August 2023 Whale Sightings

August 31
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Aug 31 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T75Bs & T77D) - Tricky day in the fog but still awesome to see Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T075B's & T077D) south of Sooke and a humpback around Race Rocks! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 31, 2023
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Thu Aug 31 - Haro Strait - 14:10 - Report from Fred Northup Jr. on other thread: orcas north of Roche Harbor heading west. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Thu, Aug 31 - San Juans (T18 & T19C) -photo by All Aboard Sailing, August 31, 2023 - “. We popped out for a quick view to watch them pass Friday Harbor. It was cute watching them play in the bull kelp forest just south of the harbor. Spyhopping in it, draping kelp over the dorsal fin – perhaps a mini massage?” See more photos here. -Captains Barbara & David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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T18 Esperanza - The shore-based viewing of Bigg's in San Juan Channel has been incredible over the last two weeks, including a pass from T18 Esperanza and T19C Spouter on August 31! We rarely get photos of ourselves watching whales but it worked out perfectly on this afternoon. Photo is Alex with T18 taken by Monika! It was a moment we will never forget as we could see them underwater off the rocks right below us. It's been interesting to document the T18s splitting into two pairs again this year (just as they did last year) after they were a tight foursome for a couple decades. We can only speculate as to what's prompted this new behavior, but it's interesting that they divided in the same way this year as last year: T19 with T19B and T18 with T19C. -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, August 31, 2023
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17:02 - Update from Janelle Colleran-Owens: Orca by Goose Island. Heading south. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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14:57 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:13 to report: 1457hrs: Vessel KITSAP reports 2 orca SB at Point George on the south end of Shaw Island.
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15:05 - Southbound off Turn Island heading towards Cattle Pass.
13:27 - T18 and T19C right outside of Friday Harbor (almost in the harbor), heading south. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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T19C Spouter & T18 Esperanza - T19C Spouter - T19C Spouter
13:10 - Super close pass at Point Caution. Hope some of you are at the labs!
13:00 - Approaching Point Caution heading south. -photos & IDs by Cindy Hansen, August 31, 2023
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10:51 - Just south of West Beach, west side of Orcas, heading south. -Roxane Jackson Johnson [WSSJI]
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09:20 - [orcas approx. Sucia Island - approx. 48.745830, -122.902686]. -Richard Fritzler [WSSJI]
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Thu, Aug 31 - Puget Sound (T65As) - 15:15 - Pod has passed Point No Point still trending north. Mid channel to Point No Point side. Grouped up. -Candace Gavin
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14:07 - Approaching Point No Point Kingston side of mid channel going north. -Jami Cantrell
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13:55 - Possibly stalled on a kill.
13:35 - They were halfway between Eglon and Point No Point. Still northbound, midchannel to Kingston side of.
12:56 - Just south of Eglon. Back midchannel. Still trending northwest bound into Admiralty side. -Candace Gavin
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12:38 - Sara Frey called to report T65As are all grouped up, really close to Kitsap side (just outside the crab pots) off Apple Tree Point moving northbound fast. Female in lead, boys and Callisto in the back. -photos by Sara Frey, August 31, 2023
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12:00 - After four of them stalled they are now moving through Kingston Ferry lanes still headed north. Midchannel to Kingston side. The other two are north of ferry lanes.
11:38 - Just south of the Kingston ferry dock. Midchannel to Kingston side milling a bit but generally still trending north. Pod is split up at the moment with some more mid channel others closer to Kingston. -Candace Gavin
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10:05 - Got the 65As spread out West of midchannel off shilshole. Northbound. -Brian McGinn
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09:22 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:29 to report: 0922hrs: Vessel WALLA WALLA reports via 800MHz they've spotted 1-2 orcas headed North, one mile North of Alki Point. 
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09:09 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:20 to report: 0909hrs: Vessel WENATCHEE reports via 800MHz they've spotted 1-2 orcas headed North in the North bound traffic lanes, just East of Tyee Shoal. 
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08:20 - Looks like they are in two groups. More came by Southworth ferry lanes mid-channel northbound trailing about twenty minutes. -Orca Network
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07:45 - Received a message from WS ferry worker spotted pod of orcas northbound off Southworth. 
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Clips of T65As By Jami Cantrell from 08/29 & 08/31
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Aug 31 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Tricky day in the fog but still awesome to see a humpback around Race Rocks! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 31, 2023
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Thu, Aug 31 - Haro Strait - 16:00 - Still heading north. At Landbank. -Linda Hahn [WSSJI]
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15:32 - Humpback passing Kanaka Bay heading north. -Juli Hammond [WSSJI]
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Thu, Aug 31 - Port Susan (CRC19189 Annabelle) - Looks to be the same humpback that was last heard after dark last night off Pirates Cove on Camano Island. -John C Storbeck
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14:00 - Reports of a humpback in Port Susan this afternoon. As of 14:00, humpback was southbound out of Port Susan midchannel passing Camano Head. -[PSGM Chat]
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Aug 31 - Puget Sound - 08:17 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:29 to report: 0817hrs: Vessel KITTITAS reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single, juvenile grey whale headed North, located at the entrance to Colvos Passage. 

August 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Aug 30 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (all day whale watch - seen separately: T69s; T109s; T109As, T2B w/ T109Bs) - T109B4 - T109B Sem - T109s - Out on the extended 12 hour trip with IE. W left the dock at 6am! Plenty of coffee and nice breakfast treats were provided. We headed west to see what was out there: lots of great pinnipeds off Race Rocks, and then found a lunge feeding humpback, then the first orcas of the day, the T109Bs, and T2B: Matriarch T109B Sem, b. 1996, daughter 109B3, b. 1013, and youngsters 109B4, b.2015, and 109B5, b. 2018, and T2B Pedder, female, b. 1972, off Otter Point near Sooke. They were milling around, but generally moving west. Next up were two humpbacks west of Donaldson Island - did not get i.d.'s for them. As we turned south and across the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward the U.S., found another humpback. Second group of orcas were found off Salt Creek, who were the T109s: Matriarch T109 Noyes, b. 1977, daughter T109D Elvin, b. 2007, son T109E, Yoda, b. 2013, and granddaughter T109D1 Tazzie, b. 2018. They were hugging the shore, heading west, very close in to the cliffs and kelp, with beautiful (challenging for good pictures!) lighting, moving very fast. Next up was another humpback (Scuttles), mid-strait, across from Dungeness. AND then our third group of orcas, yet another T109 family group, the T109As. This a really large group, so I'm not sure if they were all there; I'll just note the matriarch, T109A Frio, b. 1990. She has 5 living kids, and her daughter T109A2 Fuser, has at least 4 of her own. They went by close to the beach on both sides of the Dungeness Spit Lighthouse, and graced us with a beautiful close pass, lovely! And then we found the fourth group of orcas (!!!), the T69s, by Colville Island. Matriarch T69, Komax, b. 1974, sons T69C Kye, b. 1995, T69E Kodiack, b. 2004, and T69F Kin, b. 2010. We then looked for another group up Rosario, but didn't find them. AMAZING DAY!! A total of 21 orcas and 5 or 6 humpbacks. -photos & IDs by Bonnie Gretz, August 30, 2023
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T109E Yoda - T109Bs - T69 Komox & T69E Kodiak - T109A Frio - We had an amazing day on the extended all day tour with Island Adventures. Thanks to my friend Jake, I was able to ‘disappear’ for the day and what a day it was! At least 5 humpbacks showing a fluke or two, and also FOUR groups of orca – first off the T109Bs (4 of them) west of Sooke, towards Sheringham LH on Vancouver Island, then across the Strait to the Olympic Peninsula, and just west of Salt Creek, we found the T109s – shadowing the shoreline – so so beautiful to see, hard to distinguish/find amongst all of the seaweed though. Way too many photos – the 3rd group of orca were at Dungeness Spit, then Puffins, and then the T069s by Lopez Island. WOW, with Bonnie Gretz, Lisa Allison Blohm and several other friends. Some beautiful (weather and) whales on both sides of Dungeness Spit (the T109As), then to Smith Island for some Tufted and Horned puffins, and also had time to take in the T069s over by Colville Island by Lopez! What a day, it was totally amazing – again, 21 orcas and 5 or 6 humpbacks! -photos & IDs by Jill Hein, August 30, 2023
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Wed, Aug 30 - San Juans
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Margo Heffron
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 3:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: West shore of Sinclair Island into Bellingham Channel near Cypress island
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I think these to be a pod since we saw Biggs earlier with whale watching boats in nearby location
Photos available?:
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Wed, Aug 30 - San Juans
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Margo Heffron
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 1:30 PM
Species seen: Biggs transient orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East of Cypress Island
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling, hugging the shoreline
If orcas, any males?: 1?
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: With a bunch of whale watching boats, research boat, and WDFW boat
Photos available?: No
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Wed, Aug 30 - Haro Strait - 15:45 - Offshore just north of County Park heading south. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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13:35 - Update from Pam Cameron Keffer: whales right outside Snug Harbor.
13:00 - Secondhand report of orcas in Roche Harbor. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Wed, Aug 30 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T109As) - 15:30 - T109As were on east side of Dungeness Spit when we/IE5 left. -Kirsten Tucker
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14:15 - Caught a glimpse of them from the top trails at Dungeness Spit. Right next to shore.
13:47 - Whale watching boat following shoreline eastbound [approx. 48.135031, -123.213094] towards Dungeness Spit. Secondhand report was six to seven orcas eastbound tight to shore. Likely the same group that was in the harbor. -Kaitlin Niclas
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NOTE: There are two groups in this thread. Appears group was together initially this morning then split around Ediz Hook:
1) Unidentified group chose the outside of the hook and continued westbound and were west of Salt Creek at 13:11.
2) The other group (T109As minus A2s) went on inside of the hook, into PA Harbor for a while, then exited around 12:15 heading eastbound.
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13:00 - Five or six still moving west close to shoreline west of Freshwater Bay. -Kirsten Tucker
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13:00 - Six to seven orcas eastbound between Port Angeles and Dungeness Spit, very near shore. -photo by Lorna VanderZanden, August 30, 2023
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12:20 - Last seen eastbound from Port Angeles city pier following the shoreline. They were stealthy! Made one to two kills in the harbor. They had long five to seven minute down times as they slipped out of view. I did get to witness a breach and tail slap from a distance though. So fun! -photo by Kaitlin Niclas, August 30, 2023
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12:01 - We saw a group of five in Port Angeles Harbor all the way inside by the paper mill, and then back out past the pier. I watched them make a kill near the Port Angeles Yacht Club. -Patrick Downs
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12:00 - Five orca in Port Angeles harbor. -photos by Jay R. Cline, August 30, 2023
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11:14 - Port Angeles by the paper mill. -Kimberly Fritz
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09:51 - Five orcas heading west along Ediz Hook. -Kari Williamson
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bligh Hueske
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 8:40 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 12
Where seen: (48.1135310, -123.3224270)
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling, hunting
If orcas, any males?: Uncertain/no
Any unusual markings?: Uncertain/no
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: My first time seeing orcas in the wild! I’m not sure how to tell if they’re transient or resident orcas. 1 adult male, closed saddle patches, traveling west at medium pace
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Bligh Hueske, August 30, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Aug 30 8:05 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.11773,-123.23735 [West of Dungeness Spit]
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Rita Woodman 
Whale Alert App - Follow up by Orca Network on direction of travel: West towards Port Angeles. 
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Wed, Aug 30 - San Juans (T60s) - Looks like these are the T60s. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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11:30 - 12:00 - Neighbors passing by this morning. -Richard Fritzler [WSSJI]
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Wed, Aug 30 - Port Townsend Bay (T75Bs & T77D) - T75B Pebbles - T77D Alcyon on left - Encounter with the T75Bs and T77D in Port Townsend Bay. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 30, 2023
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18:53 - Just seeing them leave via Point Hudson now. Headed west. -Rebecca Berger
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18:15 - I intersected with them just off the Indian Island ammo pier. I had the pleasure of spending a solid hour in their presence, while in my kayak. I'm pretty sure I observed every acrobatic in the orca playbook! They were never down for more than a minute. -photos by Wolfgang Broadsword, August 30, 2023
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17:45 - They’ve turned back north tight to Indian Island, approaching the docks now. -Justine Buckmaster
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15:24 - Looked southbound toward Kala Point.
15:12 - Glen cove sighting. -Austin Noble
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16:56 - Seen from Irondale Beach, hugging Indian, still heading towards Hadlock/Canal. -Colin McCloy
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16:26 - Headed toward Port Townsend canal now. -Rebecca Berger
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15:54 - Hunting a seal on a mooring! It’s the T75Bs and T77D [approx. 48.083366, -122.792203]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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15:25 - There is currently a group of four or so including a calf in Port Townsend bay in front of the paper mill.  -Annette Hawley Gardner
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Emily Dworkin
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 2:19 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: 48.11372° N, 122.75723° W
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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14:10 - These orcas were near Chetzemoka Park in Port Townsend. -Barb Williams
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15:07 - They were heading into Port Townsend Bay. We lost sight of them around 14:20. I am by Port Townsend Bay, and I don't see them at the moment.
14:14 - Heading into Port Townsend Bay. Lots of tail slaps and breaches just before the ferry passed. 
13:53 - Orcas off Point Hudson, Port Townsend. At least five no ID. [edit] They came in past Point Wilson, there around about 13:15. -Betsy Carlson, Port Townsend Marine Science Center 
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Wed, Aug 30 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - T65As pass under the Purdy Bridge - link to FB video. -screengrab from video by April Basham, August 30, 2023 
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T65A Artemis & T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65As going in and out of the Burley Lagoon. -photos by Jolena Tagg, August 30, 2023
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T65A Artemis - From the Purdy Bridge. -photos by Jami Cantrell, August 30, 2023
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T65A5 Indy - T65A5 Indy - It was truly an epic close encounter from Anderson Island this afternoon. Link to FB post. -photos by Belen Bilgic Schneider, August 30, 2023
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Near Purdy Spit. -photos by Brandie Hassing, August 30, 2023
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20:12 - Can see fins at the end of Horsehead Bay [approx. 47.275671, -122.681360]. Too early to tell if they take Hale's Passage. -Candace Gavin
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19:40 - Male passed Kopachuck mid channel. Haven’t seen the rest of the family at all.  -Brittany Hays
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18:41 - Heading south in Henderson Bay Gig Harbor side, north of Rosedale. -Kimberly Wenner
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Molly McCutcheon
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 6:27 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Henderson Bay
Direction of travel : North then southwest
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least one large
Any unusual markings?: Na
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Three to five orca. Horrible behavior two jet skiers, too far for ID
Photos available?: No
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18:19 - They’re leaving Purdy, saw three fins!  -Stephanie Sanchez
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18:11 - Purdy Spit. -photo by Heather Lum, August 30, 2023
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18:01 - They are back under the bridge heading south. -Matt Williams
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18:00 - From the Purdy Spit. -April Basham
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17:37 - Went under the Purdy Spit Bridge. -Candace Gavin
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17:32 - They’re currently in the Purdy Spit. They’re heading to the bridge. Lots of activity. -Matt Williams
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17:30 - From Henderson Bay this evening (as they made their way to the Purdy Spit). These two were close to the peninsula side. -photo by Jane Durnbaugh Thompson, August 30, 2023
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17:07 - They’ve grouped up still heading north into Purdy.
17:02 - Visible from Purdy at least one still heading north. The one over here is about here [approx. 47.358932, -122.656167]. -Jami Cantrell
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16:20 - Was right off of Raft Island but is now trending north towards mid channel. Another large dorsal made their way past as well, all heading north.
16:19 - Family is spread across channel, large male continuing past Raft Island.
16:05 - Large male passing Cutts Island continuing north. -Brooke Casanova
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15:52 - Seems to have stalled peninsula side opposite Kopachuck. Lots of splashing seen a short while ago so possibly had been hunting. Long downtime at present. Four boats in the area last seen. -Jennifer Swenson
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15:42 - Visible from Kopachuck, lots of directional changes and appear to be hunting. Not quite in front of Kopachuck yet. -Brooke Casanova
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15:28 - Approx. four just passed me on Horsehead Bay heading towards Kopachuck. Three mid channel, one male further behind and closer to peninsula side [approx. 47.289857, -122.715522]. -Jennifer Swenson
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15:22 - [approx. 47.278769, -122.694859]. -Stace Gordon
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15:04 - They are northbound in Carr.
14:57 - Northbound , seeing at least three to four from Bella Bella beach mid channel. -Brooke Casanova
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15:00 - Seeing blows from Tacoma Demolay, still moving northbound slowly up the inlet [approx 47.259725, -122.695476]. -Jolena Tagg
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14:50 - Three orcas milling around just north or Pitt Passage, heading leisurely towards Lake Bay. Male and two females?  -Blake-Linda Worland Little
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14:42 - Now in the middle of Carr Inlet.
14:30 - Obvious feeding now. 
14:25 - Breaching. One baby. No direction now. Feeding. Four to five whales.
14:12 - Spread out between Fox and McNeil. Northbound and mid way between island. -photo by Stace Gordon, August 30, 2023
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14:11 - About fifteen minutes ago they turned into Carr on the McNeil side. -Jami Cantrell
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13:40 - Fox Island, they are headed your way north east bound [approx. 47.196268, -122.642123].
13:24 - Whole family is hugging the McNeill shore heading toward the prison dock, slowly eastbound. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
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13:21 - SJC leaving this family doing some wonderfully playful behaviors. No direction of current travel, just active, happy surfacing [approx. 47.189280, -122.673227]. -Alli Montgomery
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13:14 - Moving toward McNeill and not toward Eagle at the moment [approx. 47.190882, -122.665210].
13:01 - Very surface active, heading west to Eagle Island. So many breaches and frolicking!
12:49 - [approx. 47.172951, -122.663160].
12:36 - They are past the marina on Anderson Island - a very close pass! Still northbound. I’m headed to the ferry dock. Two groups - I think Amir and a little in the lead, with the rest behind.
12:18 - From Anderson Island, passing Solo Point now, close to mainland side, definitely in travel mode. North. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
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12:17 - Hearing them and seeing them . Off Jacob’s. -Barbara Gamrath
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12:13 - Just saw one by East Oro Bay, southern side Anderson Island. -Allison Cameron
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12:08 - Approaching Solo Point from the south JBLM side. They are in Nisqually Reach near DuPont side. -Vicki Flood
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12:08 - Jacob's Point now! -Corey W. Feldon
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jean Ameluxen
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Balch Passage between Anderson and McNeil Islands
Direction of travel : W not too fast, just lazing along
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Not sure, see photo
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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11:55 - They’re still slowly milling about, trending north and split up into three groups [approx. 47.129598, -122.683044].
11:28 - I can see them from the DuPont Bluff Trail - they’re at the south end of Anderson Island nearer the low tide side of DuPont. Milling, no travel direction yet. -Allison Cameron
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11:22 - Two headed south, towards Nisqually Reach, long up times mid channels. -Arthur De La Torre
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11:15 - I think I saw a total of four to five fins - two to three mid-channel, two close to Anderson. They have now moved south, toward south end of Anderson and Nisqually.
11:05 - Two fins southbound close to Anderson. -David Gordon
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11:02 - Two heading south in Nisqually Reach north of Tolmie.
10:56 - Watching two between Devils Head and Anderson Island heading south towards Tolmie. -Lorrie Dozier Hall
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10:50 - Saw two fins midchannel Nisqually Reach between Dogfish Bight and Devil's Head. South. Trending Nisqually Reach between Dogfish Bight and Anderson Island. -David Gordon
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Leslie Demich
Date of Sighting: August 30, 2023
Time: 10:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Between Johnson Point and Anderson Island, just off shore from Puget Marina
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: At least 1. Both had very tall dorsals
Any unusual markings?: Too far away to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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10:28 - I just had two, male and female, on Johnson Point side moving very slowly. They are down and haven't blown for awhile. I saw/heard one across on Key Peninsula side. I can hear them up toward Zittles now.
10:07 - They are on the Key Peninsula side of the bay, southbound. Not yet to Taylor Bay. -Joan Ahre
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09:43 - Brian Allen called to report on the orcas in Southern Puget Sound. Those Brian saw were at the entrance to Case Inlet off Point Wilson, southeast corner of Harstine Island. Direction: seem to be heading south. They caught a glimpse of one male and one female quick look - those two sounded and hasn't seen them since.
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Wed, Aug 30 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - Bella Bella Beach - we happened to be at the right place at the right time while on vacation from Sarasota, Florida. -Jennifer Balcom
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Aug 30 - Hood Canal - 16:30 - I just saw a whale headed east towards Twanoh State Park southern Hood Canal forty yards from shore. I'm no expert, but it looked like a small minke whale. it wasn't an orca and it wasn't a porpoise. It was marbled gray with a fin on its back that looked to be about twelve to fourteen inches tall. -Tyler 

