:00 - At least two grays feeding close to shore at Hidden Beach [Whidbey Island]. -Emily Wandres
*
Sat, Apr 22 - Possession Sound - 14:16 - Both milling mid channel [Possession Sound - approx. 48.037746, -122.347745]. -Jason Cook
*
12:40 - Viewing another pair of grays (at least two) south of Hat Island heading west towards Whidbey!  -Sarah Sadid
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10:45 - We just spotted one gray whale heading south at Possession Point and Glendale. On the MV Coddiwomple. -Stephanie Appleberry

April 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 21 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca/Rosario Strait (T71Bs & T124Ds) - We caught up with the T71Bs and T124Ds in Rosario Strait while out on the water with The Salish Sea School and one of our Students Training as Research Scientists (STaRS) classes. This is T124D Field and her youngest, T124D3, born in 2021. I just love the freeze-framed water action coming off the little one's rostrum! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, April 21, 2023
*
15:12 - T71Bs and T124Ds are now in the move. Slow northwest travel between Hastie Lake County Park and Smith/Minor Islands. [approx. 48.288774, -122.797380].
14:55 - Orcas still out from Hastie Lake in the distance. Drifting north as they continue to feed. Visible with binoculars. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:42 - Still on a hunt. -photo by Sandra Prow, April 21, 2023
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14:25 - Still in same spot out from Hastie Lake.
13:30 - Stalled on a hunt.
13:25 - Can see with binos out from Hastie Lake County Park. Still northbound.
13:05 - Whales have pushed a little closer to Whidbey, but still distant, and are northbound out from Sierra Heights neighborhood.
12:30 - West of green marker off Fort Ebey. Have trended west more offshore but still general northbound. Can still see with binos. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:38 - Make that northwest bound now. Definitely need binocs now. I'm seeing them from Libbey - quite a way out - J1 or 2 with them I think. Still northbound. -Jill Hein
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12:10 - Still northbound, almost directly out from Fort Ebey State Park. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:50 - Update on T71Bs and T124Ds still northbound [Ebey’s Landing area - 48.172934, -122.734161]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:50 - Can see with binos from Ebey's Landing. They are cruising! Still northbound. Seem to be getting closer to Whidbey. Can now see fins without binos. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:20 - Killer whales northbound from Marrowstone Point [approx. 48.106414, -122.680017]. T71Bs and T124Ds. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Apr 21 - Saratoga Passage (CRC531 Gretchen & others)
19:54 - Both grays continued south. Very calm waters tonight so I can still hear their blows even though they're out of sight.
19:50 - Second gray has joined 531. This one was heading north but may have flipped.
19:46 - She's still feeding and continuing south towards Mabana.
19:30 - She was milling around feeding for a while and is now trending south slowly.
19:14 - 531. She stopped to feed for a few minutes then continued north.
19:05 - Single gray off Irenella. Trending north but may be stopping to feed. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network - CRC531 Gretchen -photos & ID by Serena Tiera, April 21, 2023
*
18:50 - One gray currently feeding in Elger Bay. -Dave Davenport [CWW]
*
18:25 - Single, possibly two, grays off Rocky Point. Closer to Camano than Whidbey. Heading south. -Karla Myers [CWW]
*
18:21 - At least one gray feeding in Mabana Cove off the north point. Looks like research boat is coming up on it. -Gary Leonard [CWW]
*
15:30 - Three grays in the general red circled area on map. Research boat was out with them too. Possibly just milling around, [trend] southbound [Possession Sound - approx. 48.035171, -122.337100]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
14:11 - The research boat was on them. Not sure but two or three. Just passed Sandy Point heading towards Possession. Also a single at the same time over here on the Camano side couple hundred yards off our beach heading south. -Mike Moberly
*
14:02 - It appears they are now heading south about to pass by Sandy Point.
13:50 - They are now between Sandy Point and Camano Head. The research boat is doing pooper scooping, I think.
13:32 - More than one gray mid-channel in Saratoga passage heading southeast nearing Sandy Point. Looks like two small boats are tracking them. We think they might be researchers? -Luanne Seymour 
*
13:44 - Visible from Boy and Dog Park in Langley heading toward Clinton. -Aimee Shand
*
Fri, Apr 21 - Possession Sound - 16:20 - Not sure how many but there are gray whales out back of M division [north end of Hat Island]. They seem to be going east now. -Romy Hoffman [HIWS]

April 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 20 - Campbell River
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Apr 20 8:15 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 50.05149,-125.24287
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Wayne Wright 
Whale Alert App
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Thu, Apr 20 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds)
15:11 - Trending west along south side of Blake.
15:04 - Hunting here [Blake Island - approx. 47.526318, -122.476943]. -Jami Cantrell
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15:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:22 to report: Log entry 1500hrs: Vessel KITTITAS reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 5-6 orca heading in a northeast direction, located off the SW dock. 
*
15:00 - South of the ferry lane moving east.
14:51 - Seeing them from Southworth now. -Bre Oakley
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14:49 - Almost passed tip of Southworth. -Jami Cantrell
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13:40 - From Ollala. -back of camera photo by Bre Oakley, April 21, 2023
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T124D Field background, T71B1 Zengo foregound, T124D3 - 13:33 - Almost passed Ollala market. Still kind of milling back and forth. Happy orcas, four breaches and lots of flukes. -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Jami Cantrell, April 20, 2023
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13:11 - Viewing from Al's now! Slow milling around. Tail slapping. Looks to be three, maybe four. Still slowly north. Closer to Kitsap shore. -Annie Metzger
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12:49 - Some appear to be right around here trending north fins easily visible from Ollala Bay market [approx. 47.415097, -122.529027].
12:42 - They’re a bit closer to Ollala from my last marking. Still seem to be milling a bit/taking their time with a slow trend north. Still Vashon side to mid channel.
12:35 - They’re in this general area. Unsure of direction [approx. 47.400819, -122.528679]. -Jami Cantrell
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12:18 - Just saw them directly west of Paradise Cove still slowly moving north. -Duncan Balcom
*
11:15 - My mom just called and said she saw three orca swim by her house. Heading north into Colvos. Took a long deep dive right at the tip of Vashon. She said they popped up and were casually skimming the top of the water for awhile and made it to the the west side of Vashon then went down for a deep dive in the northern direction. They continued watching for another five minutes and they didn’t resurface [approx. 47.314624, -122.556680]. -Brianna Schroeder 
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10:00 - I heard they were south of Fox Island, and now they are already here. -Yanwei Cai
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Apr 20 - South Puget Sound - 19:00 - 19:30 - I believe Malachite was in Case Inlet. Heading north. One spy hop. One breach and a couple blows. He was in the middle - we saw him from the northern east side of Harstine Island. No photos unfortunately. -Mary Beth Peterson
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ian L
Date of Sighting: 4/20/2023
Time: 7:00 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Breaching off Mimicken Island and then went north past north tip of Harstine Island
(Dougall Point). Very close to shore.
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Breaching, slapping its fin and then traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was very active for 30 minutes then slowly traveled north - close to shore at Dougal Point. It was high tide then.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Apr 20 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC531 Gretchen) - I had stopped by Hidden Beach earlier to sit with the wind and waves, always a bonus should a gray happen by. I left about 4:20 and drove to Ebey. Rachel called me (thank you!) ~ 5pm to say gray at Hidden. I drove back and there she was, lovely gray whale winding her way around a bit to the west under and backdropped by those beautifully treed Sandy bluffs that feed her beach. By far one of my favorite places to watch grays, a fairytale vision. Earhart is so beautiful, I know her face, her pecs, & fluke well. I settled in on the beach for over two hours watching her feed close inshore, then head offshore to circle back, over and over until she ended up almost right out from me. She was still feeding when I left just before dark. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
20:00 - Still there feeding at Hidden Beach. -Emily Wandres
*
CRC22 Earhart - 16:40 - We saw her at Hidden Beach. -photo by Vicki Frerichs, April 20, 2023
*
17:47 - She is CRC22 Earhart! Feeding away under the bluffs in extremely choppy seas. Heart happy.
17:25 - Gray whale feeding generally here at Hidden Beach [Saratoga Passage - approx. 48.133082, -122.564764]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mieke Lee
Date of Sighting: 4/20/2023
Time: 4:22 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Approaching Onamac closer Camano heading out towards mid channel to avoid boat
Direction of travel : N decent pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
16:15 - Grey just traveled through from Baby Island to Fox Spit. Fed quickly and I believe turned the corner to Bells Beach. -Erin McCloskey Flynn
*
12:28 - CRC 531 southbound [Saratoga Passage - approx. 48.060867, -122.386461]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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10:30 - Now seeing the whales on north side of Onamac Point, possibly feeding as I just saw a body part (which was awesome because I'm literally ~5 miles to the south). Seems to be hanging around Onamac, but now trending northeast.
10:10 - Grays had moved bit south, were just out and south of Onamac, maybe milling, possible trend southbound.
09:50 - Seeing blows of two whales, presume grays, off Onamac Point, Camano look to be heading southbound. From long distance away Baby Island Heights. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
09:06 - Gray whale midchannel between Utsalady and Polnell Points, headed west toward Maple Grove/Polnell Point. -Pat Sebelsky [CWW]
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Thu, Apr 20 - Possession Sound (CRC21 Shackleton, CRC543, CRC2362 Thidwick)
11:40 - Crc 21 milling [Possession Sound - approx. 48.033535, -122.329538].
11:10 - CRC 2362 and 543 are milling where my blue mark is [Possession Sound - approx. 47.976968, -122.305308]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

