April 2024 Whale Sightings

Map © 2004 used with permission by
Advanced Satellite Productions, Inc.

April 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Apr 30 - BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tamara Medina
Date of Sighting: April 30, 2024
Time: 4:34 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: 20 Sea-to-Sky Hwy, Squamish-Lillooet D, BC
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 2 adults 4 babies
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Tamara Medina, April 30, 2024
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Strait of Georgia (T146As) - Then on April 30, additional whales from this matriline showed up, but in the Strait of Georgia! Present were T146A with her two offspring, T146A1 and T146A2. On the afternoon of the 30th and again this morning on May 1st they were traveling with the T124As and T124A4s. As far as I can tell from the records I have access to, they have never been documented in the Salish Sea! -Orca Behavior Institute
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Bellingham Bay
20:18 -
Currently hunting right out by the buoy at entrance to Bellingham Bay.
18:01 -
Current location could see blows with the naked eye sun [approx. 48.717739, -122.604359] is in my eyes unfortunately, at the moment at least three blows noted at one time.
17:51 -
It’s actually at least three east side of Portage Island currently seem to be up against the shore of Portage. -Silver Hubble
*
17:47 -
Two orca in Bellingham Bay, just headed north out of my sight behind Portage. At least one male [approx. 48.708528, -122.590935]. -Rose Caitlin
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Rosario Strait (Includes members of T49As)
17:14 -
I left them as they headed north between Cypress and Guemes and I lost sight [approx. 48.530030, -122.668126].
16:41 - Two orca heading east into Guemes Channel
. Traveling pretty fast whale boats were just with them, but they left. -Lorena Perezcarlos
*
16:00 -
I was only able to capture the blows! Way out of sight now headed south.
14:30 -
At least eight orca headed south in Rosario Strait approaching tip of [Point Lawrence], Orcas Island - two boats with them. Too far to see fins. -Rose Caitlin
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Possession Sound (T65A3 & T65A5) - 19:00 - Just saw two deep in Holmes Harbor headed northbound out of the harbor on the west side. Really cool! -Alex Post
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - 16:14 -
An orca and calf were spotted traveling north at the Saratoga Passage in Langley at Boys and Dog Park. This was about 15 minutes ago. -photos by Savannah, April 30, 2024
*
15:59 -
Marcus called again to update: After stopping and surface activity, the orcas are now trucking it north. Absolutely one large male for sure, he’s huge and little guy with them. At least four. Heading north up Saratoga pretty quickly now. 
15:43 -
Marcus called to report at least two orcas in front of Langley Marina between marina and downtown Langley had been heading northbound, and are very surface active, milling, going against the current, Seemingly one is a large orca, don’t know who he is. 
*
08:02 -
I'm watching the two orcas traveling south from Everett right now. Lost boys? -Lori Ricketts [PSWS]
*
06:10 - 06:15 -
Just watching a pair of orcas, adult and juvenile(?) at Boulevard Bluffs, Possession Sound, moving east toward Everett.  -Gary Martin [PSWS] 
*
05:54 - Two orcas off the Mukilteo ferry terminal
area. No direction included.  -Christopher [WA App] 
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Apr 30 - Commencement Bay
11:50 -
Just fluke dove out from Point Ruston. Heading west but was seen just east of the red container ship that is out there.
11:33 -
Last surfacing west of the mercy ships, possibly just out from Chinese Reconciliation Park. I’m viewing from Dune Peninsula with binoculars.
11:20 - Humpback is deep in Commencement Bay traveling south
. Has surfaced at least three times in the past ten minutes, first surfacing in front of the port and now moving closer to the mercy ships. -Brooke Casanova
*
08:07 -
Saw at rear of container ship parked off Dune. -Maureen Wells
*
08:01 -
Spotted taking a dive not far in front of The Ram on Ruston. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
07:34 -
Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Chetzemoka Master reports one grey whale 1/2 NW of Point Defiance dock
*
07:31 -
Sound action reports the humpback as well, traveling east from the ferry lanes off the south end of Vashon.
*
07:38 -
It headed into Commencement Bay. It was diving a lot. 
07:19 - BIG humpback in ferry lane between Tacoma and Vashon
.  -Melissa Mallott
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Apr 30 - San Juans - 16:18 - Two grays headed north along Orcas Island coastline at dropped pin [approx. 48.708218, -122.829225]. -Rose Caitlin
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Port Susan - 10:00 - I’m seeing a spout slightly south of Kayak Point. -Thomas McKane
*
07:15 -
At least three greys in Port Susan… Warm Beach area just north of Kayak. -Terry G [PSWW]
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Possession Sound - 06:45 - Gray whales are at the entrance to Everett marina. End of Jetty Island only about 50 yards from green marker at the entrance. -David Vetter [PSWS]
*
Tue, Apr 30 - Dalco Passage - 12:40 - Gray heading northwest towards Colvos [approx. 47.326951, -122.530627]. -David Michael
*
12:24 -
Update on the whale in Dalco, thanks to David Michael it looks like we have gray in Dalco. Different whale! The humpback that was in Commencement Bay was much bigger than what we are viewing now.
12:01 - Westbound in Dalco Passage
now. -Brooke Casanova

April 29
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Apr 29 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - A bunch of orcas were off Sooke Harbour going east. They seemed to be socializing. -screen grab & video by Vincenz Eberl, April 29, 2024
*
Mon, Apr 29 - Possession Sound (T65A3 & T65A5) - 18:33 - We just saw some a few orcas right off of Kingston ferry just south of the ferry line. Looking traveling southeast. This was about 15 minutes ago [~18:33] and I think there were at least three orcas. -Suzanna
*
18:50 -
There are two orcas southbound just south of Kingston. Mid channel. -Trish Moylan Davis
*
09:50 -
Passed Tillicum and Tyee, continuing south. Slow pace and long down times. -Charvet Drucker
*
09:44 -
I didn't get to Tillicum soon enough to see the orcas but someone let me look at their pictures and it was Amira and Indy. Sounds like there's still one orca at the north end of Port Susan, don't know who that would be. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - 09:30 -
Here are the two that passed by Tillicum heading south. -photo by Susan John, April 29, 2024
*
08:40 -
Sounds like they may have entered Port Susan. There are some PSWW reports of two orcas off of Tillicum going north. -Charvet Drucker
*
07:00 - Two orcas in front of Hat [Island] marina
.  -Paula Jean Bafaro [HIWS]
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Apr 29 - San Juans
14:02 - One humpback
just passed me on northwest Lummi shore headed northeast. The grays have gone south and the other humpback disappeared into sun distortion. 
13:11 -
Looks like two humpbacks headed north in Rosario midchannel here [approx. 48.696778, -122.700982]. It has to be two different whales as these obviously have tiny dorsals and are fluking.  -Rose Caitlin
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Apr 29 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mieke Le
Date of Sighting: April 29, 2024
Time: 6:09 AM
Species seen: Gray whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Between Rockaway and Onamac on Camano
Direction of travel : Sw
Behaviors observed: Feeding 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
*
Mon, Apr 29 - Port Susan
Time: 4:30 pm -
Type: Uncertain, but probably grays (couple of miles away). Could see blows and some mid-bodies as they breathed.
Number of whales: 3
Location of whale(s) – Port Susan, off of Warm Beach, mid-channel to Warm Beach side
Direction of travel: milling mostly with slight north drift
Speed of travel: slow -Steve Tredup
*
Mon, Apr 29 - South Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Fassett
Date of Sighting: April 29, 2024
Time:
Species seen: gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: between Fox Island and Chambers Bay
Direction of travel : milling around
Behaviors observed: milling around, but a young gray, alone. Was he/she lost?
If orcas, any males?: no
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The whale seemed to be lost. Young whale, maybe 20 feet in length, no others
Photos available?: No
*
Mon, Apr 29 - Rosario Strait
12:54 -
They appear to have moved north out of sight between Orcas and Barnes Island - looks like for sure two grays!
12:26 - Two baleen whales
(presumed grays with heart shaped blows) south of Clark and Barnes Island milling west side of channel. -Rose Caitlin
*
Mon, Apr 29 - Saratoga Passage
09:10 - Heading south.
09:00 - Gray whale feeding off Whidbey shore
, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -photos by Aaron Gill, April 29, 2024
*
Mon, Apr 29 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 13:00 - Grey barely surfaced out front here just north of Sandy Point and super close to shore. Watched water movement as s/he headed towards and past Sandy Point pointed east. No blows. Have not seen since. One grey. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:06 - Southbound off Pebble Beach
now.
12:00 - Grays are still milling in the south end of Saratoga Passage
, closer to Pebble Beach. Long downtimes.
11:05 -
Seeing gray whale blows between Summerland and Pebble Beach, close to Camano side. Looks like at least two whales. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
10:25 -
Taken south of Pebble Beach.
10:23 - Two greys
are just inside the passage by quarter mile skirting along Camano shore northbound.
10:10 - Two greys Camano Head
, just to the north west of channel marker. May be going into Saratoga passage Camano side?  -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Mon, Apr 29 - Port Susan
10:15 - Headed south
slowly.
09:33 -
I’m seeing at least two spouts between CC1 and CC2 on the far shore. -photo by Thomas McKane, April 29, 2024

April 28
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 28 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - J59 Sxwyeqόlh - J56 Tofino, J31 Tsuchi, J27 Blackberry - 20 years ago, having J-Pod come by the west side of San Juan Island a couple times a week during the month of April was the norm. Every visit with J-Pod is a gift, but now, after having them mostly absent in the month of April over the last 15 years, we know just how much to treasure days like this. After visiting us on Friday, Js swung up into the Strait of Georgia as far as Nanaimo, then made their way back down to the San Juans overnight. Today we enjoyed several hours with them as they slowly made their way north up Haro in conditions that were wet, windy, wild - and for the humans on shore, cold! Often in Haro Strait they're very spread out from north to south and east to west, meaning it's rare for us to see every individual during a given pass. Today, however, we're happy to report we got to see all 25 members of J-Pod! Link to more photos. -Orca Behavior Institute -photos & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, April 28, 2024
*
19:08 - Calls on Raincoast hydro[phone] located on Pender Island at Wallace Point
. -Rachelle Hayden [WSSJI]
*
16:10 - Passing County Park
. -Laura Jackson [WSSJI]
*
15:30 -
Did anyone else see all that? - screen grabs from The Whale Museum livestream webcam by Tim Harder, April 28, 2024
*
14:47 -
Sweet views of a group right now on the webcam. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:25 -
Bulk of them still between Land Bank and Lime Kiln slow north. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
14:12 -
Incredible to watch live. Julie Bond
*
13:52 - 13:55 -
LOVE! So much play! 13:52 and 13:55 as well! -Katie Melton
*
13:46 - J pod calls on Lime Kiln
. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:12 - Whales off southern Land Bank
starting to make a little progress north (maybe).
12:10 -
Twenty trailing members of J Pod slow north all together off Pile Point. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
12:12 - SRKW fins visible on webcam
. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:07 -
Behind the group of Bigg's orcas, J Pod is making their way north along the west side of San Juan Island and are now visible on the webcam.  -Orca Network
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - J Pod moved slowly north in Haro Strait today. Captured from the Lime Kiln camera. Enjoy! Link to FB video. -Fred Horn
*
04-28-24 J Pod, Haro Strait, SJI
11:35 - 13:10
, On a cold dark and windy day J Pod traveled north/ up island in close groups of family members. The groups were spread out along the west side. In the lead were J19 Shachi and J16 Slick. J19 was with her grandson J51 Nova. Viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank"s Westside Preserve.
13:50 - 15:05
, Viewing from Lime Kiln. J Pod stalled to the south but as the tide turned they began to move north/ up island. Most of the groups were formed with close family members; J26 Mike with his mom J16; J27 Blackberry with his sister J31 Tsuchi and her daughter J56 Tofino; J35 Tahlequah with son J57 Phoenix; J41 Eclipse with daughter J58 Crescent and J37 Hy'Shqa with her beautiful young daughter J59 Sxwyeqόlh. As the trailing groups passed the lighthouse they gathered together in a tight group swimming in unison. There were three big males in the midst of the group; J27 Blackberry, J38 Cookie and J47 Notch. Surrounded by by family and youngsters on the dark stormy sea, it was one of the most beautiful sights I've seen. Photographed from shore. Link to FB video. -Michelline Halliday - In the middle, J38 Cookie, J47 Notch, J27 Blackberry -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 28, 2024
*
10:50 - Leaders False Bay northbound.
10:15 - More orcas heading up island near Eagle Point
- large group, surface active (edit: confirmed SRKW). -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Sun, Apr 28 - Strait of Juan de Fuca  - 15:20 - Rob and Nancy on Coho going to Victoria spotted two small orca. -Therese Heublein
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Haro Strait (T19, T19B, T65Bs, T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2, T125A, T128, T146s) - 04-28-24 T125 A and T146s, Haro Strait, SJI - 10:00 - 10:11, Viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank. It was raining hard, dark, cold and windy as the T146s with T125A traveled very quickly up island 100' from shore. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday - T146B - T128 Jetsam & T125A Flotsam -photos by Michelline Halliday, April 28, 2024
*
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #41: “We arrived on scene about mid-strait off of Lime Kiln at 1120. The whales were in a single loose group as they headed north up Haro Strait. T125A and T128 were obvious, as well as a large sprouter and an adult female that we took to be members of the T146s. The sprouter had a slighter smaller sprouter traveling near him. After a couple of looks we were able identify the smaller sprouter as T65B1 and his mother T65B was there too. With the T65Bs here, it made for a group of ten whales. We were able to get good left and right side passes on them although the conditions were challenging and it was easy to bounce the whales out of the camera frame. Around 1130, another group of whales was spotted almost a mile to the northwest. They were heading southeast when first seen. A few minutes later, we decided to go over and see if we could get a few pictures of them. We headed toward the new group which had been reported to be the T49As along with T19 and T19B. The group we had been with also angled that direction. By the time we got to the T19s and T49As (minus T49A1 and A2), they were charging north…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #41.
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Haro Strait (T125A, T128, T146, T146Bs, T146Cs & T19, T19B, & members of T49As) - 11:19 - See them [on webcam]! Yay. -Erin Zastrow
*
11:10 -
Now further offshore. Two big groups. T125A and T128 with T146, T146B, T146Cs. Other group T19, T19B, and members of T49As. -Taylor Redmond [WSSJI]
*
11:02 -
Three to four pods of [transient] orcas right in front of Lime Kiln Point State Park lighthouse. Seen from the Puget Sound Express whale watching tour boat ride. Thought I’d share! They said it was a rare sighting today. These orcas aren’t normally seen in this area. -Taylor Schachel
*
11:02 -
On webcam now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:00 -
Soo vocal after the large ship passed! -Mike N Juleen O'Dell
*
10:41 - Three to five orcas can be seen from Lime Kiln Point
via the Whale Museum live feed right now. -Karie Low Carter
*
10:30 - Passing Land Bank fast north
about 300-400 yards offshore.
10:12 -
Visual from Land Bank, south of Edwards Point still northbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
09:14 -
Just spotted five to six whales swimming close together at Eagle Cove traveling up island close to shore. At least two large adult males (possibly three), and a juvenile in the mix. -Lodie Laurieanne Gilbert Budwill [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Apr 28 - San Juans (T49A2 & T49C) - Very likely could have been T49A2 and T49C! Definitely would fit with lone male and possible second individual. They ended up in Spieden Channel heading west later in the day. -Alex McIntire [WSSJI]
*
07:52 -
One lone adult male orca (possible second orca) slowly headed north/up island at Goose Island (Lopez side). Saw three surfaces then disappeared behind GI when US Coast guard boat passed and haven’t seen since. Viewing from Cattle Point. -Katie Chevalier [WSSJI]
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Possession Sound (T65A3 & T65A5) - T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - April 28 - the boys are back in town. Amira (T65A3) and Indy (T65A5) made a surprise appearance in Holmes Harbor again this evening passing closer to the west side of the harbor as they headed north under the golf course. While maintaining a steady course together, the whales varied their passage with a mixture of spy-hops, back flips and tail slaps as they continued their adventures around Whidbey Island. -photo by Sandy Pollard, April 28, 2024
*
T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - Spyhopping T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy
-photos by RJ Snowberger, April 28, 2024
*
19:25 - Orcas!
Headed north past my place [Meerkerk Gardens area] close to shore. -Dan Gulden
*
18:50 -
Yay! Indy and Amira passing under our house again west side of Holmes Harbor, now north of the golf course heading for Honeymoon Bay. Steady travel northbound with a few tail slaps and back flips along the way. -Sandy Pollard
*
18:15 -
Milling, saw a spy hop and tale slap. They seem to be trending north.
18:01 - Two orcas in Holmes Harbor
, mid Harbor near golf course. -Cindi Bowen
*
16:05 -
At least two orcas southwest of Baby Island, heading south into Holmes Harbor. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
10:52 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:55 to report: [10:52] ISSAQUAH Captain reports one lone Orca heading South near MUK [Mukilteo] Lighthouse.
*
08:24 - The two orcas
just passed our place again at M54 [northwest side] close to Hat northbound heading to the top of the island. -Roy Short [HIWS]
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Sun, Apr 28 - Vancouver Island, BC Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jayden Giesbrecht
Date of Sighting: April 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: 49.3090202, -126.0066085 (No. of Tofino)
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Maybe 1
Any unusual markings?: Some along the dorsal side
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 2 calves with the group.
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Apr 28 - Upper Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart) - CRC22 Earhart -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - 09:15 - There's a gray passing by Mariners Cove heading south toward Polnell. It's feeding quite vigorously, but is moving down the beach at a pretty good pace. Its behavior was a little bit different than other grays that I've watched. It did the tail flip a few times as it was going by - I've never seen that when they are this close to shore. It also stuck the pec fin waaaaay up out of the water as it was feeding - looked enormous! It had a short white line toward the tip of its nose on its right side. Also, I saw two fairly good-sized white patches on its back (right side). -photos by Marianne Parry, April 28, 2024
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Saratoga Passage - 11:55 - One gray whale west bound off Camano Island State Park in Saratoga Passage. -Brittany Windsor
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Port Susan (CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383 Cascade, CRC2362 Thidwick) - 11:38 - Saw three grays near Kayak Point. -Tom Hergert
*
11:30 - Three gray whales
were milling at my map spot [approx. 48.129781, -122.370688]. CRC 53, 2362, and 383. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:20 -
Staff member Kristin reports four grays, including Little Patch, in Port Susan, north of Kayak Point, viewed from PSE vessel.
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383 Cascade, CRC2259, CRC2362 Thidwick) - CRC2259 - CRC53 Little Patch - We had a few looks at these gray whales - gray whales #53, #2362, #383, and #2259. -photos by Kyla Bivens, April 28, 2024
*
Sun, Apr 28 - Possession Sound (CRC2259) - 13:06 - SJC leaving a single gray mid channel between Mission Beach and Priest Point. IDed as CRC2259. -Alli Montgomery
*
10:15 - Grey whale blows
approx. at pinned location on map [48.028994, -122.286132]. Cannot tell direction. -Marilyn Armbruster

April 27
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 27 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - We saw some airborne members of Jpod today in the Strait of Georgia! (Galiano Island) Link to FB reel. -Salish Sea Orca Squad

BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 27 - San Juans (T19, T19B, T49As minus T49A2) - 15:20 - Orcas (maybe three or four?) at the very west end of Spieden Channel heading east, close to Spieden. Seem to be moving slowly with a couple of whale boats in tow. -Liz Ziffren Makofsky [WSSJI]
*
Sat, Apr 27 - Rosario Strait (T146, T146B, T146C, T146C1) - On April 27, four members of the T146 matriline popped up in Rosario Strait: T146, her son T146B, her daughter T146C, and her grandchild T146C1. These whales have made brief appearances in the Salish Sea in 2019 and 2022, but are very rare visitors! On this day they were traveling with the T75Bs, T125A, and T128. The photo is of siblings T146B and T146C off Whidbey Island on April 27. Link to FB post. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 27, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 27 - Rosario Strait/Admiralty Inlet (T75Bs, T125A, T128, T146s) - T146C - T146 - T125A Jetsam & T128 Flotsam - Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 27, 2024
*
19:10 -
My last updated more midchannel now southbound still outer edge Mutiny Bay.
18:59 -
In view of Shore Meadow, southbound, very much Whidbey side.
18:22 -
Southbound passing Bush Point lighthouse Whidbey side of midchannel.
18:05 -
Nearing to be out from Bush Point boat launch, maybe Whidbey side midchannel? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
17:25 -
Wow - so fast - good to see them - still southbound. -Jill Hein
*
17:20 -
Flew past Fort Casey, southbound, Whidbey side.
17:03 - South of Ebey's Landing still southbound.
16:45 -
Cruising south, south of Fort Ebey.
16:25 -
Can see from Fort Ebey now. North of here, southbound.
16:15 -
Nearly out from Partridge Point/Libbey Road, southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:00 -
I'm at Libbey Beach Park and we can see fins north of us with binoculars. Perhaps feeding activity since a flock of birds have also joined the party. -Allie Whitesel
*
15:54 - Three or four orcas off of Hastie Lake Landing - West Beach
- on Whidbey. Slowly heading south. -Shirlie Hart White [ONCG]
*
15:55 - Directly out from Hastie Lake Road
. -Bonnie Gretz
*
15:45 -
Have been stalled/slow trend south, now straight out from Hastie Lake. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:12 -
Seeing splashes a bit north of Hastie Lake turn out... still pretty far out. -Bonnie Gretz
*
14:53 - Southbound out from Swan Lake area
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Potential members of the T146s present (will be confirmed with photos later), IDs from Sara Hysong-Shimazu: T146A, A1, A2, 146B, 146C and 146C1. Thank you Sara!
*
14:40 -
People scrambling to park to watch them as they pass Joseph Whidbey State Park. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:37 -
Being seen from north of Joseph Whidbey State Park... reports from my WIWS admin. We see splashes and dorsals southbound travel. -Kevin Phillips
*
14:30 - Southbound out from Rocky Point Beach Parking.
13:55 -
They are southbound now south of Moran Beach County Park. Not super close, but can see with naked eye so not terribly far. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:46 -
I very briefly saw them following the whale watching boat at a distance from Deception Pass hopefully boat people can confirm (Island Explorer 5). Heading south? Southeast?  -Lorena Perezcarlos
*
Per April Ryan, we were on J2 earlier and all of the 146s were present and accounted for.
*
11:13 - Orcas!
out on the Puget Sound Express, Rosario Strait off of Lopez Island [approx. 48.436580, -122.772664]. Flotsam and his brother (Jetsam) and looks like maybe four others. Traveling north but pretty slowly. The others in the group were IDed as the T75Bs! -photo by Lucy Miller, April 27, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 27 - Rosario Strait (T36As) - T36A1 Tierna - Link to more photos. - photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 27, 2024
*
T36As
first spotted at north end of Rosario Strait headed southbound, then flipped back northbound at the south end of Rosario.
*
Sat, Apr 27 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Paul H
Date of Sighting: April 27, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: (47.8997249, -122.5843954)
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw one infant
Photos available?: No
*
Sat, Apr 27 - Possession Sound (T65A3 & T65A5)
17:43 -
These guys are really good at vanishing. Last I saw them was about 15 minutes ago heading northwest away from Everett. Haven’t been able to find them since. I’m wondering if they are going to make their way into Port Susan.
17:09 - In front of navy base
. -Tamara Kelley
*
16:42 - The orca are headed farther south
- roughly at the pin [approx. 48.016851, -122.239022]. -Lauren McManus
*
15:54 -
FOUND THEM! They are east of Hat Island, approaching where some of the grays are. Viewing from Edgewater, they are traveling east behind a small blue and white private boat. Map is best approximation [48.030188, -122.254120]. -Tamara Kelley
*
14:10 -
SJC leaving T65A3 Amir and A5 Indy showing some hunting behavior close to south Gedney [Hat] Island. -Alli Montgomery
*
14:00 - Orcas
out by Victoria Clipper in front of H and G [SW Hat Island]. -Paula Jean Bafaro [HIWS]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Apr 27 - Possession Sound - 15:21 - Seeing a gray in Possession Sound. Viewing from Edgewater. It’s off in the distance east of Hat Island, kind of around Priest Point. There are actually a total of three in the area. -Tamara Kelley
*
15:20 -
Viewing two to three grays just east of Hat Island from Harborview Park. -Stephanie Brenaman
*
14:10 -
SJC finishing observations of at least three gray whales spread very far between southeast Gedney and Mukilteo ferry terminal. One breached twice and another spyhopped off Gedney. -Alli Montgomery
*
Sat, Apr 27 - Port Susan/Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade)
11:28 -
We are departing. They seem to be heading north up west side of Camano.
11:02 -
Out with Deception Pass tours, with CRC22/Earhart and 383/Cascade at Camano Head. -Erin Johns Gless, PWWA
*
09:30 - Port Susan
Whale Watchers tracked two grays at the buoy line off Tillicum and Tyee beaches heading south in a hurry. Last seen heading south of South Tyee Beach heading toward Possession Sound. They rounded Camano Head. -John C Storbeck
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Sat, Apr 27 - Sinclair Inlet -
[whale was reported as both a gray & a humpback; photo shared looks possible humpback but inconclusive].
*
19:00 - Whale in Sinclair Inlet
posted by Peter Chesney in Puget Sound Whale Sightings. Not sure what kind of whale, but there is a video, he caught the tail of the whale. -Marsha L Pyles
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Margaret Huff
Date of Sighting: April 27, 2024
Time: 6:24 PM
Species seen: Grey or humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Rich Passage, heading from Sinclair Inlet toward Manchester
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?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
18:20 - [Baleen whale] Rich Passage
, direction from Sinclair inlet toward Manchester. -Margaret Huff
*
Ashlee Newman - thank you so much for your post! It enabled us to see him/her from Bachmann, and it was one of the most amazing, magical moments of my life! THANK YOU! -Sarah Jordan
*
17:48 -
Last time I saw it and it was past Waterman Pier heading out of Sinclair Inlet.
17:43 -
Blows and tail. In middle of Sinclair Inlet. Visible from Waterman Pier. Fast ferry came to a complete stop for it. -Ashlee Newman
*
16:37 -
Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Walla Walla Master reports possible grey whale off Point White moving West
*
16:35 - Humpback
just seen off Bremerton ferry near Point White heading southwest. -Nicole Reed [ONCG]
*
12:39 -
As of approx. thirty minutes ago, WSF ferry WallaWalla reported single gray whale half mile from Bremerton ferry terminal. No report of direction. -Wayne McFarland
*
12:01 -
Looks to be heading out of Sinclair into Rich Passage towards Manchester.
11:56 -
Seeing blows and a breach at the entrance of Sinclair to the left of Watermans Pier. When it breached it was definitely a humpback and I also caught part of the underside of the flukes. -photos by Sherry Petersen, April 27, 2024
*
11:26 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: WALLA WALLA Captain reports one gray whale near the BREM dock.
*
10:25 -
Just saw a huge humpback? Breach in the entrance of Sinclair Inlet. I was too far away to get picture. -Jill Merriman 