August 29
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Here's a video by Jason Shields highlighting some of the recent Bigg's killer whale action around the San Juan Islands! -Orca Behavior Institute -video by Jason Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Tue, Aug 29 - Gulf Islands, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Eilidh Sutherland
Date of Sighting: August 29, 2023
Time: 9:49 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Salt Spring Island, 48.84260° N, 123.43030° W
Direction of travel : North to south, slow
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looked like three babies
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Eilidh Sutherland, August 29, 2023
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Tue, Aug 29 - North Saanich
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Aug 29 17:20 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.62693,-123.39221
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: James Lewis
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Tue, Aug 29 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amber Powell
Date of Sighting: August 29, 2023
Time: 8:04 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Dungeness Spit Lighthouse
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 male
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Tue, Aug 29 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T60s, T75Bs, T77D, & T109Bs) - T-party at Cattle Pass. Thunder, lightning and orca all around! Mid morning. -photos by Coni Jones Carrothers, August 29, 2023
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14:30 - Update - the T109Bs were milling in Cattle Pass and the T60s were heading north up President’s Channel.
12:15 - There’s been a three way split: some Ts turned southeast offshore, some currently off South Beach, and some northbound in San Juan Channel. San Juan Channel whales include T60s, T75Bs, T77D, and T109Bs.
11:45 - T109Bs the group that came in closer to Goose Island northbound! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:43 - Orcas in Cattle Pass, closer to Lopez's side. -Janelle Colleran-Owens [WSSJI]
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11:00 - T-Storm incoming! 20+ Bigg’s off the south end aiming for Cattle Point. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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10:55 - More orcas (Bigg's) reported at Hein Bank aiming towards San Juan Island, so maybe the ones you see are heading to the party! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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10:45 - Group of five? orcas heading south past Cape San Juan towards Cattle Point, traveling fast. -Jeanne Sept [WSSJI]
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Tue, Aug 29 - Rosario Strait - 17:06 - Single orca spotted from M/V Yakima headed to Anacortes. Hard to tell in mist, but appeared to be heading northwest. Just south of Cypress Island. -Amy Nesler [WSSJI]
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Tue, Aug 29 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A5 Indy & T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A3 Amira & T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A family near the Harstine Island Bridge. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 29, 2023
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Tue, Aug 29 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A6 Callisto - T65A3 Amira - I have tried so darn hard to get an epic bridge pass at Harstine Island and each time they dive before the bridge and pop up far away. Lol So this time, I decided to just go under the bridge and take a video for a different perspective. M.I.S.T.A.K.E.S were made. There I was at the bottom, watching them pass and thinking how epic it would have been if I had gone to the top. Well, the T65A's must have felt my bleeding heart because they turned right back around and not only gave us the most gorgeous pass, but they gave me plenty of time to get my booty back in the right spot. -photos by Jami Cantrell, August 29, 2023
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19:59 - Directly between me and the state park now. Southbound. -Ashleigh Risley
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19:08 - Just passing the northwest tip of Herron Island, headed southbound. -Danielle Sayebrook
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18:57 - Just got a glimpse, they are southbound on the east side of Harstine. Maybe a third of the way down.
18:23 - At the south end of Stretch now.
18:12 - South bound between Reach and Stretch Island. -Paul Page
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T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - 18:09 - They were heading south in Case Inlet. They were probably about half a mile north of Stretch Island. One of the unfortunate things about having moved out of town for college is that I rarely get to see orcas these days so I’m glad I got to see the T65As as they cruised the South Sound. -photo by Connor O'Brien, August 29, 2023
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17:51 - Now heading south towards Reach Island.
17:39 - Heading southbound from Allyn now along opposite shore. -Shannon Boldt
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17:27 - They circled a floating dock directly across from Allyn trying to get two seals. Seems like they got one of them.
17:03 - Just north of Allyn looks like on a kill. Watching from Allyn dock. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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16:23 - They are northbound towards Allyn.
16:15 - Watching them from a boat. They are meandering just off Rocky Point with lots of directional changes. -Connor O'Brien
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It was all six of the T65As by the Harstine Bridge today. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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14:58 - Pod is now generally southbound from the Allyn Pier. Too early to tell which way they are mid channel.
14:43 - They are just north of the Allyn Pier. -Candace Gavin
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14:41 - They just passed Victor heading towards Allyn. -Jami Cantrell
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13:56 - San Juan Clipper is leaving them heading northeast from Stretch Island pointed towards Vaughn Bay. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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13:35 - They are headed north towards Stretch Island. -Tanya Hoskins
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13:20 - Passed Dougall Point; likely heading into Allyn. -Liz Wolk
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13:20 - Just now northbound passing Dougil Point; whale boat following at what looks to be a good distance. -Cammy Malm LaRiviere
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13:00 - Spotted around four orcas from the north end of Harstine Island. They’ve been heading steadily northbound towards Allyn and closer to mainland side. There was one tail lob. -Connor O'Brien
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13:00 - Clipper on them in Pickering. Orcas hugging north side across from Harstine marina. -Liz Wolk
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12:50 - Orcas are still heading north passed Jarrells. -Jami Cantrell
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12:40 - Whales stalled in Pickering across of Harstine marina. -Liz Wolk
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12:39 - [T65As approx. 47.292281, -122.881903]. -Jami Cantrell
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12:35 - Orca pod heading north at Jarrell's Cove.  -Teresa Saunders Westcoat
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12:28 - Approaching Jarrell's Cove still heading north. -Jami Cantrell
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12:13 - Just saw them headed North! I'm a few miles north of Harstine Bridge. -Beth Lyons
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12:10 - Just spotted a large male orca from the Harstine Island Bridge. They were quite a ways north and seemingly northbound with a whale watching boat with them. Hoping to find them again at the north end of Harstine! -Connor O'Brien
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11:54 - They’re right about here heading north! 
11:40 - Headed back towards the bridge!
11:33 - Swiftsure is with them now [approx. 47.222438, -122.934353]. -Jami Cantrell
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10:35 - Heading slowly towards the Harstine Island bridge going southbound.
09:53 - Pickering Passage - across from Jarrell Cove headed toward Harstine Island Bridge. -Sharmane Michelson-Torres
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09:07 - Four orcas just passed southern tip of Stretch Island, heading south towards Pickering Passage. -Jim Biermann
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Aug 29 - Puget Sound - 12:30 - Confirmed humpback from a Vashon community member report and video off Point Robinson. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Tue, Aug 29 - Puget Sound - 15:00 - Single whale is moving north past Fauntleroy ferry terminal. -Dana Billington
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nina Toles
Date of Sighting: August 29, 2023
Time: 10:40 AM
Species seen: Large
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: in Poverty Bay, heading east towards Saltwater State Park
Direction of travel : east
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Unfortunately, I did not get a great look at it. It only surfaced for just a second, not long enough for me to get my camera out. All I noticed was that it was large whale, not the porpoises we usually see in the area. 
Photos available?: No

August 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - 14:14 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: orca whales 1414 hrs Yakima Master reports several orca (6) are milling about FHBR and the mouth of the entry to the harbor near Government Point (Bellingham Bay).
*
Mon, Aug 28 - Saanich Inlet
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Aug 28 12:48 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.69322,-123.49089
Number Sighted: 5
Submitter Name: Dallas Gibson
Whale Alert App
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Mon, Aug 28 - Strait of Georgia 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Aug 28 12:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.18885,-123.87221 [North side Gabriola Isl., BC] 
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Kerry Harrison
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Mon, Aug 28 - San Juans (T75Bs & T77D) - T75B3 Rubble - T75B4 - T75B2 Jasper & newest member of T75Bs - The formula still holds true. Most recent pass by Point Caution x proximity to shore = my new favorite Bigg's orca family. Meet the T75Bs (and T77D) with the newest, cutest addition to the population -photos & IDs by Cindy Hansen, August 28, 2023
Mon, Aug 28 - San Juans (T75Bs & T77D)
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-photo by All Aboard Sailing, August 28, 2023 - “We sailed north on account of the flood current and had a fast sail to the Wasp Islands. After passing by Shirt Tail Reef and Yellow Island with some good views of harbor seals a report came in of a pod of orcas coming north in through Cattle Pass. We came about and had a close-hauled sail back across the channel and followed the coastline down to Pear Point. The orcas, T75B’s and T77D were hunting near the rocks cutting inside very shallow areas. They moved on quickly so it didn’t appear like they grabbed anything to eat. The less than month old calf was still traveling close to T75B2 and we’re assuming she is the mother. If so, it would make her the youngest wild orca mother ever documented at just 8 years old. Harbor seals watched nervously as the orcas passed close to the rocks before taking the narrow pass behind Turn Island. This is the same route they took on August 20th. We’ve seen this family cut through this narrow channel twice, and this is the only times we’ve ever seen this happen. They stopped to hunt again near the south entrance to Friday Harbor as lightning and thunder bellowed close by. The orcas popped in briefly to Friday Harbor before hugging the San Juan Island shoreline continuing up the channel. We pulled into Friday Harbor just before the heavy down pours began.” See more photos here. -Captains Barbara & David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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15:20 - Slow northbound again near Yellow Island. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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14:40 - Passed Point Caution close to shore, then moved offshore and have flipped. Headed south now. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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14:15 - They passed by the Friday Harbor Labs northbound. -Andy Marquez
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13:50 - Approaching Friday Harbor northbound.
13:23 - These are the T75Bs and T77D - six whales! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:50 - Headed into Griffin Bay. One adult male and about four others. -Jeanne Sept [WSSJI]
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11:30 - Bigg's killer whales at Salmon Bank aiming for Cattle Pass. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Mon, Aug 28 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A5 Indy -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65As from today's visit in the South Puget Sound. -photo & ID by Mike Maddox, August 28, 2023
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T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A family off of McNeil Island. They were a ton of fun on this day. It started out just the kids milling about then Amir started tail slapping until Ooxja and Ellifrit came to him. The three of them grouped up with a lot of tail slapping and traveled south down the island as Indy and Callisto trailed behind, definitely playing with each other as they breached and surfed the shoreline. The older kids stopped tail slapping for the most part when they met up with Artemis but Indy and Callisto kept playing for another half hour or so, it was magical. -photos by Kyla Bivens, August 28, 2023
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19:47 - Just north of Herron Island along Key Peninsula. They were heading north, but turned back south. -Matt Hill
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18:41 - Mid Case Inlet north of Mcmicken northbound. -Doug Olson
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18:00 - Ten feet off of the Zittles dock!!! Harassing the seals!! I’m shaking! It was so special! -Elsarape Rodriguez
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17:55 - Heading north slowly on Johnson Point side of the bay. -Joan Ahre
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17:59 - They all seem to be trending north along Harstine Island, headed towards Case Inlet. Way closer to Harstine so I can barely see them from Taylor Bay.
17:55 - Water is super choppy but we can see the big male north of Johnson Point, heading west towards Harstine.
17:40 - Big male is hanging out just north of Taylor Bay. The others are moving north along the east side of Johnson Point. -T.j. Smith
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17:30 - Off Anderson Island. -photo by Ryan Dicks, August 28, 2023
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Michelle Roberts I gotta thank you for pointing me in the right direction! I owe this experience to your good info! Thank you, thank you, thank you! -Elsarape Rodriguez
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17:11 - Big male just spotted between Anderson and Longbranch at Devils Head headed towards Zittles. -Michelle Roberts
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16:20 - At Eagle Island Marine State Park. -Phil Caldwell
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16:27 - Now they are slowly westbound along the shore of McNeil.
16:24 - Going on the south side of Eagle Island eastbound.
16:21 - They’ve been circling Eagle Island. They did a wave for us by Eagle Island!
15:54 - I think all six are here. By Johnson Landing. I think they are on a kill.
15:50 - They are headed eastbound through Balch Passage, Eagle Island. We are in our boat at least 300 yards away. -photos by Karen Caldwell, August 28, 2023
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14:32 - Spotted from the shore off the northwest side of Anderson. Closer to Longbranch side of the channel and possibly headed north up Pitt Passage. -Ben Salisbury
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14:13 - Still there. West side northish area of Anderson.
13:49 - West tip of Anderson. -Carole Fouts
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13:28 - They just went around the south western side of Anderson Island and are now heading northwest. Seen from a ridge in Dupont. -Stan Fields
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12:55 - San Juan Clipper leaving this family still heading southwest at a steady and calm pace. A3 and A4 taking lead with the rest in tow [approx. 47.129616, -122.675563]. -Alli Montgomery, SJC
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12:12 - All headed south between Ketron and Anderson Island.  -Belen Bilgic Schneider
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11:59 - Update southbound. It has been pretty heartwarming to watch the wayward son “Indy” (T65A5) playing with his little sister Callisto (T65A6) the entire time we have been watching them!! Those two have been having a great time after they ate their meal earlier [approx. 47.181758, -122.657327]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:48 - Looks like they're crossing south towards Anderson.  -David Bennett
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11:45 - Bart Rulon Art & Photography thank you! Saw them hugging McNeil Island from Chambers Bay Golf Course due to your detailed report! A kind birdwatcher let us all look through his powerful scope. Saw breaching and tail slaps. What a delight! Love it when nature lovers work together! -Kelley McDonald Smith
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11:45 - They have pushed offshore and are now aiming towards Ketron Island.
11:30 - Update southbound along the shore [approx. 47.202419, -122.639446]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:29 - They're hugging McNeil Island Island heading south. Pretty good pace. Lots of action. -David Bennett
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11:10 - Now south passed Gertrude Island hugging McNeil heading south. -Jami Cantrell
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10:55 - T65As are eating a meal and also hunting for more seals at the same time. I’ve seen all members of the pod [approx. 47.221016, -122.662100]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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09:22 - Definitely trending south in Carr. Still too early to tell if they go towards McNeil or exit towards Chambers. -Ashley S Whitman
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09:15 - Passed Fox Island split possibly going towards the Fox Island fishing pier about three to five orcas. -Eunice K
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09:01 - From a friend: they passed under bridge headed towards Bella Bella but have not resurfaced yet after the bridge. -Jami Cantrell
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08:50 - Fox Island Bridge. -Eunice K
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Swimming under Fox Island Bridge. -photo by Brittany Hays, August 28, 2023
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08:46 - Visible in Hales. Unsure of direction at the moment. Likely westbound almost to the bridge. -Ashley S Whitman
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Don Morrison
Date of Sighting: August 28, 2023
Time: 8:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: in Echo Bay between Tanglewood Island and Fox Island
Direction of travel : stationary
Behaviors observed: hunting and milling
If orcas, any males?: 2 to 3
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Appeared to have calves with them.
Photos available?: No
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07:48 - Now they are westbound possibly going to the Fox Island bridge. They are close to shore of Fox Island.
07:42 - Orca just north of fox island -Andrew W.
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07:25 - Two orcas slowly headed southbound towards Chambers, maybe the Fox Island pier. Looks like a mom and juvenile. Some might be over by Point Fosdick too. I can hear them. They are milling closer to the Day Island spit. Going so slowly! I see blows much closer to Fox Island now. Not sure if it’s the rest of the group joining them or if they went over there.
07:10 - Now they are crossing the channel towards Titlow.
07:05 - Southbound south of Narrows Bridge slowly moving. Viewing from Day Island. -Karen Caldwell 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Aug 28 - Haro Strait - 19:35 - Humpback headed up island seen from County Park. -Pat Hussey [WSSJI]
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Mon, Aug 28 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kirsten Foot
Date of Sighting: August 28, 2023
Time: 4:30 PM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: South of Whidbey Island
Direction of travel : Traveling eastward slowly for around 30 minutes
Behaviors observed: Traveling, breaching, spouting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Phil Kong
Date of Sighting: August 28, 2023
Time: 12:25 PM
Species seen: Humpback? Had dorsal fin, but not sickle shaped
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo lighthouse
Direction of travel : East to west
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Mon, Aug 28 - Puget Sound - 08:00 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:09 to report: 0800hrs: SPOKANE reports now spotting the humpback whale at the Edmonds Marina.
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06:35 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:41 to report: 0635hrs: Vessel SPOKANE reports via 800MHz they've spotted a single humpback whale just East of Apple Tree Cove, heading in a northbound direction. 
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Mon, Aug 28 - Possession Sound (reported as orca, but possibly the humpback)  - 11:00 - Pamela Lapierre called to report a whale, reported as an orca. In Possession Sound, surfaced very close to where the Navy ships are at Navy base in Everett at around 11:00. Whale was black and white, shallow surface. Made loud sound, very close to shore, surprised her. She mentioned it was thrilling - from NY so you can imagine, it was quite the sighting. 