April 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 19 - Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - J pod kept us on our toes today. As evening approached they resumed their northbound travels in Admiralty Inlet, much more spread out and surface active than earlier albeit outbound at a steady pace. Threatening cloud formations broken by the setting sun offered perfect lighting for backlit blows and explosive splashes from breaching whales strutting their stuff, hopefully replete and energized by a nutritious meal. -Sandy Pollard - J38 Cookie -photos by RJ Snowberger, April 19, 2023
*
-photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 19, 2023
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Everyone posting updates is the absolute best! This evening I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing orcas the only way they should be seen, in the wild. And it was honestly the best experience.  -Chelsea Kieler
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20:34 - I think I saw the last of the stragglers so they should all be past Coupeville ferry dock by now as they were all steadily northbound. They were spread between mid channel and Port Townsend.
20:30 - One of the tailing orcas is breaching. Still midchannel.
20:25 - Multiple spread out in shipping lane passing Port Townsend still northbound.
20:21 - Orcas still northbound; one large male; about mid channel. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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While they were too far away for good photos, it's always a privilege to spend time watching J Pod. Point No Point this afternoon. -photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, April 19, 2023
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20:05 - J pod appears to be committed to exiting, at least at this time. They are between north Lagoon Point and Fort Flagler all northbound, mid channel to Flagler side under setting sun ablaze in lovely hues. Night night Js.
19:14 - Passing Bush Point in all the glory that is this beautiful place we all inhabit. J pod is spread wide trailers still south of mid channel buoy off the point. Directional changes, inverted, foraging loveliness in shimmering light as they continue northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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19:45 - Can't get better than this! Still northbound, perhaps six to ten with some milling, but most headed north fast.
19:30 - [J pod] Northbound from Bush Point. About even with south tip of Marrowstone. Many moving fast. -photos by Bill Setter, April 19, 2023
*
18:58 - Heading up to Bush Point. -Heidi Bruns Shank
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18:50 - J pod spread wide in singles and small groups approaching Bush Point. Some breaches, lunges, directional changes. Foraging as they make their way northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:12 - Due west of Double Bluff/Mutiny Bay. Non directional foraging, spread out, long down times.
18:32 - Now committed northbound, still spread out. Leaders two miles south of Bush Point. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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18:05 - General spread in this area in singles and small groups. Steady northbound, occasional breaches. Exhalations light up pretty [approx. 47.967827, -122.586135].
17:50 - Js are spread. Seeing blows across channel parallel and more are coming around Double bluff. Some nice groups on Whidbey side.
17:40 - Emily Wandres and I are at Limpet Lane. She spotted Js northbound Whidbey side even with green buoy off Double Bluff. We both see several whales steady northbound [approx. 47.970097, -122.561648]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:30 - Several including male northbound sightline Point No Point to Picnic Point all the way up to Scatchet Head, however, one individual either female or juvenile male was porpoising southbound perhaps just chasing fish?
16:15 - East/southeast of Point No Point, Kitsap side of midchannel! Porpoising facing south but no direction of travel determined yet.
15:20 - Breaches and blows sightline Apple Tree Cove to Double Bluff, maybe around Eglon northbound. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
15:00 - Definitely northbound travel now towards Point No Point. Spread to the south to Possession but steady northbound.
14:45 - Seeing whales northbound towards Admiralty. Line of sight Kingston to Scatchet Head.
14:40 - Some may have flipped - line of sight Apple Tree Point to Mukilteo - Seem to be west to northwest bound.
14:35 - At least some whales are here, foraging activity. Not much movement south [North Puget Sound - approx. 47.864721, -122.430901]. -Sara Frey
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16:15 - I saw three big breaches from the Edmonds ferry terminal.  -Whale Scout
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14:05 - Just watched eight breaches. One was a double breach, viewing from Mukilteo through a telescope so they look so tiny like salmon jumping. So cute.
13:59 - Lots of breaches about same spot.
13:50 - About here. Still slowly heading south [North Puget Sound - approx. 47.869060, -122.444704]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:42 - We are seeing orcas off Brackett’s Landing, heading south. Far out. -Stephanie Moore
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12:53 - Southbound offshore of Picnic Point. -Whale Scout
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12:45 - They are heading west towards Kitsap. But looks like they’re still trending south. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:40 - J pod has exited Possession Sound, they angled in and are right at the green can off Possession Point. At this time they are hugging Whidbey now heading west some inside the can others just outside along the shore. Beautiful! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:00 - 12:30 - Watching them swim southbound in Possession Sound past Chennault Beach on Whidbey side. They have now passed Possession Point and heading southwest into triangle. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:20 - J pod continues southbound travel. Now off Possession Beach Park (boat launch) Whidbey side and angling more so as they head towards Possession Point. Spread in couple groups, one larger.
11:50 - J pod passing Glendale steady southbound in several groups all Whidbey side in varying distances.
11:30 - J pod leaders approaching Glendale Whidbey side. Steady southbound on right seas. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:10 - Just passing through the ferry lanes in two groups. -Emily Wandres
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11:00 - What an exciting 11:00 ferry ride today! -Leisha Joy
*
As hoped, J pod stayed overnight, and were spotted leaving Saratoga Passage and rounding Sandy Point southbound. Travelling between Hat Island and Whidbey, the orcas passed Brighton Beach in two groups midst a flurry of fins and spray as they ploughed through the wind and whitecaps. Passing Glendale and Possession Beach Park there were one or two outliers closer to the Whidbey shoreline before they headed further south and out of sight. At least until the evening. -Sandy Pollard -photos by RJ Snowberger, April 19, 2023 -photos by Sandy Pollard, April 19, 2023
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10:57 - Couple of tight groups. One close to Clinton, other bit offshore. Gorgeous! Ferries and shipping have been alerted.
10:52 - J pod now more grouped up just north of Clinton/ Mukilteo ferry traffic lanes, off southern Brighton Beach steady southbound Whidbey side.
10:40 - Large group includes males. Off Brighton Beach southbound Whidbey side mid channel! Definitely J pod. See all the big boys. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
10:40 - Traveling south between Hat Island and Whidbey - big group, a bit spread out into two to three smaller groups. At least one big male. -Emily Wandres
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10:09 - Just saw several (maybe five) from our cabin between Langley and Clinton. -Susan Mann
*
10:01 - Pod of orcas swimming south, just passed Sandy Point, Langley. Saw quite a few, couldn't count exactly but would estimate five to eight. -Melanie J. Sceva Hill
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10:00 - Blew by Sandy Point on Whidbey. -Michael Rapp
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 19 - Campbell River
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 19 18:30 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 50.00203,-125.21279
Number Sighted: 5
Submitter Name: Wayne Wright 
Whale Alert App
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Wed, Apr 19 - San Juans (T49A1 & T65A5)
10:36 - T49A1 and T65A5. Heading up Spring Passage now, thanks Barbara Howitt!
09:00 - Secondhand report of orcas near the Friday Harbor Labs heading north. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Wed, Apr 19 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - A quick pass along Point Ruston in Tacoma as viewed aboard the ferry Salish. -photos by Jason Cook, April 19, 2023
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17:40 - They passed the pier about twenty minutes ago southbound. -David Michael
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17:13 - Heading to Chambers from Titlow to try to catch them. Moving super quick! -Robyn Riley
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17:22 - Headed towards McNeil.
17:16 - They have passed the Fox Island Pier. Pretty close to Fox Island shore southbound.
17:15 - Cruising past Point Fosdick.
17:11 - They are southbound headed towards the Fox Island Pier, viewing from Day Island. 
17:05 - Below the Narrows Airport milling around. -Karen Caldwell -photos by Karen Caldwell, April 19, 2023
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17:00 - Approaching Titlow. -photos by Cherie StOurs, April 19, 2023
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16:57 - Well south of Narrows, approaching Titlow fast, Gig Harbor side. -Robyn Riley
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16:45 - Saw them in the Narrows. -photo by Ryan Dicks, April 19, 2023
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16:26 - They are southbound in the Narrows. -April Basham
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16:19 - Close to Sunrise. -Jason Cook
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16:13 - Milling at the end of Dalco between Colvos and Narrows. Lots of splashing and direction changes. -Robyn Dally
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16:08 - Southbound towards the Narrows. Viewing from Dune. -April Basham
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15:58 - Viewing from the Point Defiance Marina, we can see blows and surface activity by the Vashon ferry terminal. -Robyn Dally
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15:45 - From Dune, seeing blows left of the yellow channel marker steady southwest bound our way. -April Basham
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15:45 - Westbound [Southern tip of Maury Island - approx. 47.335814, -122.446523]. - David Michael
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14:00 - Have now passed Point Robinson, far from shore, island side of mid channel, spread out in a loose line, all powering southbound through the chop quickly, very long downtimes. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:50 - From about an hour ago, north side of Three Tree Point. -Shelly Sh
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13:20 - Confirming T71Bs and T124Ds, all whales present. All whales have cleared Three Tree Point, continued southbound travel after pausing for seal snack. After being east of mi channel, they’ve moved more towards mid-channel. -Brittany Noelle
*
13:35 - Sound Action reports transient orcas southbound just north of Point Robinson.
*
11:28 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:35 - 1128hrs: Vessel KITTITAS reports via 800MHz spotting 4 orca in total, 2 females and 2 juveniles, while on approach to the FAU terminal, heading southbound and east of the lanes.
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11:34 - View from Lowman Beach, four orcas southbound south of ferry lane by radio towers.
11:24 - Southbound four orcas off Lowman Beach east of mid channel towards Colman Pool. -Mary Hartmann
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10:54 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz, they are in a tight group, moving steady with longish downtimes, almost to Vashon ferry dock. Four to five, no adult males, small calf. They look committed to the east side; still in northbound shipping lanes. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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09:56 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:11 to report: Log entry 0956hrs: Vessel WENATCHEE reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orca heading southbound in the northbound traffic lanes, midway through the crossing, SEA>BI.
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08:26 - Ariel Yseth called to report seeing tons of exhalations of who she believes are orcas in very choppy seas. She is seeing those exhalations out in the middle of the wide expanse between Edmonds, South Whidbey, Kitsap (about due south of Scatchet Head). She has not seen fins yet due to sea conditions, but blows are too tall to be spray from whitecaps. No discernable direction.
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Apr 19 - Possession Sound
19:53 - Still seeing blows of one unidentifiable gray from my location at Legion Memorial Park lookout. The gray has slowly moved south between Jetty Island and Possession Point.
19:30 - Blows off Jetty Island heading north, midchannel.
19:00 - Single gray was off Jetty Island, headed west toward Camano Head. Last blows seen southwest of Camano Head at 19:07. No identifying photos; just saw blows. -Linda Raines Tyner
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Wed, Apr 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21 Shackleton & CRC383 Cascade)
19:59 - 21 westbound towards Lowell Point.
20:02 - Now southbound in Saratoga Passage.
19:46 - 21 is still feeding where I left him earlier, south of Elger Bay. 383 was trending south from the point when I last saw him.
19:15 - 383 trending north slowly.
19:04 - 21 continued north towards Elger Bay. Second gray is feeding of the point south of him. Looking at fluke photos again, second whale was 383.
18:42 - 21 trending north slowly close to shore.
18:35 - 21 still milling around feeding close to shore. Lots of directional changes. I lost sight of the other whale, might have gone south around the point.
18:13 - Two grays feeding off Irenella. 21 is here, not sure about ID on second whale. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network -photos by Serena Tierra, April 19, 2023
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17:44 - Two grays near entrance to Elger Bay. Possibly feeding at the north point of Mabana Beach cove. -Gary Leonard [CWW]
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16:18 - [gray] Near the eastern point of Utsalady Bay (Brown Point).  -Terri McLaughlin Mueller [CWW]
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14:36 - I watched it from Scenic. Seemed to be going towards Utsalady [eastbound].  -Susan Robinette [CWW]
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14:27 - Just saw a spout north of Maple Grove, but couldn't tell which way it was heading. Pretty close to shore.  -Von Schroeder [CWW]
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Wed, Apr 19 - Admiralty Inlet - 20:00 - I’m seeing either one lone orca or a small baleen whale in Admiralty headed south [approx. 48.134109, -122.683243]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter

April 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 18 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - J Pod! A leisurely evening turned into a frenetic one with news of possible J pod off Bush Point, Whidbey Island as sunset approached. A quick dash to Bush Point did not disappoint - the whales were fighting the current and had made little headway south. Despite the blustery conditions, we were rewarded with sneak peeks of fins and flukes as they spy-hopped and breached in the fading light. -Sandy Pollard -photos by RJ Snowberger, April 18, 2023
*
20:45 - In near darkness happened to spot one large male dorsal slowly rise facing south still north of Bush Point channel buoy. Whidbey side. Be interesting to see who tomorrow brings and where. So fun to see so many friends and glimpses of J pod. Thanks so much Bart!
20:22 - In the waning light watching J pod friends rolling around, pec slapping, baby spy hops etc. not really going anywhere in choppy seas (and frigid wind). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
20:11 - Still right off the point at Bush Point. Moving southbound very slowly. -Emily Wandres
*
20:00 - Well, J-pod hit a huge wall of current at Bush Point and they have not moved very far since my last post. They are still aiming southbound though. They are slowly drifting away from the point into deeper water.
19:40 - J-pod southbound at Bush Point! Viewing from the beach. It appears to be the whole pod.
19:35 - Large pod of killer whales southbound at Bush Point, Whidbey Island. Multiple males. Viewing from shore and ironically I don’t have my camera with me. I’ll let you know if I can figure the ecotype, but so far I’ve got a bad angle on their dorsal fins. Judging by the numbers I would guess there’s a good chance it’s SRKWs.  -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 18 - Port Susan (T71Bs & T124Ds) - 19:00 - Rachel Haight spotted them about here! We both now see the Ts, generally southbound with some directional changes just north of Tulalip Shores hugging that side [approx. 48.068633, -122.310943]. Update: Alisa and Rachel watched blows and dorsals generally in same place for short time, possibly hunting. We didn't see them to the south after so think they likely pushed back north. We scouted until ~19:35 when the post from Bart came in about Js on the other side of Whidbey so we left of course. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
T124D Field - T71B Hood - Bigg's in Port Susan today. The water was a bit choppy but these are the first killer whales I've seen in over seven months, so I'll take it! -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Serena Tierra, April 18, 2023
*
18:10 - They passed Tillicum Beach southbound midchannel. Best estimate is four total, including one younger whale.
17:59 - Looks like three orcas southbound approaching Tillicum, Camano side of midchannel, picking up speed now.
17:56 - At least two trending southeast north of Tillicum. Hard to find in the whitecaps.
17:49 - Orcas just coming into view from Tillicum Beach, southbound. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
17:00 - Pod of orcas (three or four) heading south toward Tillicum (from Port Susan/Cameron Road).  -Fern Lee [CWW]
*
16:30 - Two to four orcas were just spotted at Bretland heading north fast. -Sam Wallace
*
They came by Tillicum and I caught up with them off Port Susan Terrace, they took something, then disappeared to the east. -John C Storbeck
*
16:03 - Viewing from Tillicum Beach. At least three northbound. Mid channel. -Linda Aitkins
*
15:10 - Just spotted some off Camano Head. Appear to be east of and going northbound into Port Susan. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:58 - Can see spouts between Possession Head and Mukilteo about mid channel. Looked to be feeding. -Clinton Duckworth
*
11:14 - Seven or eight whales, no big males. They'll be hard to see in the chop from shore. 
11:10 - We've got a group of transients just north of Edmonds, about a mile off of Norma Beach hunting slowly drifting northbound.  -Brian McGinn, Puget Sound Express
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Tue, Apr 18 - Columbia River Mouth - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lisa Lyons-Wark
Date of Sighting: 4/18/2023
Time: 8:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 30
Where seen: Mouth of the Columbia River
Direction of travel : Into the river toward Astoria
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Too far out and its was dusk
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Very cool
*
GRAY WHALES - Tue, Apr 18 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart, CRC531 Gretchen, & others) - 18:13 - Gray heading into Elger Bay. -Kasey Shepard (CWW)
*
17:45 - Feeding north end of Fox Spit, close to shore.
17:20 - Definitely cutting west towards Baby Island.
17:15 - At least one gray still south of Fox Spit closer to shore, but another traveled north pretty quickly - around Fox Spit and now seems to be heading north west towards Hidden Beach or Baby Island. -Emily Wandres -photo by Emily Wandres, April 18, 2023/
*
16:30 - Have at least 22 Earhart and think 531 Gretchen and one other (good chance 21) south of East Point winding their way southbound while feeding close inshore towards Bells Beach. Super wonderful fantastic beautiful large lovely whales. Heart happy, fingers frozen. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
-photos by Rachel Haight, April 18, 2023
*
16:14 - They [are] heading east towards Bells Beach I believe.
15:50 - Three grays feeding off Fox Spit.  -Erin McCloskey Flynn
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 18 10:22 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.04914,-122.43717 [Langley]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Dennis Headley
Whale Alert App
*
Tue, Apr 18 - Holmes Harbor (CRC185 Gisborne) - 15:15 - [CRC185] Gisborne is back. It [video] shows Gisborne feeding as he comes towards me and turning about 30 feet away.  -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photos by Bill Schafer, April 18, 2023
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Tue, Apr 18 - Puget Sound - 16:22 - At least three grays at Owen Beach right now [would be unusual spot for three grays]. -Carolanne Knoll

April 17
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Apr 17 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - 08:33 - Just saw a gray whale working its way south down the west coast of Whidbey, it just passed by West Beach County Park! -Maureen Searight
*
Mon, Apr 17 - Possession Sound - 09:00 - Saw a blow out from Camano Head. Appears northbound possibly towards Port Susan [approx. 48.042175, -122.351164]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Mon, Apr 17 - Saratoga Passage - 08:21 - Just saw a couple stealth blows. One gray close in to Whidbey between Sandy Point and heading towards Langley! -Christy Grant
*
Mon, Apr 17 - Port Susan - 07:14 - Gray straight out from Beach 1 Country Club. More than half way out towards mainland side. -Thomas McKane [CWW]
*
Mon, Apr 17 - Holmes Harbor (CRC185 Gisborne) - Sent via form submission from Orca Network Name: Bill Schafer
Date of Sighting: 4/17/2023
Time: 2:30 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Honeymoon Bay, Holmes Harbor
Direction of travel : Circling in shallows, feeding
Behaviors observed: Milling, feeding, always counterclockwise
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Right fluke, 3 distinct white scars (prop?)
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: - CRC185 Gisborne -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photos by Bill Schafer, April 17, 2023

April 16
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 16 - SW side North Pender
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Apr 16 13:50 PDT
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 48.75729,-123.27343
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.75729,-123.27343
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Bernie Garrett
Whale Alert App
*
Sun, Apr 16 - Haro Strait (J Pod)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Apr 16 13:50 PDT
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 48.75729,-123.27343
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.75729,-123.27343
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Bernie Garrett
Whale Alert App - J41 or J51 - J22 Oreo -IDs by Melissa Pinnow -photos by Bernie Garrett, April 16, 2023
*
11:10 - It’s members of J-Pod! Spread between Henry and Sidney northbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES - Sun, Apr 16 - Port Susan (CRC21 Shackleton & CRC356 Carson) - Good whale/weather karma today on Orca Network’s fundraiser cruise aboard Puget Sound Express’ “Swiftsure”. The day started with much rain and wind, but our 2-4 pm cruising window was almost rainless, the wind dropped a little and the SUN even came out. Oh and we found gray whales CRC#356 Carson, and then CRC#21 Shackleton who was feeding close to shore in Port Susan! No fluke shots today, but then a truly spectacular (double) rainbow in the middle of Port Susan as the finale. A super day – thanks to all who were on board for their support, including MANY friends. -Jill Hein - CRC356 Carson - CRC21 Shackleton - CRC21 Shackleton -photos and IDs by Jill Hein, April 16, 2023
*
16:10 - 16:20 - Shackleton moved inshore and started feeding. Rain squall moved in, we moved out under a spectacular rainbow
16:00 - CRC21 Shackleton northbound in rolling seas. ID per Bart Rulon. Per Bart Rulon 356 Carson was one of the whales up near Kayak Point.
16:00 - CRC21 Shackleton northbound in rolling seas. ID per Bart Rulon [Tilicum Beach - 48.108448, -122.394216].
15:30 - So choppy but possibly more whales spread in same general area, multiple directions.
15:20 - On our whale watch fundraiser, now in Port Susan and spotted a blow! Super choppy out here but have at least two (possible three) grays in the vicinity of Kayak Point and to the south of. At least one heading north east side of channel. Bart likely will have at least one ID. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
15:40 - CRC 356 northbound [Kayak Point area - approx. 48.130687, -122.370442]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sherrie Schuldheisi
Date of Sighting: 4/16/2023
Time: 8:30 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Slowly feeding off Tyee Beach
Direction of travel : S
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
*
Sun, Apr 16 - Saratoga Passage (CRC356 Carson) - 12:20 - CRC 356 is southbound from my map spot [Pebble Beach, Camano - approx. 48.065213, -122.389356]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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Sun, Apr 16 - Possession Sound (CRC2362) - 11:45 - CRC 2362 is westbound from my blue mark in the map [north of Hat Island - approx. 48.038450, -122.330256]! I know Cascadia Research saw this whale on Friday so today is not the first sighting of it this year. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
07:00 - Report of five grays off north end of Hat Island heading northwest. -Greg Bonn [HIWS] 