April 26
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 26 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - 04-26-24 J Pod, Haro Strait, San Juan Island
10:10 - 10:27
, viewing from 1.2 miles south of Landbank. J-Pod gently traveled up island as close as 100 yds from shore to as far out as 2 miles off shore. Traveling separately the leaders were J19 Shachi and J16 Slick with most of the big males off shore except for J38 Cookie. Small groups socialized with J35 Tahlequah and J41 Eclipse traveling together trailing their children; J35 Phoenix and J58 Crescent. J57 and J58 tumbled together in play. J37 Hy'shqa traveled close to her daughter J59 Sxwyeqόlh. J42 Echo was close by.
11:00 - 12:12
, viewing from Lime Kiln Lighthouse. J Pod was milling spread out to the south but finally came towards us with a few small groups traveling close to shore. The pod was very spread out with most members traveling north up island. Two groups circled out, west, away from shore with one group heading back to the south again.
13:00 - 13:35
, viewing from Landbank. The group of 4 that had circled to the south came north again adjacent to Edwards Point. Long dives across Landbank they surfaced and briefly dipped close to shore near Deadman's then continued on their way up island, north, until out of sight. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday - J35 Tahlequah - J38 Cookie -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 26, 2024
*
J58 Crescent & J41 Eclipse - J36 Alki - J57 Phoenix & J37 Tahlequah -
Who had "before the end of April" in the "when will J-Pod return pool"? I don't think anybody did! After heading west a week ago, we thought that might be it for our visits from J-Pod for quite some time, but they sure always keep us guessing. On this drizzly morning we were pleasantly surprised to find J-Pod on the west side of San Juan Island, and they took their time heading north in Haro Strait against a strong ebb tide. Link to more photos. -Orca Behavior Institute -photos & IDs by Monika Wieland Shields, April 26, 2024
*
It's a Cookie kind of day! Can't think of a better way to spend a drizzly Friday than a surprise visit from J Pod with your special boy J38 "Cookie" surfacing close to where you are standing on the rocks. Welcome J Pod! Great to see so many dorcas out there along with first timers who were so excited to see them. -photos by Cindy Hansen, April 26, 2024
*
Myself and three friends are on the east side of Galiano Island, and we saw at least 20 orcas traveling north. I submitted a report online, but I'm assuming this was J pod. It was AMAZING. They were breaching, hunting, milling, moving slow. We watched for around an hour and a half. They were spread out for miles. We didn't even know where to look sometimes because there were so many! -photo by Caitlyn Blair, April 26, 2024
*
Thank you for posting this! Got to share with 4th grade class and resource room at my school! The kids were ecstatic seeing the whales! Was a fun treat for Friday before heading to lunch. -Kelsey Benmessaouda
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Caitlyn Blair
Date of Sighting: April 26, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Species seen: Orca, possibly J Pod
Number of animals seen: 20
Where seen: Past Galiano Island mid channel closest to Galiano side (48.9175772, -123.3645951)
Direction of travel : N, slow
Behaviors observed: traveling, milling, hunting, breaching, changing directions, tail slaps
If orcas, any males?: 4 or 5
Any unusual markings?: Not close enough to know
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was the most incredible and lucky experience, we were in the right place at the right time.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Robert Maslowski
Date of Sighting: April 26, 2024
Time: 6:20 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 48.83638° N, 123.33244° W
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
14:25 -
Hearing closer echolocation and J pod calls (S01, S04, S10) on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone via the Orcasound - Listen for Whales web app! Maybe they will drift north with the growing flood tide? -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
14:24 -
This webcam is dangerous for me. Can’t. Stop. Watching. -Amber Rankin
*
14:24 - Trailers approaching the County Park.
14:00 -
Trailer, one male headed up island about 3/4 mile (240 rods, 60 chains) off. North of Lime Kiln.
13:43 -
At least six slowly moving up island towards the County Park. About one furlong offshore. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 26 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #40: There were reports of Southern Residents off the south end of the island throughout the morning. After waiting for the rain in the area to move on, the team met at Snug Harbor and left in KCB3 at 1300. We arrived on scene at 1315 about a mile off Lime Kiln. J pod was spread out in singles and small groups as they headed up Haro Strait. The first whales we encountered were most of the J19s and J22 as they passed us heading inshore toward the San Juan Island shoreline. Behind them was a loose group of J36, J38, and J51. This group appeared to be social and J38 was following J36 around while inverted. Offshore of these three, we found J39 cruising north by himself. We had to move further west to find more whales. The next group we came across was J16, J26, J44, J45, and J49. J44. J45, and J49 moved off to the east but J16 and J26 moved nearer to some other whales to our northwest. J46 passed through the groups and continued north but J16 and J26 acquired J40 and J42. This group briefly merged with the J31s and J27 before there were two instances of some somewhat confused milling. It looked like there was a disagreement on direction but the whales who wanted to go north, won, and the whales continued north. The J31s, J27, and J40 fell behind the J16s as they headed slowly north just a little east of D’Arcy Island…” Read more here at the Center for Whale Research Encounter #40.
*
End of April Highlights -
This is Jason's highlight video from a few of our end of April encounters with Southern Residents from the shorelines of San Juan Island. -Orca Behavior Institute -video by Jason Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
13:30 -
Watching! So amazing! -Jennifer Taylor
*
13:27 -
Watching right now on the Lime Kiln webcam! What a thrill! -Kate Hopper
*
13:25 -
They are coming in close right now. Get your look. -Tim Harder
*
13:15 - Faint S01 calls repeated ~10x on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone
. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
12:56 -
I didn’t ever know they had a webcam there. How exciting to watch! I saw at least one breach and maybe a spy hop. -Amber Rankin
*
12:42 - Spy hop
. -Joe Dreimiller
*
12:33 -
Still visible and faint calls still audible on Lime Kiln. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:04 - Two whales northbound two whales southbound at Lime Kiln.
11:43 -
Presumed trailers approaching Lime Kiln northbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
11:47 -
 I'm watching in the UK and my silly cat is joining in the calls. -Jo Gennari
*
11:45 - J pod continues northbound
travels, spread out in Haro Strait close in off west side of San Juan Island. Still audible and visible on the Lime Kiln webcam. -Orca Network
*
11:44 -
Screenshot from the live cam - calls loud and regular now. -Jamie Alison Hogan
*
11:37 -
Some of the calls sound like baby chicks! For a little bit, they were popping up like triangular, black popcorn! -Linda Raines Tyner
*
11:36 -
Two breaches and louder calls. -Mary Hartmann
*
11:27 -
You can see and hear them now! -Robyn Riley
*
11:25 - Some loud calls now
. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:21 -
Still some beautiful views of Jpod on the webcam. -Orca Network
*
11:24 - Echolocation clicktrains
. Also been a Steller sea lion close in off the rocks, currently a nice close up as swims by under the camera.
11:20 - Js are echolocating.
11:16 -
Been beautiful visuals, now hearing calls. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:17 -
Starting to hear them too. -Mary Hartmann
*
11:17 - Hearing calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone
. -Linda Aitkins
*
11:13 -
So beautiful! Something about watching them live gives you the chills even from hundreds of miles away. -Karie Low Carter
*
10:05 - Js, leaders probably near Hannah Heights.
09:40 - SRKW spread slow north from False Bay.
-Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Apr 26 - San Juans (T19, T19B, T36As, T49As minus T49A2) - We had an epic encounter with Biggs Orcas T19, T19B, T36A's and T49A's (minus T49A2) just north of Yellow Island. When we arrived they were engaged in eating and vocalizing non-stop (heard via our hydrophone). T19, T19B and T49A1 were together off on their own nearby while the others were busy in tight groups very social with many breaches and spy hops. Gulls were everywhere swooping in for scraps. T36A2 did a whopping seven breaches in a row (photos below)! We left them southbound right outside of Friday Harbor after sunset. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt -photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 26, 2024
*
20:37 -
Passed within 1m of San Juan Island, headed south through San Juan Channel towards Turn Island.
20:33 -
It’s of splashing and playing, moving southbound a bit faster now, close to the San Juan Island side.
20:26 -
Milling, SLOWLY moving southbound.
20:23 -
Seeing them from the end of the Friday harbor labs shore trail! Three plus, at least one adult male. Moving slowly. Six to seven individuals. -Katie Onthesalishsea
*
16:40 - Biggs killer whales mid channel off Reuben Tarte heading south
. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 26 - Discovery Bay (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) - 16:30 - Still in the area! Between Discovery Bay and Protection Island. -Amanda Rood
*
16:13 -
Moving west. One nautical mile west of Diamond Point. -Trevor Tillman
*
15:38 -
Just passed Beckett Point grouped together and moving quick. -Kaitlin Niclas
*
15:01 -
They are slowly headed that way… flipped back a bit bit I think moving again.
14:47 - Northbound
on the Sequim side close to shore still south of Gardner Beach traveling after spending some time hunting close to shore. -Rebecca Berger
*
13:30 -
Tony Tilt reported on the Olympic Peninsula Whale Sightings FB group that the T65As (minus A3 & A5) were in Discovery Bay heading southbound.
*
12:55 -
I was not on the boat but Saratoga found some killer whales in Discovery Bay. -Christopher Lewman -Kaitlin Niclas for making us aware as well about this report.
*
Fri, Apr 26 - Possession Sound (T65A3 & T65A5) - T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - From just north of Mukilteo ferry this afternoon -photo by Don McKnight, April 26, 2024
*
18:03 - Still there, heading slowly northeast.
17:47 -
Just saw two fins from a distance between the ferry lanes and Hat Island. Looked to be moving northwest. Came back up basically due south of hat island and just north of the northern ferry lane. -Ethan Abeles
*
17:31 -
They were headed north about 10 minutes ago right between Whidbey and Mukilteo Beach. -Sarah Schmidt
*
16:30 - 17:00 -
Had a great sighting in Mukilteo from ferry terminal to the beach side. -Lauren 'Lo Blakeley
*
T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - 16:40 - From Mukilteo
. -photos by Heather Alder, April 26, 2024
*
16:36 - Amir and Indy
near Ivar's Mukilteo southbound. Viewing from docked ferry that hasn't left Mukilteo yet. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
16:33 -
Whales heading to Mukilteo lighthouse. -Teresa Bara
*
16:26 -
I just spotted them off the port of Everett pier by Edgewater Park. -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy -16:09 -
They just did a close pass by Harbor View Park! Heading west at the time, but they've been milling. -photo by Neil Christianson, April 26, 2024
*
14:27 - Two to three orcas off of the southeast side of the [Hat] Island
. -Dianna Bonn [HIWS]
*
13:40 -
Tom Nowak called to report two orcas came by, the bigger of the two had notched dorsal fin. In front of Mission Beach heading southeast. Also had a bull come by at 07:00 heading north. And have been watching baleen whales all month.
*
13:22 - T65A3 and T65A5 are southeastbound
at my map spot. [approx. 48.045455, -122.293233]. -Bart Rulon, PSE
*
13:24 - Amira and Indy close to shore eastbound
just now. -Grayden Kelbert 
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Apr 26 - Possession Sound - 18:23 - Viewing from Edgewater and saw an exhale far out in the distance. From my vantage point looks to be in the general area around Priest Point. Map is best approximation [48.020245, -122.246264]. -Tamara Kelley
*
Fri, Apr 26 - Possession Sound (CRC383 Cascade & CRC543)
13:54 -
383 and 543 are the two grays that are still off the southeast point of Hat Island, no set travel direction currently.
13:24 -
Additionally have at least one gray whale southeast end of Hat Island near the marker. -Grayden Kelbert 
*
Fri, Apr 26 - Puget Sound - 18:30 - Just looked out the window and saw a grey whale surfacing at the north end of Colvos Passage. Appeared to be heading southward. Haven’t seen it come up again. Kitsap side, just south of Point Southworth. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES -
Fri, Apr 26 - BC Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Audrey Sailers
Date of Sighting: April 26, 2024
Time:
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 12
Where seen: 49°03'22.1"N 126°28'55.5"W
Direction of travel : NW along Victoria Island
Behaviors observed: Traveling, fin slapping , tail slapping, rolling and breaching.
If orcas, any males?: yes at least 2
Any unusual markings?: not noticed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The were tail slapping, rolling and breaching
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

April 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 25 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joshua Grady
Date of Sighting: April 25, 2024
Time: 6:57 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Hood Canal Bridge
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Hunting maybe?
If orcas, any males?: unsure
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw as I was driving across the Hood Canal bridge this morning for work
Photos available?: No
*
Thu, Apr 25 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (T65A3 & T65A5) - T65A3 Amira - T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - April 24/25: It's not too often we see whales here in Holmes Harbor, and we're usually elsewhere when they appear. April 24 was no exception as Amira (T65A3) and younger brother Indy (T65A5) paid a visit during our absence, but all was not lost... The whales were approaching the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry lanes as we docked in Clinton late afternoon, and the short drive to Glendale afforded a fleeting glimpse of them as they passed southbound. Twenty-four hours later they returned to Holmes Harbor, and we lucked out spotting them from home heading south toward Freeland Park. After a quick tour of the inner harbor, the wayward whales continued their exploration closer to the east side of Holmes Harbor while cruising north and eventually exiting into Saratoga Passage and beyond. -photos by Sandy Pollard, April 25, 2024
*
16:59 -
Just seen them here [approx. 48.019665, -122.371241]! We spoke to someone at the whale center when they were being spotted nearby and we waited around and followed the alerts and found them! -Erica Plummer
*
16:40 -
Both just passed Sandy Point, fairly close to Whidbey side still southbound. -Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network
*
16:32 -
Two passed Langley Marina heading southeast. -Francie L Dailer
*
16:17 - Two orcas Whidbey side
of mid channel almost at Langley seawall. Heading south. Presume Indy and Amir! Leisurely pace. -Jacqueline Anne
*
16:00 - Indy & Amir
Whidbey side of midchannel traveling southbound, halfway between Putney Woods and Langley. From a friend. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
14:05 - Amir and Indy
are still working slowly towards Baby Island. My red mark is approximate for their location [approx. 48.078537, -122.516687]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira -
Taken under NMFS Permit #26599 -photos by Florian Graner, April 25, 2024
*
13:45 -
Still cruising steadily north along east side of Holmes Harbor now north of golf course. -Sandy Pollard
*
13:25 - Northbound east side out from Holmes Harbor golf course
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:05 - Heading south still toward Freeland
under golf course. Viewing from home above Holmes Harbor. Bit more mid channel. -Sandy Pollard
*
12:39 -
In view of Rainbow Lane southbound along west shore.
12:25 - Near Dines Point headed south
now.
12:10 - Perhaps trended south.
12:00 -
Friend reports possibly stalled on hunt approx here [48.094444, -122.552544]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
T65A3 Amira - T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - 10:45 - Orcas headed south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach off Whidbey shore
. -photos by Aaron Gill, April 25, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Apr 25 - BC (BCY0324 Big Mama & BCX1193 Zig Zag) - Big Momma BCY0324 is back! I saw her up in Canada with Zig Zag! Big Momma, first spotted in ‘97, was among the very first humpbacks to return to the Salish Sea after an almost 100 year void in their presence. While the hunting of these beautiful creatures ended in the Salish Sea in 1907, the take continued off the outer coast of Vancouver Island until 1967. Always great to begin the season seeing this legend! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 25, 2024

April 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 24 - San Juans - 18:16 - Two orca heading north past Cape San Juan - dove and down a long time, heading into Griffin Bay 18:24. -Jeanne Sept [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Rosario Strait (T65Bs) - 15:11 - They’re here traveling southwest as far as I can tell! At least four orca, one male at least [48.671700, -122.727966]. -Rose Caitlin
*
15:01 -
We also ran into the T065Bs while out here! -Brooke Casanova
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Rosario Strait (T36As) - Caught up with the T036As today north of Orcas Island - first time meeting this cuddle puddle of a family on their own. -photos by Brooke Casanova, April 24, 2024
*
T36A1 Tierna
and her calf surfacing under Mt. Baker in the San Juan Islands this evening - Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 24, 2024
*
14:24 -
Members of the T036As here. -Brooke Casanova
*
13:28 -
They’re continuing north and Sounder is on scene, they’re almost out of sight but videos incoming!
13:22 -
Just made a kill north of Clark [Island]. Continuing north as they’re eating.
11:42 - It’s six orca
, two males and a young one included.
11:31 -
They’ve continued north along Orcas Island coastline. At least three? Too far to see anything but blows. -Rose Caitlin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Meghan McMahan
Date of Sighting: April 24, 2024
Time: 10:25 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Rosario Strait off Lawrence Point Orcas Island
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Possibly 1 male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (T65A3 & T65A5) - T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy - T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira -photos by Rachel Haight, April 24, 2024
*
T65A3 Amira & T65A5 Indy
-photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 24, 2024
*
April 24/25: It's not too often we see whales here in Holmes Harbor, and we're usually elsewhere when they appear. April 24 was no exception as Amira (T65A3) and younger brother Indy (T65A5) paid a visit during our absence, but all was not lost... The whales were approaching the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry lanes as we docked in Clinton late afternoon, and the short drive to Glendale afforded a fleeting glimpse of them as they passed southbound. Twenty-four hours later they returned to Holmes Harbor, and we lucked out spotting them from home heading south toward Freeland Park. After a quick tour of the inner harbor, the wayward whales continued their exploration closer to the east side of Holmes Harbor while cruising north and eventually exiting into Saratoga Passage and beyond. -Sandy Pollard  -photo by RJ Snowberger, April 24, 2024
*
19:16 -
Looking from the tip of Possession it looks like T65A3 and T65A5 are southbound towards Edmonds ferry line. Mid channel. -Candace Gavin
*
19:00 -
Near buoy off Possession Point, have trended west, but unsure if committed.
18:40 - Southbound nearing Possession Point Waterfront Park
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:32 -
Passed Glendale heading south midchannel two big fins. -Francie L Dailer
*
18:20 -
Viewing from Clinton bound ferry. Near Glendale southbound. Whidbey side. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
18:15 -
Nearing Glendale, still following Whidbey shore. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:04 -
Just south of the Clinton Ferry dock now and heading south. -Natalie Scantlen
*
18:00 -
Now south of ferry terminal. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
17:55 -
Seeing them approaching ferry lanes from the ferry. Clinton side. -Sandy Pollard
*
17:40 - Approaching Brighton Beach.
17:10 -
Continuing south now south of Sandy Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:56 -
They both have passed the Langley Marina still southbound Whidbey side. -April Janice Basham
*
16:55 -
Approaching bluff just west of Sandy Point, still near Whidbey side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:38 -
Spotted mid channel headed towards Langley Beach. -Freesia Krogstad
*
16:05 -
Stalled hunting a seal looks like.
15:55 -
Approx. here [48.064214, -122.447588] southbound, can hear their blows.
15:30 -
Maybe just north of Bells Beach, southbound, not far off Whidbey shore still.
15:20 - South of East Point, slow trend south
, following Whidbey shore. Next up will be Langley in awhile.
15:10 -
They exited Holmes Harbor and went east. Approaching East Point.
13:33 - Maybe northbound
now, east side.
13:30 - Eastbound out from Freeland Park
. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:28 -
Viewing from Freeland Park. -Janet Moody
*
13:25 - Southbound south of dock at Holmes Harbor golf course
, close to west side.
12:58 -
Out from Rainbow Lane, southbound, closer to west shore. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:47 -
Appeared to be headed south. Location was north of Dines Point.
12:39 -
They’re in the harbor. -Dan Gulden
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joan Haines
Date of Sighting: April 24, 2024
Time: 11:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: West side of Whidbey Island at Greenbank 48.0983N 122.5732W
Direction of travel : S. Pace appeared to be rather leisurely
Behaviors observed: We could see their fins and part of their bodies periodically as they moved along
If orcas, any males?: Don’t know
Any unusual markings?: Too far away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Wow!
Photos available?: No
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - T65A5 Indy
11:34 -
They are now down by Hidden Beach.
11:26 - Orcas heading south Saratoga Passage
one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey side.  -photos by Aaron Gill, April 24, 2024
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5)
13:25 -
Continuing north towards Twin Spits and Admiralty Inlet. Multiple orcas (at least three). Visibility poor. Viewing from Port Gamble.
12:55 -
They have crossed under the Hood Canal Bridge heading slowly northbound about mid channel. -Mike Maddox
*
12:22 -
They're still in front of Bridgehaven more towards the midchannel.
12:00 - Three whales just spotted from Bridgehaven northbound
. Moving super slow and leisurely. -photo by Delaney Russell, April 24, 2024
*
12:15 -
We spotted three or four orca in the Hood today. North end - 200 yards off Bridgehaven Spit. Two miles south of the Hood Canal Bridge. -Dan Fick
*
09:55 -
One adult and one calf headed north in Hood Canal near Bangor. 
09:54 -
One adult orca and one calf orca headed northbound in Hood Canal just past sub base Bangor. Reported to me by my husband who is working on the base on the waterfront. -Crystal 
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Apr 24 - Bellingham Bay - 14:21 - Gray whale just south of Portage Island along Lummi. Has been visible multiple times in the same area it’s been milling in the same general area for the last hour and a half, but not surfacing very frequently [approx.48.680493, -122.600659]. -Silver Hubble
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Admiralty Inlet - 17:13 - We just saw a gray whale a long way off of the pier. About mid way between Point Wilson and the PT Bay channel marker.  -Betsy Carlson, Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC)
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Saratoga Passage
13:02 - Northbound
when I left.
12:47 -
Multiple blows - viewing from Hidden Beach. Swiftsure boat is there - closer to Camano State Park side. -Kristi Etzell
*
12:43 - Grays are continuing northbound between Camano Island State Park boat launch and Hidden Beach
. Swiftsure is with them.
12:16 - Grays
are closer to midchannel now, north of Baby Island.
12:01 - Two grays.
11:57 - Gray northbound
Whidbey side of midchannel between south end of Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit.
11:33 - Grays are still milling
in the same area, at least two.
11:10 -
Just saw a gray whale blow and fluke in Saratoga Passage. Whidbey side of midchannel south of Bells Beach, appeared to be heading south. Viewing from south end of Camano Island State Park. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Wed, Apr 24 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: scott herning
Date of Sighting: April 24, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: gray or minke, sporadic exhales surface
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: north of North Beach, Port Townsend. seemed to dissipate in distance
Direction of travel : not known, perhaps north, scanned horizon thereafter and saw nothing
Behaviors observed: soft surface and powerful exhale
If orcas, any males?: n/a
Any unusual markings?: no
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: initual intuition was gray
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Apr 24 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: scott herning
Date of Sighting: April 24, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: gray or minke, sporadic exhales surface
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: north of North Beach, Port Townsend. seemed to dissipate in distance
Direction of travel : not known, perhaps north, scanned horizon thereafter and saw nothing
Behaviors observed: soft surface and powerful exhale
If orcas, any males?: n/a
Any unusual markings?: no
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: initual intuition was gray
Photos available?: No

April 23
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 23 - San Juans - 23:50 - Can hear a few orca playing in Friday Harbor right now. -Frank Stucki [WSSJI]
*
20:17 -
John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 20:26 to report: 2017hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports 2 orca moving west in the northern portion of Upright Channel.
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Haro Strait (T19, T19B, T36As, T49As)
17:40 -
Approaching Friday Harbor southbound on the Shaw side.
17:15 - T36As southbound in San Juan Channel
off Shirt Tail Reef. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJ] 
*
14:11 - Second group approaching the County Park northbound
. Quarter mile off.
13:55 -
Second group of orcas approaching the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Long dives! Northbound.
13:15 - Still moving north, mid-Haro
, now directly west of Lime Kiln lighthouse. Dives are on the longer side.
13:00 -
Now moving mostly north mid-Haro. Southwest of Lime Kiln. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Haro Strait (T19, T19B, & T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2; T36As) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #39: “After receiving reports of multiple groups of Bigg’s heading north in Haro Strait, Michael and Dave headed to Snug and left in KCB3 at 1235. We arrived on scene with a group of whales about a mile north of the Beaumont Shoal buoy at 1254. T19, T19B, and the T49As (minus T49A2) were in a single, tight group heading slowly north. The brothers T49A3 and T49A4 were surfacing together towards the rear of the formation. We stayed for one right side pass on this group before leaving them for another group that was spotted almost a mile to the southeast. The new group was the T36As and they were now heading north-northeast towards San Juan Island. We had one pass to get a few left side IDs and then decided to launch the drone. It was mostly a drone encounter for the rest of the day as the T36As headed slowly up the west side of San Juan Island. The T19s and T49A group had continued north on the Canadian side of Haro Strait and we soon lost sight of them. The group of six T36As split into two in Andrews Bay with T36A1 and T36A1A being at least a hundred yards or more to the inside of the rest of the T36As…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #39.
*
12:43 - T036As
are closest to shore. Galiano just left them to go back to his mom and the T049As who are further out. Lots of direction changes. -April Ryan [WSSJI]
*
12:25 -
Nice line up of fins visible from Land Bank mid-Haro going due north (for now anyway).
12:05 -
It appears the two groups may have merged again in mid Haro near the border; unknown direction of travel.
11:40 -
They’ve split into multiple groups. Viewing south from Land Bank I see some a few miles offshore of Pile Point-ish aiming towards Hannah Heights-ish.
10:50 -
Update: Many Bigg’s killer whales now aiming northeast across Haro towards San Juan.
10:15 -
Report from the Vancouver Island side of a large group of orcas southeast of Discovery Island heading north into Haro. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJ] 
*
Tue, Apr 23 - San Juans (T49A2 & T49C) - Earlier this week we got to catch up with T49C Nielson, a 26 year-old roving adult male. He was traveling with his nephew T49A2 Jude, the very same whale he was with last time we saw him in March of 2023, and his recent most frequent traveling companion. Nielson definitely gets around, though. In addition to spending time on his own, over the last 8 years we've documented him traveling with T49A3, T65A2, T65A3, T65A5, T77A, T91, and T124C - all males of varying ages! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, April 23, 2024
*
We caught up with these whales just north of Friday Harbor - it was T49C and T49A2! - Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJ] 
*
15:32 -
Only saw one big dorsal. Deep dives headed up-channel with a couple whale watch boats following. Correction - second one just came by headed same direction.
15:25 -
Spotted just out side of Friday Harbor - looking at them mid-channel from Post Office Bay (Shaw). -Bryn Black [WSSJI]
*
13:40 -
Looks like two orcas a small and large off Cattle Point. -Val Frease [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Possession Sound (Probable T65A5)
19:14 -
Shifting around and lots of bird action - may be a hunt!
19:11 -
Visual of the orca off Picnic Point, heading south. -Lauren McManus
*
17:50 -
Saw it from the Tokitae sun deck, which was open for once. -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
Probable T65A5 Indy - 17:30 -
My daughter us sure she saw a baby orca at Mukilteo Beach. Others saw it too. -photos by Samantha Storey, April 23, 2024
*
17:30 -
John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:38 to report: 1730hrs: Vessel ISSAQUAH reports 2 orca just north of the MUK terminal, moving south.
*
17:23 - Orcas just north of Mukilteo ferry terminal
, pretty close to shore - lots of breaching and splashing. -Robyn
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Possession Sound - 12:10 - Seeing at least one orca at Whale Bell Park Langley northbound slowly mid channel to Whidbey side. -Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network
*
10:20 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:43 to report: 1020hrs: ISSAQUAH reports they have come to all-stop due to 3 orcas spotted at Columbia Beach. The whales appear to be circling around the grey whale that was reported earlier.
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Puget Sound (T65A3) - My bestie T65A3 Amira from his solo pass under the Manette Bridge and past Bachmann Park. Link to more photos. -photos by Jami Cantrell, April 23, 2024
*
T65A3 Amira -
As he made his way back from Dyes. He’s been moving fast. Seems he’s looking for his pod. -photos by Taylor Parsons, April 23, 2024
*
18:00 - Amira
passed Bachmann Park SEEMED to be heading towards Rich Passage as I left. -Jami Cantrell
*
18:00 -
Under Manette Bridge and headed towards Bachmann Park.
17:52 - Single male between Warren and Manette Bridges headed towards Sinclair Inlet
. Mid channel. Looks like Amir. -Mike Maddox
*
17:38 -
Coming in front of Lions now. -photo by Linda Bancroft Weinacker, April 23, 2024
*
16:45 -
Just seen heading further into the inlet from Tracyton.
16:17 -
I just went down to the water to see what I could see, and a couple folks said they saw him going into Dyes about seven to eight minutes ago! -Taylor Parsons
*
15:47 -
Just saw it from the ferry in Bremerton. Headed toward the shipyard. -Ashley Thomsen
*
14:08 -
I just saw a single orca moving steadily around Restoration Point closer to the Bainbridge side. Looks like it's following the island around, lost sight of it near Fort Ward. -Mariah Vicary
*
09:23 -
We received a call from Gregory who is reporting at least one orca entrance to Port Madison off Indianola. At times looks maybe like two different size fins, making directional changes, milling around in circles as if feeding.  -Gregory Pena, MV Ghost
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Hood Canal - (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) - 16:55 - Our neighbors say they saw them heading south from Bangor about 20 minutes ago. [approx. 16:35] Haven’t spotted from Seabeck yet! -Tessa King
*
12:10 -
Admiralty Inlet - Reporting party viewing from south end Marrowstone Island. No specific location on the orcas but four reported so in that general area of Admiralty. -Per Michael R [Whale Alert app]
*
11:26 -
Look to be going to pass Bush Point pretty close shortly.
11:21 -
Still level with east beach - long down time slow moving - closer to Whidbey side of mid now.
11:00 -
Seem to be angling in towards bottom of Marrowstone in line with Foulweather bluff.
10:40 -
Moving faster now, almost level with East Beach on Marrowstone - still pretty leisurely and marrowstone side of mid.
10:30 -
Seeing one large male and two females four whales I’m counting actually. One big male.
10:25 - Southbound now Marrowstone
side of mid - slow and milling (eyes on them now) just level with the point still.
10:05 -
Looking to be milling off Marrowstone Point maybe north facing.
09:58 -
Second hand report of them being at Marrowstone Point right now - not sure of direction. -Rebecca Berger
*
09:52 - Saw two for sure from the Port Townsend ferry look to be heading southeast. -Tom Stephens
*
09:00 -
Saw them for a while heading north from Point Hudson. But then seem to turn east southeast. Lost them in the sun glare. -Christopher Lewman
*
08:20 - 08:40 -
I saw perhaps six orcas off the Fort Flagler campground. They appeared to be heading east towards Marrowstone Point. -Tim Lawson
*
08:17 -
Just got a call that there were at least two killer whales just off of the north end of Marrowstone [Island] near Rat Island. I was told they were likely milling at the time.  -Trevor Tillman
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Emilie Baker
Date of Sighting: April 23, 2024
Time: 8:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: North of Fort Flagler Beach point
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw with binoculars from the shore,.so limited details! 
Photos available?:
*
08:08 - 08:33 -
I was rowing back from Rat Island in Port Townsend Bay this morning. About six orcas swam across to near the old submarine defense tower and then were milling about in front of the Fort Flagler Campground for about 25 minutes from 8:08 - 8:33. They appeared then to swim along the north coast of Marrowstone Island toward Marrowstone Point. -Tim Lawson
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Apr 23 - Port Susan - 08:23 - [northern Port Susan] Two spouts between cc1 and cc2. Third spout straight out from cc2. [cc= Country Club]. -Thomas McKane [CWW]
*
Tue, Apr 23 - Possession Sound - 09:48 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:59 to report: 0948hrs: Captain reports a single grey whale located 1/2 mile north of the MUK/CLIN crossing, heading toward Gedney Island. 
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Tue, Apr 23 - Central Puget Sound
12:20 -
He’s still in same place. Blows air some.
12:10 - Gray whale or humpback in Colvos Passage
. A bit south of Point Defiance. About where the + is on this map. He’s not really going any direction. Kind of just floating around. His behavior seems a bit odd from what I’ve seen in the past [approx. 47.305616, -122.549488]. -Deshea Hanson

April 22
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 22 - San Juans
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mark Adamo
Date of Sighting: April 22, 2024
Time: 8:05 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Heading out of President Channel between Waldron Island and Orcas Island, spotted from Beach Haven Resort.
Direction of travel : Heading what appeared to be almost due north. Leisurely pace,
Behaviors observed: The only behavior observed was traveling.
If orcas, any males?: Orcas were too far away to be sure, but one was significantly larger than the other, and I can say with 100% confidence it was mature.
Any unusual markings?: Again, they were far enough away for any specific markings to be observed.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: My gut tells me the may have been an adult and juvenile pair because there was such a difference in size.
Photos available?: No
*
Mon, Apr 22 - Puget Sound - 09:32 - One orca reported southbound from Gold Beach, Vashon. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Apr 22 - 09:30 - Gray whale reported in Bowman Bay. -WA app
*
Mon, Apr 22 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 12:22 - Last blows I saw were around five minutes ago, right off Pebble Beach. Haven't seen anything since, I think they continued south around the point. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
One of the grey whales near Summerland earlier today. It was difficult to track them due to wind and them staying down for long periods of time. -photo by Thomas McKane, April 22, 2024
*
12:11 -
They flipped south. -Thomas McKane
*
12:10 - Grays
are heading west, in line with Pebble Beach from my perspective. Might be moving south but not sure.
11:50 -
May have stalled or flipped south? The blows I'm seeing now look farther away than they did earlier. Between Summerland and Pebble Beach.
11:45 -
Just saw a blow around Summerland, on Camano side. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
11:08 - [grays]
Pretty close in to shore. About a half mile south of Summerland now. -Fran Horvath [CWW]
*
10:55 - Two gray whales just passed Pebble Beach headed north
.  -Teena Robinett [CWW]
*
Mon, Apr 22 - Possession Sound - 11:20 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 11:26 to report: 1120hrs: MUK/CLIN vessels notified of a single grey whale located mid-channel between Sandy Point and Gedney Island. No direction of travel.
*
Mon, Apr 22 - Puget Sound
17:51 - Off Don Armeni.
17:39 - From Anchor Park
. -photo by Mary Hartmann, April 22, 2024
*
17:04 - Gray!
We’re here, looks like at least one calf too! Saw what looked like a younger one and a very large one, as did the folks next to us.  -Brittney Murphy
*
16:20 - Blows close to Alki shore eastbound
view from 63rd and Alki. -Mary Hartmann
*
MINKE WHALES -
Mon, Apr 22 - Hood Canal - 11:15 - Yesterday [Mon, Apr 22] I saw a report of a minke whale in Anna’s Bay, Hood Canal. There was another report of one in the canal around mile marker 10 on south shore a few weeks ago, on April 5th, but I didn’t see anything about it on Orca Network… Thought you guys may be interested. -Shaylyn Slye