August 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Aug 27 - Strait of Georgia 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Aug 27 11:39 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.26892,-123.63791 [mid Strait at ferry lanes]
Number Sighted: 2
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitted Comments: 2 amazing Killer Whales spotted traveling today
Photos:
Submitter Name: Bjørn
Whale Alert App  -photo by Bjorn, August 27, 2023
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Sun, Aug 27 - Haro Strait (T60D & T60E) - 10:00 - Approaching South Beach eastbound. T60D and E. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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09:15 - 09:38 - Killed and ate a seal. Lots of body slams and tail slaps. Yikes. They are now just about to Eagle Point. Heading down Island.
09:13 - North of Eagle Point. Very close to shore up in the kelp. -Jenny Stands Wilson
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08:10 - Update from Mary Schmitt: The two orcas just popped up in front of me at middle of Land Bank. Now heading south along Land Bank. Hunting. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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08:01 - Orcas traveling south off Dead Man beach. -Jen Strongin [WSSJI]
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Sun, Aug 27 - Admiralty Inlet/Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A6 Callisto, T65A Artemis, T65A3 Amira, T65A5 Indy -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Followed four killer whales from Golden Gardens along shore past West Point, left them off Magnolia/Elliott Bay a bit north of Bainbridge ferry lane. -photos by Michael Dougherty, August 27, 2023
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T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A3 Amira - Saw report there were orcas near Deception Pass that were heading south. We headed to Lagoon Point and Bush Point. Thank you Rachel for staying with them from West Beach and on. We had some amazing super close passes. Amir and Indy were swimming together; I think Ooxjaa and mama Artemis were together in a few of my photos? But all six were together today. Indy is somewhat independent and goes off on his own a lot of the times. Not long ago he got himself into trouble with a crab pot; it was pretty scary. He was caught up in the ropes and buoy for at least seven hours and/or more. NOAA and Cascadia Research and others were involved. This happened near my hood. So was glad today he was sticking with his family, especially being close with his big brother Amir. I don't think Amir was going to let him out of his eyesight - nope! Mama too. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, August 27, 2023
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T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A3 Amira - The T65As skimmed the coast of Whidbey Island as they entered Puget Sound for the first time in a month or so. T65A5 has reunited with the family for an end of summer outing. Always good to see the Queen of Carnage and her brood. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 27, 2023
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T65A5 Indy & T65A3 Amira - T65A4 Ellifrit - I had a chance to see the T65As as they traveled southbound along Whidbey’s west side. I missed their close pass at Bush Point, but found them in Mutiny Bay. Such a popular family in our area: T65A Artemis, T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A3 Amira, T65A4 Ellifrit, T65A5 Indy and T65A6 Callisto! -photos & IDs by Jill Hein, August 27, 2023
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T65A2 Ooxjaa -photo & ID by Rachel Haight, August 27, 2023
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T65A6 Callisto & T65A Artemis -photo by Kyla Bivens, August 27, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joseph Clark
Date of Sighting: August 27, 2023
Time: 8:52 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: NE of West Point and Shilshole
Direction of travel : Traveling SW towards West Point
Behaviors observed: Rolling Chinook spotted in the vicinity.
If orcas, any males?: One tall upright dorsal with no distinct markings and one smaller orca - cow and calf?
Any unusual markings?: Smokey haze at sunset made defining characteristics difficult.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Apparently the word got out that the orcas were in the vicinity and several small craft were in close pursuit as they were rounding West Point - please give them space. Sorry, no available photos.
Photos available?:
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19:13 - All six have passed Golden Gardens southbound. 65A3 and A5 in lead by 300 yards. All of 65As present and looking good. 100-150 yards offshore heading slowly toward West Point Lighthouse. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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19:13 - Three to four southbound at the south end area of Shilshole marina. -Emily Peterson
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Barrett Chapman
Date of Sighting: August 27, 2023
Time: 6:55 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Golden Gardens Beach
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes, maybe 2
Any unusual markings?: Not that I could see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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18:55 - Had a quick glance from Carkeek as they were approaching the green channel marker off Meadow Point, Golden Gardens about 18:55. Spoke with few people who watched them pass by Carkeek earlier. One couple having a Sunday picnic shared their surprise encounter story. Sweet Sunday evening with orcas passing by close in off Carkeek. They were quite taken with Ooxjaa. Had a nice conversation about Ts, residents, Tokitae, salmon, sustainability. Lovely connections. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:53 - Just barely visible southwest from Carkeek, appeared to head into deeper water but still roughly following shore.  -Isabella Rios
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kyle R
Date of Sighting: August 27, 2023
Time: 6:45 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Carkeek Park
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: think hunting
If orcas, any males?: yes 1 tall dorsal
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Pretty! One boat attempting to follow..
Photos available?: No
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18:40 - In Carkeek all are together and still traveling southbound still close to shore! -Makenzie Olson
*
18:11 - Think the four have caught up to other two who were hanging around south end Richmond Beach. Now seeing the rest of the family so looks like they’ve all rejoined. Southend park slow southbound close to shore heading towards Carkeek if they continue. Note: they had moved behind some trees in the distance which was making it difficult to get certain count, but there were two (including large male) to the south and then another group of three to four with male so pretty confident that’s what happened.
18:00 - Male and another circling off south end Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Close inshore. Maybe hunting. I don’t think these would be the four I was seeing earlier unless they torpedoed underwater earlier. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:53 - At least three spotted of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. They are definitely southbound. -Anastasia Nicolov
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17:40 - Pretty sure just four here [approx. 47.774291, -122.401213]. I think it’s T65A, A2, A4, and A6 based in size and earlier groupings. They have just passed south of Point Wells and moved a little offshore. Steady southbound grouped up.
17:25 - Spotted them traveling steady southbound still north of Point Wells (tank farm). At least one adult male here and several others. Close in mainland side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:08 - At least one, just south of Edmonds marina!!!! They went under, just after I spotted them by the Edmonds Marina. Several minutes passed and I saw them down south. -Malorie Macklin
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Haley Austin
Date of Sighting: August 27, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Off the Edmonds ferry, almost to the dock of Edmonds
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
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17:00 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Orca 8/27 1700 Puyallup Master reports 3 orca whales headed southbound off EDM dock.
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16:49 - In between Possession Point and Edmonds. Seem to heading to heading towards Mukilteo but the two orcas were zigging and zapping. Glorious! Both sitting still when this happened. -Dori Shane
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16:06 - T65A3 and A5 are pointed south now from my map [approx. 47.886115, -122.417385]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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15:42 - Saw them southbound mid channel leaving Maxwelton area. -Jayn Goldsen
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15:34 - T65A3 and A5 are southeastbound at my mark [approx. 47.913023, -122.439229]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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15:25 - Maxwellton mid channel still southbound. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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14:25 - The four passed south end Mutiny Bay not as close but definitely Whidbey side. Never saw the other two, may have went around corner before I arrived. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:09 - Can see them from Robinson Beach. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Brooke Lindsley
Date of Sighting: August 27, 2023
Time: 2:04 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Mutiny Bay
Direction of travel : South towards Double Bluff
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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13:45 - Three, possibly four orca about one mile north of Double Bluff, close to Whidbey shore. Largest has all-black dorsal fin. -James Petts
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I watched them with a spotting scope from Marrowstone, all the time saying how jealous I was of you all on the Bush Point side, ha,ha! -Laura Troy
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13:35 - T65As traveling 10 to 20 feet from Whidbey shore. Just passed Bush Point southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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13:30 - I was standing at water line at Bush Point watching family to north. Without any warning Amira & Indy surfaced high above the chop literally feet from me!!! None of us were prepared so no photo/video. Then Indy surfaced back north, and then him and Amira passed us again. Rest of family passed minutes later. Hugging shore southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:30 - At Bush Point. Close to shore. Continuing south. -Mike Meyer
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T65A Artemis - From Lagoon Point. -photos by Shelley Schwinn, August 27, 2023
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12:55 - Rest of family passing Lagoon Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:53 - Long time sightings contributor Kit Turner called to report the orcas are off Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island very close to shore continuing southbound. Lead two orcas would be likely to south Lagoon, trailing two at middle Lagoon. She didn't/hasn't seen the other two.
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12:50 - Amira and presume Indy still leading super close to shore.
12:39 - They are approaching Lagoon Point still close to shore. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:38 - Orcas in Smugglers Cove headed south. -Amanda Smith
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11:36 - T65A3 and A5 are still in the lead by about a half mile and 65A, A2, A4, and A6 are lagging behind and cruised very close to the beach at Fort Casey near the campground! They passed right by a sea lion in the water but they already did eat a meal when we arrived on scene [approx. 48.150254, -122.676460]. The entire family of 6 is together including Indy (A5). -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:35 - The four HUGGED Fort Casey shoreline. Incredible! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:05 - Southbound [approx. 48.190340, -122.713126]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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10:55 - Approaching Ebey's Landing. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:39 - The whales off Partridge Point are the 65As. -Christopher Lewman, PSE
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10:35 - Staff member Rachel Haight called. She is with the T65As off Whidbey just west Fort Ebey SP area. Mom T65A Artemis, A4 Ellifrit, and A6 Callisto are along the kelp line, T65A2 Ooxja is trailing also along the kelp line, and T65A3 Amira is separate a bit offshore. They are all traveling southbound and good pace.
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Rachel Haight thank you so much for this update. I was just north of there, pulled into Hastie and saw a dorsal southbound, so hit Libbey Beach and I was able to see them.  -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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09:50 - Rachel messaged pod visible from Hastie Lake and have turned offshore, and uncertain at this time if committed, but appear to now be slowly westbound.
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09:43 - Approaching Hastie Lake. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:18 - Four orcas heading southbound off West Beach Swan Lake overlook. -Ryan Babler
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Aug 27 7:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.41780,-122.65305
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Tyler Sathern
Whale Alert App
Orca Network follow up: the 4 orcas were in Bowman Bay heading south toward Deception Pass South campground. 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Aug 27 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC-19189/BCZ0478 Annabelle) - 10:21 - Whale Watching vessel Swiftsure is on scene with the humpback, traveling southbound, mid channel traveling slightly closer to Whidbey. -Grayden Kelbert
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10:20 - Humpback whale (Annabelle) CRC-19189 is southbound at a steady pace where my map shows [approx. 47.980413, -122.589154]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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10:19 - We found the humpback! It’s BCZ0478 Annabelle southbound [approx. 47.980413, -122.589154]. -photo by Kyla Bivens, August 27, 2023
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08:55 - Single humpback off Lagoon Point. Heading southbound mid-channel. -photo by Bill Setter, August 27, 2023
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Sun, Aug 27 - Puget Sound - 19:30 - We witnessed a whale, possibly two, last night off of Alki Point, started north of the lighthouse then moved southwest, probably humpback (had dorsal). -Doug Mikko
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Aug 27 - Puget Sound - 17:35 - It actually surfaced in the Steilacoom slip last night (from Anderson Island). The captain stopped the boat and sat, to make sure it passed. It was southbound.
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16:09 - We just saw it [possible gray whale] between the Narrows Bridge and Narrows Park [southbound]. So beautiful! -Becca Via [PSWS]
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15:00 - Possible gray whale off Point Ruston heading eastbound. Earlier report person was confident they saw a gray whale. Third person thought they saw gray whale off Owen Beach yesterday mid afternoon.  -[all PWSW reports]
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11:09 - Headed east, in front of condos next to Silver Cloud, Point Ruston, at shoreline. -Marni Miller
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11:26 - I live on Point Ruston so this was from my balcony and a bit late but it was beautiful. Watched it go towards Tacoma Port but saw again later. We're on the 8th floor so we could see underwater!!! I thought it had a dorsal though I hear it might be a small gray. I've seen them close before so it is possible with shape. -photo by Unknown, August 27, 2023
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11:00 - Just behind the construction barge near the new Dune Peninsula metal sign, where the big round bucket thing is! -photo by Cindy Haverkamp, August 27, 2023
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DOLPHINS - Sun, Aug 27 - Puget Sound - 17:31 - Two likely dolphins, [seen] from Picnic Point. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Aug 27 - Puget Sound - I was just salmon fishing at Les Davis pier in Tacoma off Ruston Way and got very lucky to experience this beautiful creature swimming by. -photos by Samuel Bury, August 27, 2023

August 26
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Aug 26 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 10:30 - Rs westbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network [WSOPS]
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10:31 - They're in front of Gordon's Beach. -Jamie Tan [WSOPS]
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09:56 - Large pod of orcas about 1K out and spread out heading west 8000 block W. Coast Road [near Sooke]. -Mike Francis [WSOPS]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Aug 26 - BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Aug 26 17:38 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.88943,-123.63335 [between Crofton & N Salt Spring Isl, BC]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Dave Cleugh 
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Aug 26 - Gulf Islands, BC - We saw an extended feeding session in Satellite Channel (between Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island). It went on for about half an hour. The interesting thing is there was a seal in the mix for much of the time, but we didn't see it getting thrown about as in the more violent predation images. We don't know if this was transients predating a seal or if it was fishing alongside residents. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. https://youtu.be/8Hx3O4xHjg0?feature=shared -Alison Moran
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Sat, Aug 26 - BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Aug 26 16:40 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.86310,-123.63751 [Crofton, BC] 
Number Sighted: 13
Submitter Name: Dave Cleugh 
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Aug 26 - BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Aug 26 17:32 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.66133,-123.38828 [near Sidney, BC] 
Number Sighted: 5
Submitter Name: Catheryn
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Aug 26 - Active Pass (T75Bs) - 15:00 - The T075s zipped westward through Active Pass on a fast tide. -photos by Karoline Cullen, August 26, 2023
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Sat, Aug 26 - Haro Strait (T38C, T38E, T46C2, T63, T65, & T99s) -photo by All Aboard Sailing, August 26, 2023 - “Close hauled into wind with a strong flood current in our favor carried us quickly across San Juan Channel tacking through the Wasp islands towards Jones Island. We continued North into New Channel seeing many more eagles than the previous several days roosting in the forest overlooking the swift calm waters. We had been monitoring reports for any progress from the T60’s who’d been inbound towards Victoria and then hunting in Baynes Channel. We then picked up a new report of 10 orcas Northbound from Gordon Head, other side of Haro Strait. So we moved quickly hugging the back eddies and admiring the coastline on the west side of Henry Island. Crossing Haro we headed towards Zero Rock and met the Orcas Northbound towards James Island. The orcas included the legendary “Chainsaw” T63 traveling with mom, T65, T46C2, T38C with T38E and the T99’s. Yesterday T65, T63 and T46C2 were inbound from Sooke and made it to Race Rocks last night. The aforementioned group of three took the east side of James Island while the others split and took the westside all traveling north. When it was time for us to depart we returned via Hughes Pass and crossed to Spieden Channel hugging the San Juan coastline back to Friday Harbor.” - See more photos here. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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13:00 - T63 Chainsaw and friends northbound on the Canadian side of Haro. -Orca Behavior Institute
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Sat, Aug 26 - San Juans 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Aug 26 18:42 PDT
Sighting user Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.58902,-122.93329 [Cayou Channel]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Harrison Watt
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Aug 26 - Haro Strait (T60s)
19:20 - Just passed County Park northbound close to shore.
18:45 - T60s off Land Bank, unsure of direction they’ll take. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: James Thompson
Date of Sighting: August 26, 2023
Time: 3:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Discovery Island
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The pod was traveling along the south shore of Discovery Island towards Cadboro Bay/Cattle Point
Photos available?: No
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Another amazing adventure today with Bigg's/transient killer whales (T060s) off Victoria! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 26, 2022
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Aug 26 - Puget Sound - Spotted what looked to be a gray whale, it was very light in color, and surfaces about four times, moving fast headed south towards the Narrows. We spotted it from land and tried to keep up but couldn’t. Owens Beach in Tacoma. -Caroline Bell
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MINKE WHALES - Sat, Aug 26 - Admiralty Inlet - 07:30 - Fairly certain we saw a minke this morning shortly after rounding Point Wilson (we were headed north across the strait). Saw it surface twice, heading south. -Kate Hall