April 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 15 - BC (T65A5 & T87) - T087 Harbeson and T065A5 Indy off Georgia Beach. -Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings
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Sat, Apr 15 - Bellingham Channel (T36As, T125A, & T128) - 13:16 - Saratoga was with them this afternoon: 36As, 125A & 128. -Christopher Lewman, Puget Sound Express
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11:45 - They are now northbound between Cypress and Guemes - sounds like the group includes brothers T125A and T128! This would be our first documentation of them in the Salish Sea in 2023. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
11:35 - Appears they headed north in Bellingham Channel [between Guemes and Cypress Islands]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:51 - Several orca heading east past Anacortes ferry terminal. One large male. A couple little ones and few female. -Melanie Holbrook
*
10:46 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:47 to report: Captain reports 5 Orca off of Shannon Point heading North - reported by YAKIMA.
*
10:05 - Bigg’s killer whales northbound off Washington Park in Anacortes, heading for the San Juan Island ferry lanes. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Apr 15 - South Puget Sound - 17:30 - Pickering Passage [video of humpback]. -Donilee Brower Matthews
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Apr 15 - Saratoga Passage (CRC 21 Shackleton, CRC 22 Earhart, & CRC 531 Gretchen) - 15:25 - Second hand report from intern Taylor that there are two gray whales southbound towards Langley from Bells Beach. -Katie Watkins, Orca Network
*
13:30 - Now southeast bound towards Whidbey.
13:15 - Two gray whales just below the Vivolo bench lookout on the South Rim of Howard Adams trail at Camano Island State Park. -Kristina Trowbridge
*
13:22 - Still there.
12:40 - Viewing from Lowell Point Community, seeing one gray deep in Elger Bay appears to be feeding.
12:26 - Thank you Bart! Located this one from Lowell Point Community from your map! Still here. -Linda Aitkins
*
12:00 - Crc 531 is feeding in the shallows of Elger Bay. Not much of a direction to report [approx. 48.126251, -122.465689].
11:33 - Crc 21 and 22 are eastbound [Elger Bay - approx/ 48.119428, -122.470852]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
11:05 - 531 heading into Elger Bay, other two are milling midchannel east of Baby Island.
10:56 - Three grays off Irenella, two together and one a bit further north, all northbound.
10:48 - Two grays are off Irenella heading north. Cascadia research boat approaching. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
10:20 - These are the ones that were at Mabana, they are north of there now. -photos by Thomas McKane, April 15, 2023
*
09:58 - Grays trending northwest off Mabana. 22 Earhart and 531 Gretchen were the first two. Not sure who the third one was.
09:44 - Third gray approaching Mabana from the south. The two feeding started showing their pec fins right after my last comment.
09:41 - Two grays feeding off Mabana. Not showing much of their bodies when they surface, so no IDs yet.
09:24 - Two grays from Summerland are definitely heading north. There's a third whale midchannel out from Mabana.
09:19 - Two grays off Summerland, maybe heading north. Viewing from Mabana boat launch. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network - CRC531 - From right, CRC531 Gretchen & CRC22 Earhart - CRC531 Gretchen -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks and Serena Tierra, Orca Network -photos by Serena Tierra, April 15, 2023
*
08:56 - Mid channel, heading north between Whidbey and Camano, should be passing Langley in a bit if it keeps heading that way! Welcome the whales! -Christy Grant
*
08:32 - Seeing blows from a single gray in Saratoga passage midchannel in between Bells Beach and Mabana. Can't tell direction. Viewing from Lowell Point bluff. -Serena Tierra
*
07:21 - Gray in Elger Bay heading towards the State Park now. -Tami Fifield [CWW]
*
Sat, Apr 15 - Port Susan - 08:20 - Couple of grays spotted coming south from Barnum Point past Cavalero Boat Launch and on to Beach 1 at Country Club at 08:00, reported south of CC2 from CC3. -John C Storbeck
*
07:03 - Gray off Beach 1 in Country Club. More than halfway out on mainland side. Headed south. -Thomas McKane [CWW]
*
Sat, Apr 15 - Possession Sound - 15:30 - Grey whale feeding just outside of the breakwater (river) at Everett by Jetty Island. -Erica Sutehall
*
MINKE WHALES - Sat, Apr 15 - Hein Bank - 08:30 - We were near Hein Bank and saw it. Unable to get photos. -Charlotte Scofield
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Sat, Apr 15 - Case Inlet 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 15 17:11 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.31196,-122.84666
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Debbie Fawcett
Whale Alert App

April 14
HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Apr 14 - Haro Strait - 12:50 - Humpback. Just off west side of San Juan Island off Madrona. Looks to be heading down island. Quarter mile offshore. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
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Fri, Apr 14 - Rosario Strait (BCX1068 Split Fluke & BCY0458 Raptor) - BCY0458 Raptor and BCX1068 Split Fluke IDs per Tyson IE5. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
The humpbacks were BCX1068 Split Fluke, and BCY0458 Raptor. -Sam Wallace
*
17:14 - Two humpbacks. Rosario Strait [approx. 48.575648, -122.756893]. 
14:26 - Still slowly northbound [Rosario Strait - approx. 48.543492, -122.755300]. -Smith Siromaskul
*
13:37 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Captain reports two humpback whales in Rosario Strait - reported by YAKIMA. 
*
13:27 - Two humpbacks now circling [Rosario Strait - approx. 48.507193, -122.749632].  -photos by Smith Siromaskul, April 14, 2023
*
Fri, Apr 14 - Puget Sound (CRC19820 Malachite) - Welcome back buddy! Malachite swimming along Point Defiance. -photos by Jason Cook, April 14, 2023
*
19:15 - I can hear him between Day Island and Fox Island. Doesn’t look like he committed to Hale Passage. It’s hard to see him in the bright sun but I can hear him. I think I heard him around 19:15 but couldn’t tell if he went towards the Fox Island Bridge or south towards the Fox Island pier. The bright sunset made a blinding glare on the water.
19:10 - Taken from Day Island. -photo by Karen Caldwell, April 14, 2023
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19:03 - Going through Hale Passage. Looked like northwest towards the Fox Island Bridge.
18:58 - Directly across from Titlow now. -Keenan Miller
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18:50 - Heading south right last Narrows Bridge. Can see across the water from Hidden Beach with binoculars. -Haleigh Meacham
*
18:50 - Directly under the Narrows Bridge right now. -Morgan Matthews
*
18:49 - Just spotted from Narrows Park under the bridge. -Keenan Miller
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Pauline Proszowski
Date of Sighting: 4/14/2023
Time: 6:08 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: In Gig Harbor across from Salmon Beach heading towards Tacoma Narrows bridge
Direction of travel : SW swimming slowly
Behaviors observed: Swimming close to surface then did a dive with tail in the air
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Too far away to see detail
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Very brief sighting of a humpback as I first thought it could be dolphins since I was higher up viewing into the water. Swimming close to shore I saw a shiny, smooth dark gray to blackish hump with dorsal fin above the water's surface. Then its big tail came out into the air as it dove down. A boat was coming closer but stopped as the whale's tail came up. The sun was shining on the tail as he/she dove down so it was quite a pretty sight! I've seen orcas here before and humpbacks elsewhere so this was my first local humpback sighting. It happened so fast I didn't have the chance to get a photo. He/she never resurfaced again so maybe swam off towards the bridge?
Photos available?: No
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17:55 - Feeding along entrance to the Narrows. -Jason Cook
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17:20 - So many tail lobs off Point Defiance. My arms are jello.  -Amber Stanfill -photos by Ryan Dicks, April 14, 2023
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16:30 - Was in area west of Point Defiance. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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15:44 - Hugging south Vashon shoreline, eastbound. -Jason Cook
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15:12 - Middle of channel between southwest point of Vashon and Point Defiance; looked to be pointed north-ish, no fluke, just beautiful body arch glistening in the sun. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:10 - Was just in middle of Dalco roughly between Point Defiance and Point Dalco. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
15:04 - Heading southwest again from Vashon. Viewing from promenade.
14:46 - Heading east, not quite to ferry lane, south side of Vashon, viewing from promenade. -Cherie StOurs
*
14:36 - Heading east again back through Dalco. -photo by Eileen Mccaffery-Lent, April 14, 2023
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14:36 - Barely surfacing, still heading north slightly towards Vashon southwest tip.
14:26 - He’s heading north from the tip of Point Defiance, view from promenade. -back of camera photo by Cherie StOur, April 14, 2023
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14:05 - Just east of Point Defiance moving slightly north to northwest -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
13:48 - Just went in the ferry lane under Vashon ferry. -Kitkat Whales
*
13:54 - It is off Owen Beach now, about one kilometer, still westbound.
13:35 - Humpback westbound off Dune Peninsula going toward Tahlequah. -Charlie Wright
*
13:27 - Just spotted off Dune mid channel going toward Quartermaster, Vashon. -Kitkat Whales
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12:31 - I’m watching from Dash Point. Still close to the Gold Beach area. It was still heading south. -Britany Lee
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carolann Streett
Date of Sighting: 4/14/2023
Time: 12:30 PM
Species seen: Humpback—but seemed small
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: (47.3576875, -122.4247306)
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: Traveling, possible bubble feeding—caught end of large splash at one point but
don’t think it was a breach
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
GRAY WHALES - Fri, Apr 14 - Burrows Bay - 15:30 - Still northbound toward marina now.
14:49 - Gray south end of Burrows Bay. Feeding in no particular pattern [approx. 48.463644, -122.657963]. -photos by Smith Siromaskul, April 14, 2023
*
Fri, Apr 14 - Saratoga Passage - 19:13 - Two whales milling around between Whidbey and Camano for last 30 minutes (Fox Spit area). -Megan Fantz Pyle
*
17:49 - Grays in Saratoga passage are passing Camano Island State Park heading north, fairly far out.
17:06 - One grey off Mabana [Camano] heading north.
17:12 - Two more in the same area looks like maybe heading toward Elger Bay. -Gary Leonard [CWW]
*
15:15 - At least one of the grays is just south of Bells beach Whidbey. No direction noted. 
13:08 - Two grays right at the beach past summerland [Camano]!
13:10 - Both headed midchannel, southwest direction. -Jennifer Feldman Spanton [CWW]
*
10:25 - Saw a few blows after that comment, but nothing for 20 minutes. I'm guessing he headed southeast. Lots of heat distortion right now.
10:05 - Viewing from hill in Oak Harbor, a gray, from my perspective, southeast of Maylor Point and between there and Camano. Very far from me. Will try to figure out direction. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
07:58 - Spouts midchannel between Camano and Whidbey just west of Utsalady Point/Mariners Cove. Appears to be heading west towards Polnell Point. -Pat Sebelsky [CWW]

April 13
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 13 - Salt Spring Island
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Madhavi Messmer
Date of Sighting: 4/13/2023
Time: 7:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Northern most end of North Beach Road on Salt Spring Island, from shore, in between Salt Spring Island and Galiano, moving through the channel northward.
Direction of travel : North, steady pace. Coming up for regular breaths for some distance and then
disappeared under and out of sight.
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes! At least four foot dorsal fin, so straight, so big.
Any unusual markings?: No scars or anything on the dorsal fin that we could see? But a gray patch behind the fin. Might have been too far away to clearly see if there were any scars on the fin.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: So beautiful!
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Thu, Apr 13 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T71Bs & T124Ds) - T124D1, T71B2, T124D3, T71B1 - T124D - T124D3, T124D, T124D1 - For this whale watch trip, we picked up folks from both Anacortes and Orcas Island. We were originally going to head out towards Victoria, as T49C (Nielson) and his nephew T49A2 (Jude) were out that way, but someone else reported six or so orcas a bit south of Deception Pass. Turns out they were the T71Bs and the T124Ds, two families numbering 3 whales each, with the youngest being T124D3, who is turning two years old this year. We caught them as they were headed towards Deception Pass, where they hunted an unfortunate harbor seal. We also witnessed one spyhop and breach, but sadly I didn’t get to capture it on the camera. Another fantastic day. -photos & IDs by Wallace Woods Photography, April 13, 2023
*
It's always a special day when you get to meet "new" Bigg's killer whales, and today ended up being such a day as I had my first-ever encounter with the T71Bs. After making a kill, T71B1 Zengo came over and did one circle of the boat, finishing with this tail wave. Nice to meet you, too! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 13, 2023
*
These whales were ID'd as the T71Bs & T124Ds! Wonder where they were the past day and a half! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Picture I was able to get off Washington Park. -photo by Tami Kannenberg, April 13, 2023
*
17:10 - They were last spotted off Burrows Pass headed north/northwest. -Sam Wallace
*
17:10 - They passed Washington Park, northbound in Rosario midchannel or further.
16:40 - Approaching Washington Park.
15:25 - Starting to head north after finishing their meal, fairly close to shore. North of Rosario Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:32 - Seemed like five individuals. They are now trending northeast, but taking their time. There were a couple tail slaps and a spy hop during the milling and killing. Pretty cool!
15:06 - Group is milling on a kill just north of Bowman Bay, as viewing from Rosario Head. Non-directional, birds swooping in for the scraps. -Amanda Marie, Our Salish Sea School
*
15:00 - Saw them today. First time for months I’ve seen orcas, five [of them]. -Deborah Engelbach
*
14:45 - Kept north and pushing in a little closer to Fidalgo. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:45 - Still visible, with the naked eye, continuing to head north, visible from Rosario Head. -Silver Hubble
*
14:40 - On bridge now, no visual yet, but based on boats looks like they're continuing north. On the west side of Deception Island. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:32 - Orcas right off Deception Pass. -Silver Hubble
*
14:30 - Rachel made it over in time to catch the group who are straight out off West Beach, Deception Pass State Park approx. 250 yards offshore - can see with naked eye no problem. At this time resumed slow northbound, might angle into the pass, but is too soon to say.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Apr 13 - BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tamara Irminger
Date of Sighting: 4/13/2023
Time: 3:54 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Okeover Inlet (Northern Georgia Strait)
Direction of travel : Northwest out of the inlet
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We see transient orca pods in Okeover Inlet, but this is the first I've seen a humpback whale.
Photos available?: No
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Apr 13 - Bellingham Bay - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris Bell
Date of Sighting: 4/13/2023
Time: 1:55 PM
Species seen: Blue [video shows gray]
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 48°39.493'N 122°36.193'W
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Milling around
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Per email followup: The gray whale looks kind of like I saw. I was going on the species by an old captain that runs a sea taxi out here. I did get a bad picture of the tail fin before it dove. Saw it yesterday [Wed, Apr 12] on my trip out yesterday too in Bellingham Bay. 
Photos available?: No
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Thu, Apr 13 - Admiralty Inlet - 14:30 - Gray in Mutiny Bay. I was on kayak and it popped up closeby. Northbound. -Ruaraidh Stenson
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Thu, Apr 13 - Penn Cove - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ann Eissinger
Date of Sighting: 4/13/2023
Time: 8:40 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 200 ft north of Coupeville Wharf
Direction of travel : East - slow
Behaviors observed: Surfacing to breathe
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: No just mottling typical of gray whale
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seemed small, possible juvenile
Photos available?: No
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Thu, Apr 13 - Saratoga Passage - 15:30 - At least one grey heading south past Summerland [Camano], mid channel. Big spouts! -LJ Ringstad [CWW]
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13:05 - Shane Rea called to report seeing a gray whale off Camano Island State Park. Whale was heading northbound about 50meters/150 feet offshore.
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10:12 - Gray whale off Northern tip Camano Island! South of Maple Grove Boat Launch. Milling, feeding. -Teresa Woody
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10:20 - Just saw another blow right after I posted that! Still off Mabana, a bit farther offshore now.
09:54 - Seeing spouts off Mabana. Too far away to tell direction of travel. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Thu, Apr 13 - Port Susan - 11:24 - Two grays feeding near shore at SpeeBiDah headed north in Port Susan. -Katie Currier
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11:00 - Two grays at Tillicum Beach one remained in the same 30 yds of water for about 20 minutes posing for all the cameras.
09:30 - Gray whale reported off Tulalip Shores. Heading north fast. -John C Storbeck