April 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 21 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) - 18:30 - Saw three dorsal fins go past Potlatch State Park going north towards Hoodsport mid channel. I only got a couple of glimpses before they dove out of sight. -Bobbi Cantellay
*
16:53 -
Split into two groups. Three mid-channel and two still hugging north shore almost to the tip of Anna’s Bay/Hood Canal.
16:38 -
Passing Union marina! -Stephanie Burton
*
16:30 -
Three are passing by mile post 6 in the middle of the canal. -Cathy Meadows
*
16:17 -
Passing Tahuya still westward and along north shore. -Mike Maddox
*
16:06 -
Passing by mile 13 on north shore, close to north side, moving fairly quickly. -Tori Dulemba
*
16:03 -
West of mile marker 10 headed towards Union. Hugging north shore at leisurely pace. All seem to be together (four to five). -Mike Maddox
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa trailing - 16:05 -
Got 'em! -photo by Tori Dulemba, April 21, 2024
*
15:30 -
And just starting to get out of range with binoculars. Still on the north shore headed west. At least three smaller orcas and one larger male. -Aaron Rothfolk
*
15:17 -
They are at Twanoh now! -Sheridan Kent
*
15:15 -
Passing Twanoh State Park, moving west, hugging the north shore. -Aaron Rothfolk
*
15:05 -
Heading west along mid to north shore. Passing Twanoh State Park now. -Mike Maddox
*
13:51 -
Seems to me they’ve turned around and are heading now along the south shore heading back west. It’s been hard to spot them from Bellaire State Park the longer I try to see them. 
13:37 -
Visible from Belfair State Park looking west!
13:11 -
Got them! Still cruising slowly on the north shore side headed east towards Belfair still [approx. 47.421147, -122.892640]! -Stephanie Burton
*
11:50 - Orcas Hood Canal heading east
, at least three. Spread across canal. Visible from Mile 12.5 north shore. Just now. Went by fairly quickly. [Viewing from about two miles east of Tahuya]. -Tori Dulemba
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Apr 21 - Haro Strait - 10:48 - Humpback sighting: half mile north of Lime Kiln lighthouse, moving south. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Apr 21 - Port Susan - 14:50 - Midway between Hat Island and Mission Beach. Two together and one further east. Long long downtimes. -Kev Harnax
*
11:58 -
They just turned back around. But closer to Camano side now.
11:45 - Two grays in Port Susan
harbor heading toward Kayak Point.  -Katie Milici Davis
*
Sun, Apr 21 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch & others) - 15:30 - Seeing at least two at the pinned location on map [approx. 48.016903, -122.264151]. Viewing from north side of Sandy Point. They appear to be milling and not moving much from that location. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Sun, Apr 21 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade, CRC543, CRC2249 Hattie, CRC2356 Stalwart) - CRC22 Earhart - CRC2356 Stalwart - CRC2249 Hattie - CRC383 Cascade & CRC356 Carson - CRC543 - We saw seven gray whales! All in the triangle between Gedney Island, Tulalip, and Camano Head. The individuals we saw were 543, 2249, 2356, 22, 356, 383, and the same individual that I was not able to identify on April 20 either. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, April 21, 2024
*
13:20 -
SJC leaving five grays seen spread between southeast Gedney and Camano Head. CRC53 spyhopping. -Alli Montgomery
*
10:30 - Two grays southeast of Hat
, one was breaching! No direction apparent. -Lori Christopher
*
Sun, Apr 21 - Puget Sound - 17:38 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Master on the CHIMACUM reports a grey whale off Tyee, headed Southwest.
*
Sun, Apr 21 - Puget Sound - 10:15 - We saw one [gray] at Dash Point. -Carol Maus

April 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 20 - San Juans (T19, T19B, T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2) - 17:48 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Yakima Master reports via 800 MHz, 4-5 orca headed NB off Turn Island
*
16:48 -
Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Sealth Master reports 8 orca off the Lopez ferry landing.
*
14:29 -
Towards Obstruction Island.
14:19 - Biggs off Doe Bay
now. -Heather Ann Shough
*
11:53 -
Next to the Peapod [Rocks].
11:52 - Seven to ten orca southbound south of Lawrence Point [Orcas Island]
.
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Rosario Strait (T19, T19B, & T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2) - The Bigg’s orcas that we saw including the big boy (T something) whose native name means orca (I don’t remember his number) [approx. 48.642238, -122.722074]. Our guide said he was traveling with more than his typical family of four. By the end of the day it seemed that the pods separated as one group headed towards Obstruction and the others went another direction, possibly towards Blakely. -Heather Ann Shough
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Puget Sound (T65A5 Indy) - 14:10 - Indy north of Jefferson Head northbound. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, April 20, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 20 - North Puget Sound (T65A5) - We saw T65A5 by himself off of Jefferson Head. -photo by Kyla Bivens, April 20 2024
*
14:05 - One probable orca, heading north, Kitsap side
. Staying down a long time.  -Joanne Graves
*
12:12 - Lone orca heading north
, west of midchannel… Jefferson Head could be next good viewing. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:08 -
[video of T65A5] From Fay Bainbridge. -K Van Petten
*
11:51 -
Almost in front of Fay Bainbridge still going north slowly.
11:40 - Heading north
now.
11:39 - Lone orca here still south of Fay Bainbridge
, milling around [approx. 47.677152, -122.497240]. -Brian Hollomon
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Stephen Katzenberger
Date of Sighting: April 20, 2024
Time: 7:14 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: From the Clinton to Mukilteo Ferry
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: travel
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw the back and dorsal fin
Photos available?: No
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) - T65A2 Ooxjaa - Some of the T65As in Hood Canal. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, April 20, 2024
*
Saw a few dorsals in one the inlets of Triton Head in Lilliwaup! Very cool. -Adriane Stender Morejohn
*
15:35 -
Seeing then northbound off of Hood Head. -Brenda Campbell
*
15:18 -
Just saw them while passing over the bridge! Northbound and traveling at a swift speed! -Kaitlin Niclas
*
15:13 -
Just saw four fins pass under the Hood Canal Bridge! -Stephanie Bry
*
15:05 -
[photo]. -Erica Elizabeth Mattingly
*
14:58 - Approaching Hood Canal Bridge northbound
. -Jason Cook
*
14:41 -
Pretty choppy and overcast. We could only see the male. Mid channel. Moving pretty fast toward the bridge. -Gabe McKay
*
14:24 -
From Kitsap State Park I can see one male and a couple females still northbound mid channel. -April Janice Basham
*
12:35 -
Just passed King Spit (south Of Bangor waterfront). -Tom Weeks
*
10:48 -
They're skipping Dabob heading north main channel. They're at the tip of Oak Head now.
10:42 -
At least four, maybe five big male with the group. Our T65As!
10:32 - Orca, Hood Canal
out from Scenic Beach Park mid-channel headed north.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Apr 20 - Haro Strait - 7:45 - Lone humpback off Mitchell Point, milling around but averaging northbound. -Alexandra Banner Walton [WSSJI]
*
19:18 -
About mid-Haro off County Park, no direction yet but lots of splashing and breaching, looking like a humpback maybe. -James Richardson [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Apr 20 - San Juans - There was a grey whale out today too - [gray approx. 48.639580, -122.595745]. -Heather Ann Shough
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383 Cascade, & others) - Earhart and her friends! Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, April 20, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade) - We saw gray whales 22, 356, 383, and one more that I wasn't able to ID east of Gedney Island. -photo by Kyla Bivens, April 20, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 20, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: South East of Hat Island
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling North one did a big Spyhop :)
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: 3 for sure ( possibly few more but can’t be sure) FYI same area as this morning at 6am now ending the day they must be finding a lot of food as almost every day I have seen them. Time to invest in a telescopic lens… Question do some have a tendency to spout together?
Photos available?:
*
13:18 -
SJC leaving six grays whales including 22, 53, and 383 heavily spread out between southeast Hat and Mukilteo. One very breachy individual as well and lots of social behavior. -Alli Montgomery
*
11:01 - Earhart
and her friends total of five heading southeast towards Everett. -Janine Harles
*
10:55 -
Looks like at least three off the east side of Hat. Seeing frequent blows off from Harborview Park. -Neil Christianson
*
10:46 -
Two or three whales just off Hat southeast side. -Mary Dulin
*
09:40 -
Several grays off north side Hat Island around the Marina, heading down island. They came up and around the island. Per reports by Aimee & Romy [HIWS].
*
08:35 - Earhart #22 and two friends off B division
slowly heading north towards N. Not far offshore.  -Lori Christopher [HIWS]
*
09:25 -
Three more between Camano Head and Hat Island. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
*
09:16 -
Breaching gray whale between Everett Marina and southeast Hat Island. -Janine Harles
*
09:15 - Three gray whales in Possession Sound south of Hat Island headed toward Hat
. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 20, 2024
Time: 6:00 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: By channel marker between Hat Island and Jetty Island
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed:
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
*
Sat, Apr 20 - North Puget Sound - 13:30 - 14:25 - Gray whale opposite side of the water from Indy [midchannel just south of Kingston ferry lanes]. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, April 20, 2024
*
11:30 - Solo whale
(maybe two) spotted west of Kingston (from the ferry) heading north. I couldn’t get my zoom lens out fast enough, but I believe it was a gray. I saw four to five blows before losing sight of it. -Megan Stuart Chapin
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Sat, Apr 20 - Admiralty Inlet - 07:00 - Unidentified species - lots of splashing and appeared to be blows viewing from Marrowstone Point. No idea what I was looking at or what direction they were headed but letting you know in case anyone wants to keep an eye out around that area! (Splashing seemed much too large to be sea lions but who knows - perspective on the water is tricky) [approx. 48.136816, -122.626770]. -Rebecca Berger
*
Sat, Apr 20 - Puget Sound  - [A gray whale was later reported off Kingston & then T65A5 Indy turned up near Wing Point, so unsure as to which species may be of the two.]
*
11:16 -
Still watching to determine... definitely not orca. One whale "moseying" off Bainbridge about a mile north of Wing Point. -Jane Rein
*
10:25 -
Volunteer Sue Larkin called to report on the whale who was in Port Madison, now is heading south just south of Fay Bainbridge Park. Will try further south to sight again and try for photos.
*
08:21 -
It’s at Agate Point on Bainbridge, breaching. [Follow-up:] Definitely some kind of whale, but not an orca, breaching and blowing in this bay for about a half hour. Body was longer than the j pod species we’ve seen. Hard to tell color in the sun, but not black. No prominent/visible dorsal fin. -Anna Vodicka

April 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 19 - Strait of Georgia/Boundary Pass/Haro Strait (J Pod) - 04-19-24 J Pod, Haro Strait - 19:16 - 19:50, Just before sunset, viewing from Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Traveling quickly down island to the south, J-Pod members were spaced out. A few came in close, less than a 1/4 mile, but most stayed away from shore as far out as 2 miles or so. They were solitary travelers. I only saw one pair together a Mom and older calf. It's hard to see everywhere at once so I might have missed other pairs but I don't think there were any in groups. The big males traveled farther out. I was able to ID J19 Shachi and J16 Slick. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday - J16 Slick -photos & ID by Michelline Halliday, April 19, 2024
*
20:01 -
And now on Lime Kiln. (I hear them but haven't seen them yet). -T.L. Stokes
*
19:24 -
Clear calls reverberating on Orcasound Lab hydrophone. -Orcasound - Listen for Whales
*
19:20 - J pod
visible as well on the webcam.
19:15 - Echolocation on Lime Kiln webcam hydrophone
. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
19:15 -
You can see and hear them on the Lime Kiln Livestream. -Danielle Lanxon
*
19:11 -
Still hearing great clicks and calls, including one S07, on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone. -Orcasound - Listen for Whales
*
19:00 -
Nice smattering of echolocation!
18:55 - J calls are pretty loud
now on Orcasound Lab.
18:39 - Calls audible of Orcasound
- Listen for Whales Orcasound Lab hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:40 -
Leaders Turn Point southbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
16:20 - More calls now
16:10 - Still hearing some calls
, not as many as earlier. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
15:51 - Beautiful J pod calls on SIMRES
. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
*
15:05 - J-Pod audible on SIMRES.ca hydrophone
reportedly coming SW down Boundary Pass. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
09:15 -
I watched two orcas hunting for salmon very close to the shore of Lighthouse Beach in Point Roberts, WA. I took photos of each whale and even got of photo of a salmon they were chasing as it leaped out of the water. They were traveling south. -photo by Ashley Strub, April 19, 2024
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Fri, Apr 19 - San Juans (T19, T19B, & T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2) - 04-19-24 Biggs T18s with T49As, Haro Strait - This group of Biggs orcas passed me twice in two directions. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. 15:14 - 16:30, the T18s and T49As traveling up island (north) 2+ miles from shore - far enough off shore that with heat distortion the distance was hard to estimate. The group was surface active with periods of splashing and huge fluke lobs interrupted by long dives. Even at this distance I could tell that T19B Galiano was present. as they approached Edwards Point they began to move farther from shore heading northwest until out of sight. 17:03:06 - 17:03:50, I stayed at my location talking with a friend when we were happily startled by a series of loud blows. The T18s and T49As had changed direction somewhere up-island. Heading down island (south) about 1/2 mile offshore, they surfaced 3 times to the south of my location and in less than a minute were out of sight behind some trees. T19B Galiano's fin is so wide and distinct, he is easily recognized among the other males in the group. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday - T19B Galiano -photo & ID by Michelline Halliday, April 19, 2024
*
14:40 -
These whales are now offshore of Eagle Point heading up island.
11:15 - Approaching Cattle Pass from the north.
10:25 -
Members of T18s and T49As now southbound in San Juan Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
10:30 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SEALTH Captain reports 6 Orca near Turn Rock heading South
*
10:29 -
 On ferry almost to Friday Harbor [San Juan Island] and slowing for around 4 or so. Yes! [orca] Ferry slowed and [Orcas] going south. There could have been a whale watching boat following. It was just outside of Friday Harbor. -Rebecca PY
*
Fri, Apr 19 - Haro Strait (T63, T65, T65Bs)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Whitney Grossman
Date of Sighting: April 19, 2024
Time: 5:10 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Lime Kiln Lighthouse
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
16:44 -
Seem to be heading west, off of Land Bank. Watching from Lime Kiln. They’re maybe T063 Chainsaw and friends, passed Lime Kiln within two meters, coming up from San Juan County Park! T063 Chainsaw, T065 Whidby II, T065B Chunk, T065B1 Birdsall, T065B2 Nettle/Corvus, and T065B3!  -Katie Onthesalishsea [WSSJI]
*
14:50 -
Additional group of orcas mid Haro aiming north towards Lime Kiln. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 19 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andrew Roundy
Date of Sighting: April 19, 2024
Time: 1:05 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Ft. Ebey State Park, IVO green channel buoy #5
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: No males
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Single female seen possibly traveling north. Only seen once while surfaced for a breath through binoculars.
Photos available?: No
*
Fri, Apr 19 - Hood Canal (Probable T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5) -photo by Jennifer Taylor, April 19, 2024
*
20:06 - Orcas
were reported deep in eastern part of the canal. Nonspecific location or direction but person was on north shore road before Belfair.
*
19:12 - Orcas 0.3mile east of Twanoh State Park
right now. -Angela Lee
*
18:42 -
Sighting of four heading towards Twanoh State Park. -Sung Jun Oem
*
18:35 -
Whales in Union. -Cathy Warner
*
18:35 -
Back and forth. East now. At least three.
18:20 -
Hugging South Shore. About mile 7 on South Shore.
18:18 - Slowly heading east,
mile 12 North Shore. -Tori Dulemba
*
18:18 -
Just saw three orcas cruise by MP 13 on northeast North Shore. Hood Canal. Belfair, WA. -Robert Wills
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brent Bartlett
Date of Sighting: April 19, 2024
Time: 11:20 AM
Species seen: Looks like pod of orcas.
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Just off Dachabush [Duckabush] bay, a bit to north
Direction of travel : Southerly
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Fri, Apr 19 - Haro Strait (BCX1460 Black Pearl & 2024 calf) - BCX1460 Black Pearl & 2024 calf -ID by Erin Johns Gless, PWWA - Two humpbacks pass very close to shore on Ten Mile Point, Vancouver Island. Lucky day! Link to more photos. -photo by Jenna Darcie, April 19, 2024
*
15:00 - 16:00 -
I filmed these two humpbacks from land on Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. I had the good fortune to film humpback BCX1460 and her new calf in Haro Strait. This is my composite video of the encounter. It combines clips of three sightings I had of the pair. Link to video. -Gerald Graham
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Apr 19 - Port Susan
14:25 - Headed southwest
toward mid channel from Tulare Beach.
14:18 - Three grays 80 yards off Tulare Beach
. -Cindy Lou
*
Fri, Apr 19 - Possession Sound (CRC383 Cascade, CRC543, CRC2249, CRC2356 Stalwart, CRC2362 Thidwick) - From the gray whale tour with Puget Sound Express from Edmonds, seen between 12:00 - 13:30, off Camano and Whidbey. I don't know how people are able to identify gray whales without the flukes, it's so tough! Per our boat crew we saw 2356 (who I met for the first time last year off Fox Island!), 543, 383 (fluke confirmed!), 2362, 2249. Also had my first experience with "whale breath" and wow, that was something… Link to more photos. -photo by Jolena Tagg, April 19, 2024
*
16:00 -
Two blows and a bit distant between the two. Could be three greys. See pinned location [approx. 48.022944, -122.258077]. Greys were moving southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
13:41 - Three gray whales southbound off Camano Head
now. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
13:30 - Grays
flipped now facing south same general area off west side Camano Head.
13:20 -
At least one, possibly two, gray whales off Camano Head moving northbound in Saratoga Passage hugging Camano side. -Orca Network
*
13:00 - One grey
just northwest side of Camano Head channel marker. Appears to be heading into Saratoga Passage. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:46 -
There are at least three southeast of Gedney Island between the green and white buoys. Look for the whale watching boat. -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
11:20 -
See pinned location [approx. 48.050454, -122.321701], looks like they both have moved a tad east and now appears to be heading for Port Susan… north boundish. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
10:19 - Whale(s)
might be angling a little more north and east, but still aimed for Camano Head, possibly Port Susan, too soon to confirm.
10:08 -
Marilyn Armbruster reports seeing gray whale south end Saratoga Passage off south end of Camano. She is also seeing a second gray whale mid channel. The one closer to Whidbey side is out from Sandy Point quarter to mid channel.
*
10:29 -
Oh I think two. Saw two blows one after the other.
10:25 - One grey
at pinned location northbound [approx. 48.033418, -122.327660]. Thank you Lori Christopher. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
CRC2356 Stalwart
09:30 -
The three turned the corner, now mud channel aiming for Everett.
09:20 -
The two heading towards Tulalip turned back west, picked up their friend and are all three. Now heading to Tulalip. Deep dives.
09:15 - Three grays cruised northbound along west side of Hat Island.
Two are now aiming for Tulalip and the third split off and is aiming for Camano Head. [Based off Lori's photos: two or the three included 22 Earhart (per photo on HIWS) and 2356 Stalwart per fluke photo - Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network]. -photo by Lori Christopher, April 19, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 19, 2024
Time: 6:55 AM
Species seen: Possibly GRAY
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Between Hat Island and Jetty Island
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: These two I can see but they are at least a mile away from each other.
Photos available?: No
*
Fri, Apr 19 - North Puget Sound - 17:45 - Spotted presumably a gray whale from Point No Point lighthouse looking towards Mukilteo [corrected to north Edmonds] - mid channel. -Mandy Michelle
*
16:30 - Point No Point - a grey whale
passed by fairly close to shore. Just one. -Karl Girardi
*
PORPOISES -
Fri, Apr 19 - Hood Canal - 11:00 - I saw a couple of Dall’s porpoises at Stavis Bay, but no orcas. -Ross Wilhelm

April 18
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 18 - Hood Canal (Probable T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5)
08:56 -
They are headed north. They are between Holly and Guillemot Cove - they are too far away for pictures! We are seeing them from the west side of the Hood Canal at Camp Robbinswold.
08:35 - Four orcas
are in the Hood Canal in front of Holly, in front of Stavis State Park, right at the beach. -Ashley G
*
Thu, Apr 18 - Holmes Harbor (Possible T65A5 Indy) - Aaron Blough shared video in WIWS of what looks to be a lone orca in Holmes Harbor/Whidbey Island this afternoon (around 13:25). Video looks possible for T65A5/Indy, but unconfirmed
*
ALASKA KILLER WHALES - Thu, Apr 18 - Alaska
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cassandra Woodson
Date of Sighting: April 18, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: 59.180689, -135.432013 Mud Bay, Haines, Alaska
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Breaching
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 Cassandra Woodson, April 18, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Apr 18 - Haro Strait (BCX1460 Black Pearl & 2024 calf) - 04-18-24 Humpback with calf, Haro Strait, SJI - 08:29 - 08:31, Traveling quietly up-island (north) less than 1/4 mile from shore, a mother humpback with her calf. They surfaced in unison with the calf very close to Mom. As the pair passed me they briefly changed direction so I was able to get photos of their right and left sides. Mom didn't show me her fluke but that's ok, she showed me her pretty calf. A beautiful way to start the day! Photographed from shore. [Follow-up:] Happy Whale was able to identify the humpback with calf - she is BCX1460 Black Pearl. She is mother of Sparrow aka Casper (2016) and Calypso (2019). -Michelline Halliday - BCX1460 Black Pearl & 2024 calf -photo by Michelline Halliday, April 18, 2024
*
Thu, Apr 18 - Spieden Channel - 15:56 - Humpback Spieden Channel heading east. -Laura Jackson [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Apr 18 - Possession Sound - 12:54 - I see several blows northeast of Hat Island appear to be headed south towards Clinton mid channel. One whale watching boat in the area. I am watching from Legion Park in Everett. -Steven Faulkner
*
12:30 -
At least one blow at pinned location on map [approx. 48.031262, -122.306372]. Too far for direction. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Thu, Apr 18 - Port Susan - This [gray] fed near Country Club Beach 3 for hours. -photo by Thomas McKane, April 18, 2024
*
07:45 - Four to five grays headed southbound from upper Port Susan
per multiple reports. [PSWW & CWW]
*
07:02 -
Spouts out at Beach 2 [photo had them facing south]. -Dian Ponten [CWW]
*
06:58 - Whales near Driftwood Shores
. -Tim Jenkins [PSWW] 
*
Thu, Apr 18 - Puget Sound - 14:08 - We just had a report of a gray whale headed north and approaching the Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry lanes (believed to be closer to the mainland). -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Thu, Apr 18 - Puget Sound - 17:01 - Spouts in Elliot Bay right now. Lots of glare on the water and no binoculars so no idea what it is exactly or how many. Headed toward Alki was probably half mile out from Seattle ferry terminal. -Matt Gunson [ONCG]
*
16:45 -
Robert Reeder aboard the Maritime Instructor saw several blows between Duwamish Head and the Space Needle in Elliott Bay. He was unable to tell if it was a gray or a humpback due to sea state. No direction given. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
Thu, Apr 18 - Saratoga Passage  - 14:24 - Seeing blows and a fin in Elger Bay. [could be a gray or possibly the lone orca spotted earlier in Holmes Harbor.] -Melia Adams Wilkinson

April 17
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 17 - Nanoose Bay (T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2) - T49A3 Nat - Saw the T049As near Nanoose Bay (NW of Nanaimo) minus Noah and Jude (T049A1 and T049A2) featuring little Charlie II’s fluke! Link to more photos. -photos by Georgia Cooney, April 17, 2024
*
Wed, Apr 17 - San Juans (T87 Harbeson) - 16:29 - They have continued north up Hale Passage! They passed the Lummi ferry lines at approximately 15:50. -Rose Caitlin [WSSJI]
*
13:15 - T87 between Vendovi and Lummi Islands heading northeast
. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 17 - North Admiralty Inlet (T65A3 Amira) - Great job tagging the livestream folks! You collectively set a new record for Orcasound - Listen for Whales! This section of the recording has the highest-ever number of annotations without more than a 3-minute gap - 62 “Report sound” button pushes! Link to clips. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
18:30 -
According to a second hand report by two locals at Fort Worden he passed by going north. -Alissa Gubelman
*
17:56 - Northbound
passing closer to Port Townsend - only seen once so far; one orca; higher speed than before [approx. 48.124109, -122.727434]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
17:55 -
Much louder on Port Townsend again. -Lavinia Mitchell
*
17:53 -
Louder calls now, wonder if he flipped back north? -Orca Network
*
17:52 - Calls on the Port Townsend hydrophone
again! -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
17:47 -
Just switched back to Port Townsend hydrophone after listening to Bush Point. Still hearing calls on Port Townsend, hadn't heard anything on Bush Point since around the time of Jennifer's last comment -Orca Network
*
17:29 -
Hearing more calls, stronger and closer together (Bush Point hydrophone).
17:15 - Hearing calls on Bush Point hydrophone
now. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
17:12 -
Still hearing calls on Port Townsend hydrophone, a bit quieter than earlier. -Orca Network
*
17:04 -
I’m hearing very similar calls on the Bush Point hydrophone! -Brooke Thompson
*
16:44 - Orcas on [Port Townsend hydrophone]
right now. -Kimberly Douglas
*
16.45 - Consistent calls on Port Townsend hydrophone
. -Lavinia Mitchell
*
16:43 -
His calls are pretty loud... doesn't seem to be too far from the hydrophone. -Kevin Phillips
*
16:42 -
I can only see spouts from here but about here now [approx. 48.122104, -122.732212]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
16:40 -
Hearing on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Lavinia Mitchell
*
16:37 -
Sounds like a baby keeps making same sound. -Tracey Carrillo
*
16:33 -
Seeing spouts - southbound but closer to mid-channel now [approx. 48.133890, -122.742681]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
16:33 -
Heard another faint call after a long pause.
16:20 - T65A3 still vocalizing
. -Orca Network
*
16:06 -
Very chatty on Port Townsend hydrophone! -Jill Irene Freidberg
*
16:05 -
Hearing vocals on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
16:04 - Vocals are still real strong. Port Townsend hydrophones
probably great right now.
15:58 -
He is by himself.
15:47 - It's Amira [T65A3]
so far and we had him vocalizing quite a bit coming around Point Wilson.
15:40 -
Saratoga has at least one killer whale right off Point Wilson southbound. Tight to shore. -Christopher Lewman, PSE
*
Wed, Apr 17 - Hood Canal (Probable T65As minus T65A3 & T65A5)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rebecca Johnson
Date of Sighting: April 17, 2024
Time: 6:31 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Hood Canal outside Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, (47.7437738, -122.7466791)
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
16:01 - Four
just now spotted under the Hood Canal Bridge southbound. -Cassie Mora [PSWS]
*
10:30 - Orcas in Hood Canal!
Candace reports her friend Jasmine spotted a male fin headed north from the boat launch in Seabeck towards Big Beef Creek.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Apr 17 - Haro Strait - 20:00 - Humpback reported near Lime Kiln, no direction given. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Apr 17 - San Juans (Unknown individual) - We found a gray whale southbound from Friday Harbor. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt -photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 17, 2024
*
Wed, Apr 17 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 17, 2024
Time: 7:45 PM
Species seen: Possibly Gray
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Between Hat Island, and Jetty Island
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Feeding
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Apr 17 - South Possession Sound (CRC356 Carson & CRC383 Cascade) - 14:27 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:32 to report: 1427hrs: [ISSAQUAH] Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 2 grey whales, just east of the CLIN terminal moving north
*
14:29 - The two grays (presumably 383 & 356
) are still traveling together side by side, angling offshore heading northeast out from Clinton Dock (approximately here - 47.983019, -122.333510). Beautiful sight. Many ferry riders wowed, some from out of country and first time whale sightings, ferry crews in awe too. 
14:15 -
Ferry has slowed way down and will come to stop to let these two gray pass! Currently out from Clinton dock! Perfect timing. Thanks captain & crew! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:35 - Two grays traveling north
close to shore [approx. 47.943601, -122.351201]. They are 383 and 356. -Tony Tilt, PSE
*
Wed, Apr 17 - Port Susan - 06:46 - 07:34 - Thomas McKane [CWW] reported seeing multiple gray whale spouts in northern end of Port Susan mid channel out from Country Club, Camano (roughly across from southern Warm Beach on mainland side). By 07:34 they were slowly moving southbound.
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Wed, Apr 17 - South Puget Sound - 18:54 - Looks like it's heading toward Narrows Bridge. -Jacob Rain
*
18:30 -
Saw the whale pass by Hidden Beach going towards the Narrows Bridge. Did not see a dorsal fin. -Aaron Rothfolk
*
18:12 - Baleen whale
of some sort seen right now off Chambers Bay. -Rietta Rain
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES -
Wed, Apr 17 - South Puget Sound - 15:15 - At least two maybe three orcas feeding on prob a sea lion, maybe a seal in Case Inlet off Treasure/Reach island (deep side) drifting with the tide towards Stretch [photos show maybe sea lions]. -Claudia Putnam

April 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 16 - North Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (T65As) - T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - T65A3 Amira - T65A3 (Amir) and his famous wandering brother T65A5 (Indy) spend a couple of hours sauntering up the coast of Whidbey Island today. The weather was chef's kiss, and our friends surfaced beautifully as they passed us on their way north. Pictures were taken from the shores at Bush Point and Ledgewood. Fair and following, boys! Link to more photos. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 16, 2024
*
At last - a close encounter today with the infamous Indy (T65A5), a capricious member of the T65As who likes to travel independently from his family at times. Indy and older sibling Amira (T65A3) surfaced briefly a few yards from the shore at Lagoon Point this afternoon, traveling north at speed before finally exiting Admiralty Inlet. -photo by Sandy Pollard, April 16, 2024
*
16:05 -
Off Patridge Point. May be aiming northwest now.
15:52 - Indy
cruising north following Whidbey shore, off Fort Ebey Battery.
15:20 - Indy
alone continues northbound along Whidbey shore, nearing Ebey's Landing. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:10 -
At least one orca reported out from North Beach, Port Townsend per Whale Alert app. Presumably other members of T65A family.
*
15:03 -
I can still hear one on the [Port Townsend] hydrophone. -Christi Mlodzik
*
14:53 -
Just saw one dorsal pop up slowly northbound still [approx. 48.156272, -122.638604]. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
14:03 - Bigg’s calls clear on Port Townsend Marine Science Center hydrophone!
-Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
14:24 -
Hugging shore, northbound, maybe a mile south of Ledgewood? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:14 -
Kit Turner called to report seeing two spouts (didn't see bodies) from North Lagoon Point looking north towards Ledgewood. The spouts were in the vicinity of Lake Hancock. She'll keep an eye out for any others.
*
13:55 -
One intense call amongst many fainter ones on Bush Point hydrophone. Can anyone see how spread out the T65As are at the moment? (I was assuming all distant callers were up near Lagoon Point, but this intense call suggests there is a follower still close to Bush Point…) -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
13:45 -
Speedy whales! Two orcas (we think) just surfaced close to shore at south end of Lagoon Point, continuing north at speed. -Sandy Pollard
*
13:41 -
More calls Bush Point hydrophone.
13:37 -
Heard some nice calls Bush Point. -Orca Network
*
13:27 - Orcasound -
Listen for Whales listeners reporting Bigg’s calls on Bush Point hydrophone in last 10 min. Just heard one faint one. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
13:25 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 13:29 to relay report: 1325hrs: Kennewick notified of an undetermined number of orcas rapidly moving to the north, currently at Bush Point.
*
13:16 -
Lovely little pass by the pair just off Bush Point. Still northbound.
13:06 -
Can see approaching Bush Point now. Still south of.
12:43 -
Just definitely Amira and pretty certain Indy northbound passing Limpet Lane, pushed offshore a little but Whidbey side still.
12:23 -
Moving west fast south of Double Bluff.
12:00 -
Large aggregation of harbor porpoise out from Sunlight Beach.
11:40 -
Two approx. here at pin [approx. 47.951347, -122.464136], looks possible for T65A3 & T65A5 but just a little too far to confirm. Headed west/northwest.
11:30 -
Friend spotted two off Maxwelton. I just missed them, here now looking. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A6 Callisto & T65A2 Ooxjaa - 11:20 -
This was at Point No Point Lighthouse Beach in Hansville. I was standing on shore and there were four of them about twenty to thirty feet out straight in front of the lighthouse! Link to more photos. -photos by Julia Nelson, April 16, 2024
*
10:58 -
Kim P called to report at least some of the orcas are very close inshore Kitsap side, between Eglon and Pilot Point, at least one male 20 feet from shore, steady northbound. Heard them before seeing them. No surface activity.
*
10:31 -
Just saw them at Scatchet Head heading west towards Useless Bay. Looking from Sunset in Edmonds. -Stephanie Brenaman
*
10:10 -
Its been 15 minutes since last sighting of a couple splashes in front of Scatchet Head farther east.
09:50 -
Kitsap side sightline Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay to Scatchet Head, directional changes/hunting behavior.
09:28 -
Male and female at least on west side of mid about in southbound shipping lane northbound, directly east of Apple Tree Point sightline Haines Wharf! -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
09:04 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:13 to report: 0904hrs: SPOKANE reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of orcas heading northbound, located mid-channel at the ferry crossing. 
*
09:05 -
Definite backlit blows sightline north of Edmonds ferry terminal, beneath Sunset Ave
08:53 -
Seeing a cluster of splashes and black blobbies at the far reaches of my binocs that looks like it could be orca surface activity, sightline Apple Tree Point to north of Edmonds south of Haines Wharf but can't yet confirm. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
08:48 -
Just spotted northbound, mid/east channel off the tanks south of Edmonds! -Kristin Pederson
*
07:30 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:36 to relay report: 0730hrs: EDM/KING vessels notified of a pod of orcas heading northbound, spread out between President Point and Point Wells.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Tue, Apr 16 - Puget Sound - 07:46 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: SEA/BREM/BI vessels notified of a single humpback located in the vicinity of Duwamish Head.
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Apr 16 - Bellingham Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Hazel Cooper
Date of Sighting: April 16, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Probably gray whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Nooksack Delta, Bellingham Bay
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: None observed
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We were on a 27 foot sailboat under way using sails and a pedal drive. Heart-shaped blow. Slow travel. Thank you!
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Tue, Apr 16 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 14:04 - At least two grays headed east in Saratoga Passage nearing Camano Head. They are mid-channel. -Luanne Seymour
*
Tue, Apr 16 - Port Susan
08:04 -
Update - seeing another blow behind so three whales.
08:00 -
Seeing at least two gray whale blows from Tillicum Beach northbound south of McKees Beach. -Linda Aitkins