August 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Aug 25 - Gulf Islands, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Matthew Phillips
Date of Sighting: August 25, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM
Species seen: Small Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: East side of Salt Spring Island
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Frolicking
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Fri, Aug 25 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46C2, T63 & T65) - Off Sooke yesterday [08/25] evening. -Paul Pudwell [WSSJI]
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Fri, Aug 25 - Border Bank (T46B1s) - T46B1 Tread & T46B1C - We saw the T46B1s at Border Bank. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 25, 2023
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Today with some elusive Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T046B1s) a couple humpbacks and another sea lion sporting some bling! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photo by Paul Pudwell, August 25, 2023
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Aug 25 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Today with a couple humpbacks! -Sooke Coastal Explorations
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Fri, Aug 25 - Haro Strait - 16:30 - Just passed Lime Kiln! Super close. - Casey Jo Haagenson [WSSJI]
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16:25 - Humpback traveling slowly up island just south of Lime Kiln. -Kimberly Beck [WSSJI]
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MINKE WHALES - Fri, Aug 25 - Admiralty Inlet - 10:56 - Andrew Toman called to report seeing at least one minke whale in Admiralty Inlet. Observing from Fort Ebey Battery they saw the whales surface traveling southbound off their location. Andrew mentioned possibility of two, but it may have just been spacing of surface sequence. Level of confidence minke is pretty confident - they saw it’s clearly defined dorsal fin.
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DOLPHINS - Fri, Aug 25 - South Puget Sound - 16:36 - Just now! Still out playing around in the water [Pickering Passage - approx. 47.289964, -122.901693] -Steven Venetta

August 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Aug 24 - Haro Strait (T60s) - 19:00 - Now angling towards Eagle Point, eastbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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18:36 - T60s. -Alex McIntire [WSSJI]
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18:20 - Orcas three and a half miles off Land Bank southbound. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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Thu, Aug 24 - Haro Strait (T36As & T69s) - One of the youngsters, T69F Kin, T69C Kye - T36A1 Tierna & T36A1A - We saw the T36As and T69s off of D'Arcy island in the morning. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 24, 2023
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16:44 - Southwest bound [approx. 48.388027, -123.331281]. Two more joined them.
15:41 - Location update [approx. 48.430676, -123.286759] from Smith Siromaskul. At least seven whales seen.
14:51 - [Orcas] hugging shore southbound. Approaching Telegraph Cove [approx. 48.472554, -123.281366]. They aren't doing much. -Smith Siromaskul
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14:18 - Jamie Austad reports vocalizations on the Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 24 12:28 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.48748,-123.23580 [East of Gordon Head, BC]
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: One male, two females, several juveniles. 
Resting behaviors, some playing among juveniles
Submitter Name: Debra Westwood
Whale Alert App
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Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #46: “The team was working in the office when we heard that the T36As and T69s were right across the way in Cordova Bay. We grabbed our gear, headed down to Snug Harbor, and left in the boat at 1256. We arrived on scene off Cowichan Head at 1330. The T36As were in a fairly tight group with T69C nearby. T69 was on the periphery, just a little behind the others. There was no sign of T69E and T69F but we had heard that one or two whales had been seen southwest of Kelp Reef earlier…” Read more here at the Center for Whale Research Encounter #46.
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Thu, Aug 24 - Puget Sound (T60D & T60E) - T60E Lynx - T60D Onca - In the afternoon we saw T60D and T60E in Puget Sound and watched them travel from West Point Lighthouse before leaving them as they were passing Golden Gardens. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 24, 2023
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I had 128 people aboard Argosy's Spirit of Seattle from all over the country, and world in fact, and even from such a great distance they were all absolutely thrilled to see such beautiful members of the Salish Sea. -photos by Paul Mooselips Dudley, August 24, 2023
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16:00 - Still northbound, couldn’t stay long and leaving now [approx. 47.680415, -122.445175].
15:40 - T60D and E passing in front of lighthouse [approx. 47.658294, -122.445210]. Northbound. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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T60E Lynx - T60D Onca
15:22 - San Juan Clipper leaving scene of two adult males now facing north in the same area as above map. Pictures to follow momentarily. Not believed to be the 101s.
14:45 - San Juan Clipper just found these whales! Still traveling south, about to turn into Elliot Bay [approx. 47.634075, -122.423806]. -photos by Alli Montgomery, August 24, 2023
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Aug 24 - San Juans - Today we were very surprised and excited to see a gray whale passing through the area during a time when gray whales aren't usually here. They're usually up in Alaska feeding before their long migration down to Mexico during winter. This young whale was first spotted by McConnell Island headed east right along the Shaw Island coastline. At Broken Point we met the whale and sailed parallel with it until it reached the Shaw Ferry Landing. It was here that we actually lost sight of it as the ferry was docking right in the vicinity where the whale was. Perhaps the whale changed course and got out of the way of the ferry in time and somehow we missed the sequential surfacings. We were relieved to hear that later in the day it was seen near the Lopez Ferry Landing. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt -photos by All Aboard Sailing, August 24, 2023
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There is what appears to be a baby/yearling gray whale that turned up inside the San Juan Islands. He was last seen off Biz Point/South Burrows Bay right at sundown, evidently circling. I saw him today, he appears to be physically healthy, but he was behaving in an odd manner, one surface every couple minutes, and very low to the water line. Apparently this evening he was swimming just under the surface and behaving weird to the people with him. -photo by Sam Wallace, August 24, 2023
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21:06 - I personally didn’t find it, but one of my coworkers caught it right at sundown off Biz Point/South Burrows Bay. -Sam Wallace [WSSJI]
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15:08 - From Dan Rothstein: “Whale off Lopez Ferry dock, possible grey. it was hovering in the channel there had two Washington State ferries in between it and a few sail boats.”
14:45 - The gray whale is now off the Lopez ferry terminal heading southeast. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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12:01 - We reacquired it. It’s a definite juvenile that’s currently headed east along Shaw on the north side. Long dives. No fluking. Small exhalations. Moving relatively fast. I’d say a yearling at most.
11:35 - We just saw a small gray whale on the south west side of Crane Island. I only saw it once and we haven’t seen it since. About 15 minutes ago. -Sam Wallace [WSSJI]

August 23
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Aug 23 - Victoria, BC (T18, T19C, T75Bs, T77D - Another killer day with Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T075Bs, T077D, and also T018 & T019C) hunting the shoreline in and around Victoria Harbour! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 23, 2023
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Wed, Aug 23 - San Juans (T36As - T69s joined in the evening) - T36A1 Tierna & T36A1A - My encounter with the T36As off of the north side of San Juan Island. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 23, 2023
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-photo by All Aboard Sailing, August 23, 2023 - “A family of Bigg’s/Transient orcas known as the T36A’s came south passed Friday Harbor so we popped out for a short sail.”  - See more photos here. -Captains Barbara and David Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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20:00 - Orcas one mile off shore north of the Lime Kiln lighthouse. The County Park would be a good viewing area coming up. Currently tracking them swimming up island on the Lime Kiln camera. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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19:05 - Five to seven orcas heading to the N/W offshore south of me. Viewing from one mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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Wed, Aug 23 - San Juans - On the day before we left, a bunch of Biggs showed up at Cattle Pass. They were all about the tail slaps, and that's when we said our goodbyes to the San Juan Islands. Can’t wait to go back! Link to videos. -Mariana Salotti
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17:15 - Saw some at the south part of Cattle Pass by the lighthouse then they headed west. Per Orca Network, T36As and T69s met up in that area around that time or just before. -Jennifer Harkness
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16:10 - T36As have merged with T69s in Griffin Bay and all are heading south towards Cattle Pass. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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14:00 - Passed Point Caution right off the rocks. Heading toward Friday Harbor now.
13:40 - Close to shore north of Point Caution. Possibly on a hunt from what I can see at a distance. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network
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13:04 - Passed Reuben Tarte Park about twenty minutes ago, moving south out of Rocky Bay. -Noirin Lynch
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10:54 - They stopped for a seal hunt at the large rock south of the island. I’ve never seen that before. Very cool!
10:34 - Now there are six quickly moving south - potentially the T36As according to a call from a neighboring boat. -Mallory Nelson
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10:18 - Mallory Nelson reported (in baleen whale thread) at least four orcas off Waldron Island, traveling southbound [approx. 48.699469, -123.074537].
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10:20 - Bigg's killer whales now heading south from Sandy Point, Waldron. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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09:49 - Seven to nine plus orcas in Boundary Pass just now crossing into U.S. waters heading south towards Flattop Island. -Miles Ritter [WSSJI]
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Wed, Aug 23 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T60s)
18:15 - Some porpoising west. Won't be visible from shore much longer.
18:05 - Still continuing south parallel to Whidbey shore. Distant, but some fins barely visible without binos. Approaching Rocky Point, Whidbey, just south of the Naval Air Station.
17:45 - Orcas visible from Moran County Beach Park, North Whidbey. Southbound, maybe half mile or so out? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tom Reeve
Date of Sighting: August 23, 2023
Time: 3:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Flint Beach, South Lopez
Direction of travel : Moving steadily ready
Behaviors observed: 2, including one male, about a quarter mile offshore. 3, also including a male,
snooping near and in the kelp.
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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13:15 - Eastbound off South Beach.
12:00 - T60s crossing Haro from Discovery currently aiming towards False Bay. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Aug 23 - Admiralty Inlet
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Aug 23 8:41 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.98981, -122.55396 [Mutiny Bay] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Lisa
Whale Alert App

August 22
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Aug 22 - Victoria, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kendall Harris
Date of Sighting: August 22, 2023
Time: 6:29 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Head of Victoria Harbor, 48.419429, -123.396477
Direction of travel : N into the Harbor, and then SW out of Harbor towards Gillingham Islands
Behaviors observed: Traveling, several fin slaps
If orcas, any males?: Possibly 1 male.
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Pod of 3- 2 adults and 1 juvenile
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Aug 22 11:30 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.68606,-123.41048 [Swartz Bay, Victoria ferry terminal]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Becca Gravonic
Whale Alert App
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Tue, Aug 22 - Haro Strait (T18 & T19C) - 13:00 - It’s been a quiet day out there so far, but T18 and T19C are currently southbound mid-Haro across from Snug Harbor. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Tue, Aug 22 - Saratoga Passage/Deception Pass (T38C, T38E, T99s) - T99 Bella & T99E - There’s no place like home. This family of orcas is always so much fun to watch, and today was no exception. They passed under the bridge in a stealthy and impressively quick pass but made up for it with lots of celebration after a meal. Orcas frolicking in the sunset in Deception Pass was next level magic. -photos by Kara Cooper Golden, August 22, 2023
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T99 Bella - T99C Barakat - T38C Borrowman - After a really tough previous week, Tuesday was a breath of fresh air. Monday my friends and I decided to go on an overnight camping trip to try to find the Southern Residents. Even though the rezzies decided to disappear on everyone, I had the most fun that I have had in a very long time. We were blessed by amazing fox encounters, beautiful weather and laughed so much that my abs hurt. The next day we got word that the T99s and T38C/T38E were heading north towards the Deception Pass Bridge. We immediately went straight for the ferry in hopes of catching the next one to Anacortes before it filled up. We cut it close y’all, but we made it and we were ecstatic!!!! None of us have gotten to see orcas from Deception Pass and it has been at the top of our bucket list viewing goals. Not only were we blessed by a beautiful pass under the bridge, but we were blessed by a beautiful pass at Rosario and another spot in Anacortes. Sunset orcas and hot cocoa to finish a soul healing adventure. -photos & IDs by Jami Cantrell, August 22, 2023
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T99 Bella & T99E - T38E Hocker - I spent the whole day observing the T99 pod from shore. This pod is my favorite and to see them at Borgman Road, Ala Spit, Deception Pass, AND Rosario Beach was just insane! All with really close passes too. I just couldn’t believe it. I’m forever thankful for this community and for the whales. My soul is happy.  -photos by Kat Martin, August 22, 2023
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-photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 22, 2023
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T99 Bella - Took way too many photos of the T99s in Saratoga Passage today. I was worried I missed them but they popped up right in front of me and started hunting a seal (visible underwater in a few pictures) shortly after I got to the state park! They stayed close to the shore of Camano for a while after and I was able to catch them at the yacht club too. These were all taken from shore with a telephoto lens, most from a bluff above the water. -photos by Serena Tierra, August 22, 2023
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Had a great time out with the T99s, one thing I notice, these are mammal eating whales, they hunt them in the rip currents where the fish concentrate and the seals feed, many of the commercial and non-commercial boats were parked in the rips; I noticed the whales stayed for a long time in the rip once most of the boats left.  -Steve Perea
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20:30 - East of the red flashing channel marker north of the ferry lanes, headed east-ish toward Guemes Island. 
20:08 - Still spread with directional changes [approx. 48.527325, -122.677752].
20:00 - Spread out in three groups heading north approaching ferry lane, one group was just out from Washington Park boat launch. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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19:56 - They were so close to shore at Cabana Beach in Burrows Bay. Incredible!!! Heading to Green Point to see if they round Fidalgo Head. Looked like they were rounding the corner toward Washington Park to me. -Caitlyn Blair
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19:31 - Burrows Bay. They look like they’re headed for Allen Pass. Close to Young Island.  -Tarima Cannell
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19:41 - Just left Burrows Bay north of Burrows Island.
19:27 - Middle of Burrows Bay right now. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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18:50 - Turning into Burrows Bay. Hugging the shore.
18:46 - [approx. 48.437700, -122.681363] -Smith Siromaskul
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18:40 - Heading north. Past Sares Head. -Jacquie Boginski Was Pearce
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18:30 - They've slowed way down. Off Rosario Beach.
18:25 - Rosario Head. -Smith Siromaskul
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18:25 - Fiancé and his coworkers we’re heading across the bridge and just sent me this [video].  -Allison McGinnis
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18:19 - Finally left Deception Pass headed north. Six to seven whales I believe including a young one. -Emily Peterson
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18:18 - They're heading to Rosario Beach.
18:12 - They're still playing in the pass currents. -Smith Siromaskul
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18:05 - All of the whales surfaced in succession in different directions. A few of us thought we counted an extra whale in the mix and I’m pretty sure that I have seven dorsal fins up in this photo. Was anyone else still shooting from the bridge at that time? I was on Pass Island and the glare was awful [Seventh individual confirmed T38E per photos by Serena Tierra, Orca Network & Kat Martin]. -photo by Brandy Jackson Ritchie, August 22, 2023
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From Deception Pass! "Touchdown!" -photo by Dianne Norton, August 22, 2023
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T99 Bella & T99E - So awesome seeing all the different perspectives of the same breach. -photo by Brittany Noelle, August 22, 2023
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T99E & T99 Bella - Tonya, [I] was right next to you - so beautiful! -photo by Deb Barge, August 22, 2023
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T99E & T99 Bella - 18:07 - From North Beach at Deception Pass State Park. -photos by Tonya Lynne, August 22, 2023
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18:05 - They went under Deception Pass Bridge. After waiting two hours for them. -photo by Shay Wende, August 22, 2023
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17:55 - Heading to Rosario Beach.
17:44 - South bridge.
17:36 - They are right on the rocks on the north side of the channel.
17:33 - Hugging north shore on approach to the island. Looks like north bridge.
17:31 - At Strawberry Island.
17:08 - We are finally moving westward.
16:55 - Still at Dewey.
16:48 - Dewey. They're still here. They do not appear to be in any hurry.
16:09 - Turning to the bridge [approx. 48.414524, -122.595413]. -Smith Siromaskul
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15:53 - Moving north Ala Spit. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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T99B Holly in the lead
15:33 - Approaching Hope Island [approx. 48.373799, -122.568408].
15:28 - They are not hunting at Seal Rock. Still moving north. Steady northbound at 5 mph.  -photos by Smith Siromaskul, August 22, 2023
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15:18 - Orcas spotted going through Skagit Bay, east of Dugualla Bay, maybe heading towards Deception Pass Bridge. -Susan Larsen
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15:15 - Crossing west end of Snohomish Channel. -Smith Siromaskul
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14:38 - Passing Davis Landing. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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13:45 - 14:15 - Small group off of Strawberry Point. Maybe a couple adults and a couple little ones. -Margaret Campbell
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14:22 - They are inching northward.
14:14 - They were very successful. They passed tight under us.
13:54 - Utsalady Bay, hunting [approx. 48.305033, -122.497984]. -Smith Siromaskul
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We live on the south side of Fidalgo to the east of Dewey on Salmon Beach Road. I looked out and noticed a group of boats out in the water, grabbed the binoculars, and sure enough, out by Skagit Island was a pod of orcas. They headed over in the direction of Deception Pass, and managed to catch up with what we think was a seal (we didn't see a dorsal fin so we don't believe it was a harbor porpoise) to have dinner. They definitely caught it though because we were treated to a nice show of tail and even a spy hop! It was a red letter day for us on Skagit Bay as we usually only get about one orca sighting a year. -Adam Blomeke
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13:27 - They are entering Skagit Bay about to turn north bound into the bay. They are moving pretty slow. -Kevin Phillips [WIWS]
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13:08 - Mariners Cove mid channel [approx. 48.274869, -122.497933]. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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12:57 - Second hand info via someone on the Whidbey Island Community page reports northbound toward Mariner Cove (despite someone saying Penn). -Durand Dace
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12:25 - Still northbound north of the yacht club. May be trending away from Camano but hard to tell from my perspective [approx. 48.244171, -122.535519]. 
12:09 - Northbound just south of the yacht club, spread out. Four grouped up just outside the buoy line, two more, including one male, offshore (not together).
11:58 - Rounding the point south of the yacht club. Still northbound close to shore. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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11:25 - They are moving north one and a half miles south of Onamac Point. -Tyler McKeen, Sounder, Blue Kingdom Tours
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10:51 - Some directional changes again so maybe they're not done hunting [approx. 48.123113, -122.503526].
10:46 - Looks like the hunt is done. Grouped up slowly northbound. At least four surfacing together.
10:33 - Right after my last comment, others surfaced in the shallows right in front of me! Have moved offshore since but may be hunting. Counted five in this group.
10:29 - One male northbound Camano side of midchannel off Camano Island State Park. Haven't seen the others yet [approx. 48.114429, -122.493782]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Note: Sara Hysong-Shimazu confirms T38C is still with the T99s today.
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09:46 - At least three orcas just spotted between Bells Beach on Whidbey and Camano. Seen from house on shore. Moving north. -Tara Martin