April 12
HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Apr 12 - Puget Sound - 09:25 - Morning! Secondhand report of a humpback at Point Defiance five minutes ago. Last seen heading toward the Narrows about 09:20, but was making directional changes.  -Brooke Casanova
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Apr 12 - Penn Cove (CRC56 Stardust & CRC2249 Hattie)
14:55 - They have passed Long Point and appear to be following shoreline east/southeast. I managed to catch a photo right before his face hit the water surface, but that spyhop was one of the most incredible things I've ever seen. Believed he spyhopped to check out us humans on shore and his face glowed in the sun. Wish I could've gotten a better photo to capture the moment but what a memory!
14:40 - One spyhopped feet off shore right next to us!
14:30 - Approaching Long Point close to shore.
14:10 - Two gray whales in Penn Cove. Between Monroe Landing and Coupeville boat launch. Appear to be eastbound and closer to Coupeville side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network - CRC2249 Hattie - CRC56 Stardust -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photos by Rachel Haight, April 12, 2023
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Wed, Apr 12 - Port Susan - 07:15 - Blows seen in Port Susan near Warm Beach. Likely grays.  -James Piotrowski [CWW]
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Wed, Apr 12 - Saratoga Passage - 19:30 - Single gray passing Lowell Point close to shore heading south. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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19:27 - Two Grays heading south close to Camano side, just south of Onamac Point. -Marie Heil
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18:32 - These two just passed by the yacht club and are still heading south mid channel. -Dma Work
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18:00 - Shane Rea called to report a gray whale off Camano Island State Park. Whale surfaced a couple of times heading northbound towards Cama SP then disappeared.  
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18:00 - [Grays] out in front of Madrona [Camano] since 17:00 and still there. -Marla Williams [CWW]
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17:21 - [Gray] whales spouting close to shore off Madrona Beach [Camano].  -Kaylene Casto Flanary [CWW]
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Wed, Apr 12 - North Saratoga Passage (CRC383 Cascade, CRC2259 & others)
18:28 - They seem to have split up. One continuing south, the other headed north.
16:57 - Two grays off Camano near Rocky Point. Heading south. -Karla Myers [CWW]
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16:57 - Whale heading south from Rocky Point. -Janet Wright [CWW]
*
16:00 - 16:45 - Started watching from Rocky Point [Camano] at 16:00. We watched two grays for 45 minutes from Rocky Point to Bayshore as we walked the beach. They headed northeast from Rocky Point, stayed awhile off Bayshore and then turned and headed southwest. -Susan Robinette [CWW]
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14:56 - Whale spotted mid-channel Saratoga Passage, between Mariners Cove and Camano. Heading east. -Terra Parham [ONCG]
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CRC2259 - CRC383 Cascade -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:26 - They continued south and each showed their flukes as both did a deep dive!
10:30 - 11:25 - Pair of gray whales were feeding inside of Polnell Point. Now have moved offshore and did a deep dive so believe they're moving on. Headed southeast at that time. -photos by Rachel Haight, April 12, 2023
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09:40 - Saw a report of group of grays, possibly five, approaching Mariners Cove, Camano. -Tyson Parker Reed
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ross and Robin Robinson
Date of Sighting: 4/12/2023
Time: 8:30 AM
Species seen: Gray whales
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 48.16'4" N 122.27'46" W Off the North end of Camano Island
Direction of travel : East on an incoming tide
Behaviors observed: Feeding on ghost shrimp
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We'd seen grays three different times in the same location the week prior but weren't aware of your website at the time.
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Suzanne McKetta
Date of Sighting: 4/12/2023
Time: 6:55 AM
Species seen: Gray whales
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Located midchannel between Rocky Point on Camano Island and Whidbey. Two grays
swimming together and fluking. One gray is alone, closer to Whidbey side. So lovely in the morning light.
Direction of travel : Generally heading east and north, slight direction changes and just taking their time.
Behaviors observed: Fluking and milling.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Too far away to see any markings. I'm in Rocky Point on Camano.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

April 11
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 11 - Admiralty Inlet (T49A2 & T49C) - These were ID’d by Rebecca Berger as T49A2 & T49C (confirmed by Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute).
*
09:49 - We have orcas headed north towards Point Wilson right off Point Hudson marina. At least one big male.  -Colleen Farrell
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09:38 - Orcas heading north out of Port Townsend, two orcas. Last spotted heading towards Fort Ebey State Park. -Jonathan Avila
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Tue, Apr 11 - Central Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - From Commencement Bay. Link to FB video. -Jami Cantrell
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Here’s a few from Tail Thrashing Tuesday as viewed from Silver Cloud near Old Town Tacoma as the T’s feasted along South Vashon & Maury Islands. -photos by Jason Cook, April 11, 2023
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Viewing from Dune Peninsula, amazing watching T71Bs and T124Ds hunting for a constant four hours. From Vashon ferry lane to Browns Point and then back! -photos by Cherie StOurs, April 11, 2023
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I went to Dune Peninsula to try to catch a glimpse of these guys. I ended up watching them for hours. At one point, there were four bald eagles following them and swooping in to get the leftovers of their successful hunt. I put my camera down and nursed my baby on a park bench while the orca surfaced next to the brave eagles over and over again. It felt like I was witnessing something sacred. These photos aren't the greatest, but this was one of my favorite encounters. The sun wasn't even expected to shine but it was such a beautiful day. -photos by Jenelle Walter, April 11, 2023
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I think this is T071B2.  - Looks like T071B + T124D. -photos and IDs by Sara Montour Lewis, April 11, 2023
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14:24 - On the hunt, from Dune. Link to video. -Melissa Bird
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Viewed from Dune Peninsula for approximately five hours as they fed from Vashon Ferry lane heading west to Browns Point and back! Truly amazing! [video] -Cherie StOurs
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19:25 - Just passed Lisabeula, slow steady northbound grouped together. Mid-channel closer to Vashon side. -Ellen Weir
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18:48 - Just passed Point Richmond heading toward Ollala now. -Dana Flaskerud
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18:05 - Viewing from Browns and they have made significant progress west. From my viewpoint they are at the tip of Point Defiance closer to Vashon side but mid channel. -Mollie Segall
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17:55 - Last I spotted them was by Vashon Island three minutes ago. Looked like they were cruising this time. Looked heading southwest but lost view. -Haleigh Meacham
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17:52 - Continuing westbound into Dalco Passage. -Brooke Casanova
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17:30 - Same location as the maps that have been posted. -photo by Snow Andy, April 11, 2023
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17:27 - At Browns [Point], they seem to be going west again and within these areas [approx. 47.309445, -122.477718] from my line of sight. Trending towards the ferry lane it looks. -David Bennett
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17:17 - I saw them again just now also. Same area. They are meandering and munching on dinner. -Lisa Van Valkenburg
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17:15 - Spotted them just now in the highlighted area [outer Commencement Bay - approx. 47.304252, -122.462386]. Seem to be heading west but keep changing direction, may be hunting. Lots of tail slaps and circling. -Haleigh Meacham
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17:03 - Blows barely visible. Heading north. -Lisa Van Valkenburg
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16:51 - Visible from Point Ruston with spotting scope, they are around Browns Point shoreline, so quite small for viewing. -Snow Andy
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16:36 - They are still meandering mid channel and appear to still be heading east. -Lisa Van Valkenburg
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16:31 - At Browns Point now, definitely visible. Some activity visible to the naked eye but most will need scope. -Bella Knoth
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16:30 - Here are a few of my pictures of the orca pass by, what a great show! Who do we call to report bald eagles not following the “Be Whale Wise” rules?!? Our view point was Point Ruston looking at Browns Point/Dash Point. We then lost them and the last report we saw before headed home was they headed westbound to Dalco.  -photos by Desiree Sauve, April 11, 2023
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16:28 - Lots of breaches and tail slapping again. We were viewing from Dune Peninsula! Moving east now. -Bre Oakley
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16:26 - They’ve drifted further northeast [approx. 47.311001, -122.474546], but look like they’re hunting again. Our line of sight is Dune to Browns Point. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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16:24 - Lots of tail slapping! Same general area. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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16:21 - I’m viewing now from Les Davis Pier (definitely need binoculars because they're close to Vashon/Maury). -Catherine Lee
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16:13 - Right in the area of the black blob [Quartermaster Harbor entrance - approx. 47.324709, -122.477719]. Heading northeast.
16:09 - They are moving to the northeast of Quartermaster entrance. Still active and appear to be picking up the pace heading north.
15:38 - Lots of breaching and spy hops. Still moving slowly east. In front of Quartermaster Harbor.
15:30 - Lots of birds and splashes still in the distance. Moved slightly east. Still not quite to the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor. Getting closer to Vashon side now. Clearly on a killing spree.
15:12 - Look to still be mid channel just east of ferry lanes. Approx. halfway between ferry lanes and Quartermaster entrance. Look for the bird party and splashes. -Lisa Van Valkenburg
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15:01 - Visible from Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. -Cob SH
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14:42 - Still in the same general [area], but a little more east. Lots of direction changes & splashing while eating their meal. Birds on the buffet. Easily visible from Dune with their blows being carried by the wind & the birds to help you spot them. -Melissa Bird
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14:32 - Drifted further east [approx. 47.309704, -122.485638], but still milling/eating. Our line of sight is Owen Beach to halfway between Dash Point pier & Browns Point. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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14:26 - Still visible from Dune. -Casey Bues
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14:00 - 15:00 - Too far out from Owen Beach to get pictures, but active and the first time I have seen orcas from shore in Puget Sound. Interesting front somersault style breaches.  -photos by George Holland, April 11, 2023
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14:24 - They have successfully taken a seal & are toying with it, potentially teaching the baby hunting techniques. Same general area off southeast tip of Vashon, mid channel. From Dune.
14:16 - Milling off southeast tip of Vashon/West side of Quartermaster Harbor entrance. -Melissa Bird
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14:01 - Generally trending east while still milling. Viewing from Dune Peninsula with line of sight now the southeast tip of Vashon.
13:43 - Still milling in the same general area. Line of sight Dune Peninsula to Tahlequah ferry dock. Mid channel. -Candace Gavin
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13:30 - Currently going in circles in front of the Vashon ferry terminal; they stopped just after passing it when coming in and started circling while traveling southwest. Seem to be hunting, appears to be three, two are staying closer to each other while the third is alone more. -Emerson Hammond
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13:30 - Playing in ferry lane, mid channel. -Caleb Marrs
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13:29 - They’re still hunting in the same spot [Dalco Passage - approx. 47.320964, -122.504163]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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13:01 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula, line of sight is the Tahlequah ferry dock. Orcas breaching mid channel, not sure how many yet. -Candace Gavin
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Stacy Zetterberg
Date of Sighting: 4/11/2023
Time: 12:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Point Defiance Dalco Passage viewpoint
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Traveling, sprays, two young small orcas
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I have a one minute video
Photos available?:
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12:26 - Orcas heading north on the Tacoma Narrows. -Jack Sasser
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Apr 11 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2508) - 16:30 - 17:30 - Shot from shore off Rosario. We hope they are useful in your important work. I have others and will send if I see anything that might have detail. He/she was pretty far out of range. Any further info would be much appreciated. So exciting to find a "new to us" gray! Thank you so much for your efforts! -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photos by Randy & Dianne Norton, April 11, 2023
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16:47 - Pointed towards Lopez.
16:30 - Gray whale at Rosario, Deception.  -Dianne Norton
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13:20 - We are having a great whale day. Seeing a spout from Deception Pass State Park, looks like a gray whale, heading south. -Laura Flagg
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Tue, Apr 11 (CRC185 Gisborne) - 20:00 - 20:30 - This was the gray whale feeding in the evening and into the night late right outside our house. It’s a very dark whale but has some conspicuous small scratches across the back. It was already very dark when I got the drone over the whale, 8 - 830pm! Still a take under permit 26599. [ID: CRC185 “Gisborne” by Alisa Lemire Brooks]  -Florian Graner  -photos by Florian Graner, April 11, 2023 - All photos taken under Federal permit #NMFS 26599
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Tue, Apr 11 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21 Shackleton, CRC22 Earhart, & CRC185 Gisborne) - 18:49 - I saw two spouts, still northbound close to Camano side. Looks like one gray swimming northbound, north of Onomac, may be two, Camano side. Right into the sun. -Kristina Trowbridge
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18:03 - Two grays heading north, across from Camano city, closer to the Whidbey side. -Patricia Phillips
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17:41 - Two have moved close to Fox Spit.
17:30 - Grabbed binocs and determined it's three whales. They are very active. Lots of blows and dives showing off tails.
17:01 - Two grays blowing and diving mid channel, viewing from north end of Mabana. Can't tell direction. -Krista Paulino
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12:20 - Crc 21 and 22 nearing Elger Bay northbound [approx. 48.113503, -122.456910].
11:50 - Crc 185 northbound [Saratoga Woods area - approx. 48.060472, -122.450920]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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10:50 - From the Inn at Langley. Headed northwest right as we headed for checkout. What a treat [video].  -Laura Flagg
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10:45 - Gray whale off Langley Seawall. Feeding. -Katie Watkins, Orca Network
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Tue, Apr 11 - Port Susan (CRC21 Shackleton & CRC22 Earhart) - Shackleton and Earhart were at Tillicum Beach at dawn. Reports of grays off Tulalip Shores and Country Club Beach 2 as well this morning. -John C Storbeck