April 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 15 - Puget Sound (T65As) - A very active and fun afternoon with the T65A’s. These photos were taken as they passed through Colvos Passage today. It’s always a good day when you see an orca face. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, April 15, 2024
*
T65A Artemis & T65A6 Callisto - T65As
seen from just north of Prospect Point and the Southworth ferry dock. Amir was slowly milling between Anderson and Prospect Point waiting on his family, before he finally gave up and left. The rest of the family were slapping their tails off Prospect before taking off and porpoising up Colvos Passage to follow Amir. Later Amir briefly appeared in front of the ferry landing for two quick breaths and then he disappeared. Meanwhile the rest of the family showed up and quickly passed by with tail slaps, porpoising, and breaching. I missed all the breaches with my camera but thats how it goes sometimes. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, April 15, 2024
*
I recently moved to Washington from Chicago and [it] was my first time seeing/photographing orcas, I cannot wait to see them again. It was so much fun! T065As from Southworth. Link to more photos. -photo by Shannon Lynott, April 15, 2024
*
T65A3 Amira -
I was out doing errands and saw the T065As from Southworth today.  -photo by Jasmine Speaks, April 15, 2024
*
18:58 -
All grouped up they just popped up heading northbound towards Jefferson Head. Still viewing from Indianola Pier. At the mouth of Port Madison still. -Candace Gavin
*
18:51 -
Approaching Fay Bainbridge trending east/southeastish Bainbridge side. Very long downtimes.
18:44 -
Viewing from near Fay Bainbridge, about two minutes ago they dove in front of the Point Monroe area Bainbridge side seeming to be headed southeast. -Jami Cantrell
*
18:36 -
They were heading north. I left the park after I saw them heading north. They were milling and had directional changes as they were moving east. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
18:37 -
Still viewing from Indianola Pier. They are almost in line of sight with the northern tip of Bainbridge. Appear to be heading slightly south. All grouped up.
18:06 -
Out from Indianola Pier mid channel grouped up and are now eastbound. -Candace Gavin
*
18:05 -
Just spotted them again. To the west of the entrance to Port Madison harbor. Still traveling east.
17:58 -
Now see two females and male along Bainbridge shoreline moving east towards Fay Bainbridge.
17:48 -
Seeing a male off of Indianola Beach, east of the dock, milling around. One male. -Sophy Johnston
*
17:21 -
Just saw large male midchannel northeast Bainbridge.
16:55 - Orcas northbound off Point Monroe Bainbridge
, viewing from Indianola Waterfront Preserve/Sandspit. -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
*
16:32 -
One male passing north tip of Bainbridge Island. Viewing from Indianola Pier. Unsure of direction. Mid channel to Bainbridge side. -Candace Gavin
*
16:30 -
Directly west of Sunset Hill Park, close to Bainbridge, at least one male, two females splashing. Slowly northbound. -Deb Cronheim
*
16:03 - Orcas
grouped up moving quickly past West Point Lighthouse northbound mid channel. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
1530 - North of Wing Point
far west in channel, view from 64th and Alki. -Mary Hartmann
*
15:22 -
Approaching the Bainbridge ferry now. Island side. -Mandy Michelle
*
15:04 - Northbound orcas south tip of Bainbridge
approaching Restoration Point view from Constellation Park. -Mary Hartmann
*
14:41 -
It appears they are moving out mid channel northbound on the east side of Blake. -April Janice Basham
*
14:31 -
All members have passed Southworth ferry terminal currently headed east. Amir was way ahead of the rest of the pod. -Candace Gavin
*
14:34 -
Now on southeast tip of Blake northbound quickly.
14:29 -
Seeing multiple blows moving northeast from Southworth view from 52nd and Oregon, looking good for east side of Blake. -Mary Hartmann
*
14:20 -
The rest of the pod is now passing in front of Southworth ferry dock still northbound at the moment. -Candace Gavin
*
Just reviewing photos, T65A5 still traveling with family. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:02 -
Sharon M called to update on the orca in Colvos, they were passing Driftwood Cove still northbound on Vashon side.
*
13:57 - T65A3
has reached the Southworth ferry dock. He is the only one I've seen. -April Janice Basham
*
13:13 -
All have passed Prospect Point mainland side heading north. -Jami Cantrell
*
13:10 -
North of Ollala, surface active but still headed north mainland side of mid.
12:49 - T65As
, directional changes but drifting north approaching Ollala, mainland side of mid channel, some handstands, maybe enjoying a meal. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
13:12 -
The other three just passed Olalla - still northbound.
12:34 - Passing Olalla
- still northbound. Only saw one male. -Lyndsey Carter
*
12:23 -
Visible from Lisabuela. -Amalia Moore
*
12:15 -
I caught up with the T65As. Ooxjaa made a heart shaped blow. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, April 15, 2024
*
12:07 -
Whales now up Colvos headed north. Lisabuela is up next as a viewpoint (likely soon), then Fern Cove.
11:15 -
Small group of transient/Bigg’s orcas reported westbound off the south end of Vashon, west of ferry lanes.  -Amy Carey/Sound Action
*
10:00 - 10:30 -
Saw them right next to stadium high school! I’ve waited 43 years! Such a blessing to see! -Jennifer Bradbury
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Apr 15 - Possession Sound (CRC56 Stardust, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade, CRC2356 Stalwart, CRC2362 Thidwick) - 15:41 - Viewing from Mission Beach, three to four grays spread out heading near the Port of Everett. -Maia Jewell
*
13:04 - Five gray whales are off the southeast corner of Hat Island. CRC-2362, 2356, 56, 356, and 383
. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Mon, Apr 15 - Bellingham Bay
16:29 -
Based on what I’m watching from the pattern and the location, I still believe it’s likely a baleen whale.
16:14 -
Seeing multiple spouts just north of Eliza Island in Bellingham Bay, unsure of type or numbers at first I thought some sort of baleen whale feeding until I saw more spouts spread out [approx. 48.646607, -122.568648]. -Silver Hubble

April 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 14 - Possession Sound/Saratoga Passage (T65As) - T65A5 Indy - T65A3 Amira - What an amazing trip for Welcome the Whales! I’d love to thank Orca Network and Puget Sound Express for an awesome trip. We got a visit by three of the T65A boys (including A5!) and THREE Sounders. Thanks again to all and hope everyone had as great a trip as I did. Link to more photos. -photos by Sara Baldwin, April 14, 2024
*
T65A6 Callisto & T65A Artemis - T65A2 Ooxjaa - Saratoga Passage -
This was a predation event and there are photos in this series that show blood and remnants of the prey. None of the featured photos have evidence of the kill. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 14, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - T65A2 Ooxjaa -
A wonderful day with Orca Network, orca friends, orcas and gray whales! After a really fun Welcome the Whales parade, we gathered again to get the latest news on gray whales from Cascada Research. We knew orcas had gone by Langley around mid-day, and some gray whales were around Hat Island. Thanks to the generosity and expertise of Puget Sound Express, we managed to catch up with half of the wonderful T65As off the north end of Camano Island… T65A2 the infamous Ooxjaa (b. 2004), his "little" brother T65A3 Amir (b. 2007), who is almost as big!, and little feisty T65A5 Indy (b. 2014). Such a treat to see Indy, as he is more often either by himself or hanging out with other pods. The females, matriarch Artemis, and daughters Ellifrit and Callisto, were across Saratoga on the Whidbey side and only seen briefly from a long distance. We found three beautiful gray whales, I think Cascade, Stardust and Thidwick near Hat Island… what a treat to see them all together, and some nice fluke up tails. Altogether a lovely day, thank you Orca Network! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 14, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - T65A2 Ooxjaa -
We had a double-header on Sunday aboard PSE’s awesome “Swiftsure” when on Orca Network Community Group special cruise from Langley - both orca AND gray whales! We headed along Saratoga Passage to the north end of Camano Island and found some of the T65A family – just the boys! Ooxjaa, Amir and Indy! The ladies of the pod were way off to the west, so didn’t catch up with them. Then off to Camano Head where we rounded the bend towards Port Susan and three gray whales greeted us immediately, what fun! We had #383 Cascade, #56 Stardust and possibly #2362 Thidwick! Lots of fun people on board - and a lovely sunny day. Thank you Puget Sound Express for your support for Orca Network! -photos by Jill Hein, April 14, 2024 
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira -
Second day of the "Welcome The Whales" event, Orca Network fundraising two hour cruise out on the Puget Sound Express, Swiftsure boat. An incredible whale watching tour boat - with the most awesomeness naturalist Bart Rulon. Thank you PSE. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, April 14, 2024
*
T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira -
My honeymoon with Whidbey island continues unabated. A spontaneous trip today on a whale-watching boat out of Langley, in beautiful conditions. Incredible to be able to walk from my house to a boat that leads to such encounters, and then just walk home again! Especially nice to see friends like Marilyn, Bonnie, Jill, Cindy, and Howard. Thanks to Orca Network for organizing a brilliant day out on the water. -photos by Steve Smith, April 14, 2024
*
T65A3 Amira -
From Madrona earlier [videos in FB comments]. -photo by Thomas McKane, April 14, 2024
*
20:11 -
Very slowly southbound. Some milling. Closer to Mukilteo side now. Approaching ferry lanes. Still just seeing three. Losing light fast.
19:57 - At least three (maybe T65A, T65A4, T65A6) of the T65As
are mid way down the west side of Hat Island making their way towards the Clinton ferry. Mid channel. Long down times. Southbound. -Candace Gavin
*
19:25 -
From a private location I can see three fins southbound Saratoga my line of sight is Sandy Point. Will update with a better location. -April Janice Basham
*
Sun, Apr 14 - Saratoga Passage (T65As) - T65A6 Callisto - T65A4 Ellifrit - We started out with T65A, T65A2, T65A4, and T65A6 in Saratoga Passage. During the ON trip we saw T65A3 and T65A5 also in Saratoga Passage. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, April 14, 2024
*
18:59 -
Saw dorsal fin from sandy point, heading south! -Aidan Utley
*
18:10 -
While driving into north Camano Island State Park, saw dorsal approx. mid channel. I believe southbound. I moved to boat launch but haven't seen anything. -Krista Paulino
*
16:40 -
Now heading southwest west of Maple Grove.
16:30 - Eastbound between Polnell Point and Maple Grove
. Think this is just A3 and A5, haven't seen the others.
15:31 - Northbound Camano side just south of the yacht club
. -Orca Network
*
15:30 -
We were on the Swiftsure and saw three orca near the entrance to Penn Cove. T65A’s Indy, Amir and Ooxjaa [video in FB comments]. -Missy Main
*
14:45 - 15:00 -
We saw three maybe on the west side of Camano Island north of Cama Beach State Park. -Laura Rengstorf [ONCG]
*
14:45 -
By the Camano Island Inn. -Shelly Greybeck
*
14:29 -
Two (looks like Indy and Amira but too far to confirm) northbound Camano side of midchannel off the north end of Cama Beach. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
T65A4 Ellifrit
14:25 -
One off Onamac heading north.
14:11 -
The one closest to Whidbey is turning 180 and so are the whale boats.
14:03 -
There’s at least three this one was close to the Whidbey side, one in the middle and at least one on the Camano side. -photo by Aaron Gill, April 14, 2024
*
14:00 - Camano Island State Park boat launch, northbound
. -Courtney Allen
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa
13:55 -
Another one, possibly the same one just off the beach north of Cama.
13:49 - Heading north
mid channel Saratoga between boats. -photo by Aaron Gill, April 14, 2024
*
13:35 -
Saw a dorsal fin moving north off of Cama Beach. -Sarah Lubiner
*
13:24 - T65A2 northbound midchannel out from Camano Island State Park
boat launch, others are closer to Whidbey also northbound.
13:15 -
Male is northbound north of Baby Island now. Haven't seen the rest of them but others on the beach did.
13:06 -
Seeing one male (probably A2) surfacing slowly and making directional changes Whidbey side of midchannel between Camano Island State Park and Fox Spit. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:00 -
Just off East Beach. Saw four headed north. [video in FB comments]. -photo by Tiffany Scaniffe Rukeyser, April 14, 2024
*
12:55 -
SJC leaving 65A, A4, and A6 traveling quickly northbound toward Mabana Beach. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:44 -
Update as we leave the scene with T65A2 by himself on the Camano side but 65A, A4, and A6 are still on the Whidbey side all northbound [approx. 48.092300, -122.465012]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:45 -
Just saw three, maybe four, heading northbound.
12:42 -
Just spotted a single dorsal fin between Whidbey and Camano [approx. 48.085998, -122.458689]. -Tiffany Scaniffe Rukeyser
*
T65A3 Amira
12:45 - North side Pebble Beach northbound.
12:34 -
They have headed into Saratoga Passage nearing south side of Pebble Beach northbound. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, April 14, 2024
*
12:29 -
Seeing blows on Whidbey side of Saratoga off Bells Beach, viewing from Camano Island State Park bluff. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:20 -
At least two orcas off Camano Head near channel marker. Appears to be headed into Saratoga passage northbound? Or Port Susan. Just can't tell for sure. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:15 - T65A pod northbound
from my map spot [approx. 48.085998, -122.458689] (only mom, A2, A4, and A6 in this group we have here). -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:49 -
From Langley. Quickly went northbound out of sight. -Sara Baldwin
*
11:30 -
Approaching south side of Langley, Whidbey side northbound. Pizzeria would be a good spot.
11:15 -
Seen lone orca between Sandy Point and Langley. Should be close to the marina or further north, northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
One orca headed north above the Clinton ferry dock
. Looking for more. -photo by Jill Merriman, April 14, 2024
*
10:50 -
At least one orca, here-ish [approx. 47.999865, -122.272969], westbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
10:24 -
Closer to the naval base. -Greg Heiss
*
10:18 -
Just off Howarth Park, close to Everett shore, headed east. Two or three orca. -Mary Dulin
*
10:15 -
They just went by Harborview Park headed east. -Kara Kumelos Langus
*
10:04 -
They were headed north towards Everett. I had two orca close to the beach in Mukilteo and others were mid channel so not sure where they will end up. Headed northbound towards Everett. -Melissa Simmons
*
09:42 -
Captain [of ISSAQUAH] reports both vessels are slowed for 4 Orca and 1 Gray mid-channel thru MUK [Mukilteo] dock
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Apr 14 - Port Susan - 16:05 - Grey still at Country Club Beach 2, red research boat staying with it. -Thomas McKane
*
Sun, Apr 14 - Port Susan (CRC56 Stardust, CRC383 Cascade, CRC2362 Thidwick) - We saw the gray whales 56, 383, and 2362 in Port Susan. During the ON trip we saw the same three gray whales but off of Camano Head. -photo by Kyla Bivens, April 14, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Tredup
Date of Sighting: April 14, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Probably grays based on earlier reports
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Washington 48.193124, -122.410768 mid-channel Port Susan; about as far north as the
Stillaguamish River mouth
.
Direction of travel : N slowly
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
*
10:45 - Port Susan
Whale Watchers are tracking two grays near Warm Beach heading north, one gray last seen off Pirates Cove on Camano Island, four grays north of Tulalip Bay heading north and one gray midchannel off Tulalip Shores heading north. -John C Storbeck
*
Sun, Apr 14 - North Possession Sound/Port Susan (CRC56 Stardust, CRC383 Cascade, CRC2362 Thidwick) - A wonderful day with Orca Network, orca friends, orcas and gray whales! After a really fun Welcome the Whales parade, we gathered again to get the latest news on gray whales from Cascada Research. We knew orcas had gone by Langley around mid-day, and some gray whales were around Hat Island. Thanks to the generosity and expertise of Puget Sound Express, we managed to catch up with half of the wonderful T65As off the north end of Camano IslandT65A2 the infamous Ooxjaa (b. 2004), his "little" brother T65A3 Amir (b. 2007), who is almost as big!, and little feisty T65A5 Indy (b. 2014). Such a treat to see Indy, as he is more often either by himself or hanging out with other pods. The females, matriarch Artemis, and daughters Ellifrit and Callisto, were across Saratoga on the Whidbey side and only seen briefly from a long distance. We found three beautiful gray whales, I think Cascade, Stardust and Thidwick near Hat Island… what a treat to see them all together, and some nice fluke up tails. Altogether a lovely day, thank you Orca Network! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 14, 2024
*
We had a double-header on Sunday aboard PSE’s awesome “Swiftsure” when on Orca Network Community Group special cruise from Langley - both orca AND gray whales! We headed along Saratoga Passage to the north end of Camano Island and found some of the T65A family – just the boys! Ooxjaa, Amir and Indy! The ladies of the pod were way off to the west, so didn’t catch up with them. Then off to Camano Head where we rounded the bend towards Port Susan and three gray whales greeted us immediately, what fun! We had #383 Cascade, #56 Stardust and possibly #2362 Thidwick! Lots of fun people on board - and a lovely sunny day. Thank you Puget Sound Express for your support for Orca Network! -photos by Jill Hein, April 14, 2024
*
Second day of the "Welcome The Whales" event, Orca Network fundraising two hour cruise out on the Puget Sound Express, Swiftsure boat. An incredible whale watching tour boat - with the most awesomeness naturalist Bart Rulon. Thank you PSE. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, April 14, 2024
*
My honeymoon with Whidbey island continues unabated. A spontaneous trip today on a whale-watching boat out of Langley, in beautiful conditions. Incredible to be able to walk from my house to a boat that leads to such encounters, and then just walk home again! Especially nice to see friends like Marilyn, Bonnie, Jill, Cindy, and Howard. Thanks to Orca Network for organizing a brilliant day out on the water. -photos by Steve Smith, April 14, 2024
*
16:30 -
We were on the Swiftsure and saw three grays north of Hat Island/south of Camaro Head. Cascade, Stardust, Thidwick!  -photo by Missy Main, April 14, 2024
*
-
photos by Sara Baldwin, April 14, 2024
*
13:27 - CRC-2362 (Thidwick)
is back! Socializing with 383 and 56 in Port Susan [approx. 48.138960, -122.377056]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
Sun, Apr 14 - Possession Sound (CRC2441) - CRC2441 -ID by Serena Tierra, Orca Network
11:10 - 2441
is tucked in by the base now [approx. 47.997618, -122.229767].
10:45 - One gray whale
, very close to shore off Howarth Park, eastbound towards Everett. -photo by Sara Montour Lewis, April 14, 2024
*
09:41 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:42 to report: 09:41 Captain [of ISSAQUAH] reports both vessels are slowed for 4 Orca and 1 Gray mid-channel thru MUK [Mukilteo] dock.  
*
09:35 -
I think we saw this guy super close to shore near the Mukilteo beach boat launch, going toward Everett. It was just after we saw two orcas surface multiple times further out. -Kathleen Deetzia Linden

April 13
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 13 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T100s) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #38: “The three animals were facing a 2-knot ebb but continued to forge ahead at a steady pace of 4 to 5 knots. While T100 and T100F gained ground against the ebbing current, T100C slowly fell behind, momentarily pausing as if something caught his interest. After a brief stop and investigation, T100C corrected his course and swiftly caught up to the others, who had altered their trajectory to the northeast, and were now traversing over Constance Bank…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #38.
*
Sat, Apr 13 - Haro Strait (T71Bs & T86A3s) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #37: “By 1215, Mark's keen eyes spotted the first dorsal fin, approximately half a nautical mile northeast of their current position off Seabird Point. Among the whales – and first to be photographed – was the distinctive T086A3, accompanied by her first calf, T086A3A. Together, they were travelling with the three members of the T071Bs. This marked a total count of five whales, all of which were moving in a tight-knit group. The backdrop of eastern Haro Strait was adorned with the colourful sails of a sailing race, which added to the scene…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #37.
*
Sat, Apr 13 - San Juans (T49As) - T49A4 Neptune - Today was just WOW! T49A group out near San Juan Island. All boat regulations followed and all photos taken with a telephoto lens and cropped. Link to more photos. This video was taken on Saturday out near San Juan. It’s the T49A pod. There was a hydrophone in the water and we could hear the vocalizations the whales were making on a speaker as they passed the boat. Such a surreal experience to get to hear them as well as see them! Link to FB video. -photos by Charvet Drucker, April 13, 2024
*
T49A6 Charlie II -
We joined up with the T49As at the south end of San Juan Island. Apparently, the whales had taken down a sea lion and were feeding on it for several hours. The whales were very vocal and T49A6 was very surface active. So much so that we were able to confirm that A6’s gender is indeed male! It was a wonderful day spent with wonderful people. Many familiar faces today and it was just all around fantastic. Smiles on everyone. ALL photos were taken following whale watching regulations. All encounters are on the whales’ terms and are respected. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, April 13, 2024
*
04-13-24 T49As, San Juan Channel, SJI - 12:15 - 13:15, Viewing from the shore near Cattle Point Lighthouse, the orcas were heading south 3/4 to a mile from shore. I believe these orcas were the T49As with T49A and T49A3 in the photo. They only surfaced once in front of me and the next time they surfaced they were 1.5 to 2 miles to the southeast. They milled off Cattle Point for a long time zig-zagging all 4 directions. They were surface active at that time, breaching and some tail lobbing. When I stopped watching they were heading SW towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  -Michelline Halliday -photo by Michelline Halliday, April 13, 2024
*
Audio on for this one! We had a fantastic trip with our Bigg's 201 class while out with Outer Island Excursions. The weather was almost summer-like and we saw two uncommon species in the Salish Sea: a sea otter and an elephant seal! We also caught up with the charismatic T49As who were prey-sharing a sea lion off the south end of San Juan Island. The whales, particularly T49A6 Charlie II, were very surface active, and as a result we were able to help confirm what was suspected that Charlie is a male. In addition to sea lion, he was also busy poaching birds! But the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the incredible vocalizations we picked up over the hydrophone. Bigg's are often quiet, but after a hunt is when they are most likely to be vocal. We were lucky enough to be able to drop the hydrophone for well over 10 minutes and listen to their incredibly loud and clear calls. We recorded some of the audio being played over the speaker on the boat and Jason added it to some video footage of the encounter. For many people on board, it was their first time hearing killer whales vocalize live. It's a special experience, even more so when the conditions are so perfect! Link to video. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
14:06 -
We are on Maya’s boat and caught these five hunting and breaching [video in FB comments]. -Melanie Moonstone
*
12:37 - Hunting southeast of Cattle Pass.
11:51 - Pod of five [orcas], southbound
, San Juan channel, middle of Griffin Bay.
*
My sister and her family were on the ferry to Orcas Island earlier (between 10:00 - 12:00 sometime) and saw some orcas. -Katie Koopmans
*
Sat, Apr 13 - Kitsap Peninsula (T65As) - T65A2 Ooxjaa - The T65As return through Agate Passage from Illahee State Park giving a close pass and line up with Mount Rainier. Link to more photos. -photos by Eric Russell, April 13, 2024
*
T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A5 Indy & T65A2 Ooxjaa
- From Bremerton. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Jim Pasola, April 13, 2024
*
T65A4 Ellifrit & T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A5 Indy & T65A2 Ooxjaa
- All six Members of the T65A family hanging out in Sinclair Inlet again. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, April 13, 2024
*
T65A4 Ellifrit & T65A2 Ooxjaa -
All six members of the Bigg's transient T065A orcas visited Sinclair Inlet again! Here is a compilation of video shot as they traveled from Agate Pass, down Port Orchard Passage and into Sinclair Inlet. Link to video. Taken from Agate Pass, Brownsville Marina, Illahee, Manette, and Bremerton. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, April 13, 2024
*
T65A3 Amira -
Happy to have caught a some of the transients passing through at a few different points over the last couple weeks! I just got a new lens and it’s been fun getting a better look at these impressive creatures. Hoping they visit Kitsap more in the coming months! Link to more photos. -photo by Taylor Parsons, April 13, 2024
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa - From Illahee Park
. -photo by Linda Bancroft Weinacker, April 13, 2024
*
Saturday on their way out of the bay. Link to video. -Ken D Nelson
*
21:20 -
We heard then come through Rich Passage after their fun in Bremerton, heading toward Seattle. I wonder where they are now. Turns out just hearing them is a very special experience too! -Alison Hatletveit
*
20:29 -
They are heading towards Illahee. -Emma Jeffries
*
19:54 - T65As
were headed west towards Waterman Pier with beautiful sunlit blows. As viewed from Bachmann Park. Grouped up tight. Midchannel to Waterman side. -Candace Gavin
*
19:48
- [video in FB comments].  -Adrian Falla
*
19:34 -
Above Bachmann Park. -Amanda Aird Penland
*
19:30 -
This was at Bachmann Park. -photo by Emma Jeffries, April 13, 2024
*
19:19 -
Right now [approx. 47.562774, -122.603738]. Heading east. -Amanda Aird Penland
*
19:16 -
By Bremerton ferry dock currently. Heading north. -Carillon BeCraft
*
19:15 - Leaving Manette swimming east.
-Cynthia Swensøn
*
19:13 -
Extended surfacings off Manette/mouth of Dyes Inlet. -Adrian Falla
*
19:11 -
In sight from just west of Bachmann Park. Mid channel slowly headed east. -Eric Murphy
*
19:04 -
In sight from Manette Bridge/by boat shed. -Adrian Falla
*
19:01 -
Currently almost between Annapolis and Manette Bridge. -Candy Hull
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A3 Amira - 18:26 -
In front of the Bremerton shipyard. -photo by Jason Boddy, April 13, 2024
*
18:13 -
Viewing from Ross Point water access site at Gorst. One breach. They're headed back towards shipyard on Bremerton side. -Robyn Riley
*
18:12 -
Headed towards the shipyard from Ross Point. -Rhonda Boddy
*
18:02 -
At least one orca heading west in Sinclair Inlet. Bremerton side. -Montana Jade McLeod
*
17:46 -
Viewing from Port Orchard observation point, very far into Sinclair, right in the sun glare. -Candy Hull
*
17:45 -
West into Gorst, five of them.
17:30 -
By Bremerton ship yard! -Cynthia Swensøn
*
17:20 - Orcas passing Anthony's And Bremerton ferry, headed southwest
towards Port Orchard Marina side. -Adele Freeland
*
17:15 - T65As are westbound towards Manette Bridge
from Bachmann Park. Beautiful pass at Bachmann. -Candace Gavin
*
16:55 -
Seen crossing in front of the Illahee State Park dock. Seemed to be continuing south. -Bethany Unger Scoggins
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa
16:55 -
Traveling slowly south from Illahee.
16:50 -
Southbound at Illahee dock. -photos by Vicki Swingle Vasquez, April 13, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cory Taylor
Date of Sighting: April 13, 2024
Time: 4:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: (47.6002221, -122.5945265)
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling and hunting
If orcas, any males?: 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 - T65A2 Ooxjaa -photos by Cory Taylor, April 13, 2024
*
16:48 -
We can see them just north of Illahee State Park. Midchannel. -Heather Paar
*
16:45 - T65As are southbound past Illahee Dock
. Mid channel. Generally headed towards Illahee State Park. -Candace Gavin
*
16:43 -
Just approaching Illahee dock now. -Jennifer Leigh
*
16:32 -
They are now visible from Illahee to the north and continuing south. -Michael Jeremy Sullivan
*
16:04 - T65As
are passing the Brownsville Marina and are headed towards Illahee Dock. Midchannel. Pod is spread. -Candace Gavin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennie Martin
Date of Sighting: April 13, 2024
Time: 3:42 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East of Brownsville Marina
Direction of travel : Hunting
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:42 -
They are still across from the Marina but closer to the Bainbridge side. The ones I see turned and headed towards Brownsville Marina now. -Megan Hudson
*
15:37 -
From Brownsville ten minutes ago [video in FB comments]. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
15:36 -
Still slowly heading south towards Illahee from Brownsville [video in FB comments]. -Tricia Delapaz
*
15:24 -
They’re right off Bainbridge Island here [approx. 47.654028, -122.608107]. -Kenna Huff
*
14:56 -
They are directly in front of us now. -Michael Jeremy Sullivan
*
14:37 -
Hugging Kitsap side, just past fish nets now. Headed towards Keyport and Brownsville.
14:33
- In Agate, headed south, trending on west side. Dove just before the fish pen. -Amy Douglas Ramos
*
14:30 -
All six family members have crossed under the Agate Bridge continued south westbound towards Brownsville. -April Janice Basham
*
14:25 - Four to five orcas in Agate Pass
between Bainbridge and Suquamish west. -Denise Perry Cormack
*
14:15 - T65A pod southbound
from my map spot [approx. 47.722123, -122.553626]. All family members are present including T65A5 (Indy) heading into Agate Passage. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
14:03 -
Now back on Bainbridge side, headed west.
13:57 - Orcas in Port Madison
viewing from Indianola sandspit. Heading west midway between the spit and Bainbridge.
13:48 - Two orcas westbound between Indianola Waterfront Preserve and looks to be Point Monroe
tip of Bainbridge. Close to Bainbridge shore. -photo by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, April 13, 2024
*
11:59 - Orcas were northbound north of Seattle
- Bainbridge ferry lanes. -[WA app]
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: D Knox
Date of Sighting: April 13, 2024
Time: 11:55 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Puget Sound crossing towards Bainbridge
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seen from the Tacoma. Seemed like several. Ferry stopped to give them a wide berth
Photos available?: No
*
On 11:25 boat, just saw pod off the ferry crossing to Bainbridge just north of Blakely Rock. They were heading northeast. Link to FB reel. -Andrea Savage
*
11:25 -
It looks like they are headed north towards Blake Island.
11:17 -
My neighbor just posted a video seeing at least three orcas at the [north end] ferry at Vashon. About 10 minutes ago. -Rhonda Seidel
*
09:08 - Orcas by Point Southworth,
lots of directional changes, on a hunt possibly. The seem to have exited Colvos traveling north (unless they flip again). -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
*
09:05 -
Saw them breaching a little south of the Southworth ferry terminal. -Brian Goldstein
*
08:54 -
Update: Orcas are now surrounding CATHLAMET near Southworth Terminal.
08:51 -
WSF messaged: Captain reports 6-8 Orca near Colvos Passage heading southbound.
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Beckett Ladenburg
Date of Sighting: April 13, 2024
Time: 8:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: Southworth ferry terminal
Direction of travel : Circle
Behaviors observed: Way too close to the ferry, also fishing
If orcas, any males?: 5
Any unusual markings?: White dots
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Close to being a whale strike with the ferry #whyaretheyonly15feetawayfromaloudferryengine. They looked very elegant
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Beckett Ladenburg, April 13, 2024
*
08:20 -
This morning from my home on Cornell Road. Whales [orcas] are now heading east towards Southworth ferry. -Jill Denkmann
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Apr 13 - Bellingham Bay - 16:58 - Gray whale reported in Bellingham Bay due east of Eliza Island- Texwech. No direction. -[Whale Alert app]
*
Sat, Apr 13 - Admiralty Inlet
16:59 -
It's heading south.
16:57 -
There's a grey super close in off Ebey's Landing right now. -Jackie Wilson
*
14:59 - Gray whale
reported between Ebey’s Landing and Perego’s Lagoon. No direction included. -[Whale Alert app]
*
Sat, Apr 13 - Port Susan - 15:35 - The gray near Kayak Park in Port Susan now looks to be headed south slowly, on the mainland side. -Thomas McKane
*
13:38 -
About 20 mins ago there was one gray trending north out from Kayak State Park. Started to head towards Camano side last I saw. -photo by Shaina Keigh Lalonde, April 13, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 13 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade, CRC543, CRC2356 Stalwart) - Celebrated Tim's birthday on the water with a total of five gray whales! Started with Spyhop-a-palooza near Hat Island and progressed to five whales, two swimming under our stopped boat and more!! Such an EPIC day and people think grays are boring! The five whales seen today are #22, #383, #2356, #543 and #356. Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, April 13, 2024
*
13:26 -
[video of gray whales]. -Sami Comer
*
13:15 -
SJC departing. Same whales milling southeast Hat Island. -Angelica Patyten
*
12:36 -
Just spotted blows off of Hat Island while waiting for the Mukilteo Ferry. They were in quick succession so definitely more than one. Whale boats are there. -Lisa Moody
*
12:30 - Gray whales
we have seen so far at the southeast corner of Hat Island include crc-22, 383, 2356, 543, and 356. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
11:57 -
Just had five grays pass us heading southeast off tip of Hat, all traveling close knit group!
11:33 -
One is definitely Earhart, still southeast Hat. -Janine Harles
*
11:00 -
There were two traveling together. I caught this spy hop. -photo by Marlene Bocast, April 13, 2024
*
10:50 -
We're anchored near Dolphin 1 and a grey surfaced 25' of our port side about 15 minutes ago. It's milling about, near the shelf/delta. Outside Port of Everett. -Dawn Perle
*
10:20 - 10:20 -
Janine Harles called to report there are three gray whale off southeast tip Hat Island. It's "spyhop palooza right now".
*
10:14 - Grey whale
heading east towards Jetty [Island]. -Erica Sutehall
*
09:30 - Gray whale
spotted off north off the western tip of Hat Island. Not very surface active. -photo by Jaime Shields, April 13, 2024