August 21
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Aug 21 - Rosario Strait/Strait of Juan de Fuca (Js, Ks, & some Ls) - Another "My, how you've grown!" comparison, this one featuring K42 Kelp. - K42 was the calf at the center of one of my all-time orca photos, taken at Lime Kiln back in 2008, the year he was born. He's flanked on one side by his mom, K14 Lea, and on the other side by J8 Spieden, also known affectionately to some as as "Auntie Spidey" due to her care-taking nature. I had to a double take when I saw K42 this morning on the west side of San Juan Island! He's just 15 years old but already nearly as tall as his 30 year-old brother, K26 Lobo. All three pods made their way down Rosario Strait this morning after being seen in Campbell River two days ago and Nanaimo yesterday. Only a few of them came close enough to the San Juan Island shoreline for us shore-based viewers before they pushed off to the banks where hopefully they're finding abundant salmon to feast on. -graphic by Orca Behavior Institute, August 21, 2023
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Mon, Aug 21 - Haro Strait - J59 Sxwyeqόlh made it known last week that she really likes the song Raging Fire by Phillip Phillips. Taken from shore at Grandma’s Cove. -photo by Ariel Yseth, August 21, 2023
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I can confirm Js, Ks, and Ls were present (though still don't think all Ls, so not a true superpod) and that they pushed offshore to the banks where they were foraging this afternoon.  -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:30 - Only seeing a few individuals now spread offshore of False Bay and heading towards Hein Bank.
11:00 - J19s and K14s milling trending up island north of Pile.
10:34 - I have a distant visual on one tight group northbound off False Bay. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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10:30 - J37 & 59 made epic close pass at Granny’s Cove. J14s now playing around in Eagle Cove trending up island.
10:18 - Five plus whales fishing at Salmon Bank, three quarter mile southeast of Granny’s Cove. Others have passed Eagle Cove porpoising up island. J39 present.
10:08 - K14s and many others sprinting up island with many many others in tow. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout [WSSJI]
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07:45 - Monika Wieland Shields shared on WSSJI these are confirmed residents.
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06:43 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:09 to report: 0643hrs: Vessel KALEETAN reports via 800MHz they've spotted a large pod of orcas, 12-20 in number, heading South, East of Thatcher Pass. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Aug 21 - Saanich Inlet, BC - 15:42 - Orcas sighted just now, near Sheppard Point, in Saanich Inlet, BC. We are watching the blows from a distance. Several times we have seen the unmistakable tall dorsal fins. They are across the inlet, following the western shoreline. Northbound. At least four blows were seen at the same time. They crossed Saanich Inlet quite a ways behind our boat. Really a moving experience to see them. Youtube videos: video one & video two. -photo by Noreen May Light, August 21, 2023
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Mon, Aug 21 - Haro Strait (T60D & T60E) - 12:57 - Saw them as they paralleled Stuart and went around Turn Point. We only saw two males. -Mariann Carrasco [WSSJI]
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12:15 - Confirmed sighting of four orcas traveling west on the south side of Stuart Island. Unknown eco-type. Per Pete Ancich, that's just 60D and E. -Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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10:34 - This was T60D and E who are now in northern Haro north of San Juan. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kevin Guion
Date of Sighting: August 21, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Orcas, porpoise
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Stuart Island
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling and playing and hunting
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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08:37 - I’m guessing these are the same whales that just passed County Park. -Tamara Kelley [WSSJI]
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07:45 - I only saw them twice. They were just south of Point Edwards which is up island of my view. Assuming they went up island to the north. 
07:30 - Two orcas milling one mile south of Landbank. No direction yet, quarter mile from shore. One was a large male. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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Mon, Aug 21 - San Juans (T60s minus T0D & T60E) - Male is T60C Yelnats - I believe this was Yelnats with Panthera and Tigress if I’m not mistaken and a third female whose name I did not catch. To my knowledge, this is the first time I’ve seen members of this group and it was so amazing to get to spend time watching this beautiful group! It appeared they had just come from a kill and so were very relaxed, lots of logging, long downtimes, so I was thrilled to get the pictures I did get as they slowly went by. -photos by Jennifer Swenson, August 21, 2023
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T60C Yelnats -Up to San Juan Island with Lisa Allison Blohm to go out with Maya's Legacy. A wonderful trip that started with getting a glimpse from the ferry of the T60s just before we arrived in Friday Harbor! We then saw them from the dock as they came part way into Friday Harbor! After boarding, we headed out to Hein Bank to check out the action at Whale Rocks: sea otter, many Steller sea lions, lots of cool birds, but no other whales out there. We caught up with the T60s at Stuart Island: Matriarch T60 Panthera (b. 1980 est.), son T60C Yelnats (b. 2001), daughter Tigris (b. 2012), and calf T60G (b. 2019). They were hugging the shore line, but made a big turn back toward San Juan Island, and graced us with a lovely close pass (engines off!). When they got to Turn Island and San Juan Island, they turned north, after they passed the harbor, first hugging the shore line, then zipped by, with another lovely close pass! We left them to catch up with the other boys, T60D Onca (b. 2004) and T60E Lynx (b. 2008), who mostly travel on their own. We found them at Saturna Island, where they were being pretty lazy, making big circles apart, but did come together a few times. Beautiful day that was good for our hurting hearts. Ellie Sawyer is a great naturalist and Captain Alan was wonderful!   -photos & ID by Bonnie Gretz, August 21, 2023
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17:39 - They've been going back and forth in San Juan Channel north of Friday Harbor, currently near Point Caution northbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
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16:44 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 19:33 to report: whales 1644 hrs 8/21 Yakima Master reports about 4 orca off Turn Is. headed East to West.
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14:25 - Passed Point Caution close to shore. Heading north. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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13:45 - Looks like they went inside Brown Island to Friday Harbor!
12:45 - They are hunting off Pear Point. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
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11:43 - They circled Goose Island for a few minutes then headed up to San Juan channel.
11:15 - Four whales by Goose Rock.  -Janelle Colleran-Owens [WSSJI]
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09:01 - Group of four or so off Eagle heading down island, lots of surface activity. -Carly Lourié [WSSJI]
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Mon, Aug 21 - Hein Bank
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tamara Miller
Date of Sighting: August 21, 2023
Time: 2:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 48.41.430 x 123.08.970
Direction of travel : E-SE
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes, both were male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Mon, Aug 21 - Possession Sound (T38C & T99s) - Caught the T99s and friend T38C as they passed Glendale on the south end of Whidbey. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 21, 2023
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T99 Bella & T99E - It was a bit smoky but the water was like glass and made some beautiful effects as the T99s and T38C made their way north between Glendale and the ferry. And the continuous series of tail slaps was fun to see, too! Nice day chasing whales with Marilyn, Lauryn, Cindi, & Emily. -photos by Donna George, August 21, 2023
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The large pod in Port Susan today, this is in front of beach #1 at Country Club. -photo by Thomas McKane, August 21, 2023
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18:07 - Southbound again mid channel.
17:59 - Currently appear to be on a hunt, but possibly heading east.
17:54 - Current location is here [approx. 48.189460, -122.437326].
17:49 - Still northbound in Port Susan closer to Camano visible without binoculars. -Silver Hubble
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16:15 - T99s in Port Susan north of Kayak Point. Watching from shore today, headed northbound, and fast, maybe eight to ten miles per hour. Since they turned into Port Susan, they've been traveling with only one pause. They killed something near McKees Beach. Lots of blood in the water, but they kept moving after that. We're at Tillicum Beach waiting to see what they do next. -Smith Siromaskul
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16:00 - Orcas out in front of Tulare Beach headed north. One large and several smaller. They have taken a deep dive and not sure if they are still headed north or are going west toward Camano. -Rose Rubatino Goulet [CWW]
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15:45 - Tulare heading north spread out. -John C Storbeck
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15:36 - Headed towards Tulare. -Charlotte Nicholson
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15:34 - Off Tulalip Shores, WWB following. -John C Storbeck
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15:22 - Still all the 99s, northbound into Port Susan. -Brian McGinn
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15:30 - They are heading into the Port Susan area. -Luanne Seymour
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15:22 - Viewing from Langley, just lost them heading up east side of Camano. -Rachael Kvig
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15:20 - I believe there were three in total, they were milling between Hat Island and Camano then headed north west, and disappeared behind Camano from the Langley pizza scope vantage point.
15:07 - I have them! Visible through the scopes at Langley pizza! -Tiger von Pagel
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15:00 - Still in the same general area but moving a little faster northbound [approx. 48.036174, -122.313011]. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:18 - Maybe Tulalip. Heading east now. They are going back and forth [approx. 48.051869, -122.303363].
14:06 - I see breaches.
13:52 - Heading towards Tulalip.
13:47 - Pod of at least five to six between Hat and Camano Head. Heading north. -Alice Moyal
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14:20 - From my vantage point between Sandy Point and Langley Marina they are south of Mission Beach (mainland Tulalip area) milling, directional changes and a bit active.
14:00 - See map [approx. 48.043028, -122.319467] of small group northbound but around 13:45 I swear I saw a lone orca head into Saratoga Passage between Sandy Point and Langley Marina Whidbey side of channel. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:15 - Several together, Whidbey side of channel, lots of surface activity. Pin at approximate location. Now heading towards northwest corner of Hat [approx. 47.995024, -122.350074]. -Lori Christopher
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: August 21, 2023
Time: 12:58 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Traveling north between Whidbey Island and Hat Island?
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Slowly traveling north .
If orcas, any males?: Yes at least one male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: A lot of fin slapping… for about 40 minutes we were treated to a wonderful sighting.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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12:55 - And just like that they've grouped up together. Potential food sharing?
12:52 - Change of behavior. A few breaches and tail slapping. Still spread out in three different groups north of Clinton ferry lanes. -Alli Montgomery
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12:51 - Cleared ferry lanes moving towards Saratoga between Hat and Whidbey. Some surface action. I'm homebound with limited view but still clearly saw several tail slaps. -Debbie Stewart
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12:40 - North of the ferry lanes now, still northbound. Good luck, Whidbey friends! -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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12:27 - This one surprised us in our kayaks off Columbia Beach, just past the buoy line. -photos by Sarah Bajus, August 21, 2023
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12:22 - Alice Lindahl called at 12:22 to report three orcas went by Possession Point one male and two females, going north. Cruising along, not too fast. 
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12:26 - Just getting to the Columbia Beach Dr houses south of the Clinton ferry terminal. Further off shore now, still northbound.
12:12 - Straight out from Glendale right now northbound. The Clipper & Saratoga are both with them. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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12:10 - Cindi Rausch, Orca Network called to update T99s are continuing up Possession, hugging Whidbey they just passed close in off Glendale, ~ 75 feet offshore. Group hanging together and one of the males (either T38C or T99C is trailing).
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11:40 - People on Possession Beach getting a close pass right now!
11:36 - They look like they’re heading into Possession Sound at the moment.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:32 - Saratoga and the Clipper are on scene. Still slow moving in a northeast direction. -Durand Dace
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Aries Galindo
Date of Sighting: August 21, 2023
Time: 11:27 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Scatchethead /Possession
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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11:20 - Wow! What a series of breaches! They are back on the move to the NE again. -Durand Dace
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11:15 - They are just off Cultus Bay now. With the Swiftsure. -Leah Elkins
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11:15 - We are departing, and the T99s, T38C group are still hunting murres. Milling at my last map post.
11:00 - They have turned southward from my last map and T38C is here too with the T99s.
10:55 - Update for T99, 99D, and T99E. The other two in the family are to the south of us [approx. 47.903394, -122.411435]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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10:50 - Eastbound off of Cultus Bay, spread out. -Brian McGinn
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10:26 - And jackpot. Southeast bound outside the green buoy with Swiftsure behind at a distance. Able to see fins without binos from Scatchet Head. -Durand Dace
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10:25 - The T99 pod has been terrorizing common murres in a southeastbound direction [approx. 47.912922, -122.438923]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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09:50 - Friend who lives on Maxwelton Beach posted he saw five orcas go by.  -Durand Dace
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09:14 - At least one orca SB [southbound] at Maxwelton Beach just beyond boat buoy line. -Jayn Goldsen
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Mon, Aug 21 - Semiahmoo Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tony Sluder
Date of Sighting: August 21, 2023
Time:
Species seen: Unsure, was possible a humpback due to the back shape
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 48.981080, -122.834591 Semiahmoo Bay
Direction of travel: South
Behaviors observed: Back rolling arched above surface, did not see it blow or tail due to close surprised encounter
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: none noticed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Was departing the Blaine marina to set crab pots at about 11:30. We were in about 45-50 feet of water maybe three miles out in Semiahmoo Bay. The whale surprised us with a very close encounter at about our 1 o'clock starboard bow maybe 25-30 yards. Turned hard to port and killed the throttle, looked back but never saw it surface again. When I first saw it, the back area was rolling above the surface and then I turned, wife was able to see the flukes as it went under but I didn't see that. Bit of a shocker for us, in a small 22 foot boat traveling at about 25 mph and not expecting it that close in to shore and somewhat shallow.
Photos available?: No