April 10
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 10 - South Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - After Easter’s amazing encounter with this family on Ruston Way, I decided to wake up early and keep an eye on the reports. I had the day off so I fully intended on following them until sunset. Boy did I! Much to my surprise the T71Bs and T124Ds decided to make a visit into the super narrow Hammersley Inlet! I got in my car and went straight to Walker Park. I had a feeling they wouldn’t be there for long because the tide was going out, so my intention was to get there and wait for them to leave. Within five minutes of me getting there they were already headed my way! The inlet is extremely narrow, so no matter what it’s an amazing close pass. After they passed Walker Park, I decided to take a gamble and set myself up on the opposite side of the channel in case they made their way towards the harstine island bridge. I made friends with folks who live at Church Point and was able to get a super close, extremely beautiful pass there as well! I decided to try my luck and look for a pull off at Cape Horn for a shot of an amazing pass there also. I saw a lovely woman walking her dog and told her the orcas were headed her way! She was so kind that she let me go onto her beach and walk to the point where we could get an INCREDIBLE viewing. Shockingly, by the time we walked all the way to the point, we got word the orcas turned around and were heading back towards Walker Park! The tide was still going out, and was pretty low so I was a bit confused why they didn’t leave. So I left and went back to Church Point and right when I got there they were in front of me heading back towards Cape Horn. So I got in my car and went back to Cape Horn. Right when I got there I got word that they had yet again flipped and were heading back towards Walker Park. My friend Brittany Noelle and I met up and she took me to places that she was showed by a local. We got yet another amazing close pass as they began to head back out towards Church Point. So we left and went back to Church Point and were blessed with another close pass! This time we made sure to really make sure that they went around the corner towards Libby Point. As soon as they did, we made our way back to Cape Horn. Yet again, they flipped as soon as we got there. So we made our way back to Church Point and they yet again were right there heading back towards Libby Point. The light was fading so I decided to take video. This time we could here actually hear them breathing in and out, it was incredibly beautiful. Now, this time we waited until someone posted that they passed Libby point, which would mean they were definitely getting closer to Cape Horn. Once we got word they passed there we decided to try Cape Horn one last time, and it paid off big time. One of the wonderful home owners, Susan, had made the trek with us down to her beach each time we were there, so I was relieved they were finally coming. We walked out to the point, and by this time the tide was coming in strong and fast. We had to climb the clay to get out to the point and I was living my best life. Across the way there were no houses, and the landscape was magical. I felt like I was in one of my reoccurring dream where I’m watching orcas in a time before civilization. The pass was slow and dreamy as the battled the incoming current to make their way out of the channel. To top it off, Susan and Bill (her husband) invited us in for a slice of pizza before we made the trip home. I made forever friends with this family and am so grateful. Best day ever. -Jami Cantrell - T124D3 -photos by Jami Cantrell, April 10, 2023
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Captured this moment when T071B and her youngest T071B2 passed Jami Cantrell and I from the northern shore of Hammersley Inlet. -photo & IDs by Brittany Noelle, April 10, 2023
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20:35 - Just passed my place just south of Jarrell Cove Harstine Island heading north. Very long down times. -Teresa Saunders Westcoat
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It was fun meeting a lot of you today. Definitely worth the wait for our first time seeing the orcas! -Dav Brown
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20:17 - Northbound Pickering, super long downtimes. -Megan Gene Carlson
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19:14 - They're out and trending north.  -David Bennett
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19:00 - T71Bs and T124Ds have finally exited Hammersley Inlet against the incoming tide. Unknown if they went north or south after clearing Cape Horn. -Brittany Noelle
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sandy Santa Maria
Date of Sighting: 4/10/2023
Time: 6:29 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Hammersley Inlet
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Traveling fast
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The orcas seemed to have come down the inlet unnoticed this time, no boats or people on shore. They were traveling very fast away from Oakland Bay .
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Sandy Santa Maria, April 10, 2023
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18:54 - They are headed your way Pickering. -Penny Walden
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18:17 - For the moment they flipped back east towards Arcadia from Church Point area.  -Jami Cantrell
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17:57 - They turned around again! They were coming by the house and then turned back west to Walker Park! -photo by PS Osborne, April 10, 2023
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16:53 - Looks like they're heading back towards us. -David Bennett
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16:51 - Have flipped again! They literally just went out of our sight and flipped. Approaching Walker Park with direction towards Arcadia.
16:30 - Passed Walker Park headed towards the Shelton Marina still. -Candace Gavin
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16:30 - They're west past Walker Park.
16:18 - They're still heading west [video]. -David Bennett
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16:12 - Approaching Walker Park. Directionally headed towards Shelton for the moment. -Candace Gavin
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15:55 - They turned back to town [westbound] at the yellow dot [Hammersley Inlet - approx. 47.206020, -123.004070]. -PS Osborne
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15:49 - Orcas in Hammersley. They are headed out right now. Four or more. -Rana Brown
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15:45 - Passed Church Point heading towards Arcadia. -Jami Cantrell
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14:52 - Must be indecisive orca day. At Arcadia. -David Bennett
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14:40 - From north side of Hammersley Inlet, whales have continued eastbound in Hammersley Inlet heading towards Libby Point. -Brittany Noelle
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14:25 - They have flipped again and are headed back towards Arcadia.
14:17 - Approaching Walker Park now headed towards Shelton Marina. -Candace Gavin
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14:15 - This was at Walker Park [video]. -April Basham
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andrea Simmons
Date of Sighting: 4/10/2023
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47.2044948, -123.0556391
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?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Andrea Simmons, April 10, 2023
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14:00 - They flipped back toward Walker Park. -Brenda Rix
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13:50 - They turned around again! Westbound. -PS Osborne
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13:15 - They passed Walker Park headed east.
13:01 - They flipped and are heading back east towards Walker Park. -Jami Cantrell
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12:43 - Directly in front of Walker Park right now headed into Oakland Bay. -Catherine Brooks
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12:43 - They just passed Walker Park. Heading towards marina.
12:26 - They are coming! I see blows! -Stephanie Chapman
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T71B1, T71B, & T71B2 - T124D -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:06 - They are here in Hammersley, westbound, heading towards Walker Park. -photos by PS Osborne, April 10, 2023
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10:10 - Fairly big pod southbound from Steamboat Island [in Totten Inlet]. Confirmed orcas, not sure which pod. -Creston Wood/
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Apr 10 - Carr Inlet - 07:30 - Brief update - turned and surfaced in front of me by Horsehead Bay before heading back southbound again so hadn’t left the area here as of then [Carr Inlet - approx. 47.276253, -122.706372]. -Jennifer Swenson
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06:51 - Humpback slowly passing me by - Carr Inlet, close to Horsehead Bay heading northbound towards Kopachuck. -Jennifer Swenson [PSWS]
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Apr 10 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2508) - CRC2508 -ID by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research Collective - Had a great day whale watching today! Today we went and hung out with a gray whale a bit south of Deception Pass. Super long dives (12+ minutes) but good fluking action. Seems to be a potential newbie? All photos are of the same whale. -photos by Sam Wallace, April 10, 2023
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17:15 - Gray still off Whidbey, milling straight out from Ault Field. 
12:09 - On the IE5 and there’s one gray going south off of Deception Pass State Park [approx. 48.384984, -122.669127]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound - CRC2508 -ID by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research Collective
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We saw this stealthy guy on the IE5 off of Deception and then it moved south. After we got off the boat we went to Ault Field on Whidbey and watched it for a while. It was still there and was heading south when we left around 20:00 [Per Alie Perez, there was no match to a known whale, so this is a new gray who has been designated CRC2508 - Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network]. -photos by Sara Montour Lewis, April 10, 2023
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Mon, Apr 10 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21 Shackleton, CRC22 Earhart, CRC356 Carson, & CRC383 Cascade)
16:18 - Passing Camano State Park northbound.
16:00 - They are slowly heading out of the bay currently eastbound.
15:53 - Watching gray in Elger Bay. Lots of logging behavior and shallow dives. Not moving in any particular direction yet. Make that two grays. -Krista Paulino
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15:00 - We left when the gray was headed back around Sandy Point toward Hat Island.
14:26 - At least one gray off Sandy Point, milling towards Langley Marina. -Katie Tracy Ribera
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13:05 - Heading southeast now in Possession Sound but they haven’t reached Sandy Point yet.
12:55 - Three to four grays just approaching mouth of Saratoga Passage at Camano Head. Heading east. -Luanne Seymour
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12:43 - Between three to four grey whales. Southbound passing Langley. -Tabitha Jacobs-Mangiafico
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12:38 - Crc 21, 22, 383, 356 southbound [Camano Head area - approx. 48.057690, -122.385464]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:13 - We’ve been watching these three for a little bit now from the Inn at Langley, they’re out around mid channel milling about. -Laura Flagg
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11:58 - Gray whale passing Harrington Lagoon headed south about 300 yards off shore. -Erik Anderson
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10:00 - Southeast bound towards Bells Beach area now.
09:38 - Three greys feeding between Fox Spit and Baby Island Heights. -Marilyn Armbruster
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Mon, Apr 10 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & others) - Headed home to unpack, repack and regroup. I just needed to see a gray, so needed! So I dropped down to the shore, and within five minutes, I see three grays out in middish channel northbound. But within a minute of seeing them, all three took a left towards me. WOW. Still don't know who I saw. My guidebook is not with me. Most importantly I had some grey healing love for about 20-30 minutes. That's all I needed for my heart. [Video shows at least CRC22 Earhart & others - Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network]. -Marilyn Armbruster
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Mon, Apr 10 - Port Susan (CRC185 Gisborne) - 12:00 - Crc 185 swimming northwest from Tulalip [approx. 48.074144, -122.312970]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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Mon, Apr 10 - Possession Sound (CRC543) - 11:25 - Gray whale CRC 543 is here! Near the edge of the Snohomish River Delta [approx. 48.025568, -122.282907]. -back of camera photo & ID by Bart Rulon Art & Photography, April 10, 2023
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Mon, Apr 10 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2508) - CRC2508 - It was exciting to find a ‘new’ whale in town this past Monday. This gray whale has been frequenting the west side of Whidbey from Deception Pass and south towards the Navy Base – and now has a ‘new to our area’ designation as CRC2508! Fun to share the day with several whale lovin' friends!   -photos by Jill Hein, April 10, 2023

April 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 9 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - T124D - T71B1 & T71B - T71B -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Happy Easter Orca Network! I took these when the orcas had just past the Point Ruston ferry boat, heading out of the bay, on their way towards Owen Beach/Point Ruston. Despite the miserable weather, it was a joy seeing them! -photos by Wayne Gross, April 9, 2023
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Sara Hysong-Shimazu and I see the T71Bs in there and think the T124Ds may also be present. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Maybe this will help with identifying [video]. -Lydia Petrovich
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16:46 - Saw only three, I’m guessing, but they were quick. Came up twice and then disappeared at Chambers Bay. -Tiffany Hoskins
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16:30 - Saw them mid channel from the path above Chambers Golf Course; however, it looked like they started turning towards Carr Inlet and I lost them in the choppy water. -Ashley Cunningham
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16:30 - Visible mid channel from Chambers course. -Danielle Vance
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16:15 - Lost sight of them after Titlow. No large males were seen. -photo by Ryan Dicks, April 9, 2023
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16:08 - My video from Point Ruston, hopefully this is helpful for the whale experts, I'm just ecstatic to have seen them.  -Snow Andy
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16:03 - Just spotted them off Day Island from Boathouse 19 docks! -Lauren Setten
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15:55 - Currently passing Titlow, southbound mid channel, possible group split.
15:48 - Steady fast pace southbound, saw them from the Narrows Bridge, mid channel. -Brooke Casanova
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From the Ruston Way pass earlier. -photos by Jason Cook, April 9, 2023
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This is a video of the 4+ orcas west bound out of Commencement bay, not sure if that will help with ID. -Brittany Windsor
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15:28 - Heading toward the bridge out of view probably close to Salmon Beach.
15:24 - Passed Point Defiance. Heading south toward Narrows.
15:19 - Ferry moved way ahead. They seem to be in same spot.
15:15 - Can see from Gig Harbor. In line with the ferry. -Jen Clark
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13:05 - Volunteer Brooke Casanova called to check in and supplement her updates. Family of six as she described earlier included male, three adults females and two younger looking individuals. They were close in when off Ruston, then long dive and cruised through Dalco pretty quickly heading westbound. Too soon to know if they will take the Tacoma Narrows or Colvos Passage. They really kicked into gear after the hunt, they surfaced way passed ferry after that long dive.
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14:55 - Westbound travel mode into Dalco Passage.
14:37 - On a hunt just east of Point Ruston. -Brooke Casanova
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Gollllley how amazing was that! Cell video from a hunt at Cummings Park earlier [video]! -Jami Cantrell
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14:18 - Crystal Sumner sent message reporting seeing five to six orcas westbound in front of Les Davis Pier.
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14:06 - Passing the Ram off Ruston Way, westbound. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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13:52 - Five orca right now Ruston Way. -Lydia Petrovich [SSWW]
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12:40 - We received a 2nd hand report from Amanda Aird Penland who shared that someone reported orcas in Commencement Bay around Browns Point around 12:40. No direction included. 
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We saw a huge fire/smoke from where they were coming from. I just saw what it was on Orca Network. So I saw them before Ruston Point and they were heading from that direction. I don't know how close they got but they were coming from that bay. I hope this helps. -Lydia Petrovich
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Apr 9 - South Puget Sound - 16:41 - Blake-Linda Worland Little sent a message relaying a report from a neighbor who saw a baleen whale breach out in Carr Inlet few minutes prior. Whale was moving southeasterly towards the Narrows along McNeil Island. 
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Carr inlet today [video of tail slapping humpback]. I would say the whale was straight out from Brick Kiln Road on Fox Island. That would be in a southwesterly direction from the island. I would guess the whale was between a quarter and a half mile offshore. -John Blaser
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Apr 9 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart) - CRC22 Earhart -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Gray whales, Saratoga Passage. -photos by Jennifer Spanton, April 9, 2023

April 8
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 8 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (J & L Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #14: “The encounter began at 1622 when Mark spotted the first pair of whales east of Secretary Island. Brendon identified these whales as L72 and her son, L105. These two were part of a subgroup of L pod encountered off Monterey Bay, California, along with members of K pod on March 18th. Mark and Brendon soon spotted more fins up ahead and to the south, leading them to believe that more than one pod was present. They decided to work their way ahead to the nearest animals, which proved to be another mother-son pair, L91, and L122. From there, the closest and largest group could be seen several hundred meters to the south, so they ventured over, and Brendon identified two mixed groups: one containing J40, J45, L83, L110, and L115, while the other group consisted of the L4s (minus L55, L109 & L118), J35s and J44. Soon, the two groups merged into one large social band with spy hops and tail-slaps. L115 was noted to be particularly animated and breached three times in quick succession…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #14. 
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Apr 8 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 19:22 - Grey in between Utsalady and Mariner's Cove, just past red buoy heading north.  -Elaina Holland Dulaney [CWW] - CRC22 Earhart -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:15 - I just saw two grays passing close by Mariners' Cove! What a nice surprise this morning! They are close together, heading south, and were heading to the "Happy Meal Mudflats" just south of Mariners' Cove, and seemed to be enjoying the shrimp buffet - there was a lot of energetic swirling and splashing, with some remarkably long still fin-waving positions given how rough the water is at the moment. -photos by Marianne Parry, April 8, 2023
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Sat, Apr 8 - Saratoga Passage - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rita Neuzil
Date of Sighting: 4/8/2023
Time: 5:43 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Saratoga passage, 48.05894° N, 122.38276° W
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Spouting
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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15:00 - Gray whale on Camano side straight across from Bells Beach. Mostly milling.  -Rick L
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Sat, Apr 8 - Saratoga Passage - 18:43 - At least one gray feeding at the point north of Mabana, heading towards Elger Bay.  -Thomas McKane [CWW]
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17:00 - Lazy gray logging out, south of Summerland. -Peg Boley [CWW]
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16:30 - Two grays in front of Mabana. Just some blows every few minutes. Not feeding yet. Unsure of their direction. -Jennifer Feldman Spanton
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Sat, Apr 8 - Port Susan (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC2441)
12:28 - Crc 53 milling [approx. 48.137226, -122.422543].
11:45 - CRC2441 is northbound in Port Susan [approx. 48.099831, -122.980434]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express