April 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 12 - Haro Strait - 18:51 - Killer whales off the west side of SJI, near Madrona. Headed up island. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 12 - Puget Sound (T65As) - 19:55 - Seeing them from Point Southworth with binoculars. They are still northbound. Still south, we’ve temporarily lost sight of them. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
*
19:50 -
They are about two miles north of the OlaIla store. On the Vashon side. -Cathy Weirather
*
19:15 -
Just saw them passing by Olalla Bay northbound super close to Vashon side. -Kenzie Youngmark
*
18:26 - Northbound Colvos
. Mid channel just south of Olalla Bay. -Lynne Hanson
*
17:23 -
I lost them. Guessing Colvos. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, April 12, 2024
*
17:13 -
Saw three blows south of the south west tip of Vashon Island viewing from marina Point Defiance.
16:58 -
Past the ferry terminal still trending west very close to Vashon side view from Point Defiance marina. Four fins loosely grouped. -Cherie StOurs
*
16:53 -
Just passed ferry dock. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
16:40 - T65As
transiting across channel, nearing ferry lanes westbound loosely grouped. Update - after reviewing photos, T65A5/Indy was also with the family today.
16:36 -
Past Neil Point now very close to Vashon westbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
16:30 -
Saw blows heading south by big red freighter on Vashon side. -Dianne Brueckner
*
16:30 -
Just north of Neill Point on Vashon.
16:15 -
Seeing blows at the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor near the blue Ranger Tug. -David Michael
*
16:14 - Orcas just spotted south of Quartermaster Harbor
Vashon Island. We see three, not sure direction. Now see five [approx. 47.335259, -122.481627]. -Justin Foster
*
16:18 -
Last spotted near Piner Point on Maury.
15:45 -
Slowed down just north of Piner Point, Maury Island. One male. Three female.
15:30 -
Just spotted four orca in East Passage off Maury Island near Gold Beach heading southwest. Looks like they're headed to Dalco Passage. -Burt Miller
*
07:45 - 08:05 -
I just got a text from someone at Sunset Bay Beach Camp that a lone orca passed by close to shore sometime between 7:45 - 8:05 this morning. The orca was traveling south.  -Tamara Kelley
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Apr 12 - Saratoga Passage
11:01 - [gray]
Now east of Baby Island, heading southeast.
10:55 - [gray]
Now just north of Baby Island, still heading south.
10:30 - At least one gray whale in Saratoga Passage, north of the Baby Island
navigational buoy, slowly heading south. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
Fri, Apr 12 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 17:21 - Two greys and an orca sighting north of Sandy Point and south of Langley chilling along Edgecliff Drive. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Fri, Apr 12 - Possession Sound (CRC2556) - We spotted a gray whale that I’ve never seen before off southeast Hat Island. Here’s a photo just for reference for the future. Alie Perez (Cascadia Research) gave this new whale the ID number CRC-2556. -photo by Bart Rulon Wildlife, April 12, 2024
*
Fri, Apr 12 - Possession Sound - 17:00 - 18:30 - Waters between the Navy basin, Hat Island, Tulalip, and Jetty Island. At least seven whales from ~17:00 - 18:30. Likely all grays with bushy blows, except one that had a tall, narrow blow. -Amy Willoughby
*
14:12 - Two more grays southwest Gedney Island traveling north
. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
*
13:20 - Grays still milling around southeast end of Hat Island
. -Sara D
*
12:20 - Three grays at the south end of Hat Island
. -Lori Christopher
*
Fri, Apr 12 - South Possession Sound
14:14 -
Viewed through binoculars - mid channel.
14:04 -
Still moving steadily south close to the surface.
13:50 -
Viewing at least one whale from Glendale Beach heading south! -Emma Cavan

April 11
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 11 - Puget Sound/Haro Strait (J Pod) - Surprise visit from J Pod yesterday! I don't know of any other beings who can make time stand still like they do. For however long they are here, it's all about just being in the moment with them. The problems in the world become nonexistent if just for that moment. And the bonus gift they give is the impromptu gathering of friends along the shoreline. Great to see all of you - whales and humans alike! -photos by Cindy Hansen, April 11, 2024
*
04-11-24 J Pod, Haro Strait - J Pod traveled quickly up-island (north-ish) in two groups;
17:25 - 17:30
, The first group, a tight group of 5-6 orcas with a male farther out, came around the bend 100' from shore but then immediately headed west away from shore as they swung out to go around Edwards Point. Included in this group was the matriarch J19 Shachi with her daughter J41 Eclipse and granddaughter J58 Crescent (J41's daughter). J42 Echo traveled close to J41 Eclipse along with J22 Oreo. Zooming around in a loop was Shachi grandson J51 Nova (J41's son). The family was surface active as they approached Edwards Point; 3 breaches, J19 rolling at the surface, 2 spy hops and a couple of tail slaps. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank.
18: -18:12
, The second group traveled up island (north-ish) about 1/2 to 1 mile from shore. They were low in the water and too far out to ID except I could occasionally see open saddles. For a short time 3 tight individuals almost seemed to be in a resting line. All photographs taken from shore. -Michelline Halliday - J41 Eclipse - J22 Oreo -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 11, 2024
*
A short highlight clip from Jason of members of J-Pod off Land Bank yesterday afternoon! This group was made up of all the J14s, J31 and J56, and J46. Link to video. -Orca Behavior Institute
*
19:01 -
They are very chatty. -Jaymi Garvett
*
19:37 - J pod calls still audible on Orcasound Lab hydrophone
. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
19:36 -
Saw one from Ten Mile Point 45 minutes ago as well. -Gerald Graham
*
19:15 - Calls still audible on Orcasound
- Listen for Whales hydrophone. -Orca Network
*
19:00 -
I am not hearing anything on Lime Kiln, but I am hearing some calls on Orcasound. Could this also be J pod?  -Joe Dreimiller
*
18:55 -
Trailing group to the south of Lime Kiln, visible on the webcam. Leaders to the north were quite active 18:47 and on. You can rewind (up to 12 hours) and watch. Some sweet little one breaches. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
18:56 -
Visible on the webcam as well.
18:46 - J pod vocals on Lime Kiln hydrophone
. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
17:40 -
At least five breaches several cartwheels and lots of tail slaps. Happy orcas! They are now between False Bay and Pile Point. Still heading up island.
17:22 -
Total of at least eight orcas between Eagle Point and False Bay heading up Island. Split into two groups. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
*
12:36 -
Now heading west, approaching Point Partridge. Spread out. -Cyrilla Cook
*
12:19 -
From my view at Fort Casey, northwestbound north of Point Wilson. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:13 -
Coming into view from North Beach. -Cyrilla Cook
*
12:06 -
They've trended a bit east, north of ferry lanes now. Active. Northbound.
12:00 - 15+ lined up, northbound
, some surface activity, midchannel, maybe a bit south of Port Townsend ferry lanes? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
J38 Cookie - 11:40 -
Real nice pass at Fort Flagler all of Jpod group together at least now heading quickly towards Fort Casey northeast. Link to more photos. -photos by Jim Pasola, April 11, 2024
*
11:14 -
Viewing from Lagoon Point. Orca continuing to fly north. Now west of mid. Last update from me. 
10:42 -
Viewing from Bush Point. Whales are mid channel, flying north with the ebb. Line of sight is just south of Marrowstone. Too far for pics. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
10:15 -
Many whales spread out, from south of Foulweather Bluff back towards north of Hansville, west of mid. Northbound.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
09:40 -
All the whales that I've seen have passed Point No Point. One group of four to six in the lead and another of three to four trailing 10 minutes behind at least one large male in the second group. All were slightly west of mid-channel but far from here and heading north. -Jim Pasola
*
09:28 -
Watching multiple fins and spouts off Point No Point, headed northwest!  -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
*
09:05 -
These whales are north of Eglon and headed towards Point No Point. -Orca Network
*
08:47
- Lots of activity - maybe clear from Point No Point.
08:21 -
Two look north bound - past Possession.
08:17 -
Many spouts at Possession. Viewed from Apple Tree Point. Too hazy and far. -Iravasa Athem
*
08:05 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, relayed a report at 08:08: 0805hrs: Orcas located north of the [EDMONDS] terminal.
*
07:49 -
One slow, northbound male, east side off of Edmonds. -Clint Jones
*
06:58 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, relayed a report at 07:01: 0658hrs: Pod of 12 orcas in the vicinity of Apple Cove Point, heading northbound
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Thu, Apr 11 - Kitsap Peninsula (T65As) - T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A3 Amira - T65A Artemis & T65A6 Callisto - The beautiful T65As (minus A5) came for a short visit in Sinclair Inlet today. Always a special treat to hang out with this family of transients orcas. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, April 11, 2024
*
Little sister T65A6 Callisto next to big brother T65A2 Ooxjaa - The T065A Bigg's orcas visited Sinclair Inlet today. They traveled almost to the end of the inlet towards Gorst where they appeared to have run some harbor porpoise in for a snack. Afterwards, they traveled back along the Naval shipyard, passing along the Bremerton side and crossed over and exited out Rich Passage towards Puget Sound. Not much action other than traveling but it is always exciting to see them interact with each other. Sharing some images from today and note that some are tightly cropped in to show close up detail. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, April 11, 2024
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa - In Gorst with the T65As
. I made it just as they got past the naval shipyard deep into Sinclair Inlet and watched as they hunted before exiting and traveling out past Bremerton again. T65A6 Callisto looked itty bitty next to her big brother T65A2 Ooxjaa. I definitely spent most of my time watching their interactions. Photos shot with a telephoto lens and cropped. Link to more photos. -photos by Jolena Tagg, April 11, 2024
*
T65A Artemis -
From today's adventures. Pictures taken in Gorst. All from land. This is when the orcas made their way into the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. -photos by CT Thompson, April 11, 2024
*
20:00 -
Can see in east distance (from Suquamish) just out of Port Madison. They were just circling/splashing in area then got too dark to tell from distance. -Cynthia Swensøn
*
19:45 -
We saw them again, at the mouth of Port Madison, north of Fay Bainbridge. They were very active, splashing and jumping for about 20 minutes in one spot. Wondered if they had killed something. Then they headed north towards Jefferson Head. -Sophy Johnston
*
19:00 -
Spotted two passing by Indianola dock exiting Port Madison. Never went under Agate Bridge. -Amy Baldwin
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Adam Usner
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: (47.7226473, -122.5179206)
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Milling and traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
18:38 -
Off of Indianola dock. Seeing two females I think. -Sophy Johnston
*
18:20 - Male & two females swimming west into Indianola
. -Cynthia Swensøn
*
18:15 -
Group of three in southbound traffic lanes northbound. Sight line Bainbridge Island to Richmond Beach! Heading home. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
18:06 -
I saw the male orca at Fay Park, but heading left, towards Suquamish. Then I lost him. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
*
T65A2 Ooxjaa - 18:05 -
By big sailboat east of Fay Bainbridge. Way too close to following boat. At least two. Big male. -photo by Cynthia Swensøn, April 11, 2024
*
17:51 - Single orca -
male just west of mid channel passing Fay Bainbridge northbound.
17:20 -
Found one off Rolling Bay northbound… moving very slowly north. Long down times.
17:12 - One orca northbound in outer Elliot Bay
. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
15:03 - Pass Discovery northbound
. Seems split, only see a big male. -Leo Leo
*
16:35 -
Just saw them a few minutes ago from the Bainbridge ferry. -Stacy Gray
*
16:27 -
John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:32 to report:1627hrs: TACOMA Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 6 orca NB, just north of the SEA>BI Route.
*
16:15 -
West of mid channel approaching Eagle Harbor northbound view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
16:05 -
Fast ferry stopped. Northbound orcas to their south just north of Restoration Point. View from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
15:50 - T65As
are midchannel towards Seattle from Restoration Point. At this time they are eastbound. -Candace Gavin
*
15:40 -
They’ve exited Rich Passage, headed east into Puget Sound between Bainbridge and Blake Island. -Jim Reitz
*
15:23 -
Saw one surface there again just now. -Emily Scott
*
15:15 -
We saw them about five minutes ago eastbound past Orchard Rocks. -Aaron Reddecliffe
*
15:13 -
Passing Fort Ward on Bainbridge Island now. -Carl Siegrist
*
15:10 -
I’m watching them from Lytle Beach on Bainbridge Island. They are heading to Manchester, close to the Port Orchard side. -Alison Hatletveit
*
15:06 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:23 to relay report: 1506hrs: orcas located at Point Glover, heading SSE, as well as 5 orcas located deeper into Sinclair Inlet
*
T65A Artemis, T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A6 Callisto, T65A3 Amira
14:55 -
Group of five orcas eastbound thru Rich Passage. One male, one small one. Just making the turn south toward Fort Ward & Manchester.
14:53 - In Rich Passage
, view from Bainbridge side. -photo by Jim Reitz, April 11, 2024
*
14:54 - T65As are southbound into Rich Passage
. Approaching Point Glover. Grouped up. -Candace Gavin
*
14:51 -
Lost sight of them from Illahee. Look to be heading east, between Bainbridge/Manchester. -Kirsten Harbour
*
14:14 -
The pod is slowly headed back out of Sinclair Inlet making their way towards Illahee State Park. -April Janice Basham
*
From Bachmann Park [video in FB comments]. -Kathy Leigh-Godfrey
*
T65A3 Amira & T65A2 Ooxjaa - 14:15 -
From Watermans Pier. -photo by Jason Boddy, April 11, 2024
*
13:52 - Eastbound from the Manette Bridge
. Headed towards Bachman Park. Grouping back up again. Closer to Bremerton side of mid channel. -Candace Gavin
*
13:45 - Amira came halfway to the Manette Bridge and turned around headed back
out now to meet the rest of the family headed towards Bachman Park. -Jim Pasola
*
13:46 -
Now near Bremerton marina.
13:24 -
They are towards the Gorst side. -Kelly Townsend
*
13:24 -
Three sighted from the ferry on the way to Bremerton where the blue dot is [approx. 47.559491, -122.608002]. -Annette Fordyce Shifflett
*
12:58 - 65As
are deep in Sinclair inlet hunting. Amir is heading east approaching the shipyard. -David Michael
*
12:42 -
They are near the floating barge in Gorst. -Robby Johnston
*
12:39 - Orcas are at Manette
in Bremerton right now. Passing through the shipyard. At least three. -Hannah B
*
12:28 -
Across from Port Orchard Marina on Bremerton side. -April Janice Basham
*
12:27 -
They have continued deeper into Sinclair and are currently almost to the end of the shipyard. -Tracy Esquer
*
12:20 - Pod is moving west
, closer to the Bremerton side of the channel. Continuing towards Gorst. Seen from the Port Orchard downtown marina. -Bethany Unger Scoggins
*
12:05 -
The whales were heading south toward Illahee and Point White Pier. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
12:03 - Pod is west of Manette Bridge headed towards Gorst
. Mid channel. -Candace Gavin
*
11:50 -
Amir close to Bremerton side approaching Bachmann.
11:40 - Heading southwest towards Sinclair Inlet
. -David Michael
*
11:29 - Pod is southbound at Point White dock
. At least one male and two female. One juvenile. Moving at a quick pace. Mid channel to Bainbridge side. -Candace Gavin
*
11:15 -
Spotted one from Illahee headed south. Close to Illahee side, believe to have passed the Illahee dock now. -Kirsten Harbour
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Freeburg
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 
Where seen: Brownsville Marina, Kitsap Penninsula
Direction of travel : Southbound, out of view in 3 minutes
Behaviors observed: 3 orcas traveling very close side-by-side
If orcas, any males?: 1 adult male (large dorsal fin), 1 adult female or immature male (smaller dorsal fin), 1
juvenile
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
10:16 -
They popped back up and still appear to be milling around. My house on Bainbridge just north of Hidden Cove Road end.
10:13 -
They went under but were headed back south when they did. -Becky Whitlock
*
10:04 -
Still between Brownsville and Liberty, trending back south slowly. Kitsap side.
09:54 - Three females
, west side of channel, entrance to Liberty Bay! Looks like hunting. Actually - two females and an itty bitty! -Amy Douglas Ramos
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Karen Watson
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 9:43 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: channel east of Keyport
Direction of travel : S.
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: not sure
Any unusual markings?: too far away to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They kept surfacing for about 30 minutes
Photos available?: No
*
08:52 -
Three orcas just passed by Illahee Dock/West Bainbridge Island, heading towards Agate Pass. -Jennifer Leigh [PSWS]
*
08:30 -
I spotted four orca off the west side of Bainbridge Island between Point White and Fletcher Bay this morning. They were heading north very slowly. One large dorsal fin, two medium, and one little. My family has owned a home there since 1957 and we have never seen orcas! -Katie
*
Thu, Apr 11 - Admiralty Inlet (T87, T99s, T124Ds) - 09:51 - One orca mid channel off Bush Point boat launch heading north. View from Bush Point boat launch. About to head north. -Sherry Dotson
*
08:50 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:58 to report: 0850hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports via 800MHz they've spotted 6-8 orcas located 1/2 mile off Admiralty Head, heading north
*
08:00 - 08:05 -
Kit Turner called report seeing who looked to be a male orca at 08:00 opposite north Lagoon Point, Marrowstone side, clear sighting, surfaced a couple of times and then didn’t see him again until 08:05 when he surfaced again opposite Fort Casey so heading northbound. 
*
Thu, Apr 11 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lori Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 4:23 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo lighthouse
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I’m in line to turn into the ferry terminal.
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Denham
Date of Sighting: April 11, 2024
Time: 3:22 PM
Species seen: Uncertain
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo lighthouse ferry lane
Direction of travel : Uk
Behaviors observed: I seen a blow
If orcas, any males?
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Apr 11 - Possession Sound - 16:23 - Gray whale here. No direction included [approx. 48.013499, -122.304614].
*
09:30 -
Look to be heading slowly north/east towards Port Susan. Hard to be sure from the viewing distance.
09:15 - Two, possibly three greys
milling in this area. Research boat is with them [approx. 48.033741, -122.339135]. -Holly Bailey Aprecio
*
07:24 - Two grays in the Snohomish delta
. Feeding, closer to mainland.  -Jaime McBroom
*
Thu, Apr 11 - Elliot Bay - 07:53 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:57 to report: 0753hrs: Vessel reports they've spotted a single grey whale in Elliott Bay, moving south

April 10
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 10 - Rosario Strait (J Pod) - Rosario group confirmed J pod: IDs: Brooke Casanova who shared with us a private photo of J38 Cookie taken by a fisherman, and per Monika Wieland Shields.
*
09:07 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:19 to report: 907hrs: [Sealth] Vessel Captain confirms spotting 3-4 orcas in the vicinity east of James Island.
*
08:36 - Orcas (six to eight) south end of Cypress Island off of Reef Point
. Looks like a few big adult males. Kind of staying in one spot. Tail slapping, head bob out of the water. Looks like there are a few babies. I thought they were going north but when I went by I would say south now. -Ryan Johnson
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Wed, Apr 10 - Haro Strait (T36As & T49As) - 04-10-24 Biggs orcas T36As and T49As. - 10:33 - 10:36, Estimating 10 or 11 Biggs orcas, the T36As and the T49As traveling together heading down-island, 1/4 & 1/2 mile from shore. Traveling quickly they transited my location in only 3 minutes. In 2 groups; a tight group of 5 and farther out a looser group of 4-5, the group farther out only surfaced twice. T49A "Nan" and T36A1 "Tierna" were side by side with a youngster between them in the close group of 5. The group surfaced in unison, an undulating line on the calm flat surface of the Salish Sea. Beautiful! Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday - T36A1 Tierna, T49A Nan, T49A6 Charlie -photo & IDs by Michelline Halliday, April 10, 2024
*
14:18 -
John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:31 to report: 1418hrs: SAMISH Vessel Captain reports they have slowed due to two large male orca on the west side of upright Channel heading south, and a group of five smaller orca on the east side of Upright Channel moving in various directions. The orca are accompanied by a flotilla of whale watching boats.
*
12:17 -
Main group passing Cattle Point angling into San Juan Channel.
11:38 - T49A2 and A3 approaching South Beach east bound
, others about a mile behind.
10:19 - Large group of orcas southbound approaching Land Bank
. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Discovery Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Janet Maple
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 2:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Sequim, at Diamond Point
Direction of travel : Headed toward Discovery Bay
Behaviors observed: Swimming slowly, circled and stayed around a few minutes
If orcas, any males?: He was a male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Nothing more. Unfortunately, I spent most of the time searching frantically for my camera. I did email one photo to you.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Janet Maple, April 10, 2024
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Discovery Bay 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 10 12:28 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.09096, -122.91485 [N Discovery Bay
Number Sighted: 6
Photos: See photo one below. Link to photo two.
Submitter Name: Connor
*
12:28 -
Also of note: WA app report of 6 additional orcas (mix f/J) off Diamond Point.
*
Wed, Apr 10 - North Puget Sound - 15:15 - Point No Point. -photo by Rochelle Bohman Fluckiger, April 10, 2024
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Admiralty Inlet (T87) - 14:14 - I saw him surface once at that time like you said then Redhead turned around and headed north. He was mid channel still headed south. I was trying to get to my phone to report again but didn’t see him surface again. Also VERY hazy viewing from from Whidbey. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
13:29 -
We can't confirm, but think T87 Harbeson was as far south as the Coupeville/Port Townsend ferry traffic lanes. PT side mid channel. (Redhead has since left but they were in that spot before heading away from that area).
13:08 -
Another faint call! Super cool.
13:06 - Possible Biggs call (T87)
if was in fact a call. Port Townsend hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:50 -
Redhead acquired T87 heading southeast a beam of Ebey's Landing. -Christopher Lewman
*
12:08 - Single orca seen Northwest of Point Wilson, Port Townsend heading south
. Heading toward Whidbey island, Admiralty Head area. -Ryan Johnson
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Puget Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 10 17:54 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.70757,-122.41936 [NW of Meadow Pt, Golden Gardens
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Diane Capps
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Penn Cove/Saratoga Passage (T99s & T124Ds)  - T99E & T124D3 - T99C Barakat - T99s & T124Ds, Penn Cove, Saratoga Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Rachel Haight, April 10, 2024
*
T99E -
The report of whales at Strawberry Point got to me rather late. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take my chances on seeing whales that no one else had seen yet. I had a job interview today anyway so in my car I went. I initially saw the whales from Monroe Landing in Penn Cove. The appeared to be hugging the other side so I hopped back in my car and went to the Coupeville Wharf. By the time I got there, the whales were right there. What a stunning pass it was. T99E was leaping everywhere. It was playtime for these whales. I was shaking, I thought I was going to cry. I have been waiting for this kind of shore day with the T99s for years. They eventually turned back around and left Penn Cove. They met up with the T124Ds I believe, as I have some unfamiliar eyepatches and dorsals in my Long Point shots. What a day! All shots taken from land. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, April 10, 2024
*
T99D Puck & T99C Barakat -
An unexpected treat yesterday, Wednesday - orcas within a mile of my house! Wow – the T99s and T124Ds were in town! They leisurely headed towards Penn Cove, did a circuit, and then back out and south down Saratoga Passage. They were very surface active all day – so many spyhops and pseudo breaches, tail slaps and general playful behavior, with Mt. Baker overlooking us all. So nice to see them again, and lots of whaley friends, old and new! These 2 matrilines are as follows (thanks to Bonnie Gretz for laying this out so nicely - Matriarch T99 Bella (b. 1984), daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), son T99C Barakat (b. 2009), son T99D Puck (b. 2015), and daughter T99E (b. 2021). T124Ds are mom T124D Field (b. 1996), T124D1 Salish II (b. 2014), and daughter T124D3 (b. 2021). -photos by Jill Hein, April 10, 2024
*
T99 Bella & T99E -
So happy to see T99s and 124Ds in Penn Cove today! Caught up with them at the mussel docks, then they headed east and I got some medium close looks as they passed the Coupeville Wharf, with lots of surface activity… perhaps having lunch! Relocated to Long Point, where they had pushed out more mid-channel, but still active, lots of lovely spy-hops! It's wonderful to have them in my "front yard"! T99s are matriarch T99 Bella (b. 1984), daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), growing son T99C Barakat (b. 2009), son T99D Puck (b. 2015), and little daughter T99E (b. 2021). T124Ds are mom T124D Field (b. 1996), T124D1 Salish II (b. 2014), and little daughter T124D3 (b. 2021). Fun to watch with many orca lovers. -photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 10, 2024
*
So, so far away from us on Camano but oh so fun to still watch! So many beaches, tail slaps, and spy hops. Link to more photos. -photos by Charvet Drucker, April 10, 2024
*
Bit rambunctious. -photo by Justin Ashworth, April 10, 2024
*
19:26 -
One just breached!
19:22 - Southbound in front of Bells Beach
. -Tabitha Jacobs-Mangiafico
*
18:30 - Southbound approaching East Point
, Whidbey side of midchannel.
18:08 - Southbound
midchannel between south end of Camano Island State Park and Baby Island.
17:49 - Orcas
are around midchannel between Camano Island State Park boat launch and Hidden Beach, heading southeast. Lots of surface activity still.
17:32 - Orcas are visible from Camano Island State Park boat launch
, still far north of us. Looks like they're still on Whidbey side (maybe closer to midchannel but tough to tell from this angle). Southbound with some surface activity. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
17:07 -
From Hidden Beach it looks like the orcas are moving towards Camano side. -Janet Moody
*
17:05 -
Now picking up steam moving south pretty quickly.
17:00 -
Moving into the mid channel couple miles north of Hidden Beach. -Aaron Gill
*
16:45 -
The two littles have been so playful, then Barakat joined in on the fun, and he started tail and pec slapping, then he breached twice, then who I assume was 99E started breaching too. Continuing southbound along Whidbey shore, heading towards Hidden. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:45 -
They are in line with the Camano Inn, hugging the Whidbey side. Still southbound. Lots of breaches and splashing. -Charvet Drucker
*
16:39 -
Probably two to three miles north of me.
16:35 -
Finally got a sight of them lots of action and splashing they’re off Shangri-La Shores. -photo by Aaron Gill, April 10, 2024
*
15:23 -
Several spotted off of Harrington Lagoon, still looks like they’re heading south. -Myah Bernard
*
15:18 -
I'm viewing them right now from Harrington Lagoon on the other side of the channel but headed towards Hidden Beach slowly. -Mel Nasby
*
14:30 -
Far east of Long Point, possibly angling south. T124Ds out here too. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:16 -
Breaches, spyhops at Long Point. -Janet Moody
*
13:54 -
Approaching Long Point. Still eastbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:47 -
Lots of tail slapping, blows and spyhops, still a little east of the Coupeville Wharf. -Janet Moody
*
13:38 -
They are headed out of Penn Cove to the east. -Tara Palmer
*
13:28 -
Moving slowly east almost passing the Coupeville Wharf. -Janet Moody
*
13:25 -
Just west of the Coupeville wharf, steadily headed east. At least one male. -Terri Lomax
*
13:15 -
Viewing from the Coupeville wharf still. They’re headed east. Mid to Coupeville side. -Kat Martin
*
13:05 -
Seem now moving east. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:05 -
At least five around the mussel flats milling about. -Janet Moody
*
12:53 -
They’re in Penn Cove in front of the mussel farm! -Stevie Good
*
12:50 -
Approaching mussel rafts westbound. Still playful. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Orcas in Penn Cove
headed west towards the mussel flats as of about 15 minutes ago! Not sure if they're still in the area, I just caught them going by through the window at work. -Dacotah Ashley Cook-Juhl
*
12:45 -
BEAUTIFUL pass by the Coupeville wharf. I can barely type!! Confirmed T99s. Still west bound. -Kat Martin
*
12:45 -
Watching from the side of the road near Monroe’s Landing. Lots of splashing. Whale boat following towards Coupeville. -Janet Moody
*
12:31 -
They are getting close to the Coupeville pier heading east to west. -Tara Palmer
*
12:23 -
Continuing westbound, playful as they travel. Nearing Monroe Landing, midchannel? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
12:35 -
Continuing into Penn Cove, just passed Monroe Landing westbound. Swiftsure just arrived on scene.
12:15 -
They're in Penn Cove, close to south shore, still westbound.
12:10 -
Heading towards Penn Cove. Five whales, one male. Still a bit far for IDs. -Jill Hein
*
12:01 -
Viewing from Monroe Landing. Passing the green buoy. West bound. Mid channel. -Kat Martin
*
11:55 -
Seeing them between Polnell and Utsalady, appear to be milling, viewing from Long Point. Very distant from Long Point. -Jill Hein
*
11:52 -
Nearly to green buoy now, look like they'll be north of it, headed west. I'm relocating.
11:50 -
I am viewing from hill above Walmart. Waiting here till last possible moment. They are nearing green buoy off Long Point, still westbound, aiming for Penn Cove.
11:40 -
Viewing from afar, so this is best guess. Still steady westbound.
11:23 - Westbound
approx. here [48.270085, -122.592115]. Can't tell how far south of me exactly though. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:08 -
Just left Polnell Shores, they’re southbound now and passing Polnell Point. Definitely at least one male with them. I think we counted a male, two females and a baby. -Victoria Hicks
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Blackbourn
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 10:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Skagit Bay between strawberry point and Utsalady
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: traveling and tail slapping
If orcas, any males?: Looks like they are all female
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Steve Blackbourn, April 10, 2024
*
10:40 - Orcas passing Mariner's Cove southbound
, a bit of a commotion on the nice calm water a few minutes ago, and it turned out to be a small group of orcas passing Mariners Cove/upper Saratoga/Whidbey, heading toward Polnell. There appear to be four, maybe five of them, and they are fairly close to shore instead of way out in the channel. We saw a few breaches, which was really exciting! -Marianne Parry
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Blackbourn
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 8:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Between Strawberry Point and Utsalady in south end of Skagit Bay
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Looks like one of the females has a pup
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES -
Wed, Apr 10 - California Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Laurie Hiatt
Date of Sighting: April 10, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: By Pt Reyes lighthouse
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling slowly
If orcas, any males?: I believe 1 was male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Laurie Hiatt, April 10, 2024
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Wed, Apr 10 - Haro Strait - 11:49 - Humpback, quarter mile from shore heading up island (north), one mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI] 
*
GRAY WHALES -
Wed, Apr 10 - Possession Sound - 19:10 - I am looking towards Priest Point (via scope) from Clinton and see lots of blows and some unidentifiable whale parts. I’m guessing it must be the grays. -Tiffany Dana Kelly
*
12:00 - East of Hat Island, one to two grays
. Only able to see blows and a small glimpse of one tail! -Stephanie Brenaman
*
09:10 - One gray whale north of Hat Island
marina, close to the island, westbound.
08:15 -
We also are seeing blows at the southeast tip of Hat Island, at least two possibly three whales. -Lori Christopher
*
07:28 - Four grays
this morning. Three together off Tulalip bay. One further east more towards Snohomish delta but close to Tulalip side. The three together heading towards Port Susan. The other one just kind of milling. -Jaime McBroom
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Possession Sound - 07:50 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:06 to relay report: 0750hrs: MUK/CLIN vessels notified of a single grey whale off the northern tip of Gedney Island; no definitive direction of travel.
*
Wed, Apr 10 - Puget Sound - 07:00 - This was in Poverty Bay, Des Moines. -Michelle Roy

April 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Apr 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 17:10 - This is the single fella we saw in Port Angeles Harbor! He only surfaced three times and then disappeared! But very clearly a big boy! I was on a run and he took me by surprise! -photo by Brittany Ahearn Shrout, April 9, 2024
*
Tue, Apr 9 - Admiralty Inlet - 11:35 - Out from Point Wilson, closer to that side. North/northwest bound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:30 -
The group seemed to be drifting more mid-channel, viewed from Lagoon Point. Not far behind the container ship. -Lewann Babler
*
09:11 - Orcas northwest of Hansville
. Seen from the Clipper. They were traveling northbound along the Clipper's right side. Saw at least seven. -photos by Lisa Kollmansberger, April 9, 2024
*
Tue, Apr 9 - North Puget Sound
18:45 -
Still trending south but much further east to mid channel. East of Apple Tree Point, north of ferry line.
18:30 - Mostly eastbound
, longer downtimes. North of Apple Tree Point Kingston.
18:20 -
Appear to be moving Southeast. Some surface activity. North of Apple Tree Point. Still on west side of shipping lanes. More like eight. -Sara Frey
*
18:42 -
Actually continuing south. Sticking to the east I think.
18:33 -
Very long down times. Last spotted them around here [approx. 47.786399, -122.411241]. Then didn’t see them again.
18:11 -
We can see them with binoculars from Kingston already not sure about direction. -Iravasa Athem
*
17:41 -
Kim Page called to report four orcas (two females, baby and male) heading southbound between Pilot Point and Eglon close to shore on Kitsap. Next up would be Eglon!

GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Apr 9 - Possession Sound 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale
Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 9 19:02 PDT 
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.0342, -122.2518 [Priest Point/Snohomish Delta]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Janis
Whale Alert App
*
07:46 - Three gray whales southeast of Hat Island
in Possession Sound [approx. 48,002371, -122.291663]. -Creston Wood
*
Tue, Apr 9 - Possession Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale
Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Apr 9 11:16 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.95964,-122.33461 [Near Clinton terminal
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: to the north of this location 
Submitter Name: Christopher Kent 
Whale Alert App
*
10:30 - Gray whale
seen during 10:30 crossing of the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry. Was coming from Mukilteo area toward Clinton. -Kaitlyn Bradley
*
Tue, Apr 9 - Saratoga Passage (CRC356 Carson) - CRC356 Carson in Saratoga Passage on Tuesday. After seeing a report of a gray heading south along the Camano shore, I headed to Camano Island State Park and caught a close pass before he headed over to Elger Bay. I followed him to Mabana and watched him feed until it got dark. All photos taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Serena Tierra, April 9, 2024
*
19:57 - Gray
has moved offshore and is trending south again off Mabana. Last update from me.
19:47 - Gray
stalled after last update, still feeding south of Mabana boat launch.
19:25 -
Still feeding and slowly trending south, off the south end of Mabana.
19:02 - 356
now feeding south of Mabana boat launch.
18:45 - CRC356
feeding just north of the houses at Mabana.
18:32 -
From Mabana bluff, saw a blow around here. Not sure if it's the same whale as earlier [approx. 48.095896, -122.441029].
18:05 - Gray
has been trending south following the shoreline. Out of view for me now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
18:03 -
Just saw another blow from Lowell Point private beach south of Mabana. -Linda Aitkins
*
17:50 -
Feeding south of the blue dot on my earlier map.
17:38 - Gray
is around here, just fluked facing west [approx. 48.116867, -122.464956]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
17:15 -
Viewing from a private beach at Lowell Point. Saw a blow of a gray whale In Elger Bay. -Linda Aitkins
*
17:12 -
Just fluked, definitely eastbound. 
17:10 - Gray
is now south of Lowell Point. Has moved further offshore (away from Camano) but seems to be pointing southeast at the moment so may be heading over to Elger Bay or Mabana to feed.
16:48 - Gray north of Camano Island State Park boat launch
, southbound on Camano side of Saratoga. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network

April 8
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound - 11:30 - Another orca sighting one mile off Shilshole Marina. They seem headed northwest. Difficult to discern number. Rough guess at least eight. Spotted from the ferry looking north. -Bill D. 
*
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound - 10:00 - Sabrina messaged to report: Just saw a pod at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal not sure which one it is but wanted to send an update. They were going south between Vashon and Fauntleroy. I saw one large dorsal, one smaller looking adult and two smaller younger looking orcas. 
*
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A4 Ellifrit & T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A4 Ellifrit - From a quick pass this morning and no 65A5 [present]. -photos by Jim Pasola, April 8, 2024
*
16:52 -
Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report at 17:45 to report: 1652: WALLA WALLA Captain reports via 800MHz 3 orcas NB, mid channel nearing the BI [Bainbridge Island] traffic lanes.
*
16:34 - Northbound
on the east side of big ship auto liners viewed from Manchester. -Noelle Morris
*
14:20 -
They just passed north end of east side of Blake Island. looks like they continued northeast from there. -Jessica Medina
*
16:08 - Headed north, between Port Orchard and Blake island.
16:02 -
I’m not sure which thread is which, but at 4:01 there are three to four in front of the Southworth ferry, delaying the boat a bit. -Morgan Eagar
*
15:40 - Small pod four to five orcas, northbound, mid channel in Colvos
approaching Southworth. -Tim Ferris
*
14:41 -
Still northbound 20 minutes ago from Prospect Point.
13:39 -
Confirm direction shift. Now approaching Olalla northbound on Kitsap side.
13:32 -
They were grouped (four) mid-channel northbound at approx. four to five knots.
13:29 -
Passing me northbound off Point Richmond. -Montlake Mutt
*
12:54 -
Seeing one dorsal about midchannel southbound out of Colvos. -Candace Gavin
*
12:54 -
Appear to be hunting north of Camp Stealth near Vashon shore.
12:43 -
Many directional changes with long down times.
12:35 -
Spotted north of Dalco on Vashon side still southbound. About one to two miles north of Dalco. -Montlake Mutt
*
11:32 -
[orcas] Just passed us in Olalla. I saw one male and three others. -Robin Garcia
*
11:30 -
Got clearer looks now, rest of T65As here (unsure if 65A5 is with) all southbound now moving mid channel past Lisabuela. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
11:27 -
Now south of Olalla moved to Vashon side. -Montlake Mutt
*
11:27 -
He [T65A3] has been super stealth! He must have traveled at least a mile underwater. -Jim Pasola
*
11:21 -
Amira has crossed to mid channel, leading, Island side of, others passing Lisabuela mainland side, male there too, assuming might be Ooxjaa but can’t get clear pic with mirage line.
11:17 -
Just got surprised by T65A3/Amira, close in to island shores but crossing the channel now towards others who are still southbound mainland side approaching Lisabuela. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
11:15 -
Two females and calf are mid channel southbound . Male may be on hunt.
11:13 -
Lone male very close Kitsap side of Colvos southbound. One male, two females, one calf. -Montlake Mutt
*
11:08 -
At least three, includes one male, mainland side approaching Ollala southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Gail Joice
Date of Sighting: April 08, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: N Elliott Bay, Seen from Expedia Park
Direction of travel : Actively hunting in one spot
Behaviors observed: Hunting, tail slaps, blows
If orcas, any males?: One tall male fin
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Thank you for Network app that reported this group off Elliott Marina. Argosy tour boat was watching midBay.
Photos available?: No
*
10:00 -
Did you hear about a pod of six whales southbound from Elliot Bay marina? -Fred Felleman
*
09:57 -
Sharon M called to report the orcas from Manchester are now entering Colvos Passage from the north. The group is just south of Southworth ferry terminal heading southbound into Colvos. Definitely saw a male and calf with older.
*
09:00 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:11 to report: 0900hrs: W/S notified WALLA WALLA of two separate pods of orcas in the vicinity of Orchard Point and North of Blake Island.
*
Mon, Apr 8 - Puget Sound (T99s) - T99C Barakat - The day was long and the weather was wild but so worth it!! Visiting with friends and making new ones as we patiently waited. The first group that was making their way down Colvos between Vashon and Gig Harbor flipped just as we were seeing blows! So from Owens Beach we all moved to Dunes for the second group coming down the East Passage. Weather steadily got worse but we all hung in there as they finally showed up for a quick pass! Viewing from the Dunes Peninsula. Link to more photos. -photo by Cherie StOurs, April 8, 2024
*
T99E - T99 Bella, T99D Puck, & T99E
tucked in the background - The T99s came to visit us in Tacoma once again! This pod of five came down to Dash Point Park for a few minutes before continuing their journey through Dalco Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, April 8, 2024
*
19:02 -
From my binoculars they were moving left to right with Gig Harbor behind them. Should specify only saw one fin instead of the full five.
18:49 -
Spotted from Owen facing Gig Harbor, appear to be going east now. Mid passage. Not sure if they went up Colvos. -Caroline Alper-Posso
*
18:44 -
Should be able to see at Owens. Tracked all the way to the corner. Dive often and lengthy so don't give up.
18:33 -
Heading towards Owen Beach.
18:24 -
Just passed the big cargo in front of Vashon. Viewing from Point Ruston. -Da Is
*
18:23 -
They have passed the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor and are headed into the Tahlequah ferry lane, moving west. -Jim Evans
*
18:22 -
As viewed from Dune Peninsula westbound mid channel approaching the eastern tip of Vashon. Grouped up. Long downtime. -Candace Gavin
*
18:22 -
Mid channel appear to me to be headed north at least from my perspective here at Owens Beach. -Dallas Braham
*
18:13 - Pod
is between the container ship and yellow body as viewed from Dune Peninsula westbound mid channel towards Tahlequah/Point Defiance ferry lanes. -Candace Gavin
*
17:58 -
Slowly going west bound. From viewing perspective at Point Defiance Marina they are on the far side of cargo ship nearest Dune. I have water towers in the background still. -Jason Cook
*
17:42 -
Passing in front of Quartermaster Harbor now. Trending towards Ruston/Dune direction, mid channel.
17:30 - Approaching Browns Point.
Mid channel. Moving quickly west.
17:16 - Still in front of Dash Point pier
, but closer in than before. Still making their way west.
17:00 - Passing Dash Point
right now! Mid channel but closer to mainland. Traveling quickly west. -Mollie Segall
*
17:00 -
Looks like they are off Dash Point. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
14:56 -
Seeing them out in the distance now past Des Moines Marina mainland side of mid channel headed southbound with long downtimes. Super windy, high chop making viewing challenging. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
T99C Barakat, T99D Puck, T99B Holly
12:34 - Close pass by Constellation Point.
12:40 -
After a close pass at Constellation moving southwest towards Vashon in line with Dolphin Point. -photo by Mary Hartmann, April 8, 2024
*
12:30 -
Passing Charles Richey Viewpoint southbound. -Jack Bonfiglio
*
12:18 -
Several individuals seen from 63rd Ave SW and Alki. Moving steadily west/southwest. -photo by Kathleen Fife, April 8, 2024
*
12:08 -
Standing in front of the Statue of Liberty. Just right off Discovery about halfway between Alki and there. -Stephanie Day
*
12:14 - Between Alki and Restoration Point.
12:07 -
Close to 2200 Alki in line with Eagle Harbor. -Mary Hartmann
*
11:55 -
Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Captain WALLA WALLA reports 4 orca towards Vashon SB near Duwamish Head.
11:55 - Three orcas seen on Bremerton to Seattle ferry
. One male. Headed west towards Kitsap. -Aaron Berg
*
11:59 -
Am moving towards Alki from Magnolia.
11:51 - South of the ferry lane
moving southwest off 2200 Alki.
11:23 -
Finally seem to be in travel mode moving southwest between Magnolia water tower and Alki. At least one male in this group.
10:57 -
Still tail lobbing by Elliot Bay marina, drifting southwest on west edge of marina. -Mary Hartmann
*
10:58 -
Couldn't tell which way they were headed [approx. 47.618860, -122.387251] (only saw them for a few minutes while the ferry slowed down). -Angie Chesney-Mattison
*
10:34 -
Still surface active drifting west middle of Elliott Bay marina.
10:27 -
Milling between bridge and marina on hunt? Five orcas.
10:20 -
Lots of surface activity by Magnolia Bridge view from 2200 Alki. -Mary Hartmann
*
10:10 -
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:30 to report: 1010hrs: WALLA WALLA Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of orcas 1 mile North of Duwamish Head.
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Apr 8 10:05 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.64809,-122.43288 [Magnolia Bluff
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Headed south
Submitter Name: Adam
Whale Alert App
*
09:23 - Orcas!
Three or more. About 1000 meters off of Discovery Park [North Seattle]. South to southeast direction. -Creston Wood
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Apr 8 - Haro Strait - 07:38 - Two humpbacks just off Smugglers Cove, San Juan Island (west side). Humpback? Five straight breaches and fin slaps. Heading down island. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Apr 8 - Possession Sound - 09:26 - [gray whales] confirmed two whales (possibly three) heading down the east side of Hat [Island]. Confirmed spy hops witnessed by two different people. -Alie Moyal [HIWS]
*
08:08 -
At least one gray whale observed traveling slowly northwest up Hat Island from the southwest side. -Tonya Robards Rimbey [HIWS]
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES -
Mon, Apr 8 - Burrows Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Moore
Date of Sighting: April 08, 2024
Time: 6:09 PM
Species seen: Seen fro far away with binoculars. Not sure. Large blow spout, but could not see dorsal fin
or tail fluke
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Seen from shore across Burrows Bay (48.4526307, -122.6962087)
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

April 7
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Apr 7 - Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Apr 7 14:17 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.89765,-123.32233 [East of Galiano Isl]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: James
Whale Alert App
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Haro Strait (T49As, T63, T65, T65Bs) - T63 Chainsaw - Sharing when we got the chance to see one of the coolest orcas in the Salish Sea…. T63 aka “Chainsaw”. He was traveling with his mother T65 up Haro Strait very quickly. They turned to take Boundary Pass and later joined up to say hello to the T65B’s and the T49A’s north of Waldron Island. We heard they split with the T65B’s and headed north towards East Point, Saturna Island and the T49A’s continued eastbound. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt -photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 7, 2024
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Bellingham Bay - 18:16 - Anacortes ferry had a sighting about twenty minutes ago. -Lisa Hoang
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Tuckerman
Date of Sighting: April 07, 2024
Time: 9:20 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Boulevard Park, Bellingham, WA
Direction of travel : South. lingering when first spotted then steady pace south
Behaviors observed: Milling, travelling, spy hopping
If orcas, any males?: 2?
Any unusual markings?: One juvenile. One orca with indistinct saddle patch
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Steve Tuckerman, April 7, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Daniel Duran
Date of Sighting: April 07, 2024
Time: 9:15 AM
Species seen: Orca pod
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48.726202, -122.511716 (Bellingham Bay)
Direction of travel : W, SW
Behaviors observed: Hunting, traveling
If orcas, any males?: yes one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: two females and one baby with one male
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sun, Apr 7 - San Juans (T36As & T51) - T51 Roswell - I got to see a brand new orca while we were out. T51 Roswell is a big guy! Glad he’s doing well after his extended stay with T49A2 in Barnes lake last fall. T51 was traveling with the T36As, of which the youngsters, T36A5 and T36A1A were wrestling and playing the entire time. Both breached at least once, but I only got a photo of T36A5’s. Looks like he’s a little boy as well!! Link to more photos. -photos by Sam Wallace, April 7, 2024
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Hood Canal (T65As) - Followed T65A3 up Hood Canal to Dabob Bay. At my first stop, we saw the spouts of at least two others further out, but as I traveled north I only saw Amir. Included some silly harbor seal pics for fun. Still learning how to use my camera/zoom lens. So nice to meet some of y’all today! Link to more photos. -photo by Kelly Dawson, April 7, 2024
*
14:41 - Point Whitney
, I haven’t seen anything yet but others who are here saw at least one large dorsal fin. -Kelly Dawson
*
13:15 -
We are north of Scenic Beach on the east side of the canal and have seen two not far off shore.  -/Jennifer Klos
*
13:12 -
Committed northbound into Dabob Bay. -Mike Maddox
*
13:10 -
Passing Dosey. Viewed from Misery Point. Looking to be headed into Dabob. -Aaron Bartleson
*
13:04 -
Single large dorsal viewed from Dosewallips State Park. -Kelly Dawson
*
13:03 -
Just passed us [Scenic Beach]. Headed for Dabob. -Robin
*
13:00 -
Now males more mid channel moving closer to Scenic Beach side. Cannot tell yet if committed towards Dabob Bay or Seabeck.
12:45 -
I'm at Scenic Beach and see the two males way over west of mid channel heading north still passing Brinnon. Haven't seen females yet. -Mike Maddox
*
12:52 -
Almost to Scenic Beach a little south headed north. -Kathy Cole
*
12:28 -
Just passed the Duckabush River heading north.
12:22 -
Mid channel.
12:21 -
Just passed Canal Tracts heading north Duckabush River. -Steven Aksamit
*
12:20 -
Passed the Duckabush headed to Scenic Beach. -Elizabeth Bennett
*
11:42 -
Just passed Triton State Park. -Cathy Weirather
*
11:18 - Ooxjaa
now passing Mike's Beach Resort northbound but more midchannel but still west of midchannel.
11:10 - Male northbound
west side passing Mike's Beach Resort. Haven't seen others yet. -Mike Maddox
*
10:45 - Passing Eldon northbound
. -David Michael
*
10:45 -
Just shy of Hama Hama northbound now. -Kathy Leigh-Godfrey
*
10:35 - Hamma Hamma
large male closer to shore, at least two spouts seen past mid channel northbound. -Kelly Dawson
*
10:09 - Approaching Hamma Hamma northbound
, Amir is close to west shore. -David Michael
*
09:40 -
Headed north from Holiday Beach towards Hama Hama. Two females followed by a male. -Paul Davis
*
09:25 -
Just saw large fin near 101 just past Holiday Beach. -Becky Adams
*
09:30 -
Passing Lilliwaup northbound.
09:05 -
Passing Holiday Beach northbound, west of midchannel.
08:54 - Amir
approaching Hoodsport midchannel northbound.  -David Michael
*
08:30 -
Spotted one fin from Potlatch, there’s a boat nearby. Still hugging north shore. -Katie Mattran
*
08:02 -
We are about two miles east of the Tahuya River. I expect they are around the Great Bend now, they were moving fast.
07:36 -
Just saw another closer to north shore heading west at a good clip.
07:34 -
Seeing at least one fin Hood Canal about mile 13 north shore, very close to south shore [east of Union]. -Tori
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Saratoga Passage (T65A5 & T124Ds) - T65A5 Indy, T124D3, & T124D Field - T124D Field - Everyday is a new adventure and yesterday was no exception. Read more and see more photos here. -photos by April Janice Basham, April 7, 2024
*
16:29 -
Starting to move south. Just a bit further south of my last pin.
16:15 -
On a hunt approx 48.061223, -122.533983]. Slow south trend. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:06 - 124Ds and 65A5
. -Trevor Derie
*
15:43 -
They’re north of Beverly Beach milling but trending south. -Dan Gulden
*
15:17 -
They just passed my house on Greentree. We are right at the opening of Holmes Harbor. I can no longer see it due to the trees but it appeared like that’s where it was headed. Followed by a tour boat.
15:13 -
Going south at entrance to Holmes Harbor. -Cheryl Lake
*
15:08 -
At least four orcas west of Baby Island, heading south into Holmes Harbor. - Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
16:02 -
Watching from Camano Island State Park. Hard to see through fog bank, look to be still milling around closer to Whidbey. -Shelly Greybeck
*
14:42 -
Just left and they are still in the same spot. Don’t appear to be committed to any direction yet. -Lorena Perezcarlos
*
14:25 -
Still milling at the moment.
14:06 -
At least three to four milling about. No confirmed direction. Mid channel to Whidbey side. -Candace Gavin
*
13:59 - Orcas in Saratoga Passage. Off Hidden Beach
[Whidbey]. No direction yet.  -Candace & April
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Possession Sound - 14:26 - Spotting dorsal fins west of Everett, viewing from Tulalip. Westbound. Looks like orcas from here due to the tall dorsals. Possession Sound. At least two, looks like four to six. -Maia Jewell
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sun, Apr 7 - Haro Strait (CRC-21539 Sakura) - For anyone interested, this humpback whale is CRC-21539 "Sakura", the 2022 calf of BCY0876. For those who were whale watching last fall, this is the whale who set up camp for an extended period of time off Lime Kiln last year also. Has a fondness for the spot! -Erin Johns Gless, PWWA [WSSJI]
*
11:45 -
Just north of the Lime Kiln lighthouse at Bottom Feeders Cove.  -Jed Heimkes [WSSJI]
*
10:26 -
Another sighting at Deadman’s Bay!
09:23 -
Large whale sighting right next to Lime Kiln Lighthouse.  -Wendy Alexander [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sun, Apr 7 - Rosario Strait - 19:32 - Gray whale headed north off Cape St Mary [Lopez Island]. -Isaac Gibson
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 11:45 - Gray spotted milling off Pebble Beach! Moving VERY slowly out of Saratoga Passage (southbound). -Jess Knudsen
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC56 Stardust, CRC356 Carson, CRC383 Cascade, CRC543) - 15:17 - Eyes on grays as well as orca. Grays feeding currently about where Bart Rulon had them at. -Maia Jewell
*
14:20 -
Saw blows and a bit of whale in Possession Sound near Hat Island. PSE was right with it. Viewing from Harborview Park. -Destiny Shelton
*
13:08 - CRC 543
is back in the sound and traveling with 22,383, and 56 eastbound [approx. 48.019040, -122.281871]! -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:57 -
SJC leaving two whales trending south/southwest off southeast point of Hat. There were at least three north of us between Hat and Mukilteo. Can confirm through pictures of previous 12:57 sighting that 53 was among the bunch as well. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:10 - CRC 356 is eastbound
at my map spot [approx. 48.023968, -122.324636]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
10:40 -
Actually two, one north/northwest of Hat and one west of Hat, appear to be grays. - At least one still north/northwest of Hat Island at 10:30. -Ryan Moss
*
10:30 - Three grays north of Hat Island
this morning, about thirty feet off shore. -Lori Christopher
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 07, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Possibly GRAY
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: LAT: 48.00338 LON: -122.2795
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Possession Sound
Photos available?: No
*
09:52 -
Alice Moyal spotted a gray whale east side Hat Island about mid way up heading west/northwest. -[HIWS]
*
08:40 - Two grays
were traveling northbound hugging northwest Hat Island shoreline.  -Roy Short [HIWS] 
*
Sun, Apr 7 - Puget Sound
10:40 - Southbound
travel now, it is a gray, closer to the Vashon side.
10:23 -
Baleen whale mid channel Colvos Passage near Driftwood Cove. No direction of travel, milling. -Kristi King

April 6
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Apr 6 - BC Coast
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 6 21:15 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 53.27390,-131.81309 [Inside Haida Gwaii]
Number Sighted: 11
Submitter Name: James
Whale Alert App
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Bellingham Bay - There were three to four in that area [Bellingham Bay]. -photo by Kerri Anderson Holt, April 6, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Discovery Bay - My aunt may have sent these to you already - off of Beckett Point facing west. -photo courtesy of Erin O'Dell, April 6, 2024
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T100s & T101s) - T100C Laurel & T100F Estrella in the background - T101A Rush & T101B Lagoon - Good for the soul! A last minute decision to jump aboard IE5 on Saturday – such a nice surprise to find beautiful calm waters – and the T100s (4 whales) and T101A and T101B who are brothers – six whales total. AND a gray whale. AND a few Dall’s porpoise. WOW. The whales were basically in traveling mode, no fancy action, but oh so so beautiful to see! A brilliant decision for a change! All photos zoomed and cropped. -photos & IDs by Jill Hein, April 6, 2024
*
T100 Hutchins & T100C Laurel - T101A Rush & T101B Lagoon -
Out on IE thanks to Jill Hein saying "let's go!" We caught up with some speedy Dahl's porpoise on the way west… they played with our boat and wake for a bit… it's a rare treat to see those beautiful little porpoises! We then caught up with the T100 pod of four: Matriarch T100 Hutchins (b.1979), big son T100C Laurel (b. 2002), daughter T100E Tharaya (b. 2009), and youngest T100F, Estrella (b. 2014, maybe Hutchins' last calf, as she's 45). a bit east of Constance Bank, heading south east in glass smooth water. They were just traveling along...it was cloudy but so beautiful! We were lucky to get some fairly close passes, hearing them breathe is so wonderful! (Some people I talked to on the boat came all the way from Mississippi… their first wild whale sighting!). We then went a bit further west to see a lone gray whale, who has a white spot on his/her back, but never fluked up, so no i.d. We headed back east and found the T100s again, then moved closer to San Juan Island to see big brothers T101A, Rush (b. 1993) and T101B Lagoon (b.1997). They too were leisurely traveling south east. A wonderful day with our beautiful orcas… fed my soul!  -photos & IDs by Bonnie Gretz, April 6, 2024
*
18:07 -
Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 18:12 to relay a report: 1807 hrs: orca in the vicinity of the PT/COUP ferry lanes.
18:04 -
Silver Hubble is my trusty eyes who first spotted them! Continuing south still quite a ways out from us.
17:44 -
New group of orcas [approx. 48.201615, -122.813259] appear to be traveling south (maybe southwest) towards Admiralty Inlet. Can’t quite tell if they are committing into Admiralty or if they are heading to Port Townsend. They are way far out (viewing from Libbey on Whidbey) is best guess approximation. At least three, one big male. -Tamara Kelley
*
15:00 -
We left them heading southeast roughly a mile south of Lopez, pointing in the direction of Whidbey. -Jill Hein
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Hood Canal (T65As) - T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A Artemis - The T65A's in Hood Canal today. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, April 6, 2024
*
Great adventure following them with these messages. Glad my son was looking out from our truck and spotted them. -Chris Brown
*
18:53 -
Just off McDonald’s Cove Road in Brinnon. -photo by Antonio Rubal, April 6, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Holton
Date of Sighting: April 06, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Hood Canal (47.6403619, -122.9350031)(So. of Brinnon)) close to west shore, then over by east shore
Direction of travel : Traveled south through the canal, looped and went north
Behaviors observed: Traveling, hunting (?)
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One orca was very close to the west shore, maybe 50 yards, it then traveled about 300 yards south where it lingered (staying near surface, ?hunting) and then we saw it on the far (eastern) shore where we saw two additional dorsal fins appear. The group then traveled north together
Photos available?: No
*
18:23 -
Heading toward Triton Cove.
18:20 - Heading south
on the Olympic side. We lost them a few minutes ago. -Briana Wever
*
18:10 -
Last post. They committed to heading south down Hood Canal west of mid channel headed towards Triton Cove. Pics for ID [T65A2 present].
17:44 -
Possibly a kill. Sea gulls circling around now.
17:35 -
They have turned back north but still in same area along the Coyle Peninsula. Possibly milling. Too far for pics but seeing from Seabeck boat launch now.
17:15 -
Still southbound mid channel about at the red pin [approx. 47.671235, -122.802792].
16:50 -
I have four to five orcas at Hazel Point in Hood Canal headed south. Long dives. Picture taken from Big Beef Creek. -Mike Maddox
*
14:15 -
[Direction of travel] seemed south but tough to tell as they were about 100 yards away from the bridge while we were driving. Saw the dorsal twice though.
14:15 -
May have just seen a tall dorsal south of the Hood Canal Bridge. -Chris Brown
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Possession Sound - 18:55 - They are still at the Clinton ferry terminal circling. -Melissa Simmons
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: April 06, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Just off Clinton before ferry
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Hunting possibly
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - I reported this yesterday a sighting at 6 PM. There were three orcas at least also at the same time, but not in the video were two gray whales across the other side between Hat Island and Everett …sorry not much better videos. This is viewed looking from Clinton out towards Hat Island.
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Sat, Apr 6 - Haro Strait - 20:19 - Looks more like a lunge feeding humpback to me. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
20:13 -
Second hand report of orcas at Lime Kiln! [Edit: confirmed humpback]. -Katie Onthesalishsea [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Sat, Apr 6 - Victoria area
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale
Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Apr 6 9:58 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.46361,-123.28020 [Ten Mile Point, BC]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Cam
Whale Alert App 
*
Sat, Apr 6 - San Juans (CRC2249 Hattie)
17:30 -
After taking a detour offshore, gray whale is now heading up island from South Beach area.
14:20 - Gray whale westbound between Lopez and Cattle Pass
. Edit: Hattie 2249! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Port Susan - 10:09 - Port Susan had two grays tracked south from Bretland, past Tillicum and Tyee last spotted near shore heading south at 10:09. -John C Storbeck
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Saratoga Passage - 17:15 - Gray whale off of Langley right now. -Jason Gordon
*
17:12 - Greys heading south
now.
17:03 -
Looks like two orcas [video shows at least one gray whale feeding] spotted just north of Thomas Hladkey Memorial Park [Langley]. -Michael Theodore
*
13:45 -
Via binoculars from Camano Island State Park bluff, I saw five blows along the red arrow [approx. 48.075643, -122.448804] 35, 30, 90, & 25 seconds apart, one to two individuals consistently westbound. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
13:41 -
Saw the two grays heading north about 20 minutes ago off of Bells Beach on Whidbey side and haven't seen them since. -Nick Gore
*
12:15 -
Three more blows just off Pebble Beach point, sighted thru binocs from Camano Island State Park overlook, likely from one to two gray whales, possibly foraging. Blow intervals of 25 and 105 seconds.
12:00 -
Growing white caps making it harder, but sighted one blow just off Pebble Beach point, thru binocs from Camano Island State Park overlook, likely from one to two gray whales, possibly northwestbound.
11:02 -
Watching from Camano Island State Park today. Reported blows via WA. Will try to find them again and confirm grays, but I’m 60% sure based on blow pattern.
10:48 -
This was the approximate location I saw the three blows [approx. 48.042874, -122.359561]. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
Sat, Apr 6 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earthart & CRC2356 Stalwart) - 12:55 - CRC 2356 is eastbound from Camano Head [approx. 48.051720, -122.357680]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
12:46 -
SJC leaving Earhart 22 trending south off southeast point of Gedney. -Alli Montgomery
*
12:25 - CRC-22
is milling at my map spot [approx. 48.001178, -122.294709]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