August 20
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Aug 20 - Strait of Georgia (Js, Ks, & Ls [minus L12s & L54s]) - 10:00 - Update from up north: The bulk of the SRKW (believed to be all but L12 and L54 sub-groups) are southeast bound from Nanaimo after visiting Campbell River. If they keep coming down, whale math puts them on the west side of San Juan Island after midnight tonight. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sun, Aug 20 - Haro Strait (L54s?)
10:02 - More vocals by someone on Orcasound, again L chirps or possibly otter.
09:39 - Another vocal, could be L call or maybe an otter.
09:08 - Thought I heard a little vocal on Orcasound again. Streaming on my phone so could have been something else.
07:49 - Some lovely louder L calls again (after earlier period of silence and then intermittent faint).
06:50 - Endangered Southern Resident calls on Orcasound hydrophone. Thought heard some prior as well. Believe L pod calls. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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00:55 - Orca blows heard one mile south of Landbank. It sounds like it could be four orcas, L54s? They have been milling for the past fifteen minutes and it sounds like they’re slowly trending up island. And while I was outside listening I saw the long streak of a falling star overhead. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Aug 20 - Haro Strait (T109As)
From: Craig Murray-Hill 
Date and Time Sighting Observed: 2023-08-20 02:25 PM
Marine Mammal Type: Orca (Killer Whale) SRKW
If SRKW, select pod/s:
If other:
Number of Marine Mammals Observed: 6
Latitude: 48.495387
Longitude: -123.298928
Country: Within Canada International Boundary
General Location: Other
If other: Approximately 0.7 km offshore at a bearing 30 degrees off from North Beach at Glencoe Cove-Kwatsech Muncipal Park in Saanich, Vancouver Island. Was able to triangulate their coordinates in the water as I had both GPS and a compass so I could take bearing measurements.
Describe what you saw: Six Individuals, a mix of adults and juveniles. They appeared to be actively feeding on a school of fish. They were slowly moving along a bearing of northwest to north while feeding. There were three whale watching boats in the vicinity as well as two civilian pleasure craft. All had their motors cut.
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Today with Bigg's/transient killer whales (T109A's) hunting the shoreline with smokey skies! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 20, 2023
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T109As in Haro Strait taken with a 600mm lens from shore in Gordon Head, Vancouver Island. Spyhopping! -photo by Jenna Darcie, August 20, 2023
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Sun, Aug 20 - San Juans (T75Bs & T77D) - We caught up with what is likely the youngest orca in the Salish Sea this afternoon! This little munchkin has been creating quite a stir among the whale community, and we caught up with it right outside Friday Harbor. The T75Bs were seen in Johnstone Strait on August 3 without a calf, and then were seen in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on August 11 with a calf. The calf has been observed traveling with both T75B Pebbles and T75B2 Jasper. Either one of these would be a remarkable mother! Why is that? T75B had her last calf, T75B4, in 2021. With an ~18 month gestation period, that means she would have gotten pregnant again shortly after giving birth and nursing while gestating. Meanwhile, T75B2 is only 8 years old! If she's the mom, she would be the youngest wild orca mother that we know of! My money is on T75B2 being the mother; that's who the calf is surfacing beside here. But we'll wait for official word from our colleagues at Bay Cetology, who are reviewing photos from numerous sources, for maternity to be assigned with certainty. This is a perfect example of why it's important for researchers to have multiple encounters with a new calf before assigning it an alphanumeric designation! -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, August 20, 2023
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17:45 - Eastbound from Limestone Point towards President’s Channel.
16:05 - Northbound past Reuben Tarte.
14:05 - Just exited Friday Harbor on the FHL shoreline heading north.
11:05 - Northbound in Cattle Pass.
13:45 - Looks like they’ve gone inside Brown Island to Friday Harbor. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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13:36 - They just went inside of Turn Island into San Juan Channel towards Friday Harbor. -Alex McIntire [WSSJI]
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11:44 - Viewing from 4th of July Beach. Continuing north, mile+ offshore. -Tamara Kelley [WSSJI]
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10:45 - T75Bs and T77D heading north from Salmon Bank towards Cattle Point. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sun, Aug 20 - Eastern Juan de Fuca Strait (T69s) 
17:50 - The T69 pod is now closer to Minor Island. They did a lap around Smith/Minor Islands. 
17:20 - The T69 pod is southbound at the east side of Smith Island. They just caught a seal.  -Bart Rulon, PSE
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12:32 - Update from Stephanie: Victoria Clipper V now southbound and passed the whales again, Robert confirms it was the same group they passed this morning (on their northbound crossing) that is now heading into Admiralty Inlet.
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11:20 - The T69s were south of Eastern Bank when this [Rebecca Berger’s] report came in. -Trevor Tillman
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11:00 - I was on the PSE 10:00 tour on the Saratoga and we saw the T69s at about 11:00. There were a couple other killer whales in the area (looked like a male and a female fairly spread out) but I couldn’t get any good shots for ID. [Photo of] harbor porpoise realizing it’s about to be breakfast [approx. 48.255221, -122.971733]. -photos by Amy K Fowler, August 20, 2023
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09:34 - Text message to staff member Stephanie Raymond from Robert Reeder on the Victoria Clipper V: 4 orca 48 17n 123 04w heading southeast.
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Sun, Aug 20 - Rosario Strait (Possibly T60D & T60E) - 18:49 - The two that split off are just northwest of Deception Island. I can see them from Rosario Head. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie 
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Matalie Watson
Date of Sighting: August 20, 2023
Time: 5:10 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Off runway at Ault Field
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
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 Matalie Watson, August 20, 2023
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Sun, Aug 20 - Admiralty Head - 11:21 - Orcas coming into Admiralty Inlet [southbound] at Point Wilson. Just passed the red marker at Port Townsend. It’s hard to tell but two/possibly three. No males that I could see. -Rebecca Berger
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Sun, Aug 20 - Eastern Juan de Fuca Strait and Admiralty Inlet (mix of T60s & T99s)  - 20:15 - Still in view from Shore Meadows, but they are trending slowly southeast (two fishing boats following at a distance). Should be visible from Robinson if the lighting holds. -Durand Dace
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19:55 - Just finished a hunt 200’ offshore Meadows Beach, lots of surface activity (poor seal was very visible) - they are now slowly moving south.
19:30 - Six orcas slowly moving south, close to Whidbey shore, at Mutiny Bay. Viewing from Shore Meadow. Four together and two separate (including a large male) slightly separated. -Emily Wandres
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T99B Holly makes a splash during a hunt
19:30 - Taken from Shore Meadow. I believe we have T99, T99B, T99D, T99E and T99C. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 20, 2023
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19:30 - Maybe five or six heading south into Mutiny Bay. They stalled for a bit (I think hunting), but have taken off again.
19:23 - They are two miles south of Bush Point. Close to Whidbey side. Quickly heading south. -Mike Meyer
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19:15 - [Bigg’s] passed Bush Point still southbound. [Follow up] about six and they were in two groups. -Heidi Bruns Shank
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19:05 - Ival Salyer called reporting an orca sighting in Admiralty Inlet off Lagoon Point, Whidbey. Observed three orcas (one high dorsal, one short more curved and smaller) not quite to mid channel all traveling south purposefully after a short stall in front of their vantage point. Maybe half a mile or more offshore. 
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18:29 - Three orca 100 feet offshore Lagoon Point, heading south fast, one big male, two smaller ones. -Bill Setter
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18:23 - [Bigg’s] Passed very quickly out in front of Admirals Cove - WW boat trailing them; southbound still. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter 
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18:15 - [Bigg’s] Passing Fort Casey lighthouse, steady south.
18:00 - [Bigg’s] Passing Ebey’s Landing a bit further off shore. -Emily Wandres
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17:38 - [Bigg’s] passed Fort Ebey, moving southbound quickly. -Amy Weldon 
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17:05 - [Bigg’s] Approaching Libbey Beach.
16:45 - [Bigg’s] Just passed Hastie Lake going south.
16:25 - [Bigg’s] Viewing orcas south of West Beach, traveling slowly south - between the shore and the WW boats. Swiftsure and others with them.  -Emily Wandres
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16:41 - T60 family following Whidbey coast right now! -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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16:55 - Southbound as we depart. T60s [48.26, -122.76163].
16:30 - T60 pod is southbound according to my map. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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13:20 - T60 kids broke off and it is just the T99s with T38C now. -Ellie Sawyer
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12:43 - A group of three to four orcas including what looked like a baby are milling around off Smith Island in the shallow water! Per Ellie Sawyer, T99s with T60D and E and T38C so far. -Alexia Taucher
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Sun, Aug 20 - Discovery Passage - 11:00 - Group of eleven orcas in Discovery Passage, taken from Quadra Island! Beautiful. They came back down the passage at about 18:00. -Peter Mcbride
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Aug 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC16503 Hemlock) - “Hemlock," a humpback whale, with Race Rocks Lighthouse in the background with smokey skies! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos & ID by Paul Pudwell, August 20, 2023

August 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Aug 19 - Campbell River (Js, Ks, & Ls [minus L12s & L54s]) - 12:23 - Plot twist! Hearing reports that the other SRKW are off Campbell River! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sat, Aug 19 - Haro Strait (L54s) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #45: “After hearing that the L54s and L88 were on the west side of San Juan Island, the team headed down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 1050. We topped off our fuel tank at Roche Harbor before continuing down Haro Strait. The team arrived on scene off False Bay at 1153 where L88 and L117 were traveling northwest up Haro Strait together…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #45.
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08-19-23 L54s Haro Strait SJI
09:18 - 10:29, Initially two members of the L54s, L88 Wave Walker and L117 Keta traveling up island to the north, 1/3 mile from shore. They stalled in front of me milling in a wide circle as they interacted socially with each other. It was very satisfying to watch the big male L88 Wave Walker mentoring his young friend L117 Keta. They were joined at 09:53 by L54 Ino and L108 Coho. All spent the time milling in a wide area and slowly veered off shore until out of sight down island. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank
12:20 - 14:48, Seen again from further down island, the L54s were heading up island again adjacent to Pile Point. They stalled milling in a wide circle. At 14:40 they suddenly began to move, coming back in to shore and moving quickly up island to the north. Viewing from just north of Pile Point.
15:10, Viewing from Lime Kiln, as the L54s came into view they changed direction and headed back down island.
16:05 - 17:30, the group spent some time milling 3/4 to 1 mile offshore, occasionally out of sight around Pt Edwards.
19:10 - 20:05, Spread apart in the sunset , the L54s heading down island, 1 mile off shore. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - L88 Wavewalker - L117 Keta -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, August 19, 2023
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20:55 - They are here [approx. 48.470723, -123.124860]. -Emily Gause
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L88 Wavewalker
17:59 - Three more southbound here [approx. 48.494717, -123.143994].
17:44 - Found one southbound south of Lime Kiln 200 yards from shore [approx. 48.501449, -123.157762]. -photos by Smith Siromaskul, August 19, 2023
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17:30 - L117 and L108 foraging off Land Bank - other two are further south.
15:30 - Stalled or potentially southbound off Land Bank.
15:05 - Northbound off Land Bank. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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13:30 - Northbound along coast. Deadman Bay.
11:45 - Southern residents. Northwest bound [approx. 48.457352, -123.067359]. I think three to four offshore side and at least two in shore. We lost all but two. 
12:12 - We are directly off shore of False Bay.
13:12 - Just north of Kanaka Bay. Two groups of two coming back together. -Smith Siromaskul
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11:50 - Pod of orcas headed north from False Bay now. -Ryan Santhuff
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11:00 - Appears Ls are spread and foraging between False Bay and Eagle Point. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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08:15 - Six beauties heading west to Lime Kiln from Pile Point.  -Matt Medlin [ONCG]
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06:30 - Good morning to everyone especially the orcas breathing north of San Juan County Park this morning. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Aug 19 - Gulf Islands, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Peter Ollodart
Date of Sighting: August 19, 2023
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Battleship island 48 37’ 275” x 123 11’ 858”
Direction of travel : Towards Gulf Islands (N/NW)
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Likely a male/mother with calves
Photos available?: No
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Sat, Aug 19 - Cordova Bay (T37As) - T37A2 Inky & T37A Volker - T37A2 Inky, T37A Volker, & T37A3 Spinnaker - Encounter with the T37As in Cordova Bay. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 19, 2023
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17:46 - WW boats observing orcas near Kelp Reef/D'Arcy Island. Headed northeast. I believe these are T's. Per Ellie Sawyer, T37As. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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17:21 - Distinctly eastbound movement now. Three knots. -Smith Siromaskul
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17:09 - Haro group looks to be committed to traveling northeast, just north of Smith's last map.
16:51 - Haro group eastbound north of Glencoe Cove. May be trending slightly north now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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16:59 - Approx. 48.518963, -123.285773.
14:31 - At least four southbound here [approx. 48.575118, -123.353691]. -photo by Smith Siromaskul, August 19, 2023
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Sat, Aug 19 - Rosario Strait (T36s) - Very special as they passed us on Lummi today just as Lummi Nation was having their annual reef net festival and blessing. They went right into Legoe bay where the blessing/festival was (it very out of their way too!) [Very] special.
15:21 - Approximate location still heading north! So great to see them so close [approx. 48.708337, -122.729927].
14:11 - Someone on the Victoria Star just said they’re the T36s. They’re headed toward Lummi just south of Legoe Bay, can’t tell if north or south yet. Just east so far.
13:26 - It appears to be four orca, hard to tell direction with binoculars but it appears north judging by the WW boat with them.
13:08 - At least two orca headed north in Rosario Strait, then we’re just at Doe Bay and now well into the strait - appear to be headed north. Hard to see with binoculars but Island Explorer 5 and Victoria Star are with them. -Rose Caitlin
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Aug 19 - Haro Strait (BCY1223 & others) - 19:28 - Humpback, big dive just past Point Edwards traveling down island. Viewing from one mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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19:20 - Humpback seen diving off the Land Bank. Northbound. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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19:11 - Fluke of that humpback at Landbank. Per Michelline Halliday, this is BCY1223 born in 2019. -Taylor Redmond [WSSJI]
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17:07 - Northbound at County Park. -Whitney Neugebauer [WSSJI]
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16:40 - Two humpbacks now passing Lime Kiln. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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16:18 - Two humpbacks traveling up island one mile south of Landbank. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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16:16 - Another humpback offshore of Land Bank aiming for Lime Kiln. -Tyler McKeen [WSSJI]
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17:22 - Humpback southbound off Land Bank with two of the L54s.
16:00 - Mom and calf humpback heading up island close to shore from Kanaka Bay. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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07:42 - Spotted south of Henry Island headed northbound. -Essence Newhoff
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07:04 - Single humpback heading up island offshore of County Park. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu, Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching [WSSJI]

August 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Aug 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (L54s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lynne Wenberg-Davidson
Date of Sighting: August 18, 2023
Time: 2:25 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Offshore near Sheringham Point Lighthouse (between Port Renfrew and Sooke Harbor, Vancouver Island)
Direction of travel : North, feeding, surfacing at regular pace
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Both male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We have been circumnavigating Vancouver Island since 7/11 from Anacortes, up inside to Port Hardy and now south down west coast... we have seen lots of humpbacks, but this was the first sighting of orcas
Photos available?: Lynne Wenberg - L88 Wavewalker - L108 Coho - IDs by Orca Network -photos by Lynne Wenberg, August 18, 2023
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Fri, Aug 18 - Haro Strait (L12s) - It was fitting last night [08/18] that it was the L12 sub-group - likely Tokitae's relatives - that drew us all together for an impromptu gathering at Lime Kiln. As we all dealt with our emotions related to her unexpected passing, there was comfort to be drawn, as always, from the presence of the Southern Residents, and from one another. As scientists we know there is no way they knew what was going on. 10 of these 11 whales have never met her, and to them she has been long gone. And yet. With whales there are so many uncanny coincidences that over the years, you hesitate a little to call them coincidences at all. L126 and L127 were breaching, rolling, tail slapping. Reminding us that even though one generation was lost, the new generation is here, and it is up to us to find a way to do better by them. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, August 18, 2023
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08-18-23 L12s Haro Strait SJI
12:26, Leader at Pile Point, 1/2 mi offshore traveling up island. I assumed the rest of the L12s would follow so I hurried to Landbank to wait. After 45 minutes without a sighting, I went back down island as far as I could. No orcas were seen so they must have turned back down island before reaching Landbank.
15:55 - 16:01, L12s traveling up island. Three generations traveling in a tight group L77 Matia, L119 Joy and her calf L126. L87 Onyx just a few minutes behind them. Viewing from 1 mile south of landbank.
18:40 - 20:20, At first distant blows and then far off shore the L12s were seen traveling down island north of Lime Kiln. The group was spaced apart generally 1/2 mile to 1.5 miles offshore. As they drew closer to the lighthouse they began to veer in with a few close enough to get some photographs in the setting sun. Wildfire smoke had begun to seep in from B.C. turning the sky and water orange and pink. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - L113 Costeau -photos & ID by Michelline Halliday, August 18, 2023
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20:45 - Trailers just passing Land Bank continuing down island. Until tomorrow L12s. -Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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19:20 - Update: Long dives, staying north of Lime Kiln, but see one moving fast south. Let's see if that keeps up!
19:00 - Moving slowly south some further offshore that are milling. Some have come closer to shore.
18:23 - Still southbound further offshore than earlier today. Hearing echolocation clicks on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone.
18:17 - I believe I see them on the Lime Kiln Camera still pretty far up island, but southbound.
17:50 - Echolocation clicks on Orcasound Haro hydrophone. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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18:17 - Can see them approaching on the Lime Kiln cam. -Melissa Bird
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18:04 - The L12s are currently headed back down the west side of San Juan Island (at 6PM). They can be heard on the Orcasound Hydrophone. If they continue south, I'll capture it on the Lime Kiln Lighthouse camera. -Fred Horn [ONCG]
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17:26 - More percussive-like sounds on the Lime Kiln hydrophone. Weird as the located SRKWs are closer to the Orcasound Lab and I didn't hear the sounds there.
17:02 - Val Veirs at Orcasound Lab says the L12s are northbound slow in a tight group passing Snug Harbor and heading for Kellett Bluff. I was listening the whole time from Seattle and didn't hear a single call, whistle, or click.
16:46 - Possible percussive sounds on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone, like about ten in a row. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
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16:26 - Poignantly, the L12 subgroup of L pod is swimming in Haro Strait passing the webcam at Lime Kiln State Park, San Juan Island, Washington State. -Orca Network
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15:10 - Now north of Grandma’s Cove going up island.
14:32 - Just south of Grandma’s Cove, milling with a slight trend up Island. -Tamara Kelley [WSSJI]
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14:00 - Ls are eastbound off South Beach. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nadine Frehafer
Date of Sighting: August 18, 2023
Time: 12:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Just south of False Bay in Haro Strait
Direction of travel : North at a decent pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: None seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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08:45 - Confirming open saddles. At least some of the SRKWs stayed overnight. Continuing to mill and fish off South Beach.
07:53 - Whales milling off mid South Beach with at least one large male present. -Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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For the past few days I have been trying so hard to come up with the right words to say, but my heart just becomes so overwhelmed that brain can't seem to translate. On Friday 8/18/2023 when my dearest friend Rachel Haight messaged me to tell me that Toki had passed away. I'm so thankful she did cause in that exact moment I was watching her family off the shores of the San Juan Island. Without a doubt inside my soul they were there to welcome her home where she truly always belonged. Being in that moment is something I will cherish forever. No pictures can do justice to what my soul witnessed but I want to share with you all as well hoping your hearts become full too. Saturday I decided to make a trip up to Penn Cove. I felt important to honor her where her life was taken but where her soul returned. My greatest wish when the shooting stars fall is that we can save the rest of her beautiful family. -photos by April Basham, August 18, 2023
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Aug 18 - San Juans (T18s, T60D & T60E) - T19B Galiano - Encounter with T19s on the Northeast side of Lopez. -photo by Kyla Bivens, August 18, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Aug 18 16:42 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.56985,-122.86397 [east of Upright Head, Lopez]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Kevin
Whale Alert App
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18:33 - We left them as they were heading westbound on the south side of Jones Island maybe 20 minutes ago. -Smith Siromaskul
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17:09 - Currently can see them from Seafarers Park, but it does look like they are making a change in direction. It could also be because it’s pretty boxed in the Guemes Channel in this area anyway and then you add in the boats unfortunately.
16:49 - Some of them split off and went into the Guemes Channel, but might be flipping. -Silver Hubble [ONCG]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Juli Stolpmann
Date of Sighting: August 18, 2023
Time: 4:34 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Anacortes
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?:
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T19B Galiano
16:41 - Approaching Lopez Island ferry terminal.
16:24 - [approx. 48.546233, -122.847209].
15:37 - Northwest side of James Island westbound.
15:19 - East side Lopez Island. [Correction]: Decatur Island [approx. 48.492850, -122.761508]. -photo by Smith Siromaskul, August 18, 2023
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13:09 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:10 to report: 1309hrs: Vessel SAMISH reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 4 orca in the southern part of Thatcher Pass, near the shoreline of Decatur Island. Direction of travel is westbound.
12:46 - On WW tour now. Seven orcas by shoreline of Lopez Island! -photo by Rita Tillison, August 18, 2023
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Fri, Aug 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T38C, T38E, T99s) - It was T038C and T038E with the T99s. They hunted together in the kelp beds north of Port Angeles for a bit. -Mollie Segall
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12:28 - Also orcas west of Port Angeles. T99s and 138s [T38s] west bound. -Alec Sills-Trausch
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Fri, Aug 18 - San Juans (T34s, T37, T37Bs, & T46s) - 23:15 - From Neck Point looking across San Juan Channel towards Point Caution. Heard three or more whales (orcas?) breathing and splashing while moving slowly southeast down the channel in dead calm and otherwise quiet conditions. They occasionally produce a sound similar to what I've heard from hydrophones. -Jim Collatz [WSSJI]
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15:45 - Heading southeast towards Jones Island. Same group of 17 - they split and then merged again. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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11:25 - This group appears to have split with some taking Spiden Channel while a large portion of the group continued northeast towards Flattop Island. -Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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11:15 - Now north of Reuben Tarte northbound.
10:45 - Slow north from O Neal.
10:35 - Still milling in Rocky Bay.
10:15 - Milling in Rocky Bay. Looks like at least T34s, T37, T37Bs, T46s.
10:05 - Inside of O’Neal northbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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09:40 - Large group of orcas mid channel between Mineral Point and Jones going north. -Dan Shelley [WSSJI]
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T36A3 Storm & T37B3 - T46E Thor & T36A3 Storm - T-party at Reef Island including the matrilines T34s, T36As, T37s, and T46s. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 18, 2023
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Fri, Aug 18 - San Juans (T37As) - From what I can decipher (there's a LOT of whales out there!) the 37As were the smaller separate group referred to in this. -Erin Johns Gless
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09:21 - Pod of four, at least one juvenile - lighthouse on Stuart heading along the northside. They are heading east.  -Levi Sawyers
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T37A2 Inky - These are the T37As that I was with up in the San Juan Islands. When we pulled up, they were hunting a little potato. I have pictures of him. He didn't make it. RIP little friend. That is the hard part of a hunt. The more enjoyable part is the celebration afterwards. Well, sometimes they celebrate. Sometimes they lean back in their recliners, undo the first button on their pants and log. Luckily, these guys liked to tail lob and breach! It was a stunning day on the water. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 18, 2023