April 7
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 7 - Admiralty Inlet/Haro Strait (J Pod)
12:18 - I think you've got one on the webcam?
11:55 - Hearing calls [on Lime Kiln hydrophone] more consistently now but very distant. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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06:14 - 07:04 - [J Pod] Great work everyone who tagged the live stream via Orcasound - Listen for Whales! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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06:55 - Spotted a larger pod heading north on Port Townsend ferry. They went through ferry lane. -Michele Jennings
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06:06 - 06:52 - J pod has been audible on Port Townsend hydrophone as of at least 06:06. Calls still faint but increasing in number.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 7 - Saanich Inlet (T99s) - Was on a tour and saw this pod! Our naturalists also said this was the T99s! My first time seeing them in person. -photos by Eliza Duncan, April 7, 2023
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15:03 - [orca] Right now, extremely slowly [traveling northeast]. They've gone a mile in the last 90 minutes. Four adult, one juvenile.
14:20 - Five [orca], closed saddles, are here [Saanich Inlet - approx. 48.638368, -123.525244]. -Smith Siromaskul
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Apr 7 - South Puget Sound (CRC19820 Malachite) - This past Tuesday evening [April 4], the baleen whale first reported by Melissa Mallot was seen again later by Zeno Martin who sent us some photos that we could see were a striking match to Malachite's dorsal fin. We sent the images to staff at Cascadia Research , Alex Vanderzee agreed from those images it did look likely to be CRC19820. Yesterday [April 7] early morning Terry Toni Cadwallader sent video of a humpback heading west in Carr Inlet, later Jennifer Swenson shared report of humpback further north in Carr Inlet, and sent/shared images which Erin Gless confirmed was Malachite. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network - CRC19820 Malachite
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09:54 - 10:27 - Here are a few of the best pictures of the humpback I saw this morning in Carr Inlet. Saw him surface close to the Horsehead Bay side of Carr Inlet around 9:54am and watched as he slowly headed northbound towards Kopachuck but then turned and came back towards me, still very close to shore along Horsehead Bay. Last saw him around 10:27am heading in a southbound direction. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, April 7, 2023
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07:05 - Whale spotting today, Gig Harbor near Fox Island, facing McNeil Island. -Terry Toni Cadwallader
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Apr 7 - Penn Cove (CRC2249 Hattie & CRC2356 Stalwart) - CRC2356 Stalwart - CRC2249 Hattie -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
14:35 - Have passed Long Point eastbound.
14:14 - There's two!
14:05 - Approaching Long Point still eastbound.
13:53 - Whale is off Coupeville boat launch eastbound.
13:44 - Saw a blow about middle of Penn Cove, maybe near Coupeville wharf. -photos by Rachel Haight, April 7, 2023
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12:59 - Just caught a glimpse of a gray in Penn Cove near the shellfish dock. -CeCe Celia Aguda
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Fri, Apr 7 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21 Shackleton & CRC22 Earhart) - 17:00 - I’ve attached a cropped video grab as I observed two grays feeding and hanging out in front of our bank (south of Summerland on the west side of Camano). I would love to know who they are, because they come often and feed in this area. When the tide goes out, there are pits in the sand where they have fed. Now that we have more named grays in our area, I can’t wait to know who they are. The grays pass through here often, most likely traveling from the Port Susan area on the east side of Camano, to Mabana which is just north of us. A few stop to rest or feed. The two whales spend lots of time close together… what were they doing? Thank you. -Peg Boley - CRC21 Shackleton & CRC22 Earhart -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photo by Peg Boley, April 7, 2023
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Fri, Apr 7 - Port Susan (CRC21 Shackleton, CRC22 Earhart, & CRC2259) - 12:00 - Crc 21, 22, and 2259 milling in Port Susan [approx. 48.082527, -122.348559]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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Fri, Apr 7 - Possession Sound (CRC356 Carson & CRC531 Gretchen) - 11:20 - CRC531 Gretchen and 356 Carson are milling around together in Possession Sound southeast of Hat Island [approx. 47.996585, -122.285134]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express

April 6
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 6 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - I went to Sunset Hill for both the southbound passing this morning and the northbound this afternoon, but only saw one fin! -Joe Olson
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18:15 - Very slowly drifting northeast, perhaps towards the triangle. Still foraging activity. Going to stop following now as I can barely see them due to poor weather conditions.
18:00 - Have stalled north of the ferry. Weather is poor but believe line of sight is Apple Tree Point to Haines Wharf (north of Edmonds). I can’t see the far side now. Probably to the west side of mid channel. Multiple whales including two males. Foraging activity. Don’t appear to be in steady travel mode to leave so hopefully will hang in the triangle for the night.
17:45 - Seeing at least a male and female, west side of shipping lanes, northbound. Line of sight Apple Tree Point, Kingston looking towards Edmonds ferry terminal. Poor weather conditions. -Sara Frey
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17:11 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 18:42 to report: 1711hrs: Vessel PUYALLUP reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 4 orca in the SB shipping lanes, just east of KING. Direction of travel is north.  
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16:40 - Pod tightly group now sightline south of Kingston from Kayu Kayu Ac Park mid channel. Still same slow steady northbound travel [Edmonds/Kingston ferry lanes area - approx. 47.781058, -122.433448].
16:10 - Seeing tight group and others loosely grouped mid channel, or just west of, slightly north of Jefferson Head. Continue slow northbound travel. Kayu Kayu Ac park on mainland side [should] be nice spot. Research boat still with them. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:09 - Found them from Richmond! Mid channel approaching Jefferson Head. Small boat trailing. -Tamara Kelley
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15:10 - General location [Golden Gardens area - approx. 47.696164, -122.440931].
15:00 - Pod is off Golden Gardens steady northbound east of mid channel (those I’m seeing). Schooner Adventuress is anchored off the jetty at Shilshole, breathtaking even with her sails down. Conditions and visibility have worsened.
14:35 - Believe all have passed or are just passing off West Point Lighthouse. Overall pod is loosely spread, but way less so than earlier, with several small groups, possibly by matriline, to singles. Beautiful pass, with so many on east side of the channel even in rainy wet conditions. All continue slow steady northbound travel. 
14:09 - Ressies approaching West Point. Those I am seeing are in east side of channel easily visible with naked eye. Beautiful slow northbound travels. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:15 - Donna Sandstrom called back to report the orcas they were seeing flipped north before reached Blake Island. They have cleared their field of vision from south side Alki.
12:30 - Donna Sandstrom called to report the orcas they were seeing from West Seattle were near Blakely Rocks, southbound.
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13:15 - Group I’m watching have shifted north. Have passed Eagle Harbor as viewed from 64th Alki. -Steve Rice
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13:10 - Watching from Alki Park at 64th Ave SW and Alki Ave. -Joseph McKeague
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12:44 - Watching a few of them pass by Restoration Point from Alki Beach. Super misty out here! -Corbin Reiff
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12:30 - Viewing three to four from Alki/West Seattle, just to left of two docked Bainbridge ferries, moving south and closer to Bainbridge side.
11:45 - What a treat to be able to see a few of the J-Pod members, even at a distance in the rain, while on another quick trip to the Seattle area. Taken from Alki Beach. -photos by David Haeckel, April 6, 2023
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12:10 - Barely visible from eastbound Bainbridge ferry! What a treat! -Justin Bales
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12:05 - Lone male (possible leader) heading southeast mid channel, just crossed Magnolia line with buoy off southeast Bainbridge. Second group with five females/juveniles together and one male further inshore of them, on west side of Kanes, all southbound crossing Magnolia line with Blakely Rock.
11:55 - I count at least two groups of four to five in that area, still southbound, crossing line between my position at Magnolia viewpoint and Eagle Harbor red entrance marker. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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11:57 - Now seeing a pair directly between 64th Alki and Yeomalt Point. - Correction: the next point north by Rolling Bay.
11:52 - Male in same area, but slight closer, now moving seemingly east. -Steve Rice
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11:55 - Just spotted lone male east side of Sound, sightline West Point to Alki, north end Elliott Bay [approx. 47.603993, -122.474710].
11:50 - Seeing nice group of four to five (including male, female/juvenile and looks like toddler), southeasterly. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:41 - Two males & two smaller dudes, spread out, trending east [Yeomalt Point area - approx. 47.626189, -122.463375]. -Ben Blankenship
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11:25 - With binoculars spotted one or two and a big male looking straight out at a great distance from 64th street Alki toward Fay Bainbridge. -Steve Rice
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10:55 - Still streaming south off West Point, others ahead. In general this area. Spread in singles to small groups. And still very slow travel [approx. 47.653858, -122458265].
10:35 - Pod has reduced spread, still spread but multiple tighter groups with males flanking. Concentrated generally off and south of West Point. Slow southbound with some lazy surface activity.
10:25 - Nice beautiful group passing near yellow buoy off West Point and male and others east of that. Slow southbound travel.
09:57 - I just pulled up to Golden Gardens/Shilshole and spotted male east of mid channel due west of north end marina steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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09:27 - Viewing what appears to be two from Fay Park closer to Carkeek Park side. -Christy Stepper-Coulter
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09:10 - Definitely seeing closer to 10 now. Pretty spread out mostly in a north-south pattern. Some closer to mid channel but barely visible to the naked eye from Golden Gardens.
09:05 - Viewing from Golden Gardens! Just saw three orcas pretty far on Kitsap side. Steady south bound and decent downtimes. -Brian Hoffman
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Apr 6 8:50 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.70595,-122.43299
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Maddie 
Whale Alert App
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08:30 - Can confirm SRKWs, and presume Js (too distant for individual ID). Super wide spread still in general this area [President Point area - approx. 47.755505, -122.432200] all southbound with moderate down times. From Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
08:15 - Another female/juvenile near male number three who has continued. I’ve had eyes on at least 15, super spread in all directions. Going to move now to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
08:11 - Another female or juvie north of yellow buoy slightly east of mid channel.
08:08 - Second male east side with at least two to three females/juvenile and little one. East of yellow mid channel buoy Richmond Beach. Little one being super spunky. Third male trailing on Kitsap side due west [of] Kayu Kayu.
08:00 - I moved then came back. Seeing more trailing very wide spread in singles across and now from at least Jefferson Head to President Point. All slow southbound. Seen at least one male on Kitsap side and nice spyhop mid channel.
07:50 - Just pulled up and from Kayu Kayu Ac Park, Richmond Beach, spotted few fins mid channel at mid channel buoy between here and President Point. Might be trailers (edit was not trailers!). Slow steady southbound travel spread. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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07:24 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 0708 hrs: Captain reports via 800MHz broadcast, they are slowing down for 4 killer whales near the SB shipping lanes. Whales are heading in a SB direction.
0711 hrs: Captain reports pod has increased to appx. 12 orca, all heading SB. Noted. 
0716 hrs: Captain report two more orca sighted. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 6 - Port Townsend Bay (T99s) - 13:42 - T99’s now 5.8 miles north of Protection Island slowly heading west. -Tyson Parker Reed, Island Adventures
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13:00 - Have gone further west out of view. See you next time 99s!
12:35 - General area, hard to tell so far away [Northern Admiralty Inlet area - approx. 48.180424, -122.759967].
12:15 - Maybe about here, northbound, possible northwest trend. Actually surprised I found them among choppy seas [approx. 48.155066, -122.756835]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:32 - For sure the 99s. They just went 20 yards off Point Hudson Marina heading north.
11:22 - I think the T99s are in Port Townsend Bay. Just watching five orcas with one juvenile, male, pass by the ferry lane. Very close. Headed east. Right now. -Christopher Lewman, Puget Sound Express
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alisha Gruszewski
Date of Sighting: 4/6/2023
Time: 10:02 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 48.0255517, -122.7256992, Indian Island Portage Canal
Direction of travel : N, 6-10 Knots
Behaviors observed: Traveling Y
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Apr 6 - Port Susan (CRC22 Earhart) - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jason Oman
Date of Sighting: 4/6/2023
Time: 7:15 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 48.0480934, -122.2753148
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Digging. Diving on it's side in shallows with pectoral and fluke visible.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Attached are photos taken from my phone of a gray whal feeding off of Mission Beach in Tulalip, WA between 0715 and 0830 on the morning of 4/6/2023. This whale was making it's way northwest along the beach.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - CRC22 Earhart -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photo by Jason Oman, April 6, 2023

April 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 5 - San Juan Channel (J Pod) - I followed Js from shore as they made their way down San Juan Channel. They stalled out when they reached the strong currents of Cattle Pass, tread milling against the flood tide along the Lopez shoreline. Maybe they were just waiting for Jason to get off work, because right after he showed up they cut across to the San Juan side and thrilled viewers at Cattle Point as the whole pod came by in one group inside of Goose Island, surface active in the large waves. Right after this pass we looked at each other and said, “Did that just happen?” It felt like a dream, so to help remember it was real, Jason stayed up late to compile this highlight video for us all to enjoy. -Orca Behavior Institute -video by Jason Shields, April 5, 2023
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J-Pod meandered down San Juan Channel today and then spent several hours playing in the water park that was Cattle Pass this afternoon. While they were mostly on the Lopez Island side, they treated viewers at Cattle Point to an epic pass when they all grouped up and came inside of Goose Island, playing in the strong currents! More to come later but here's an early favorite. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 5, 2023
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17:48 - A friend reports they exited Cattle Pass at 17:30 heading south.
16:10 - Still facing south near Shark Reef.
15:40 - And back treadmilling at Shark Reef again! Facing south on Lopez side.
15:25 - Incredible pass at Cattle Point of Js grouped up surface active in big seas. They’re back mid pass on the outer part of the pass aiming southeast, losing ground going back into the pass again maybe.
14:50 - Js grouped up on Lopez side near Shark Reef treadmilling in the strong current, still facing south.
14:20 - They are facing south but aren’t making much progress towards Cattle Point against this flood tide.
14:00 - Blows visible from Cattle Point still well north of the pass but heading south. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alice James
Date of Sighting: 4/5/2023
Time: 12:10 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Off South Beach, San Juan Island National Historic Park
Direction of travel : Traveling southeast quickly
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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11:35 - Bulk of Js southbound off Friday Harbor, largest group on Shaw side.
10:55 - Large surface active group southbound south of Yellow Island - looking like J Pod. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jason Vogel
Date of Sighting: 4/5/2023
Time: 11:20 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: 48.559234, -123.001724
Direction of travel : Southeast
Behaviors observed: travelling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: too far away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Students at Friday Harbor Labs informed us it was J pod
Photos available?: No
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10:50 - I saw J27 and J38 from Point Caution!
10:25 - Watching from Reuben Tarte; I saw two fins pointing south well to the south of me. Looked to be a bit north of Point Caution. -Justine Buckmaster [WSSJI]
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10:30 - Fins north of Point Caution still heading south. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 5 - San Juan Channel - 14:20 - I’m at the interpretive center and got good looks at dorsals eyepatches and saddles. All females and young in a tight group quickly northbound and out of sight. Awesome surprise! Plot twist! Three Bigg’s just popped up out of nowhere right off the north tip of Goose Island heading north! -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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Wed, Apr 5 - Rosario Strait
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Natalie Vultaggio-Steger
Date of Sighting: 4/5/2023
Time: 12:14 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: A few hundred yards off the ferry leaving Anacortes but before we reached the first stop
Direction of travel : West - Northwest
Behaviors observed: Traveling at a steady pace.
If orcas, any males?: The dorsal was tall and thin. I'm not sure how tall. Photo will be emailed
Any unusual markings?: Not that I could see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We were on the ferry and had left Anacortes. We hadn't reached the first stop yet. The whale was seen a few hundred yards off the ferry, heading in the general direction of the ferry. From what I could see it appeared to be an orca, with a tall and narrow dorsal fin. It was too far away to see any scars or unusual markings. I could only make out the general shape and coloring to be similar to an orca. The picture in the email is poor quality but the best we could get.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Natalie Vultaggio-Steger, April 5, 2023
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Wed, Apr 5 - Puget Sound (T99s) - T99 Bella, T99C Barakat, T99B Holly -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - T99 Bella & T99C Barakat -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Spotted off of Possession Point, South Whidbey Island from aboard the Puget Sound Express. First time out whale watching with them. Great experience! -photos by Richard Baron, April 5, 2023
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14:09 - From Haines Wharf looking towards Point No Point, milling around mid Possession triangle. -Ken Richmond
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13:43 - Viewing from Cultus Bay - sight line Eglon. Whidbey side of mid. All headed north toward Admiralty. -Cindi Crowder Rausch - T99E -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:06 - They are south of Possession boat dock southbound. Whidbey side. Quite active.
12:28 - Off Possession Boat dock on a kill! -photos by Donna George, April 5, 2023
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12:08 - Saw three orca from Glendale - mid channel to Whidbey side. Spread out. Southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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Beautiful video of the T99s when off Clinton taken by Roke Quichocho, courtesy of Chelsie Maier at time of original morning post. WSF captain makes excellent course change when they spot the orcas when leaving Clinton.
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11:30 - Chelsie Maier called back to report they are now seeing multiple whales, with fins, pod of orcas who are heading southbound in the ferry traffic lanes off Clinton. 
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Wed, Apr 5 - Oregon - More Orca Sightings on South Oregon Coast, Seen Roving, Hunting Near Brookings - Published 04/05/23 at 7:12 PM -By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Apr 5 - Possession Sound (CRC531 Gretchen) - CRC531 Gretchen - Some tail shots of a grey whale spotted east of Whidbey Island. [Gorgeous! She is CRC531 Gretchen, a lovely whale who's was first documented March 15, 2000 during another Unusual Mortality Event. - Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network] -photos by Richard Baron, April 5, 2023
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11:59 - Just heard the Clinton ferry route to keep an eye out for the [gray] baleen whale. -Nicole Waffle-Martinez
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11:07 - Chelsie Maier called to report that just prior to call seeing a single whale, presume gray whale, but isn't 100% due to distance. Whale was offshore, directly out from Clinton ferry terminal as viewed from Whidbey side. Whale was milling for a while, popped up in same general area about six times, last seen facing north towards Hat Island. 