April 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 5 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Debbie Kinney
Date of Sighting: April 05, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 30
Where seen: Trincomali off Mayne
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Not sure
Any unusual markings?: Too far away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Apr 5 - San Juans (T18s) - T19s disappeared at Battleship. T18s were by Sidney Spit. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
*
Orca Network (video of that group from a friend in Roche). -Holly Bailey Aprecio
*
12:40 - Westbound north side of Spieden Channel
. At least three orca. Two miles east of Roche Harbor. This group came north through San Juan Channel. [T19B present per Cindy Hansen, Orca Network].
*
10:15
- Report of orcas northbound outside Friday Harbor. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 5 - Haro Strait - 16:00 - Killer whales on Lime Kiln hydrophone now!! -Alison Jantzi [ONCG]
*
16:23 -
Picked them up again, Northwest of Lime Kiln close to the Canadian side. Large whale watching boat following them. Southbound.
15:57 - Calls on LK hydrophone!
15:25 -
Milling mid-Haro southwest of Lime Kiln. Reported to be Bigg's. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Fri, Apr 5 - San Juans (T87 & T124As) -T124A1A & T124A4 Sabio - We got a chance to see Biggs orca T87 as he was charging north towards Friday Harbor. Earlier he had been traveling with the T124A’s as they came up San Juan Channel, but he broke off to head back south while they took Upright Channel. As we approached Turn Rock we found that he had turned north again. He moved very quickly 7+ knots until he reached Pt Caution on San Juan island at which point he turned around again and went charging south. He continued all the way south exiting Cattle Pass. He was outpacing our sailboat so we chose to go see the T124A’s who just finished hunting in Eastsound, Orcas Island. It was so exciting seeing the newest calf in the family who appeared to be traveling with T124A4. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt -photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 5, 2024
*
Reportedly the oldest male transient in our area, Harbeson (T087) is over 60 years old. Rosario Strait.  -T124A4 Sabio & T124A1A - Baby T124A1A and mom and an auntie on the Salish Sea. -photos by Ron Kornfield, April 5, 2024
*
14:02 -
John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:21 to report: 1402hrs: SAMISH Vessel reports 1 orca NB just outside Friday Harbor, in San Juan Channel. 
*
12:22 -
Per John Boyd [WSSJI] these are T87 Harbeson and the T124As who had been spending time inland Puget Sound.
11:58 -
Just saw about four orcas off of Cattle Point on San Juan Island, heading east along Goose Island.  -Kirstie B 
*
11:45 - Biggs Salmon Bank aiming for Cattle Point
. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
09:13 -
We saw one from the 8:30 AM ferry between Anacortes and SJI. It was at 9:13 AM so about 15 minutes out from Friday Harbor. It was headed the opposite direction from the ferry. -Leanne LaFramboise
*
A friend just sent this photo of a solo male right out in front of Friday Harbor ferry dock. -photo courtesy of Brenda Campbell, April 5, 2024
*
Fri, Apr 5 - Admiralty Inlet - 15:14 - North/northeast Protection Island. -Elsarape Rodriguez
*
15:03 -
They appeared to have turned back north. Unfortunately I witnessed a fishing boat chase them and cut them off. So aggravating. (I’m way too far to identify the boat number and it’s not showing up on the boat app.) Thought I heard a couple of calls on the hydrophone but not positive.
14:54 -
Everybody on the Saratoga is so lucky right now! The orcas came right up to a very still Saratoga and circling them. Oh my gosh!
14:30 -
At least part of the group has turned south again [approx. 48.131032, -122.744074]. Watching from Whidbey through high powered binoculars. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
*
14:28 -
I can see them from the Port Townsend side at Point Hudson and yes, I see the boat as well, a little too far for my phone to grab a good picture but I can see them! -photo by Jennifer Taylor, April 5, 2024
*
14:25 -
Can barely see but are here across from Fort Worden. -Ivy Nelson
*
14:23 -
Seeing blows from Fort Casey. All the way on the Port Townsend side. A boat is with them! -Elsarape Rodriguez
*
14:23 - Killer whales are just south of Point Wilson
. -Trevor Tillman
*
13:45 -
From North Lagoon Point orca were last seen on the other side of the channel, continuing north. I got distracted by a gray and lost the orca. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:41 -
At least three and possibly four. Moving closer to Whidbey (Lagoon Point) from mid-channel now.  -Julie Page
*
12:33 - Four to six orcas northbound north of Bush Point
. -per Chris H [WA app]
*
12:37 -
Just saw three [orca] headed towards Lagoon Point.
12:25 - Orcas mid channel NB
[northbound] north of Bush Point. I saw a dorsal fin that looked like a male. Not much surface activity so hard to tell how many. Just an occasional tall fin visible.  -Julie Page 
*
GRAY WHALES -
Fri, Apr 5 - Liberty Bay - 12:43 - Liberty Bay, Poulsbo [video of gray whale in FB comments]. -Chris Bushue
*
Fri, Apr 5 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC2249 Hattie) - Our friend the Lagoon gray. I believe Rachel said, CRC2249 Hattie. [ID per Serena Tierra & Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network] -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, April 5, 2024
*
13:42 -
Seems traveling south now here [approx. 48.079579, -122.615208]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:35 -
He was trending north, and then he turned back south right towards. He’s literally just right in front of the lookout for Lagoon County Park!
13:25 - Gray whale right off Lagoon Point
. -Elsarape Rodriguez
*
Fri, Apr 5 - Saratoga Passage (CRC383 Cascade & possibly CRC356 Carson) - I saw a whale for the first time ever! It was one of the most magical and amazing moments of my life!!! believe he/she is a gray whale. I wasn’t able to get a video of the whale’s arched body that surfaced but did record a couple sprays. I took some screenshots of the spray, which looks like a heart to me. -photo by Sarah Jordan, April 5, 2024
*
12:19 -
I’ve got eyes on him! [approx. 48.080676, -122.456952]. -Elsarape Rodriguez
*
11:28 - One mile north of Langley
. For sure one gray (maybe two?) slowly headed north. Mid channel Saratoga Passage. -Stacy Estlick WrightC
10:45 -
Drove thru Langley and a few folks said they were past Pizzeria now. I don't know how far north from there. When I saw them they were close in to shore (Whidbey). 
10:20 -
They were trending towards Langley.
09:30 - 10:20 -
Woke up to two beautiful gray whales. Still out here milling around [just west of Sandy Point]. They are slowly trending north close to Whidbey [383 & 356 possible, Tony Tilt, PSE & Serena Tierra, ON]. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, April 5, 2024
*
MINKE WHALES -
Fri, Apr 5 - Hood Canal - 10:30 - I observed what appears to be one and possibly as many as three (second video may show more than one) in Union, WA this morning around 10:30, along State Route 106, mile marker 9. Last seen heading towards Twanoh State Park [video shows minke]. -Rich Ethridge

April 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Apr 4 - Possession Sound
18:27 - At least four
. They went by Spee Bi Dah pretty fast heading north closer to mainland.
18:11 - Heading into Port Susan Bay.
18:08 -
Spotted between Hat Island and Spee Bi Dah. -Jack Callaghan
*
16:30 -
Viewing from Madrona/Clinton. Orca are mid to Whidbey moving north. Line of sight was north of the Everett Marina. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
16:00 -
Northbound right now just came up again mid channel. Two to three I believe.
15:57 -
I have [orca] dorsals at the Mukilteo lighthouse. Closer to Whidbey side moving towards north. Came up right behind the Coast Guard ship when I saw them. -Kevin Doar
*
Thu, Apr 4 - North Puget Sound (T65As & T99s) - 20:08 - Single orca south end of Maury, close to shore heading into Quartermaster Harbor, Rosehilla/Manzanita side. Close in, like 100 yards off shore on about a zero tide. Into the harbor, not across and not moving fast. -John Troup
*
20:05 -
Last report from me. Besides the single male orca that came to the Dash Point side of the channel, I could hear and faintly see the other more midchannel/Vashon side and continuing west approaching Quartermaster.
19:55 - A single male
just came very close to shore at the tip of Dash Point. He just floated there and was breathing at the top of the water for two to three minutes. Have not seen the rest of the pod. -Mollie Segall
*
19:31 -
I’m at Dash Point right now and they are straight across from us moving slowly. -Amanda Aird Penland
*
19:28 -
Moving west very close to shore at Gold Beach (Vashon Side). As seen from Dash Point. -Mollie Segall
*
18:51 -
Got distracted by cute river otters, looked up just in time to see rest of T65As show up! Amira close in to shore, rest of family (unsure if A5 is there) out in mid channel, all southbound.
18:39 - T65A2
just passed Point Robinson, close in and now transiting south east crossing the channel, keeping a very low profile. Have not seen the rest of the family. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
18:35 - T65A3 passing Point Robinson
- still southbound at the time. -photo by April Janice Basham, April 4, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: STEVE BURCH
Date of Sighting: April 04, 2024
Time: 5:22 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: south of Point Beals on Vashon Island
Direction of travel : south
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: notch in dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
16:33 -
Just spotted a lone orca southbound, midchannel, between West Seattle and Tillikum Village! Moving fast, already halfway down Blake Island, still southbound. -Trileigh Tucker
*
16:32 - Orcas southbound south of Blake Island
west of mid channel view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
*
15:20 -
Currently watching them from Golden Gardens. Looks like they’re mid channel in line with Shilshole. They appear to be hunting. -Lauren Ryan Booth
*
14:07 -
Just saw one at Richmond Beach, mid channel. -Rubie H Baker
*
14:07 -
Booked it to the east side. From my viewpoint on President Point I caught a quick glimpse across the way looking at Golden Gardens. This was the larger male I believe that seems to be ahead of some others.
13:44 -
In front of President Point now! -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
13:15 - Large male passing Apple Tree Point
, Kingston, west side of the shipping lanes - close to Kitsap side. -Sara Frey
*
13:02 -
Watching them head south in Possession triangle offshore of Eglon area.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:56 - T65As and T99s
one and a half miles down the shore line from Point No Point slowly heading in the Kingston direction. -Tony Tilt, PSE
*
12:22 -
Still seeing blows midchannel between Maxwelton and Point No Point. East of Swiftures current location. Puget Sound Express. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
12:12 -
See one male across from Point No Point closer to Whidbey side heading southeast. -Janine Harles
*
11:43 -
Assuming these are Bigg’s as the whales are keeping a lower profile when the surface and seems like they’re traveling in a zig zag pattern, but I could be wrong.
11:38 -
Still southbound just west of yellow midchannel buoy off of Limpet Lane.
11:24 -
Seeing blows still southeast bound. One to two miles out. Viewing from Limpet Lane toward Kinney Point State Park. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
11:10 -
Viewing from Shore Meadow mid channel southbound, too far for ecotype. Not surface active. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
11:01 -
Seeing fins southbound just south of Marrowstone on Kitsap side. Very hard for me to see between Bush Point and Shore Meadows. -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
09:15 -
Victoria Clipper reported about 14 orcas off of Lagoon [Point] heading south not sure of the ecotype! -Tony Tilt, PSE
*
Thu, Apr 4 - Puget Sound (T87 & T124As) - T87 Harbeson - T124A1A & T124A4 - The past few weeks have been the hardest that I have endured in my adult life. I don't really have the energy to post a story to go with these photos, but I am grateful for orcas and their ability to bring me a moment of peace. Here are my photos of the T124As and T87 from Olalla to Southworth. Link to more photos. -photos by Jami Cantrell, April 4, 2024
*
T124A1 Bonapartes - T87 Harbeson -
I made it down to Owen Beach after work just in time to catch a quick pass. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, April 4, 2024
*
T87 Harbeson -
A truly beautiful day to be near the water and to see these beautiful transient orcas. I don’t have ID info, only on one the very large male T087 Harbeson. So many people got a surprise as this is spring break for so many schools and people were out to enjoy the day, plus got a bonus!! This was at Titlow Beach in Tacoma around noon today. Link to more photos. A very fast pass - viewing from Titlow/Hidden Beach, Tacoma. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, April 4, 2024
*
T124A7, T124A1 Bonapartes, T124A Kittiwake - The 124As and T87 Harbeson
made another loop around Vashon. Never a dull day watching whales. We followed them from Narrows Park up Colvos Passage and fully exited into the waters behind Blake Island they continued at quick pace northbound from there. Such a treat. We were debating whether we wanted to be done or not when we got word there were whales going down the east side of Vashon. We'll why not, we hopped the ferry instead of driving around to go home and lucky us we caught the 65As, a good friend and the most adorable pair of river otters to end our adventure. Link to more photos. -photo by April Janice Basham, April 4, 2024
*
A small pod of three orcas were spotted at Point Defiance - Tacoma. I’ve never seen them in this area, it was a very pleasant surprise! -photo by Christine Kane, April 4, 2024
*
Gig Harbor
in the background. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, April 4, 2024
*
T87 Harbeson -
From Owen Beach today. -photo by Mollie Segall, April 4, 2024
*
From Owen Beach. Link to video. -Bee Lorenzen McVicker 
*
18:04 -
Off Bainbridge heading north. Two to three orcas mid channel. -Jane Rein
*
18:17 -
Saw orcas off Anderson Point. I believe there were four. I wondered if one was a baby as two stayed right next to each other at all times. -Shelley Sisson
*
18:17 -
Confirmed orca. Closer in line with Sunset Hill Park, west of mid channel marker.
18:05 -
Multiple dorsals seen west of channel of Discovery - viewing through binoculars at Sunset Hill. Will confirm when closer if indeed orca. -Katie Chevalier
*
17:24 - Northbound by Eagle Harbor.
17:15 - West
in channel approaching Blakely Rocks view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle fast northbound. -Mary Hartmann
*
17:11 - Headed northbound even with Space Needle
- viewed from Manchester.
17:03 -
I’m seeing some hunting in front of great wheel way out west shipping lanes - viewed from Manchester.
16:40 -
Passing west side of Blake Island northbound - viewed from Manchester. -Noelle Morris
*
16:50 -
Heading north off the north tip Blake Island. -Julie Rosenblatt
*
16:42 -
From Manchester I can see the pod all the way on the other side northbound along Blake Island. Not sure a committed direction yet. -April Janice Basham
*
16:40 -
Passing west side of Blake Island northbound - viewed from Manchester. -Noelle Morris
*
16:36 -
Moving fast, already halfway down Blake Island, still southbound.
16:33 -
Just spotted a lone orca southbound, midchannel, between West Seattle and Tillikum Village! -Trileigh Tucker
*
16:30 -
Pod is around here [approx. 47.538918, -122.510330] trending northwest. Maybe a bit more midchannel than this. -Jami Cantrell
*
16:20 - Heading north
, along the west side of Blake Island. -Magdalena Phillips
*
16:14 -
John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:23 to report: 1614hrs: CATHLAMET Vessel reports 4 orca NB just off the pier at SW.  
*
16:13 - Orca
are now northbound into the ferry lanes at Southworth. -Candace Gavin
*
16:09 -
Viewing from Southworth now! Still heading north, probably five to six animals. -Magdalena Phillips
*
15:16 -
From a friend's house on private property at Prospect Point about ten to fifteen minutes ago they’re heading north steadily. Mainland side. -Jami Cantrell
*
15:04 -
Passing Olalla headed north at a quick pace. Mid channel to mainland side. -Candace Gavin
*
14:55 -
Passed Maplewood beach just west of mid-channel. Under for about a minute at a time. Should be at Olalla Bay Market & Landing shortly I saw one adult male, and looked like two babies and a larger juvenile or female, but not sure. Male was trailing the other three. -Stacey Olson
*
14:48 - Orcas
grouped up approaching Lisabuela mid channel, Harbeson trailing by about five minutes a tiny bit closer to island side, steady northbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:38 - Heading to Ollala
. -Kathryn McMillan
*
14:39 - Northbound in Colvos approaching Lisabuela
- they are trailing the fishing boat and small research boat? Behind them.
14:36 -
Passing Bates Walk on Vashon right now. Closer to Ollala side. Behind fishing boat, small boat behind them. -Shelby Middling
*
14:21 -
Viewing from Sunrise Beach they are near the shore of Vashon. -Kenzie Erickson
*
14:08 -
Confirming at least one is heading into Colvos.
14:06 -
Secondhand report says some at the mouth of Colvos on the tip of Vashon, but I haven’t confirmed with my own eyes. -Mollie Segall
*
14:02 -
They're coming around the bend. I can see them from Owen Beach. -Holly Fischer
*
13:59 - T87 went east.
Passing Owen mid channel.
13:55 -
Passing Point Defiance, large male closer to Owen side. The others Gig Harbor side. As seen from west of Owen Beach. -Mollie Segall
*
13:52 -
They're rounding Point Defiance. Close to Tacoma side. They’re out in midchannel heading towards Vashon. Moving fast.
13:49 -
They should be coming up on Point Defiance in a few. Boats ahead of them. -David Bennett
*
13:45 -
Mid channel off of Point Defiance direction choice now - up Colvos or towards Commencement Bay?
13:36 -
Now resuming northbound direction. Approaching Point Defiance. -Stace Gordon
*
13:33 -
Caught a breach about three minutes ago [approx. 47.292808, -122.537894]. They're steady northbound. -David Bennett
*
13:29 -
Continue to mill about with single boat in their midst. No obvious direction and still mid channel.
13:24 -
Milling a bit at south end of Salmon Beach. Mid channel
13:20 -
Mid channel north bound across from Salmon Beach. -Stace Gordon
*
13:06 -
North of Narrows Bridge middle to Gig Harbor side grouped six. -Susan White
*
13:03 -
Just passing under Narrows Bridge heading north viewing from Titlow. -Cherie StOurs
*
12:55
- Video from their approach to the Narrows Bridge. -Anika Blake
*
12:53 -
They seem northbound towards Narrows Bridge again closer to Gig Harbor. -Keri Simons
*
12:44 -
Viewing from Titlow seeing a lot of breaching across from Point Fosdick on Fox Island side. No direction. -Cherie StOurs
*
12:24 -
Someone's getting a show off Ketner's Point. -David Bennett
*
12:21 -
Just past the Fox Island light house mid channel tail slapping and heading slowly back out to Narrows or Fox Island pier. -Brianna Aratin
*
12:17 -
They do appear to be headed slowly back to Point Fosdick after milling around a bit. Off the tip of Fox Island here. -Anika Blake
*
11:59 -
They are slowly heading back towards the Narrows, but milling around still in view from the Fox Island Bridge. -Brianna Aratin
*
11:55 -
They are mid channel directly out from the lighthouse currently. Viewing from the Fox Island Bridge! -Anika Blake
*
11:44 -
They're still east of the Fox Island Bridge. I'm at the sandbar. Can see them between bridge supports. -David Bennett
*
11:38 -
Visible from Fox Island Bridge. -Brianna Aratin
*
11:38 -
They are in Hales Passage, slowly nearing the bridge. -Kirsten Vacura
*
11:30 -
Looks like they’re passing mouth of Wollochet Bay still headed towards bridge. -Jenna Iams
*
11:17 -
From Fox Island Bridge, seeing distant fins - appear to be headed north still. Hard to tell, but maybe near Cromwell?  -Kirsten Vacura
*
11:04 -
I was at Point Fosdick - can confirm. All entered Hale Passage headed quickly towards bridge. -Jenna Iams
*
11:03 -
Definitely headed [toward] Fox Island bridge. Viewing from east side of Fox Island. -Barb Pritchard Hulbert
*
10:56 -
They entered Hale Passage heading to the Fox Island Bridge. -Lily TucSar
*
10:44 -
Almost to the Fox Island Pier moving swiftly! -Karen Caldwell
*
Thanks to back of camera photos from Ashley Whitman we see T87 Harbeson is among the group. -Orca Network
*
10:36 -
Viewable from Titlow. Close to Gig Harbor. -Becky Bard
*
10:35 -
Still trending southbound. Closer to Gig Harbor side. Off Titlow.  -Jessica Huie
*
10:35 -
Viewing from Tacoma Narrows Park. They are passing the Narrows Marina. They’re headed towards Chambers Bay. -Lyndsey Carter
*
10:33 -
They're heading southbound past the Narrows. That pass the common Narrows Park. They seem to be trending towards Titlow, but they were midchannel. I'm at a higher vantage point from people who were looking at the beach who thought they were further out. They're further south mid channel - moving fast. -David Bennett
*
10:30 -
Straight across from Hidden Beach just south of Narrows. Gig Harbor side. -Kelsey Hines
*
10:28 -
Past Narrows Bridge. South bound. Closer Gig Harbor side.  -Jessica Huie
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charles Lear
Date of Sighting: April 04, 2024
Time: 3:53 AM [time is incorrect]
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Narrows bridge
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There was a baby orca protected by 2 others
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Charles Lear, April 4, 2024
*
10:23 -
Seeing blows from Hidden Beach still north of Narrows Bridge heading south. -Cherie StOurs
*
10:20 -
Approaching bridge from north center to Gig Harbor side spread out. -Susan White
*
10:16 -
Seeing blows off the beach at Titlow. Southbound. -Jessica Huie
*
10:16 -
Blows in front of Salmon Beach heading south. -Kirsten Vacura
*
09:21 -
Logan Baker, WDFW sent message they are seeing the orcas off Point Defiance, at least three, very active and traveling southwest.
*
09:14 -
They passed the ferry terminal hugging Vashon but appear to have turned more south headed towards Point Defiance. Just got back to my car and no longer have eyes on them. May have been approximately five with one male.
09:08 - Heading west
already past ferry terminal. -Joe Smith
*
09:05 -
Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:27 to report: 0905 hrs: MV CHETZEMOKA Captain reports via 800MHz vessel has come to a stop for 6+ orcas just off the bow, WB towards Gig Harbor. 
*
09:02 -
Just saw one smallish fin and took off for Browns Point. Haven’t seen them here yet.
08:37 -
Just saw them at the yellow buoy past Dash Point. Heading south. -Dianne Brueckner
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris Cooper
Date of Sighting: April 04, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: close in to Maury Island in front of Sandy Shores Drive
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 big, 2 small fins
Any unusual markings?: just saw the fins
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
08:29 -
At the tip of Dash Point now… a few hundred yards from shore. Still headed southwest. - Believe there were three. I saw two smaller fins together and one large male? A bit away from them. -Sean Rourke
*
07:17 - Three or more orcas southbound from Des Moines
Marina towards Redondo close to shore. Didn’t see any large male fins, but three or four female fins swimming together and blows. Saw them from 7:00 am until 7:10 am with our morning coffee.  -David Valleau 
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Thu, Apr 4 - Haro Strait 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Apr 4 9:33 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.51859, -123.1577 [Lime Kiln
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Gone as quick as he showed up. Not sure what direction he is headed.  
Submitter Name: Chad
Whale Alert App
*
GRAY WHALES -
Thu, Apr 4 - Saratoga Passage
17:20 -
Spy hop and blows directly in front of Hidden Beach parking lot.
17:05 -
Blows at Hidden Beach closer to Whidbey side. -Janet Moody
*
16:35 - Heading into Hidden Beach.
16:24 - Trending south.
16:16 - Two gray whales
feeding off would be sure one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Aaron Gill, April 4, 2024
*
10:45 - One gray
or humpback at Pebble Beach [Camano] heading north. -Leah Forrey [CWW]

April 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Apr 3 - San Juans (T63 & T65) - 14:45 North of Turn Point Lighthouse. Per Ellie Sawyer, this is T63 & T65. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 3 - San Juans (T49As) - 15:17 - T49As were the north group [located in the San Juans]. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 3 - Spieden Channel (T65Bs) - 15:17 - T65Bs headed north of Green Point. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
*
14:44 - Orca
with many ww boats slowly west to east midway Spieden Channel. Per Ellie Sawyer, this is the T65Bs. -Edenonthe Salishsea [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 3 - Haro Strait - 13:30 - Multiple human detections of Bigg's killer whale calls on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone through substantial ship noise. Review the reports here. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
*
13:28 -
Heard these on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone as well. Very clear starting at 13:28:44. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Apr 3 - San Juans - Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca)
Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 3 8:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.66052,-123.11638 (East of Stuart Island)
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: Biggs?
Submitter Name: Pintail 
Whale Alert App
*
Wed, Apr 3 - Puget Sound (T87 & T124As) - 19:32 - They didn't go to Tyee. They went toward Des Moines, but Vashon side. -Kelly Wilson
*
19:09 - Three to four orcas passed Point Robinson northbound
, spotted from near Des Moines Marina, too far away to ID. -David Valleau
*
19:04 - Orcas
have crossed over to island side of mid channel, and have passed Point Robinson, evening sun bouncing off dorsals, steady northbound, loose group with Harbeson trailing by a tiny bit. Good night orcas. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
19:01 -
Looks like they rounded Point Robinson passed the cable crossing on Luana Beach. Observed from Saltwater State Park. -Michael Scuderi
*
18:52 -
Straight out from Point Robinson, mainland side of mid channel, headed northbound through the choppy sea. Very windy out here! -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
18:47 - Off Point Robinson northbound
. -photo by Cynthia Swensøn, April 3, 2024
*
18:19 -
They are across the water there. -Tracey Carrillo
*
18:12 - At Point Robinson
seen some breaching just north of Dash Point I watched them come up from Browns Point and once they got to Redondo then came directly to us at the lighthouse. It was amazing. -Matthew Lau
*
17:57 -
Seen one off Dash Point far off though. -Tiffany Russell
*
17:48 -
Seen breaching from Reconciliation Park off Browns Point. -Kyle Anderson
*
17:45 -
Big male is approaching Dash Point mainland side but not close in headed north fast long down times. -Jami Cantrell
*
17:40 -
Large male passing close to shore at Browns Point right now! -Mollie Segall
*
17:39 - Three passed Dash Point
close I headed north with a few more out midchannel northbound. -Jami Cantrell
*
17:37 -
Saw them from Dash Point! -Linda Emoto
*
17:37 -
Right by Browns Point. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
17:36 -
We saw breaches from Dash Point! -Linda Emoto
*
17:31 -
Everyone is northbound, Harbeson is close to shore. Think they are coming up on Dash Point Park. From Dune. -Melissa Bird
*
17:20 -
One moving slow east in Commencement [approx. 47.287043, -122.444716]. -David Bennett
*
17:19 -
Looking northeast from Dune Point area (market). Heading north. -Jim Schmaltz
*
17:19 - Commencement
group coming up on Browns Point close to shore!
17:14 - Commencement
group is off Tyee Marina, towards Tyee Marina/westbound.
17:08 -
Look to have a few Northbound between Browns Point & Dash Point, not far off shore, second group deep in Commencement near Tyee Marina. -Melissa Bird
*
17:00 -
I was at Ruston. I have followed this page for years. I hope every time I am down there that I will see orcas! Today it happened. I was thrilled beyond words! -Kristyn Purvis Dahl
*
16:59 -
Spotted off Ruston. -photo by Mary Locke, April 3, 2024
*
16:57 - One east of ferry by Vashon shore
. -Tiffany Russell
*
16:55 -
Still have some deeper out crossing to Commencement & a group ahead of them entering Commencement. Commencement group has mom & calf & Harbeson, maybe one more. -Melissa Bird
*
16:54 -
Regrouped and heading towards Commencement mid channel. -Mollie Segall
*
16:48 -
Steady eastbound off Dune, this side of mid channel for four, two more further out closer Vashon side. From pass at Dune [video in FB comments]. -Melissa Bird
*
17:01 -
They just entered Commencement Bay - in front of Ruston waterfront, headed east.
16:38 - Directly north of Dune Park
, mid channel, heading east. -Jim Evans
*
From Owen Beach today. -photo by Holly Fischer, April 3, 2024
*
From Owens earlier. -Jami Cantrell
*
16:38 -
They are right in the ferry lane now. milling around a bit directionless. -Steve Blum
*
16:37 -
At least four orcas heading east mid channel as seen from Dune Peninsula. Edit: more North east now. -Mollie Segall
*
16:37 -
[approx. 47.318973, -122.512664]. -Holly Fischer
*
16:31 -
Approaching the ferry lane in about a half a mile. -Steve Blum
*
16:30 -
I'm finally watching them at Owen Beach! -Holly Fischer
*
16:30 -
Last I saw they were heading east angling to Vashon. Haven't seen them in a few. -David Bennett
*
16:26 - Eastbound along Point Defiance
, Tacoma side. -Jami Cantrell
*
16:20 -
Near tip of Point Defiance. Northeasterly. -Mark Goddard
*
16:15 -
From Old Ferry Landing, Gig Harbor. -photo by Douglas Fraser Smith, April 3, 2024
*
16:15 -
Close on the Salmon Beach side, hugging fairly tight northbound towards the tip of Point Defiance. -Zack Fowler
*
16:12 - Northbound nearing the turn on Point Defiance
. -Steve Blum
*
15:49 - Northbound
under the west tower of the Narrows Bridge. -Karen Caldwell
*
15:35 - Orcas
went past Fox Island fishing pier five minutes ago. Heading north towards Narrows Bridge, closer to the Tacoma side of channel.  -Pattie LaRue Warr
*
15:35 -
Almost to Titlow. Five orcas including recent baby swimming north though University Place. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, April 3, 2024
*
15:00 -
They are still between Fox and McNeil moving slowly towards Steilacoom where I am viewing.
14:41 -
Same place. Just saw them. Other side of Fox. Between Fox and McNeil. -Paul Davis
*
14:24 -
I can see them with binoculars milling about here and a small boat WAY too close! [approx. 47.261021, -122.693515] (Carr Inlet w. of Fox Is.).
14:05 -
I think so, there was a lone one off to the east of my home for a while then suddenly a large group appeared. -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
13:48 -
Was seeing them at Chambers Bay milling and then trending into Carr. They deep dove and must have continued into Carr. -Candace Gavin
*
13:40 -
Now [approx. 47.223740, -122.630765] (Carr Inlet off so. end of Fox Is.). -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
13:40 - Orcas are heading up the passage between Fox and McNeil
. -Vicki Flood
*
13:20 -
Here now [approx. 47.201925, -122.611982] (Carr Inlet so. of Fox Is.). -Laura Kozar Batanian
*
13:17 -
Close to McNeil side. Milling.

13:14 - Southbound. Mid Channel - Closer to McNeil side.