August 17
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Aug 17 - Haro Strait (Js, Ks, & Ls [minus L54s]) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #44: “Shortly after they had accelerated and moved offshore of the sport fishing fleet around Whirl Bay and Church Point, they spotted a small cluster of killer whale spouts against the Bedford Islands. They slowed and began the encounter at 0855. With the number of whales visible, the guys thought it likely that the Southern Residents were making their long-awaited return to the Salish Sea. Sure enough, sprouting male K42 was the first individual photographed, apparently socializing with J47 and another individual…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #44.
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08-17-23 J,K,L-Pods, Haro Strait SJI
06:20 - 17:20, We heard the news that the Southern Residents were sighted near Sooke and we waited peering across the water, finally rewarded at 15:00 with fins inbound. The orcas were spread out in groups along the westside. Viewing from Landbank's Westside Preserve there were two main groups milling and socializing; breaches, belly rolls and lots of fluke lobs. They seemed to be very animated connecting with each other. They headed up island and a third group that had been milling down-island near Point Edwards came into view, quickly past Landbank towards Lime Kiln.
17:40 - 20:15, Viewing from Lime Kiln Lighthouse. Up north the L12s had flipped, separating from the rest of the Southern Residents and headed down island towards Lime Kiln. They slowly passed the lighthouse with a beautiful sunset behind them.
20:42, Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank, the L12's were heading down island until out of sight as the remaining light drained from the sky. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - L25 Ocean Sun -photos & ID by Michelline Halliday, August 17, 2023
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Here are some clips from the Lime Kiln Camera when the SRKWs passed 8-17-23. -Fred Horn [ONCG]
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Here is a blog post on the superpod passby of Orcasound. -Leslie Nevin Veirs, Orcasound
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Yesterday [08/17] was probably the best day for seeing whales. The universe aligned the stars for me and I could not be more thankful. Truly an incredible experience. Taken from shore. -photos by Kat Martin, August 17, 2023
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What a show they put on a Lime Kiln at sunset today! Salmon jumping EVERYWHERE and got a glimpse of the new baby! -Kellie Daw
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20:13 - Orcas on the Whale Museum camera livestream currently. -Stephanie Carlsen
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20:10 - L12s southbound passing LK lighthouse. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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19:32 - I'm seeing several on the web cam possibly heading back towards Lime Kiln Lighthouse. -Cydnie Simons
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19:32 - Spouts spotted north of Lime Kiln! Seem to be heading south toward the lighthouse. -Kellie Daw
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19:13 - Hearing them on the hydrophone again!  -Megan Bryner
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I've lived in WA for 30 years and never seen orcas. Kacie Baldwin told me we'd break the streak and boy, did we! Swung by Lime Kiln Point at just the right time. Orcas feeding. Orcas frolicking. -Matt Slinger
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17:40 - Lots of S19s increasing in amplitude on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone. Sounds like another group passing. Also some fish grunts and increasing boat noise. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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17:26 - Just saw them! -Brandon Winters
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17:25 - The L12s, believed to be the trailers, northbound between Land Bank and Lime Kiln. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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17:22 - Still hearing great calls, clicks, and whistles after the ship noise has subsided! -Orcasound - Listen for Whales
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17:08 - Perfectly visible on the live stream right now! -Caro Lew
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17:00 - [recording of vocals]. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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16:54 - Most have passed Lime Kiln, hearing calls by all three pods sounds like. Orcasound Lab hydrophone up next.
16:51 - L pod calls and little breacher on LK webcam. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:40 - Big breach and fluke slaps. -Amanda Stewart
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16:49 - Beautifulness!! They’re so happy! -Cherie StOurs
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16:40 - Such fun to watch and hear. -Patricia Prochaska
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16:35 - Via the Lime Kiln webcam, been watching SRKWS spread out a bit with some offshore foraging while the large group who is now just north of Bellevue Point, San Juan making some directional changes and surface active but slowly northbound hugging the shoreline. The socializing and cuddle puddle over the past hour plus by this large group has been so intense and beautiful. Lots of K pod calls currently on Lime Kiln. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:32 - Breaching. -Brooke Cornell
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16:09 - Right in front of the webcam the past five minutes. -Jenny Klis
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16:00 - Another amazing breach! -Brooke Cornell
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16:00 - So amazing on the live stream.
15:54 - Calls on Lime Kiln. -Linda Aitkins
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15:53 - I am SUPERpod Jealous of everyone there now! Watching the webcam. -Cathy Baker
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15:47 - Thank you, I watched for a while! Looked like they were pec slapping and tail slapping as a greeting to all the lucky people at Lime Kiln! -Bonnie Gretz
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15:44 - Biggest breach I’ve ever seen.
15:38 - Huge group. Breaches, tail slaps, spy hopping. -Brooke Cornell
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15:35 - 15:44 - Just rewinding and watching that cuddle puddle from the 15:35 marker to 15:44 where Brook noted the breach & just WOW! SO MUCH CUDDLE! They're clearly lifting each other out of the water & rolling all over each other. Just stunning.  -Melissa Bird
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15:23 - Breaching. -Jenny Klis
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15:13 - Calls are super clear at the moment, makes my day! -Natalie Castro
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15:06 - Loud L pod call and echolocation on Lime Kiln! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:03 - Momma and little one! -Brooke Cornell
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14:57 - So much breaching on the live stream! -Denise Joines
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14:57 - Watching them on the Lime Kiln camera wishing I was there. -Caitlyn Blair
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14:56 - Foraging orcas offshore visible on webcam. And K pod calls. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:55 - They are on the Lime Kiln video now. -Margaret Nichols
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14:46 - SRKWs were visible on the webcam when zoomed in, but now it's panned back out for the time being. They should be coming up to Lime Kiln soon. Shore based watchers are seeing them offshore. So wonderful! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:52 - Lots of orca vocalizations! Love it!  -Shari Linger
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14:40 - Single leader whale just to the south of Lime Kiln Lighthouse and north of Land Bank. -Brittany Noelle [WSSJI]
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14:20 - Vocalizations on the Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Brooke Cornell
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13:54 - They are still offshore, but we can now hear their calls, faintly on the Lime Kiln hydrophone! -Orca Network
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13:10 - Staff member Serena Tierra reports seeing some of the residents from Clover Point, Victoria offshore south of Trial Island. Pod was still eastbound.
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11:30 - Js, Ks, and Ls are east of Race Rocks still eastbound. Members of the L12 and L4 sub-groups confirmed.
10:00 - Js and Ks confirmed by researchers on the water - UPDATE and at least part of L-Pod confirmed too!
09:00 - Update: Confirmed SRKW! Still west of Race Rocks but eastbound. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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06:20 - Many killer whales off Sooke headed east… most likely SRKW! -Paul Pudwell [WSSJI]
*
There were more than 130 orcas in the Salish Sea today (8/17)! The majority (70+) of the Southern Residents returned to inland waters, the first visit we have had from them in over 6 weeks. For K-Pod and some of the Ls, it was their first visit east of Victoria since mid-January! We believe all but the L54 sub-group were present, and yes we did see both L126 and L127. Additionally, we confirmed the presence of at least 60 individual Bigg's killer whales throughout the Salish Sea today, most of which were also around the San Juan and Southern Gulf Islands. It's hard to fathom! While perhaps not the most technically beautiful photo, I wanted to share this one because it was a moment that took my breath away. How often do you see four adult male orcas surfacing together? These were Southern Residents off Land Bank's Westside Preserve this afternoon. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, August 17, 2023
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Aug 17 - Gambier Island, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carley Mulvenna
Date of Sighting: August 17, 2023
Time: 7:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Hope Point. Gambier Island
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Thu, Aug 17 - San Juans (T101s)
16:53 - Now midchannel between Shaw and Lopez. WSF Chelan slowing down.
16:38 - Two [orca] northbound [approx. 48.540070, -122.925122]. -photos by Smith Siromaskul, August 17, 2023
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Thu, Aug 17 - (T36As & T46s) - 18:30 - These whales are currently heading south out of Eastsound. Updated IDs - you're right Tyler McKeen! T36As with T46s. Thanks Jeff Friedman for the details! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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18:25 - Southbound two miles south of Rosario.
18:09 - Feeding. Rosario Harbor. Orcas Island [Eastsound]. -photo by Smith Siromaskul, August 17, 2023
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18:00 - Possibly in Eastsound - Orcas Island?
16:49 - WSF Yakima reporting eight orcas blocking Upright Channel.  -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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T46D Strider coming right up to our boat! First WW boat trip of the year was a win! T46s/T36s Cruising through Eastsound today. -Rose Caitlin
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13:45 - This group headed west through Thatcher Pass and are now northbound west side Blakely Island. -Orca Network
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13:11 - This group moved over to the cove by James Island and headed west at the northern tip of Decatur Island. -Tarima Cannell [WSSJI]
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11:48 - Very close to shore.
11:40 - We are at Green Point, they are super close to Lopez and Decatur behind Bird Rocks. We saw three dorsals in the distance. -Caitlyn Blair [WSSJI]
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11:15 - These whales were still south of Bird Rocks, facing north but not making much progress.
10:30 - There are some Bigg's killer whales around too! T46s and friends northbound in Rosario heading towards the Anacortes ferry lanes. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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09:30 - Pod of orcas, probably two adults and at least one juvenile, headed northwest through Lopez Pass right now. -Peter G.
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Thu, Aug 17 - Admiralty Inlet (T38C, T38E, T46B1s, T46C2, T73As, T99s) - T73A1 Paws - Sped down to Lagoon Point in hopes of catching the fast moving group of Bigg's orcas. Got there in time to see a beautiful close pass of T73A1 Paws, big male born 2005. I'm not sure of the others in my pictures but there were a lot reported! They were moving fast, so I got up to Fort Casey in time to see some go by Whidbey side of mid-channel but not real close. A beautiful day with lovely whales!  -photos & ID by Bonnie Gretz, August 17, 2023
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18:30 - Orcas passing Port Townsend heading north.
18:26 - Orcas passing Port Townsend now, saw from ferry. -Erin Merklein
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14:46 - I've been looking at two groups all heading west: one group of three, single person in boat escorting, and a group of two near a whale watching group.
14:37 - Now three orcas heading west. Still east of Partridge Point. One small boat floating nearby for reference. Clipper slowing down to pass.
14:05 - Two orcas heading west of Ebey's slough parking lot, in navigational channel. -Cyrilla Cook
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13:34 - Crossed over to the Port Townsend side. All grouped up being followed by a dingy. I see them through binoculars. -Kevin Phillips
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12:30 - One group of four to five went north past Fort Casey a bit off Whidbey side. -Bonnie Gretz
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12:20 - Northbound along Fort Casey one group closer to shore, most further out, fast still.
12:05 - Viewing from Fort Casey, believe whales are spread. One group southeast of here, closer to Whidbey side, aiming northwest towards where I'm at. Believe others are likely more midchannel but haven't seen yet. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:15 - Zoomed past Lagoon Point one huge male. Very close. Based on position of WW boats, pushed off shore a little. Might be good sighting at Fort Casey. -Bonnie Gretz
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11:27 - The lead group is passing Lagoon Point and it includes the T73As and T46C2. -Justine Buckmaster
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11:25 - Fast past Lagoon Point northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:00 - My front yard on Bush Point, Whidbey Island. Was on a work team’s meeting at the time and had to share the live video. -Greg Roe
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10:53 - Moving fast, past Bush Point. -Heidi Bruns Shank
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10:45 - Second group moving quickly north. About one mile south of Bush Point. They will pass quite close to shore at Bush Point. First group more mid-channel about two miles south of Bush Point.
10:40 - Second group. At least four very close to Whidbey shore. Two miles south of Bush Point. Heading north. At least one big male. -Mike Meyer
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10:40 - MV Swiftsure is with a very large group that appears to include the T99s, T73As, T75Bs [edit: no 75Bs, rather T46B1s], and more! Two groups spread out steadily northbound from Mutiny Bay. -Justine Buckmaster
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10:30 - They are mid channel, being trailed by a WW boat, headed north, lets say about five miles south of Bush Point. Quite active. -Mike Meyer
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10:20 - What a lucky day for me at work. They are very active. Crossing channel from PNP towards Whidbey Island. -Kyle Woyshnis
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09:45 - Just saw them pass Point No Point heading north.  -Tiffany Mires
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09:16 - Lots of tail slaps. Nice to see all the boaters being respectful. -Rebecca French Gerke
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09:00 - Last seen from Apple Tree Point around Eglon, northbound towards Point No Point. -Sara Frey
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07:58 - Orcas sighted right now blowing off of Apple Tree Point in Kingston! Headed north. At least five. -John Butler [PSWS]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Marilyn Lindahl
Date of Sighting: August 17, 2023
Time: 7:32 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: ~1 mile northwest of Point No Point
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Two young playing, two adults swimming nearby
If orcas, any males?: Maybe one large dorsal
Any unusual markings?: We were too far away several hundred yards
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Aug 17 - Juan de Fuca Strait - 18:07 - Kimberly Sylvester called. They are on the Coho ferry (Port Angeles/Victoria) half way across and are seeing 3 humpbacks east of them, south of halfway; and another two humpbacks to the west between the ferry and Race Rocks. 
*
DOLPHINS - Thu, Aug 17 - South Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Marilee Fijalka-Carr
Date of Sighting: August 17, 2023
Time: 5:45 PM
Species seen: dolphin
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Pickering Passage, west of Jarrell's Cove on Harstine Island.
Direction of travel : west
Behaviors observed: repeated porpoising well out of the water
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Too far to tell
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Continued to porpoise for ten to twelve times. Splashing very evident from a distance.
Photos available?: No