April 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 4 - Southern Strait of Georgia (T49As, T63, & T65) - One of our more notorious Bigg's killer whales is T63 Chainsaw, a 45 year-old adult male with two large notches out of his dorsal fin. He tends to show up in the Salish Sea for a brief time every spring; he's one of those whales with some seasonal consistency - he was seen March 31 in 2022, March 29 in 2021, March 19 in 2020, April 17 in 2019, April 11 in 2018, April 22 in 2017...so we knew he was due sometime soon! You may recall that last year, I finally got to see him for the first time after 20 years of having him on my whale bucket list. While he shows up each year, it's usually not for very long. I was hoping he wouldn't make me wait another 20 years for a second encounter, so when a friend texts you "CHAINSAW!!" you drop whatever you're doing and get yourself out on the water for the afternoon! We met up with Chainsaw, his mom T65 Whidbey, and the T49As in the southern Strait of Georgia this afternoon. It was particularly awesome to see Chainsaw traveling with T49A1 Noah. You can see the Tsawwassen ferry terminal outside of Vancouver in the background. -Orca Behavior Institute - T63 Chainsaw & T49A1 Noah -photo & ID by Monika Wieland Shields, April 4, 2023
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Tue, Apr 4 - Possession Sound & Saratoga Passage (T99s) - T99C Barakat - T99B Holly
19:45 - 20:00 - Continued northbound past Baby Island, aiming towards Hidden Beach. T99B checked out some sea lions close to shore! Link to FB video. -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, April 4, 2023
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19:00 - Just north of Saratoga Woods Preserve. -Amie Lianne
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18:30 - One is about a mile north of Langley, mid Passage, heading north.-Stacy Estlick Wright
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18:07 - Midchannnel Saratoga passage north of Camano Head, sighted from Langley.
18:02 - Just west of barge, south of Camano Head. -Kim Williams
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18:00 - Passing Sandy Point. -April Basham
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18:01 - Nice close pass at Sandy Point. They are continuing to travel towards Langley. Moving to mid channel.
17:51 - They have rounded Sandy Point. Headed into Saratoga Passage.
17:14 - They have gone further east, north of Hat. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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16:20 - 17:00 - For approximately one hour, a group of three to four orcas were feeding between Hat Island and Clinton. Afterwards they left heading in the direction of Langley. -John Shackman 
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17:00 - They are around the north end of Hat Island. Too far to tell which way they are going yet but still generally trending north.
16:25 - Lots of surface activity. West side of Hat, midchannel to Hat side. -Candace Gavin
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16:20 - Just passing Witter Beach headed to Sandy Point. Very far Whidbey side. Only blows visible from Mukilteo. -Kayla Zabecki
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16:07 - Surfacing between Hat and Whidbey closer to Whidbey off Clinton Beach. Looking like they're just out for a stroll. -Debbie Stewart
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16:04 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 19:51 to report: 1604hrs: C/M reports 4 orca moving slowly in a northerly direction, just north of the CLIN terminal.
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16.00 - Orcas are almost north of the ferry lanes heading north mid channel. -Sandy Pollard
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16:05 - Viewing from bluff at Madrona. Still Whidbey side. Headed to Saratoga Passage.
15:37 - The T99s have just passed Glendale, Whidbey side, grouped up, traveling north at a leisurely pace. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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15:28 - They are now between Chennault Beach, Mukilteo and Glendale still midchannel heading north. Actually counted five to six orcas. One male one tiny fin. About five minute downtimes.
15:06 - They’re about to enter Possession Sound. Midchannel between Chennault Beach and Possession Point. Long down times. One big guy, four to five in total. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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15:07 - Crossed over towards mainland headed north still towards Mukilteo.
14:42 - Look to be headed northbound into Saratoga Passage from the south tip of Whidbey. Approaching Possession Beach midchannel. Very casual long down times.
14:35 - Seeing blows from south end of Whidbey from a private location. No direction yet. -April Basham
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13:10 - Northbound. More mid channel. Lot of surface activity - maybe four to five? North of Haines Wharf, Looking from Apple Tree Point. Last I saw they were slowly moving northeast towards mid channel with a lot of surface activity.
13:05 - Off Apple Tree Point - three to four [orca] including a male. I think they are northbound but long downtimes. West side of shipping lanes. -photos by Sara Frey, April 4, 2023
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Tue, Apr 4 - Strait of Georgia (T49As & T63) - T49A1 Noah - T63 Chainsaw - Welcome back, Chainsaw! I finally got this beast of an orca. Chainsaw is a fan favorite for all of us whale watchers. He’s big, and he’s instantly recognizable by his dorsal fin. I don’t know why his dorsal fin looks like that; my best guess is another orca or sea lion did it to him. I have a bit of a grudge against Chainsaw, as last year, for three days in a row I had the chance to catch him, and he got away each time. But I can put that grudge to rest (for now) after today. We caught Chainsaw, along with his mother, tagging along with the T49As as they traveled up the Strait of Georgia towards Vancouver on April 4th. I only really focused on the mother/son pair rather than the T49As, but did get a nice photo of T49A1 (Noah) surfacing close to us. Perfect weather, a famous orca, and beautiful water. Can’t get better than that. -photos by Wallace Woods Photography, April 4, 2023
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Apr 4 - Central Puget Sound - Per Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, whale's dorsal shape does closely resemble our friend Malachite (as well as one other marking), but due to backlighting there's not enough detail to say definitively it's M.
16:45 -17:00 - After I sent you this message, I went out on my paddleboard and the humpback came back north. At about 17:00, he was traveling eastbound past the tip of Point Defiance into Dalco Passage. These were all taken at around 16:45 from my paddleboard near the tip of Point Defiance. They are all zoomed and cropped. The whale was traveling northbound and then a few minutes later, eastbound as it rounded the tip of Point Defiance.
16:00 - Humpback observed from my deck at Salmon Beach (Tacoma Narrows) traveling southbound. -Zeno Martin -photos by Zeno Martin, April 4, 2023
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14:45 - 15:15 - It was just staying in the area.
14:45 - There's also a humpback in the Tacoma Narrows right next to the tip of Point Defiance. -Melissa Malott
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Apr 4 - Port Susan (CRC21, CRC383, CRC2249) - 17:30 - Port Susan, one gray off Tulalip Shores, two grays eating moving south off Mountain View and one gray reported off Mckees heading north. -John C Storbeck
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Tue, Apr 4 - Possession Sound (CRC2440 Tahoma) - CRC2440 Tahoma -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network - 12:54 - [Here] is a photo of a gray whale I took while kayaking. This was in Possession Sound, approximately a mile and a half east of Hat Island.  -photo by Alex Sidles , April 4, 2023
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12:20 - Crc 21, 383, and 2249 are eastbound from my map spot in Port Susan [approx. 48.132344, -122.412694]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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Tue, Apr 4 - Saratoga Passage (CRC2441)
11:40 - Crc 2441 is still very slowly northbound [North of Langley - approx. 48.049704, -122.409512].
11:25 - Gray whale crc 2441 northbound from my map [Southwest of Camano Head - approx. 48.040980, -122.383041]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express

April 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 3 - San Juans (T49As) - 16:30 - Headed into Westsound. T49As. -Matt Stolmeier [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bob Nutt
Date of Sighting: 4/3/2023
Time: 18:00 PM
Species seen: [T49As]
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Westsound Fourwinds Camp
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 big one
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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14:15 - Bigg's killer whales northbound on the west side of Thatcher Pass near Frost Island. -Orca Behavior Institute
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Mon, Apr 3 - BC (T49A2 & T49C) - Ladysmith B.C. (Vancouver Island), Canada: T49C (Nielson) and T49A2 (Jude) were among the whales who put in a surprise appearance [in the] evening, much to the delight of my mother and her neighbors watching from their condos. No photos, but on good authority IDs confirmed by Aly Kohlman, Vancouver Island Whale Watch. These whales get around. -Sandy Pollard
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Mon, Apr 3 - Saratoga Passage (T99s) - The T99s came to town. I was still in bed when I got the notification of whales at Mukilteo. I was out the door within 15 minutes. Hey, I brushed my teeth! Caught them at Sandy Point, got a photo at Langley that could be IDed, then followed them around Whidbey with Rachel and Emily the rest of the day. The T99s include T99, b.1984- Bella, who is the matriarch her four kiddos, T99B, Holly (b. 2007) , T99C, Barakat b.(2009), T99C, Puck (b. 2015) Puck, and little T99E (b.2021). Barakat is the sprouter, Holly has the big notch at the top of her dorsal, Puck has a small nick towards the top of his dorsal, and E is the little one. They basically made a full tour of the east side of Whidbey yesterday sans Penn Cove. We shall see if they pop up again today. Part of my research class is looking at possible patterns in the travel of these Bigg's orcas. The T99s were traveling around Whidbey exactly one year ago. Interesting, right? -Cindi Crowder Rausch - T99B Holly, T99 Bella, T99D Puck surfacing in foreground, T99E -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 3, 2023
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T99C Barakat - T99 Bella & T99D Puck -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, April 3, 2023
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19:45 - Sunset! T99's southbound again.
19:30 - They flipped south again and splashing around. They are so far over towards Whidbey for me to see clearly and I got the sunset right in my eyes. -Kristina Trowbridge
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19:15 - T99s still northbound in Saratoga - but they appear to be feeding again - currently at least a mile south of Race Lagoon, Whidbey side. Long distance viewing through scope on such a beautiful evening. -Jill Hein, Orca Network
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19:15 - I just spotted two of them straight across from me on Camano passing Race Lagoon way over on the Whidbey side! Finally, traveling north, fast and long downtime. -Kristina Trowbridge
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17:55 - Straight out from Hidden Beach mid channel Whidbey side not too close. Hearing them breathe, so beautiful! -Bonnie Gretz
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17:48 - Eyes on from Hidden Beach. -Sherry Dotson
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17:35 - They are approaching area of Hidden Beach, northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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17:25 - Florian Graner called to report T99s between Baby Island and Hidden Beach, doing some milling but headed north after dining on a porpoise or so.  -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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17:15 - I'm viewing from Camano State Park and see them north of Baby Island and I believe north of Hidden Beach area. They are northbound. -Krista Paulino
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16:48 - T99s appear to be half a mile southwest of Baby Island moving north languidly as seen from Greenbank. -Sandy Pollard
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16:18 - Viewing from above Dines Point - still south of Baby Island, trending north, Whidbey side of mid-channel. -Emily Wandres
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15:20 - Northbound Honeymoon Bay area midchannel. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Mon, Apr 3 - Saratoga Passage (T99s) - T99 Bella, T99C Barakat, T99D Puck - T99C Barakat - T99C Barakat, T99B Holly, T99D Puck, T99E - I was happy to get some glimpses of the T99s as they headed north in Saratoga Passage. Not very close, but incredibly beautiful water conditions. Pics taken from Honeymoon Bay and Hidden Beach. Five members T099 mom born 1984, named Bella; T099B born 2007, named Holly; T099C born 2009, named Barakat; T099D born 2015, named Puck, and T099E born 2021, no name yet. -photos by Jill Hein, April 3, 2023
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T99C Barakat, T99B Holly, T99E - Caught up with the T99 gang (Mom Bella, daughters Holly and T99E, and sons Barakat and Puck) in Holmes Harbor after they had chomped (feeding) their way up Saratoga Passage (east side of Whidbey). They were mid channel so not so close, but the reflections were just beautiful! They took their sweet time making it up to Hidden Beach, but were a bit closer, and we could hear them breathing, always so wonderful! Sharing a beautiful day, that started out like winter, and turned into glassy water and sunshine, with a lot of fellow orca lovers! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 3, 2023
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Mon, Apr 3 - Holmes Harbor (T99s)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Apr 3 14:50 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.07309,-122.53245 [mid-channel Dines Point]
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Lots of surface activity: jumps, tail-slapping, multiple breaches
Submitter Name: Harold Drews
Whale Alert App
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14:48 - Still finishing lunch. Slowly trending north. They put on quite a show. Breaches, tail lobs and headstands! They are out from the Holmes Harbor Golf Course. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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14:25 - On a hunt. A group of porpoise passed by so close you can hear their blows, amazing! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:18 - Orcas in Holmes Harbor, closer to east side, just north of golf course. At least three, no direction. -Cindi Bowen
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14:15 - Deep in Holmes Harbor southbound. They are about here [South Holmes Harbor - approx. 48.028297, -122.527381]. While on the phone with Alisa, spied a breach!
13:05 - They have finished their meal and are starting to trend northwest [Baby Island - approx. 48.103944, -122.513969].
12:50 - On a kill about half mile east of Baby Island. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:01 - Now they are northbound again. They appear to have decided not to pursue the big group of sea lions anymore.
11:55 - T99 pod update southbound [Bells Beach area - approx. 48.079738, -122.469981].
11:49 - They flipped southbound from my last post very slowly following a big group of California sea lions!
11:30 - Confirmed T99 pod northbound still [Bells Beach area - approx. 48.081261, -122.469450]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:10 - Steady northbound Whidbey side of midchannel north of Saratoga Woods. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:55 - Saw maybe three heading north in Saratoga Passage, a mile north of Langley; kind of hanging out. -Stacy Estlick Wright
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10:50 - They have resumed a slow, northbound travel. Mid channel.
10:42 - They are on a kill just north of Whale Bell Park. Mid channel. Lots of bird action. Milling.
10:03 - Orcas just passed Sandy Point headed towards Langley. Long downs. Only saw them once. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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09:15 - Spotted two distant blows and dorsal south end of Hat Island. Too far away for any IDs or travel pattern. -Sandy Pollard
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08:58 - Sandra Pollard called to report she and Dick Snowberger are on the ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo and were informed by ferry worker of the presence of the pod of orcas. They will report back if they catch a glimpse.
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09:00 - I’m too far away but just to the north of the Clinton ferry dock now headed north.
08:48 - At least four to five orcas mid channel, in Mukilteo/Clinton ferry crossing headed north. One male, maybe two, and females. I’ve only seen about four to five, they are taking turns coming up. Did a little splashing earlier, now they are hiding. -photo by Melissa Simmons, April 3, 2023
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Apr 3 - Port Susan - Some video [and photo] of the whale at CC. It was within the buoys much of the time. -photo by Thomas McKane, April 3, 2023
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Mon, Apr 3 - Saratoga Passage (CRC383 & others) - 11:10 - They were at the point north of Mabana. -photo by Thomas McKane, April 3, 2023
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12:05 - CRC 383 northwest [Camano Head - approx. 48.049772, -122.360006]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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10:30 - They turned around and are headed back south.
10:20 - Still mid-channel and slightly south of Mabana.
10:12 - Definitely three close together.
09:56 - They are now mid-channel at Summerland. -Thomas McKane [CWW]
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09:20 - Three and perhaps four grays just passed Pebble Beach headed north. -Teena Robinett [CWW]
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Mon, Apr 3 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Apr 3 16:48 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.27667,-122.73445 [between Hastie Lake and West Beach County Park]
Number Sighted: 1
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitter Name: Sue Englert
Whale Alert App