13:08 - Still milling/eating and moving very slow in front of Chambers foot bridge. -Kevin M. Harris
*
13:09 -
Should be at Steilacoom now. -photo by Brianna Aratin, April 3, 2024
*
13:06 -
Spotted one near south end of Fox. -Paul Davis
*
13:04 - Off Chambers Bay
, milling on Tacoma side of the buoy. -Melissa Bird
*
12:57 -
Mid channel southbound at Chambers Bay. -Kevin M. Harris
*
12:57 -
In front of Chambers Beach looking towards south end of Fox Island. -Jules Galante
*
12:55 -
Lost sight of it. Mid channel near south end of Fox Island.
12:41 - Heading towards fishing pier on Fox Island
. -Kathi Erickson
*
12:38 -
Passing Fox Island pier Island side of mid channel, at least six. -Melissa Bird
*
12:32 -
They appear to be approaching Fox Island fishing pier, close to that shore.  -Kirsten Vacura
*
12:22 - Harbeson
right off shore at Day Island. He big! Drifting south again.
12:20 -
Reversal of direction at north end of Day Island. Beautiful spy hop & tail slaps, kind of milling.
12:17 - Continued southbound passing Day Island
now. -Melissa Bird
*
12:15 - Multiple orcas
visible just west of Titlow, small boat cutting through pod and following closely, circling their activity -James Rempt
*
12:15 -
Just passed Titlow mid channel - can see distant from Titlow - by Day Island. -Elana Cashion
*
Milling just north of Day Island. -Kirsten Vacura
*
12:08 -
Looks like headed through Hale Passage. -Peyton Koski
*
12:07 -
Have passed Narrows Park, closer to Gig Harbor side now, southbound. Red sailboat trailing. -Melissa Bird
*
12:04 -
Just saw large male from Narrows Marina near the small boat. -Ben Bird
*
12:03 - Point Fsdick
close in a minute ago. -GK Silv
*
11:53 -
Spotted on west side of the bridge. Tacoma side. -Brittany Hood
*
11:49 -
Mid channel approaching bridge southbound. -Jill Clogston
*
11:45 -
North of Narrows Bridge crossing to Gig Harbor side south movement. -Susan White
*
11:42 -
Just north of the bridge now, more on the Tacoma side, southbound. -Melissa Bird
*
11:35 -
Still southbound towards the bridge, closer to east side as small barge passes on west. -Peter Mo
*
11:35 -
They are still north of Narrows near the barge. -Heather Maher
*
11:27 -
Heading towards the Narrows Bridge. -Laureen Claggett
*
11:16 - Headed south
out of my view.
11:15 - South
towards bridge. Midway in channel. -Jen Clark
*
11:15 - Southbound in Narrows.
11:10 -
Spread out at Point Defiance. -David Michael
*
11:14 -
I am viewing from Gig Harbor between Vashon Island and Point Defiance. I saw several that were near Vashon Island west of ferry but moving eastward about 15 minutes ago. And five minutes ago saw several very near tip of Point Defiance moving toward the beacon southward. I am unsure if it’s the same group.
11:08 -
Several whales just off tip of Point Defiance, very near to the large boat that sped past and just cut engines. -Michele Riley Campbell
*
11:08 -
Right in front of Gig Harbor now!  -Jen Clark
*
11:06
- Might want to plan for Titlow, but they could always change course. Continuing southbound travel towards Narrows.
10:57 -
Travel appears to be southbound towards the Narrows, still between Colvos and Narrows though.  -Brooke Casanova
*
10:48 -
Viewing from Owen, heading west. Straight out from the beach. -Kirsten Vacura
*
10:45 -
They look like they are headed north to Colvos very close to Vashon. -Erin Pritchard
*
10:28 -
April Basham reports passing Ruston. Her photo shows T87! Plus about six others.
*
10:21 - Lobster Shop
area. -Erin Keene
*
10:18 -
Seeing three near the Lobster Shop exiting Commencement Bay, spread out. One male close in to Ruston side other two farther out. -April Basham
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Apr 3 9:49 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.26704,-122.44198 [deep in Commencement Bay, near Foss]
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Matt Petke
Whale Alert App
*
Wed, Apr 3 - Puget Sound - 09:55 - We have a report of Transient/Bigg's orcas near Point Robinson [Maury/Vashon] headed south. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
GRAY WHALES - Wed, Apr 3 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 10:15 - We spotted gray whales off north Camano Island, Utsalady Bay. -Laura Jo Aseltine [SSWW]
*
Wed, Apr 3 - Possession Sound
12:38 -
Viewing from Harborview Park. My best guess is at my noted location on map. Cannot tell direction [approx. 48.010507, -122.264394].
12:05 -
From the Mukilteo bound ferry, I could see the three grey whale blows in line with Priest Point. Can't tell how far in the sound though from ferry. Thank you Roy Short (HIWS). -Marilyn Armbruster
*
10:35 -
Three grays traveling toward Everett from Hat Island. -Roy Short [HIWS]
*
Wed, Apr 3 - Puget Sound
19:16 -
Swam a lap around the breakwater & marina. Now northbound close to mainland. Came by the pier and went down near Redondo. Then returned about 40 minutes later and stayed in sight northeast of the pier. Link to more photos.
18:19 - Gray whale just off the Des Moines pier facing northbound.
18:30 - Southbound headed to Redondo
. -photo by Jason Cook, April 3, 2024
*
11:53 -
Ali S. sent message reporting a gray whale in Redondo Bay heading southbound close to Redondo shore. [Update per Ali Saccone]: I saw it head north in Redondo Bay and quickly flipped south by the boat launch. It was splashing around, I saw no breaches. As it quickly headed south along the bay I lost sight in all the white caps. The wind also made it hard to see the spray. For a moment we thought there were two but can’t be sure.

April 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Tue, Apr 2 - Admiralty Inlet (T124Ds) - 13:36 - The 124Ds are up there on the Whidbey side [off Fort Casey]. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy
*
Tue, Apr 2 - Puget Sound (T36As, T65As, T87, T99s, T100s, T124As) - T99B Holly, T99 Bella, T99E - T65A3 Amira - Still a pretty good T-party off of Point No Point while out on the Puget Sound Express. Link to more photos. -photos by Cara Dana, April 2, 2024
*
T65A6 Callisto & T65A3 Amira
- Amazing to see this many T's from Point No Point. Link to more photos. -photos by Eric Russell, April 2, 2024
*
Ran down to Lagoon Point to catch the trailers of the T party leaving Admiralty… they "should" have surfaced pretty close in, but choose to push out a bit and head northwest. Still lovely to see with lots of orca pals! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, April 2, 2024
*
From the Puget Sound Express out of Edmonds. The transient orcas were south of Point No Point when we saw them and the grays were up near Hat Island. Link to videos. -Jeff Christie
*
To recap: as the T party from the previous day headed north in Admiralty Inlet, they were spread across the channel: T124As were close to the Whidbey side; Most of the T65As & T99s were midchannel; T36As, T65A4, & T87 were close to Marrowstone Island. 
*
Thank you to all that posted updates today. I had a short day so was able to finally meet up with the orcas at Bush Point then Lagoon Point. They weren't super close but I didn't care. What an exciting day for me. -Mel Nasby
*
15:11 - T065As
(didn’t see A2) and the T099s heading out of Admiralty, almost abeam of Fort Ebey State Park. A3 was socializing with 99C when we saw them. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy
*
14:55 - Three
tight together just about to cross the ferry lane at Fort Casey.  -Bethani White
*
14:50 -
Mid channel between Fort Worden and Fort Casey. -Rachel King
*
14:44 -
Caught a glimpse mid-channel from Driftwood Beachheading to Port Townsend or Fort Casey… long down times. -Janet Moody
*
14:35 -
Bigger group approaching Point Wilson. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy
*
14:42 -
Close pass at Marrowstone Point - six whales - headed towards Port Townsend.
14:28 -
Now all circling the sea lion rock.
14:23 -
Correction about four close to shore still at East Beach about.
14:21 -
One very close to shore and one a few hundred meters out.
14:16 -
Seeing blows just south of East Beach on Whidbey side - viewing from Marrowstone Point.
14:06 -
Seeing some fins and blows mid channel between Bush Point and Marrowstone - closer to Whidbey. -Rebecca Berger
*
T87 Harbeson - T65A4 Ellifrit & T36A Leland - 14:15 -
One large group passed Flagler near mid-channel moving quickly and another group showed up 15 minutes later right on the beach for an incredible pass. All seem to be in travel mode heading for Port Townsend. -photos & IDs by Jim Pasola, April 2, 2024
*
14:04 -
Approaching Lagoon Point - some northbound. -Bonnie Gretz
*
14:05 - Near Lagoon Point
(?) now.
14:03 - North of Bush Point
. Northbound and moving fast! -Julie Page
*
13:50 -
Another matriline directly across the channel, maybe the 99s.
13:44 -
At least six off Bush Point northbound. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy
*
13:25 -
One group more midchannel further north, one group further east closer into Whidbey and south. All northbound.
13:15 - Northbound
midchannel outer mid Mutiny Bay. Calm waters here. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Had a nice pass from Hansville! T65As I think? -Kimberly Fritz
*
13:05 - Point No Point -
they were quite far and crossed fast! I'm hoping they turn around. -Iravasa Athem
*
12:43 -
I’m at Point No Point parking lot. They are way out across from here.  -Irene Faso
*
[I] saw T65A2 and I believe T65A3 off of Point No Point mid channel a few hours ago. -Kimberly Fritz
*
Today I saw a fin or two at PNP. I consider the day to be successful because I spoke with a photographer on the shore and we discovered that we live three minutes apart at Seabeck. So, now we will carpool and try to “shoot” some of these whales. Happy hunting. Many blessings. -Irene Faso
*
12:37 -
Off Norwegian Point approximately one mile, four female, one male. -Montlake Mutt
*
12:15 -
Kim P called to report the large group of orcas are out front halfway between Eglon and Pilot Point moving northbound but in no hurry. Very close to Kitsap shore, and active. It’s very cool.
*
12:12 -
Quickly northbound two miles south of Point No Point. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
*
12:05 -
Sprays now visible from Point No Point with binoculars. -Eric Russell
*
11:52 -
All those orcas are continuing northbound travels just east of the southbound shipping lanes out from near Eglon (sightline north of from Sunset Ave) Getting more difficult to see fins but just caught glimpse of males northbound.
11:35 -
The orcas woke up! Breach fest south of Eglon as they continue northbound.
11:15 - Large group orcas
still all grouped up, sightline north of Apple Tree Point, Kingston from Sunset Ave (north of Edmonds ferry) on far west side of the Sound. See map. Slow steady northbound. Exhalations and shiny bodies beautiful in lovely April morning sun. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:10 -
Very slow northbound trend. Youngsters with a lot of surface activity. Very west side of shipping lane. -Sara Frey
*
11:02 -
See them in Kingston now! -Iravasa Athem
*
10:58 -
Friend texted from Kingston bound ferry that they killed the engine. She could see seven and at least one was a little baby. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cara Dana
Date of Sighting: April 02, 2024
Time: 10:57 AM
Species seen: Biggs Orca
Number of animals seen: 14
Where seen: Near Point No Point
Direction of travel : N fast
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Multiple photos of the orcas at point no point I think this group is the T099s?
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
10:33 -
A lot of orcas! Could be most if not all of yesterdays. Together but loosely in two groups. Slow steady post-meal northbound travels. Surfacing shallow. Blows sometimes barely visible. Edmonds up next.
10:20 -
At least dozen if not upwards of 20 mid channel out from Kayu Kayu Ac, in Shoreline, northbound grouped. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
09:45 -
Quite a few orcas maybe three miles south of the Spokane [Kingston to Edmonds ferry run]. Can't tell direction of travel though. -Trevor Tillman
*
09:05 -
Quite a few out in front of Jefferson Head in Kingston. Looks like they are hunting. Possibly going south. A large male in the group. -Corrie Beamer Urquhart
*
GRAY WHALES -
Tue, Apr 2 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 14:28 - Grey whale hanging out just off Harrington Lagoon (Saratoga Passage). Spy hopping and displaying, tail, dorsal fins and rolling. Pretty cool. -Randy Zimmerman Furnas
*
Tue, Apr 2 - Central/Lower Saratoga Passage
10:19 -
Close to Sandy Point, Whidbey now. Appears to be headed south toward Hat Island.
09:59 - Heading steadily south.
09:45 - Gray whale south of Camano Head
, viewing from Langley.
08:27 -
Long down times, possibly heading south east along Fox Spit now.
08:12 - Gray whale from Hidden Beach
is now approaching Baby Island. Update: two grays near Baby Island [approx. 48.105974, -122.528586]. -Catherine Lee
*
Tue, Apr 2 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart) - CRC22 Earhart - 07:00 - Gray whale at Hidden Beach Tuesday morning. -photos by Bob VonDrachek, April 2, 2024
*
Tue, Apr 2 - Possession Sound (CRC383 Cascade & CRC2356 Stalwart) - 13:50 - Just left 383 and 2356 south of Hat moving east. -Trevor Tillman, PSE.

April 1
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) -
Mon, Apr 1 - Active Pass (T49As minus T49A1 & T49A2) - 19:15 - Members of the T049As (minus A1 and A2) transited eastward through Active Pass. They went quickly with the tide, accompanied by a colony of seagulls. Thanks to R.Hayden for ID. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island. -photos by Karoline Cullen, April 1, 2024
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Admiralty Inlet - 14:00 - Saratoga just passed four more killer whales southbound in southbound lane off Marrowstone Point. Did not stop because of commercial traffic but definitely orca. -Christopher Lewman
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lola Stepanski
Date of Sighting: April 01, 2024
Time: 9:55 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: North of Fort Casey campground
Direction of travel : N around the bend
Behaviors observed: Traveling splashing blowing
If orcas, any males?: Too far to tell, tall dorsal
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Exciting
Photos available?: No
*
08:00 -
We saw six plus orcas in three groupings near Libbey Beach [Whidbey] traveling south. -Athena Martin
*
Mon, Apr 1 - San Juans (T137s) - T137D Wright, T137 Loon, T137B Tempest, T137A Jack - T137A Jack - Shortly after casting off with sails raised we spotted blows near Turn Island. We doubled back under sail as they approached Friday Harbor. At first there were two orca, siblings T137A and T137D, who stalled out to stalk sea lions just outside of the harbor. Suddenly there were four orca - the rest of the T137’s appeared out of nowhere. There were five sea lions hugging the shoreline keeping a close watch on the orcas while a bunch of people watched from the University of Washington Marine Labs. The orcas were taking long 9 minute dives as they were presumably planning an attack. After close to 45 minutes the orcas decided to move on returning to Upright Channel. We sailed alongside as the orcas rested traveling very slowly. It was tough to leave them as it was so peaceful and beautiful drift sailing with the orcas and so special being the only vessel there! We left the orcas as they were approaching Upright Head, Lopez Island. -David and Barbara Howitt -photos by All Aboard Sailing, April 1, 2024
*
16:30 -
They veered instead to go north up Upright Channel.
15:20 - Now southbound in San Juan Channel.
14:50 - T137s milling off the Friday Harbor Labs.
14:00 - T137A and D northbound past Friday Harbor.
13:45 - Milling near Turn Island.
13:15 - Orcas southbound south end of Upright Channel
. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Puget Sound (T36As, T65As, T87, T99s, T100s, T124As) - T36A Leland, T65A4 Ellifrit, T36A1 Tierna - April Fool’s day was definitely no joke this year! We had an extraordinary experience watching a large Bigg’s killer whale superpod here in Puget Sound. When we first spotted the orcas from a distance off Mutiny Bay that day on the M.V. Swiftsure we could see lots of surface action and some of the orcas were speed swimming, porpoising out of the water, in our direction. At first we thought they might be hunting a fast-moving prey animal like a porpoise or a minke whale, but then after we saw just how many dorsal fins were coming up to the surface it became evident that these killer whales were probably just socializing and having fun with each other. There were members of T36A pod, T65A pod, T99 pod, T124A pod, and T87 all swimming together in this amazing group. This superpod was likely 20-25 orcas strong, and when they gather in a group this large socializing tends to take center stage as the families intermingle. At one point in the beginning T65A4 (Ellifrit), T36A1 (Tierna) and T36A (Leland) appeared to be racing each other. Watching those three killer whales explode out of the water and go completely airborne in the process was jaw-dropping! It is amazing the amount of power, speed, and beauty these animals can possess, but yet moments later we would watch their gentle, social and caring side. After the racing was over and they slowed down we had a rare chance to see these orcas stop and intermingle with each other. One subpod of orcas even turned completely around to join with another subpod trailing behind them. This seemed like the perfect time to put the hydrophone down into the water and we could hear all the whistles, and squeaks of multiple conversations going on at the same time. This is the kind of behavior we frequently saw in the 1990s and early 2000s when J, K and L pod would gather together in their iconic greeting ceremonies after having not seen each other for a long time. It’s hard to put into words how unique, special, and awe-inspiring it was to be able to witness these Bigg’s killer whales socialize with each other at such a high level like this, and you could just feel the happiness oozing out of the water at the same time! Here are a few of my favorite photos from this unforgettable experience. Link to more photos. -photos by Bart Rulon Wildlife, April 1, 2024
*
From Norwegian Point County Park and Point No Point, with an awesome background of Cascade Mountains. Link to more photos.  -photo by Hongming Zheng, April 1, 2024
*
T36A Leland -
What a day on Puget Sound Express! I caught this series of orcas porpoising - link to more photos. - A superpod of transient orcas in what seemed like a family union. I imagined cousins getting together. Link to more photos.  -photos by Kyle Anderson, April 1, 2024
*
A friend took this one at Point No Point. -photo by Tami Tangen Bowen, April 1, 2024
*
Part of the T-party heading south, taken from shore at Norwegian Point and Eglon Boat Launch. So much activity! Joy to behold this frolicking group - am excited to share and see photos from this encounter! Link to more photos. -photos by Deanna Deery-Schmitt, April 1, 2024
*
It was a beautiful April Fool's Day and a great start to April as several pods of Bigg's transient orcas came together for a "T-party" in the north Puget Sound area. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, April 1, 2024
*
What can I say about yesterday April Fool’s? It was no joke! 20 plus transient killer whales from multiple family groups. Including 36As, 65As, 99s, 100s, and the 124As and lastly T87 Harbeson. Here are just a few of the breaches from Point No Point as they passed southbound. What a magical sight it truly was. You could feel the energy travel across the water from the socializing that was taking place. What a beautiful day with whales and friends. T99C breached three times off the point. Amazing. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, April 1, 2024
*
At 18:50 & 18:51 south side Alki Point. About half of the supersize assemblage of Bigg’s Transients who occupied the inland waters of Puget Sound today. The other half passed by well on the other side of the Sound about an hour behind these lovelies. Just a cell phone video, but was a really nice pass as they rounded the point backdropped by the Olympics and the sounds of their exhalations which lit up glistening in the golden sun. Tomorrow should be interesting. Link to videos. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
Video earlier this afternoon from the Swiftsure. My first time and it did not disappoint! Huge T-party. Link to video. -Laura Crockett
*
Sharing a short video compilation of the "T-Party" of transient orcas near Hansville, WA and Point No Point lighthouse. Link to video. -Mike Maddox
*
19:55 -
Believe a second male who is leading the described larger trailing groups from my 19:40 update. Lead male was passing in front of Tillicum village (sightline from south of Emma Schmitz viewpoint) at 19:53. A few minutes later the other groups surfaced off the north end Blake (sightline). They are all slow steady southbound west side of channel. Last update from me.
19:40 -
I see the other half of the overall larger group. This trailing group is at least a dozen or more orcas in two groups between south Bainbridge and Blake Island, on far west side of channel. Lead group (of this trailing group) has about six with male tagging behind them and second group of five to six behind him a short distance. Lots of females and juvies in each group. Slow steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
19:41 -
About six orcas southbound between Brace Point and Seola Beach close to the mainland. Also one or more more out towards mid-channel.  -Mark Amsden
*
19:35 -
Just passed Brace Point southbound east of channel. -Nicole Na
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Puget Sound (T36As, T65As, T87, T99s, T100s, & T124As) - T87 Harbeson - 18:20 - In Elliot Bay, just off Magnolia coast. Link to more photos. -photo by Alan Amick, April 1, 2024 - -More photos from the T party. Link to more photos. -photo by Mike Maddox, April 1, 2024
*
19:30 -
Spotted from Magnolia Bluff, Seattle. -Hartmut Peters 
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Hartmut Peters
Date of Sighting: April 01, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: off N end of Blake Island
Direction of travel : initially S, then milling about
Behaviors observed: probably hunting
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We saw the group from the Magnolia Bluff - a long ways away. The orcas were just black against the western evening sky. There were at least six orcas, at least one male. They were hard to follow because they stayed under water at depth or near the surface for long periods.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
19:15 -
Group of three to four orcas headed south, looks like mid-channel. Longer down times. Viewing from Eagle Harbor looking toward Alki lighthouse with really long lens. -Jim Reitz
*
19:06 -
Leaders passing Vashon ferry east of shipping lanes from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
18:58 -
Super close beautiful pass off Alki about ten minutes ago by large group with others offshore who were still well east of mid channel (Harbeson I believe being one). Southbound. Beautiful glassy seas and beautiful April sun.
18:50 -
This is just half the overall group when passing by south side Alki. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maggie Savarino
Date of Sighting: April 01, 2024
Time: 6:49 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: a few 100yds southeast of Rockaway Wing Point
Direction of travel : N slow
Behaviors observed: traveling breaking the water
If orcas, any males?: no
Any unusual markings?: too far
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: nope!
Photos available?: No
*
18:40 -
Many close on off Alki southbound.
18:30 -
From Alki looking towards and transect Wing Point, Bainbridge see one group of at least four to five, including male, mid channel or just west of and seeing multiple blows parallel them but far side of the Sound. North of Eagle Harbor. All southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
18:30 -
Solitary male outside Elliott Bay heading southeast [approx. 47.618070, -122.423774]. -Ben B
*
18:20 -
Group of six seen from Manitou Beach headed south. -Jessica Cook
*
17:55 - Southbound just north of Rolling Bay
. -Susan Bavo
*
17:43 -
Cell pic through spotting scope from Sunset Park as mid-channel group of about five continued steady southbound offshore of Shilshole Marina. -photo by Scott Veirs, April 1, 2024
*
17:54 -
Group passed West Point, heading south. -Deb Cronheim
*
17:47 -
Group passing Shilshoe on west of midchannel closer to Kitsap side… Slow slow steady pace south. Beautiful! -Sue Surowiec Larkin
*
17:36 -
Grouped close together southbound right off of Fay - might be napping. -Brenda Campbell
*
17:36 -
Group north of Westpoint Lighthouse, midchannel, not sure of direction. -Deb Cronheim
*
17:20 -
Ferry had to redirect as one male was seen slightly east of marker [approx. 47.723447, -122.460583]. Milling. -Jenny Klis
*
17:19 -
Leading group on the Kitsap side is now line of sight from Sunset Hill to Port Madison.
17:15 -
Viewing from Sunset Hill Park. Midchannel group is line of sight to the Kingston ferry terminal with at least one individual traveling ahead. Edit: seeing at least four clusters spread apart midchannel. -Grace Haaland
*
16:55 -
Just passed President Point still heading southbound fast. Closer to Kitsap side. Three boats following. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
*
16:50 - Another one to three more midchannel (east/northeast of main group) heading southbound. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
16:52 - Pods
are spread all across the channel. With some on the Kitsap side while others are mid channel. All are south of the Kingston ferry lines. Still southbound. -Candace Gavin
*
16:47 - Passing President Point
, Kitsap side heading south. -Joanne Graves
*
16:41 -
Peek-a-boo! From Faye Bainbridge. -Krista Paulino
*
16:29 -
About six or seven just in front of Point Wells tankers. -Jan Pierce
*
16:29 -
Ferry slowed for them. Saw Indy, among others about ten minutes ago. -Maia Jewell
*
16:10 - Pass by Apple Tree Point
- close to the Kitsap side. Mostly tightly grouped, fast travel southbound. -Sara Frey
*
15:56 -
From Edmonds ferry landing, just saw one big male, midchannel heading southbound approaching ferry lanes. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
15:54 -
Pods are very loosely grouped. Midchannel. Southbound towards the Edmonds Kingston ferry lanes. Almost to Apple Tree Point. -Candace Gavin
*
15:38 -
They just passed Eglon headed south.
15:26 -
Just had a single orca passed Eglon headed south towards Kingston close to shore. -Melissa Peterson
*
15:00 -
Distant (binos only) view from Scatchet Head. Two small boats with them so if you find the boats you’ll see them. So many blows! Southbound. -Donna George
*
15:00 -
Pods are slightly split. All are mid channel to Kitsap side. Almost to Eglon. All have passed Point No Point. Still southbound. One male way ahead of rest of the pods. -Candace Gavin
*
14:58 -
One large male here heading south [approx. 47.898837, -122.484728]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
14:56 -
Deanna, thanks for this share! I was able to catch a glimpse of them with binoculars from my porch on the Whidbey side from Sun Vista Circle because of your post. It's the first time that timing has aligned! They were having a grand time playing. -Vanessa Cameron
*
14:42 -
Headed towards Eglon. -Teela Bright
*
14:40 -
Epic close pass of Point No Point by entire group. Breaching, slapping, rolling. Headed southeast after pass by. -photos by Jim Reitz, April 1, 2024
*
14:37 -
Blows visible from Edmonds. -Maia Jewell
*
14:30 -
I have friends out sailing by Point No Point. They just informed me of six playful orcas headed south.  -Sarah Sing
*
14:25 -
At Norwegian Point Park splashing and breaching and having a good old time. -Teela Bright
*
14:20 -
Watching from Norwegian Point, southbound and very active group. -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
*
14:08 - A mile north of Point No Point southbound
. -David Michael
*
14:02 -
I thought some of you would like to know that T65A5 (Indy) is in the T-party mix today. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
13:32 -
Watching from Double Bluff. They are on the other side of the channel so pretty far away. -Julie Page
*
13:10 - Transient superpod southbound
still! At least members of the T65As, T99s, T36As, T100s, T124A1, and T87! Tough angles on most of my photos but that’s what I could ID before we departed to look for gray whales. Map coming next [approx. 47.958669, -122.534846]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
12:41 - T87
trailing. I see Bart posted but I also have T124A1 & T99C in my photos as well.
12:30 - Southbound south end Mutiny Bay
. T100s and others in first group, 65As & others in second group. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Martin Calvert
Date of Sighting: April 01, 2024
Time: 12:17 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 27
Where seen: South of Edmonds ferry
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 5-8
Any unusual markings?: na
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I have never seen a group as big on the 1st! 27 orcas from many different pods, including the oldest living male on the west coast.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Martin Calvert, April 1, 2024
*
11:55 -
I counted ten breaches, some foraging looking behavior as a number of them turned around dove, slapped their tails. Could be fifteen or twenty. Still headed south. Off Mutiny Bay. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
*
11:45 -
Second group just north of Shore Meadows and Whidbey side of mid. Southbound.
11:30 - Two groups
with about a mile or two distant between. First group closer to Shore Meadows. And closer to Whidbey side. Second group middish channel but appearing just this side of mid channel a mile plus behind first group. Southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
11:25 -
Still viewing between Bush Point and Shore Meadows. -Heidi Bruns Shank
*
11:13 -
Millng around same spot. Mid Bush and Shore Meadows middish channel.
10:50 -
Viewing from Shore Meadows, midway between Bush Point and here. Mid or Whidbey side of mid channel. Entering Mutiny Bay soon. Southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
10:50 -
Viewing from Bush Point. They are mid channel south of here. Surface active likely on a kill. No direction of travel. Maybe southbound now. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jan Bell
Date of Sighting: April 01, 2024
Time: 10:40 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Far side of channel out from Port Ludlow rock feeding
Direction of travel : Milling but southbound
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jan Bell
Date of Sighting: April 01, 2024
Time: 10:21 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 10
Where seen: Immediately south of Bush Point southbound
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling two young close to adults
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
08:09 -
Friends have eyes on them, reports slow southbound, still just north of Bush Point but nearly to point now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:10 -
Now I am wondering if one is a male traveling with a female. Pretty far to view with my binoculars.
07:54 - Southbound
but milling around. Two females and it looks like a baby too.
07:32 - Orcas north of Bush Point.
Two. Small - at first we thought dolphins but then we spotted eye patches and white bellies.  -Julie Page
*
HUMPBACK WHALES -
Mon, Apr 1 - Haro Strait
18:04 -
Was up [island] then flipped down.
16:54 - Humpback
100 yards off west side of San Juan Island. Approaching Snug. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
*
GRAY WHALES -
Mon, Apr 1 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 10:50 - 11:00 - I’m watching a gray grazing past Mariners Cove, heading toward Polnell. The sunlight is making it tough to see markings, but it looks to me to be our frequent visitor that has the wide lighter-gray collar/necklace behind the blowholes. 53 or 56? Hard to keep the numbers straight. -Marianne Parry
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 13:59 - About a mile north of Langley, slightly closer to Whidbey side. Seems to be moving slowly. Trailed by a few whale watching boats. Heading north [approx. 48.052467, -122.415778]. -Andrew Wright
*
13:05 -
Now it's slowly heading towards Langley marina close to Whidbey bluff.
12:45 - One gray
still milling about and feeding just west of Sandy Point. It goes out into the deeper channel and then comes back near the bluff bit has been here for at least an hour.
12:01 - Gray feeding in the Sandy Point
area near Whidbey bluff. -Luanne Seymour
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC383 Cascade)
11:54 - Grays a
re still slowly northbound on Whidbey side, north of Baby Island now. Long downtimes, not surfacing much. 
11:39 - Grays are slowly northbound Whidbey side of midchannel between Fox Spit and Baby Island
, across from south end of Camano Island State Park.
10:55 - The two grays
have been in view from the south end of Camano Island State Park for the last 30 minutes. Currently heading northwest on Camano side of Saratoga, at least a mile south of the park -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
09:41 - Headed towards Elger Bay
it looks like. -photos by Thomas McKane, April 1, 2024
*
09:36 - Grays are trending northwest now, north of Mabana boat launch
.
09:20 -
Feeding and trending north just south of Mabana boat launch. CRC383 is here, not sure about the second one but don't think it's Earhart.
09:14 - Grays now feeding off the south end of Mabana.
09:00 - Two grays feeding between Summerland and Mabana
. -photo by Serena Tierra, April 1, 2024
*
08:00 -
Appear to have stopped to feed north of Pebble Beach [approx. 48.067686, -122.392666].
07:24 - Two grays heading north along Camano
, close to Pebble Beach.
07:14 - I
'm at Langley seeing two gray whales at Camano Head, no known direction. -Catherine Lee
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Possession Sound
16:40 -
Finally caught sight of it here. Seems to be heading north towards the west side of Hat Island. [correction]: Last I saw the whale about an hour ago it was likely heading into Port Susan [approx. 48.043236, -122.366816]. -Holly Bailey Aprecio
*
Mon, Apr 1 - Possession Sound (CRC2356 Stalwart) - CRC2356 Stalwart -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
17:00 -
I saw a gray whale east of Hat island, near the tall black-diamond marker structure. The whale was in 100 - 200 feet of water but close (within quarter mile) to the shallows of the marker. The distant background in the photo is Camano Head.  -photo by Tim Roos, April 1, 2024
*
08:28 -
Michelle Sayed spotted two grays northeast side Hat Island heading southeast. -[HIWS]
*
06:47 -
Alice Moyal spotted one gray whale northeast side Hat Island, about mid way. Appeared to be heading east/southeast. -[HIWS]
*
PORPOISES -
Mon, Apr 1 - Central Puget Sound - 14:49 - A whole bunch of harbor porpoises at Redondo Beach. To the left and right of MAST center. I’d say about 100. Lots of little ones. Some had rests on top of water and then would dive again. Couple of seals too. I watched for over an hour. -Kim Sherrod