April 2
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 2 - Haro Strait & Active Pass (J Pod) - Around 12:30, members of J pod quickly transited eastbound through Active Pass. They entered the pass in a resting line then separated into smaller groups as they swam with the tide. No other activity other than a single spy hop. Photos and video taken from the shore of Galiano Island.  -Karoline Cullen -video by Gary Cullen, April 2, 2023 -photos by Karoline Cullen, April 2, 2023
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11:15 - They are now northbound in Swanson Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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04:00 - J Pod on Lime Kiln hydrophones. Distant and brief, lasting about four minutes. -Jeanne Hyde [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 2 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46Bs) - The T46Bs were seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and there was a new little one traveling with them! Observers report it was traveling alongside T46B Raksha; if she is confirmed to be the mother, this will be her seventh documented calf. We last had confirmation of all the T46Bs present in the Salish Sea at the end of last August; we don't know for sure when this calf was born, but it looks likely to be 5 or 6 months old already! -Orca Behavior Institute
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Sun, Apr 2 - Haro Strait (T49A1) - 19:23 - Big male orca passing Landbank now. -Carol Kinkelaar Skully [WSSJI]
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18:59 - 19:09 - Bigg's calls and whistles heard by humans and the OrcaHello AI on the Orcasound - Listen for Whales hydrophone at Orcasound Lab (5km south of Roche Harbor, 500m north of the Center for Whale Research). -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
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19:03 - 19:05 - Visual on the webcam male surfaces at 19:03:11 upper right; again 19:03:56 and several more, last at 19:05:07 then exits screen left.
18:59 - Scrolled back. Awesome T calls starting at least as early as 18:59. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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19:29 - 19:38, Just after sunset a lone orca traveling south/down island, 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. The broad fin and rounded notch on the trailing edge of the dorsal made it easy to identify T49A1, "Noah". When first sighted he was 1/3 of a mile from shore but as he transited past me he moved farther offshore. He was traveling slowly, silently gliding up at the surface barely causing a ripple, down again in a long slow shallow dive. His movements were graceful; such dignity in this beautiful male. Alisa alerted me to transient calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone so I replayed the Whale Museum stream and could hear more than one individual. Although I didn't see them, T49A1's family must have been present. Thanks! -Michelline Halliday, SJI - T49A1 Noah -photos by Michelline Halliday, April 2, 2023
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17:00 - North side of San Juan Island across from Speiden, headed west.  -Kevin Saarie [WSSJI]
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Sun, Apr 2 - San Juans (T49A2 & T49C)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brock Monroe
Date of Sighting: 4/2/2023
Time: 2:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Lopez Sound South of Spencer's Spit
Direction of travel : They were in front of my house. 
Behaviors observed: Milling. Seemed to be surrounding and eating something
If orcas, any males?: Yes large fins
Any unusual markings?: Couldn't see
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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13:10 - T49A2 and T49C heading southeast towards Point Lawrence. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJi]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Richard Kappler
Date of Sighting: 4/2/2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: From North Beach Public Access, Orcas Island
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?: None that we could see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Willie kern
Date of Sighting: 4/2/2023
Time: 10:41 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: 48.7237198, -122.8835120
Direction of travel : East at +/- 5 mph
Behaviors observed: Traveling , circling. Traveling, circling, etc
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: Short dorsal
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seems like pod. Small and large orcas. Traveling between a mid channel marker and Orcas Island. No photos worth sharing. Likely saw more than 7
Photos available?: No
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Apr 2 - Bellingham Bay - 13:30 - Single small gray whale heading southwest (outbound), one mile west of Post Point in Bellingham Bay. -Todd Shuster [WSSJI]
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Sun, Apr 2 - Strait of Georgia - I had a grey whale at Lily Point, Point Roberts. -Melissa Hafting
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Sun, Apr 2 - Bellingham Bay - ~14:00 - My friend Wyatt Keysor saw a gray whale leaving Bellingham Bay, between Larrabee State Park and Eliza Island, sometime shortly before two today. -Tiffany Waldne
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Sun, Apr 2 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21, CRC22, CRC383, CRC531, CRC2356) - 15:59 - Just spotted them from the south border of Camano Island State Park! -Andrew Spitznas
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14:43 - Two still there [Elger Bay]. -Jered Phipps
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14:41 - Approximately here right now [Elger Bay area - 48.116986, -122.458846].
14:19 - We spotted them. They are currently right at the mouth of Elger bay. Heading south. Two of them. -Erica Sutehall
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13:45 - Saw spouting from Timothy Way. -Andrew Spitznas
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14:10 - They left Elger Bay very quickly and crossed over toward Whidbey.
13:45 - Two gray whales are now at the north end of Elger Bay. Appear to be feeding.
13:12 - Viewing Lowell Point community they are entering Elger Bay.
12:50 - Viewing from Lowell Point Community. Seeing two blows. One a little north of Mabana and the other closer to Mabana. Can’t tell direction of travel with the white caps. -Linda Aitkins
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13:01 - They've turned offshore, and we are leaving them as they head northeast from Langley.
12:52 - San Juan Clipper is following a group of three toward Langley. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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12:50 - Three grays heading southwest about to turn and travel towards Langley Harbor. They just crossed the passage and looks like they are checking out the Whidbey bluff just northwest of Sandy Point. Whale boat trailing. -Luanne Seymour
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12:18 - Crc 383, 531, and 2356 are swimming northwest [Camano head area - approx. 48.053191, -122.364996].
11:53 - Crc 21 and 22 are milling [Mabana area - approx. 48.092748, -122.416230]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:10 - A couple grays (not sure how many) at south end of Summerland, northbound.  -Peg Boley [CWW]
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Sun, Apr 2 - Port Susan - 08:05 - Report by Thomas McKane [CWW] of a gray whale in Port Susan, milling around off Country Club Beach 3 area (generally northwest across from Kayak Point).

April 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 1 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - Farewell for now, J pod. A dark sky and sea accompanied by rumbling thunder and rain made for interesting weather conditions today as J pod exited Admiralty Inlet, their backlit blows shimmering in the silvery light. The orcas were well spread out as they passed Bush and Lagoon Point steady northbound, quite different to the tight grouping of a dozen whales or so over the last couple of days, with Blackberry (J27) being the most recognizable across the channel. -Sandy Pollard - J27 Blackberry -photo by RJ Snowberger, April 1, 2023
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Taken earlier today at Bush Point (J27). The whales weren’t picking a side today and just split the difference and stuck to mid-channel. -photo by Brittany Noelle, April 1, 2023
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The day started off partly sunny, but it didn't stay that way for long. J Pod was on the west side of Whidbey and by the time Blackberry (J27) came in to our view, he was welcomed with a thunderous roll, literally, and pouring rain. It made for photos in true PNW early spring colors. -photos by Dori Dace, April 1, 2023
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16:00 - Watched several whales - very spread out - still northbound and very close to Point Wilson shore, was viewing from Fort Casey. -Jill Hein, Orca Network
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15:52 - Three orcas soon to approach red navigational marker. Heading north. -Cyrilla Cook
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15:45 - Viewing from Fort Casey Lighthouse - spread out but more Whidbey side of midchannel - seeing directional changes. -Emily Wandres
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15:43 - Orcas visible from Point Wilson heading north. Closer to Whidbey than Port Townsend. -Pam Bauer 
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15:36 - Passing Fort Casey. More midchannel. Headed north. Saw tail lobbing and a spy hop. -Holly Weinstein
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15:30 - Managed to get this picture at Fort Casey. -photo by Tami Kannenberg, April 1, 2023
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15:20 - Hearing clicks on hydrophone. -Rachael Blaurock
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15:11 - Saw blow from Fort Casey. Blow was in front of Fort Flagler. -Jen Breeze
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15:18 - Viewing several from Ebey’s Landing heading toward northwest. -Noelle Ronning-Richards
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15:18 - Still way over on Whidbey side of channel. South of Fort Casey. Headed north.
14:56 - Viewing from Point Wilson Lighthouse. From so far away all I can see are blows, north of Lagoon Point, Whidbey side of channel. -Holly Weinstein
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14:35 - Viewing from Lagoon Point - Whidbey side of mid channel, northbound. -Emily Wandres
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14:34 - Mid channel, milling. Can't tell if its one or two. Lagoon Point. -photo by Bill Setter, April 1, 2023
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14:40 - I've lost count but two or three more farther out again. Still northbound.
14:34 - Four more passed closer.
14:22 - Two or three more following behind.
14:15 - Passing Lagoon Point. Saw one to three from my house, pretty far away. -Patricia Prochaska
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14:05 - Blows seen from Lagoon Point still northbound.
13:35 - J27 and a few others Whidbey side of midchannel passing Bush Point now. Very spread out on both side of channel. Hearing rumbles of thunder too! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:30 - Passing Bush Point northbound, mid-channel to west of mid-channel. -Brittany Noelle
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13:20 - Seeing more midchannel passing Bush Point now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Justin T. Trumble
Date of Sighting: 4/1/2023
Time: 12:44 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Vicinity of Mutiny Bay
Direction of travel : North, northwest
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: One
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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13:14 - Only seeing one male [J26] so far and he's Whidbey side, but not super close.
13:07 - Visibility terrible but see them approaching Bush Point northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:11 - I see one so far about mid channel. Heading north [outer Mutiny Bay area - approx. 47.967558, -122.597699]. -Steve Eley
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12:12 - Seeing six to seven fins now, spread out from Foulweather to Hansville - heading north fast.
12:05 - Spotting from Shore Meadow - saw one fin heading north from Hansville area, on the Kitsap side. North of yellow buoy and sail boat. -Emily Wandres
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10:01 - Report to Whale Alert App from Robert has at least seven orcas observed off Eglon, Kitsap area. Working on direction of travel. 
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Sat, Apr 1 - Puget Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 1 10:01 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.85870,-122.51204 (near Eglon)
Number Sighted: 7
Submitted Comments: 
Submitter Name: Robert
Whale Alert App
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 1 - North of SJIs (T34s (minus T34A1), T36As, T37, T37Bs, & T99s) - First day of April, first day officially back on the job! Today we went out to catch up to a larger group of orcas heading north towards Vancouver. The wind was blowing pretty good and the waves were choppy at around 2ft, so it was a bumpy ride there and back to port. But, I say it was totally worth it. When we arrived, it took us about ten minutes to lock the orcas down, since they had not only split into three groups to hunt, but they pulled a 180 turn as soon as we arrived. Turns out at least one of the pods had caught a seal and were eating. We finally locked down the T99s, who had the seal, although I personally never saw it. Their youngsters were rolling and playing, with tons of tail slaps and several headstands. A few minutes in they were joined by the T34s, and finally the T37s. My favorite part was when T37 herself showed up.  Flashback to May 6, 2022, that was my first day on the job as a naturalist, and T37 was essentially the first orca I ever saw in the wild, as well as the first I could recognize immediately at future encounters. So it was a special day for me yesterday when she appeared again on my first day for this season. Eventually all three families joined up and began socializing, with the youngsters playing with each other. Plenty of headstands and tails, with several heads lifting out of the water, but no spyhops or breaches. Nevertheless, definitely the perfect day for whale watching to begin again! -Wallace Woods Photography  -photos by Wallace Woods Photography, April 1, 2023
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From north of Orcas Island, aboard IE5. Matrilines present were T99s, T36As, T34s (minus T34A1), T37 and T37Bs. There are four wee ones - T99E (big eye patch), T36A1A, T36A5, and T37B3 (stayed close to mom, T37B, Harold). The little ones were very curious and playful. Lots of tiny eyes looking at us. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 1, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sat, Apr 1 - Central Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ray Lawr
Date of Sighting: 4/1/2023
Time: 11:25 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Owen Beach
Direction of travel : Unknown
Behaviors observed: Spout
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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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Apr 1 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21, CRC22, CRC56, CRC2249, CRC2356) - 19:27 - This one passed by Camano State Park southbound before grouping up with the two in Elger Bay.
18:49 - Three grays grouped up again in Elger Bay trending east deeper into bay. -back of camera photo by Krista Paulino, April 1, 2023
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17:18 - One gray in Elger Bay. -Thomas McKane
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16:07 - Very slowly moving northbound from Mabana.
14:48 - West side of Camano Island - four headed north. Mabana area. -Christine Krause Manzo
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13:14 - San Juan Clipper just left this group heading south at Camano Head. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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12:20 - Update for five gray whales - crc 21, 22, 56, 2249, and 2356 still southbound. MV Swiftsure is leaving the scene now [approx. 48.055439, -122.372949].
11:57 - Four gray whales southbound crc 21, 22, 2249, and 2356 [approx. 48.062210, -122.388229]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Justin T. Trumble
Date of Sighting: 4/1/2023
Time: 11:33 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Southwest corner of Camano Island
Direction of travel : South, southeast
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: #22
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Group of four gray whales traveling/hunting together 100m from coastline of southwest point of Camano Island
Photos available?: No
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10:30 - Three grays northbound in Saratoga Passage off southwest Camano. -Mike Moberly [CWW]
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08:33 - Three grays off of Tillicum! [Southbound]. -Sarah Hunter [PSWW]
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07:35 - Multiple grays feeding on ghost shrimp. Just off the shore on Port Susan Terrace Beach right now. I think there are three headed towards Bretland and beaches south on the east side of Camano. -Melanie Serroels [PSWW]