August 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Aug 16 - Haro Strait (T36As & T46s) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #43: “The team saw a large group of whales pass the Center for Whale Research, going north in the middle of Haro Strait. Michael, Darren, and Chris geared up and headed to Snug, with the hope of catching up with the whales just outside of the harbor. The team got off the dock at 17:18, and arrived on scene with the T36As and T46s at 17:31 off the southwest side of Henry Island…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #43.
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19:35 - T36s and T46s just passed Reuben Tarte and have veered now over to Jones, but not before T46D said hi. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
15:35 - A few minutes later, another larger group came north through Baynes. I think I saw the T46s in there, but not sure. That group is now heading northeast north of Ten Mile Point. I believe the T18s continued south, will try to go catch up to them to confirm. Confirmed 46s in that bigger group. Not sure who else was with them, but I'd estimate six to eight whales total. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
T46D Strider - T46E Thor - While waiting for the T18s, I saw there were some whale watching boats heading north off Oak Bay. After the T18s went south through Baynes Channel, I decided to stay at Ten Mile Point and see what was coming north. The T36s and T46s came by seven minutes later (based on the timestamps on my photos). After rounding the point, they started trending offshore towards San Juan Island, so I didn't follow them any further. -photos by Serena Tierra, August 16, 2023
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Wed, Aug 16 - Haro Strait (T41s)
18:27 - Heading north through the Chain Islets.
17:49 - They were hunting on the north side of Trial Island for about ten minutes. Lots of directional changes, trending east. Now seem to be back in travel mode still eastbound. Edit: 3 total, no males.
17:32 - Start of their hunt [approx. 48.406632, -123.306405].
17:22 - Approaching McMicking Point.
17:00 - East of Clover Point now, traveling northeast. I've only seen two so far, no big males. Group four for me today!
16:52 - Another group eastbound between Clover Point and Finlayson Point. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
I was looking for the T18s from Trafalgar Park and heard there were more orcas coming north. I found these whales off Clover Point and followed them to Oak Bay before they moved offshore. Not sure who these were since I didn't get great ID shots. Not every day is like this. While I was going through these photos, the Southern Residents were heading east in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. I wasn't planning to go out since they are usually far offshore by the time they pass Victoria. I ended up missing an amazing pass at Clover Point and only got a distant look at them when they were much further away. It's still been a good week though. ID'd as the T41s with help from Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network. -photos by Serena Tierra, August 16, 2023
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T41 Lawrie, T41A1 Jemison, T41A2 Tree - We are in full swing with Bigg's/transient killer whales in our area now. Today with the (T041s) near Race Rocks Lighthouse! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 16, 2023
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Wed, Aug 16 - Haro Strait (T18s)
15:35 - T18s went south through Baynes Channel after a very close pass on the north side of Ten Mile Point (or half of them did, I only ever saw 19C and one of the females).
15:00 - Orcas southbound approaching Ten Mile Point, assuming T18s. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:35 - Group continues south, south of the Kelp Reef mark, mid-Haro. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
13:00 - T18s southbound at D’Arcy Island. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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T18 Esperanza - T19C Spouter - T18 and T19C at Ten Mile Point on Wednesday. Shortly after I got home from watching the first group, I saw on WSSJI that the T18s were southbound off D'Arcy Island. I went back out to Ten Mile Point to wait for them, read for a while, watched some seals and a harbor porpoise, and eventually saw some fins to the north. They went for a dive while I posted an update on Facebook and popped up a few minutes later in the cove to the west of the point. We got a very close pass along the shore before they went into Baynes Channel. Most of these photos were taken with my lens fully zoomed out (150 mm) and not cropped (and I still barely fit T19Cs dorsal in frame)! -photos by Serena Tierra, August 16, 2023
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Wed, Aug 16 - Haro Strait (T75Bs, T77C, T77D) - Here is a link to my video clip of these Bigg's as they transited Baynes Channel, at what is known as Cadboro Point on nautical charts. -Gerald Graham
*
13:11 - I believe group two is moving northeast towards the County Park, 3.5 miles off SJI now. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
12:44 - They seem to be committed eastbound, heading towards SJI. Currently north of Lime Kiln from my perspective. Leaving them now.
12:29 - Still off Glencoe Cove, not making much progress [approx. 48.492656, -123.284831].
12:14 - Northbound off Glencoe Cove, trending offshore. Can hear their blows clearly over the calm water.
12:07 - Approaching Glencoe Cove now.
11:13 - Beautiful pass at Ten Mile Point at 11:00. They came in close to shore and made a few directional changes off the rocks before moving around the point. They are now northbound off Telegraph Cove area. Looks like six total, two young ones (T75Bs + 77C/D?) . Might be the same group as yesterday. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
12:00 - Stalled and feeding near Gordon Head on Vancouver Island side.
11:00 - T75Bs with possible T77s exiting Baynes Channel northbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
10:25 - Orcas went north through the Chain Islets off Oak Bay around 10:25. Only got a brief look before I moved to Ten Mile Point [approx. 48.419209, -123.270438].  -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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T75Bs with T77C&D on Wednesday, retracing their path from the day before. I followed them from Turkey Head to Ten Mile Point and Glencoe Cove before they moved offshore towards San Juan Island. Group one out of four for me yesterday! -photos by Serena Tierra, August 16, 2023
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Wed, Aug 16 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca (T73As) - 20:50 - Long-time sightings volunteer Sara Frey called to report orcas, at least four, really close to Kitsap side just south of Apple Tree Point (sightline looking towards tank farm from Apple Tree Pt.). All just outside crab pot lines set earlier today. While we were on the phone the pod was making a lot of directional changes and someone launched in a super high breach. In general, the pod had been southbound a little bit spread with female in lead and massive male trailing. Female had been southbound, then flipped north she tail slapped. Male is described as huge. All in all sounded like female, large male, possible sprouter male and another smaller one. Sounds like out there milling around so maybe hunting.
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14:51 - Viewing from Fort Worden, they continued south on the Whidbey side. I lost them in the heat distortion. -Alissa Gubelman
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From Fort Ebey. That male’s dorsal looked huge. -photos by Brandy Jackson Ritchie, August 16, 2023
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14:35 - Chilkat Express is running a tour today and had them doing about seven knots with the flood, inbound past Ebey's Landing, working towards Fort Casey, not super close into shore, but holding consistently to the Whidbey side while we viewed them. -Grayden Kelbert
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T73A3 about to surface & T73A1 Paws - 13:26 - T73As heading southbound off Partridge Point outside Admiralty Inlet [approx. 48.216936, -122.824567]. -photo & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 16, 2023
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13:22 - Orcas off Hastie Lake, west side Whidbey Island. Non-directional with hunting activity, breaches, etc.  -Kevin Phillips
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Wed, Aug 16 - Rosario Strait (T101s) - Orcas in Rosario Strait. -photos by Jan Willis, August 16, 2023
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T101s from this afternoon off Washington Park. -photos by Dianne Norton, August 16, 2023
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From Washington Park. - In Guemes Channel. -photos by Tarima Cannell, August 16, 2023
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I was all the way down at Fort Casey after watching the T73As come through Fort Ebey and my phone wasn’t working. Suddenly I had service and realized that the whales came to MY neighborhood today. I’m not complaining because I was able to meet a new whale watching friend and get back in time to see the T101s leave Guemes Channel. -photos by Brandy Jackson Ritchie, August 16, 2023
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17:30 - Headed northwest towards William Point. -Katie Kirchhofer, Orca Network
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17:40 - Traveling up east side of Saddlebag Island SP. edit: Dot Island.
17:31 - They’re traveling north on the west side of Hat Island.
17:12 - South of Hat Island now.
17:01 - Near Cap Sante. Closer to Guemes [approx. 48.527676, -122.586465]. -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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17:09 - On our way to Shaw Island - they (three of them) were heading east toward Hat Island. -Levi
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16:44 - Near the Guemes ferry slip.
16:30 - Still visible from Anacortes ferry slip. -Katie Kirchhofer, Orca Network
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15:50 - Three orcas at Anacortes ferry dock. Heading in ferry lane towards San Juans. -Danette Poole Felt
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15:20 - Three whales off Washington Park, headed north. -Nadine Lynn
*
15:40 - Lisa Allison Blohm called again to update on the T101s. They are mid channel Rosario, were off Washington Park heading NE but now look to be heading east toward Guemes.
15:17 - Lisa Allison Blohm called again. Those T101s are now traveling west heading for the channel between Burrows and Fidalgo, not sure if going into Rosario they dove and haven’t seen them again. Orcas are traveling with purpose. 
15:14 - Lisa Allison Blohm, Anacortes called to report she is looking at who presumes the T101s reported earlier. She’s at Skyline marina. Ts are just in front of the marina in the NE section of Burrows Bay, they are milling around, non-directional. Looks like maybe been there a bit, maybe 20 minutes or longer.
*
14:10 - Pod appears to be offshore that very area, maybe now northbound.
13:40 - T101s were heading east across Rosario towards Burrows Bay/Rosario Head.  -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
*
T101A Rush in front of Mount Baker - T101s South of Cattle Point. -photo & ID by Kyla Bivens, August 16, 2023
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12:00 - Eastbound near Iceberg Point.
11:30 - T101s now near Salmon Bank, possibly heading north towards Cattle Point.
11:00 - Likely T101s heading east several miles offshore of South Beach. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]

August 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Aug 15 - Haro Strait (T75Bs &T77D) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #42: “The team received reports that the T75Bs were in Haro Strait. Recent sightings had indicated that there was a new calf in this group, so the team decided to get out on the water to document them.After a quick stop at the fuel dock, the team arrived on scene south of Kelp Reef at 15:53. The whales were in a tight group headed west. The T75Bs were accompanied by T77D, interestingly without T77C…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #42.
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Tuesday evening from Ten Mile Point (Vancouver Island) to Turkey Head in Oak Bay. I think these are the T75Bs and T77C&D, but I didn't get good enough ID shots to confirm. Heat distortion really messed with a lot of the photos from this day. -photo by Serena Tierra, August 15, 2023
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Tue, Aug 15 - Chain Islets, BC - They largely trended south, but occasionally stopped and changed direction, then south again. They disappeared behind the Great Chain Island, I believe, for quite some time, along with boat observers. Then again mulling about off Gonzales Point for a considerable amount of time. -photos by Jenna Darcie, August 15, 2023
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20:15 - South of the Chain Islets, heading south.
19:40 - Off Cattle Point now, further from shore.
19:14 - Popped up right off the rocks before rounding the point.
19:22 - Quick transit through Baynes Channel. Looks like three adults and a calf.
19:12 - Whales are committed southbound approaching the point now.
18:55 - Orcas milling north of Ten Mile Point (Victoria, BC), possibly trending south. Unsure of numbers/IDs so far. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Tue, Aug 15 - Haro Strait (T75Bs, T77C, & T77D) - What a beautiful day out on the Salish Sea with Bigg's/transient killer whales (T075B's & T077D and C) chillaxing in the sun! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 15, 2023
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16:20 - Headed north far offshore. Viewing from County Park. -Whitney Neugebauer [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Aug 15 15:37 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.49517,-123.13448
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Meghan Urquhart 
Whale Alert App
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14:40 - Appear to be approaching False Bay - not clear yet if they'll go up island or down island from there.
13:45 - These whales have turned back towards San Juan Island from Discovery. -Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
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11:18 - Looks like they are now aiming for Discovery Island. -John Boyd [WSSJI]
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08:39 - At Pile Point. 
08:25 - Up to about False Bay now. Still traveling together in a line. Heading up Island.
08:05 - Small line of orcas, approximately six to eight, passing just north of Eagle Point. Heading up island. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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Tue, Aug 15 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - At last! Six plus weeks and no orcas around Whidbey until today when the T71Bs and T124Ds slipped past Bush Point traveling quickly northbound, their backlit blows making a pretty picture against the mountain background and heat-distorted silvery light. -photo by Sandy Pollard, August 15, 2023 -photo by RJ Snowberger, August 15, 2023
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19:55 - Northbound in shipping lanes. Viewing from Admiral’s Cove. They were about mid point maybe a bit closer to Whidbey and moving fast! -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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19:42 - I spotted some blows south of the ferry lane from Fort Casey and then some breaching and a tail but I’ve lost them now. I couldn’t tell which direction they were traveling.  -Brandy Jackson Ritchie
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18:42 - Three orca northbound off Lagoon Point. They are mingling like they are feeding half mile from our shore.  -photos by Bill Setter, August 15, 2023
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18:14 - They are pushing seven plus knots right now. Whidbey side. Next stop Lagoon Point if you want to see them. -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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18:04 - Just passed Bush Point. -photos by Brandy Jackson Ritchie, August 15, 2023
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17:53 - They are close to or past Bush Point. Still steadily northbound. WW boat is no longer there.
17:34 - They are about two miles south of Bush Point, heading steadily north. They are between a cruise ship (so the shipping lane) and Whidbey. There seems to be a whale watching boat with them. -Mike Meyer
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17:25 - Just picked them up again, northern Mutiny Bay east side of the northbound lanes. Pointing at Bush Point. -Brian McGinn, PSE
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15:17 - East of Hansville. Swiftsure is with them for the moment. Not making a ton of northbound travel. Point No Point. -Kevin Phillips
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17:00 - Sierra Echo, northbound [approx. 47.920572, -122.499061].
13:20 - They're aiming for Admiralty.
13:05 - Still northbound in the lanes, right here [approx. 47.838356, -122.448269]. -Brian McGinn, PSE
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12:25 - Line of sight Apple Tree Point to Edmonds marina. Mid channel northbound. -Sara Frey
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11:53 - Approaching Kingston ferry lanes heading north. -Jami Cantrell
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11:12 - Trending northeast off of Point Jefferson.  -Brian McGinn, PSE
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T71B1 Zengo & T124D Field - T71B1 Zengo on left - 10:44 - T124D and T71B2 present. -photos by Jami Cantrell, August 15, 2023
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10:30 - Traveling quickly northbound, mid channel towards Indianola.  -Heather Paar
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10:29 - Port Madison, straight out from Old Man Park in Suquamish. Milling/hunting. -Aja Petee
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10:24 - We can see them from the beach at Squamish north of Agate Pass bridge. The whales are on the Bainbridge Island side. They are between the two whale watching boats. -Heather Paar
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From earlier around the Agate Bridge. -photo by Crystal Thompson, August 15, 2023
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10:14 - Just south of Agate Pass Bridge, northbound. -Brian McGinn, PSE
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10:13 - Traci Klein video of northbound travel in Agate Pass with a whale watch vessel, mid-channel one kilometer south of the bridge. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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10:02 - Kimberly called back. She found them now sightline Sandy Hook on Bainbridge side heading northbound toward bridge.
09:57 - Long-time volunteer Kimberly Sylvester called to say they are about a mile south of Hidden Cove Lane, Bainbridge. Only blows seen so can’t say direction.
*
09:33 - Pod appears to be heading toward Agate Pass bridge. Mid channel. Took eyes off for few minutes and now seeing several blows spread out that direction (viewing from south of Brownsville Marina).
09:27 - They’ve been engaged in many lazy tail lobs, head stands and still milling. Presume finishing up their meal. Drifting trend is bit north but no direction as of yet.
09:20 - Pod is milling just NE of Marina, Kitsap side middle of the passage.
09:15 - Just got to Brownsville, they are here, this side of passage.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:53 - Video of one of two groups of two to three orcas. Orcas in Port Orchard channel. -David Sours
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Name: David Sours
Date of Sighting: August 15, 2023
Time: 8:34 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Due west of Battle Point on Bainbridge. Closer to Kitsap peninsula.
Direction of travel : Feeding? Staying put
Behaviors observed: Milling, feeding?
If orcas, any males?: None obvious.
Any unusual markings?: Too far
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Tail thrashing. Maybe transients hunting seals?
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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06:57 - Two orcas off Port Orchard in Rich Passage at this movement heading towards Bremerton. -John Spannuth
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06:44 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:51 to report: 0644hrs: Vessel [WALLA WALLA] reports via 800MHz they've spotted 4 orcas milling about in the vicinity of Pt. Glover in Rich Passage.
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Steve Newman
Date of Sighting: August 15, 2023
Time: 6:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Rich Passage Puget Sound
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Fast Ferries disrupted pod
Photos available?: No
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Tue, Aug 15 - Puget Sound (T71Bs & T124Ds) - I've been commuting from Bremerton to Seattle since December 1998. I often get asked "how is that commute" my standard answer is it's fine until the ships break down. But things like this make it so much better. -photo by Scott Fairbanks, August 15, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kenneth Fairbanks
Date of Sighting: August 15, 2023
Time: 6:55 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: Four
Where seen: west entry to Rich Passage on the south end of Bainbridge Island
Direction of travel : west
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: no
Any unusual markings?: not seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: These all seemed smaller Orcas the dorsals were at most three feet
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Tue, Aug 15 - Rosario Strait - 12:17 - Possible orca blows spotted heading south in Rosario past Eliza [approx. 48.622202, -122.635024]. -Silver Hubble

August 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - T137B Tempest & T137 Loon - These are from Monday afternoon with the T137s off Victoria. I followed them along the shore from Ten Mile Point to the Sidney Fishing Pier. -photo by Serena Tierra, August 14, 2023
*
Mon, Aug 14 - Puget Sound (Possibly T71Bs & T124Ds) - 21:29 - Passing along a message I received from a neighbor: “A whole orca pod is sleeping between us (Chennault Beach, Mukilteo) and Whidbey. So far we have spotted six.” I didn’t see them, but for reporting thought I’d share. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
Mon, Aug 14 - Admiralty Inlet - 20:46 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 20:49 to report: orca whales 2046, Chelan Master reports 2 orca East of Point Hudson headed east.
*
Mon, Aug 14 - San Juans (T34s, T36Bs & T37Bs)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Aug 14 16:43 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.50825,-122.77354 [S side James Island]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Emilie
Whale Alert App
*
15:25 - Large pod of orcas heading south past West Beach on Orcas Island! -Wendy Huntington Spaulding [WSSJI]
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The T34's, T36B's and T37B's were partying long and hard near Sucia Island late afternoon/early evening. There was no shortage of any whale coming out of the water with cartwheels, breaches, spyhops, headstands, etc. And after dropping a hydrophone in the water, we also got to listen to some AMAZING Bigg's calls as they helped themselves to a wonderful kelp spa. For anyone who is curious about orca culture and behavior this special time had it all.  -photos by Debbie Stewart, August 14, 2023
*
Mon, Aug 14 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T18s in pursuit of a minke) - T19C Spouter & T18 Esperanza - T19C Spouter - In the morning we saw them just south of San Juan Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca; they started [to] spread out and travel, then broke into porpoising as they chased a minke whale for a few minutes. In the afternoon, we saw them on the south side of Decatur island. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 14, 2023
*
T19C Spouter - T19B Galiano - I hopped on IE today, hoping to see at least a few of the many orcas that were around yesterday. It was a gorgeous, warm, sunny, glass smooth day. First we saw a big Steller sea lion catching a skate, then an elusive minke whale near Lopez Island. We caught up with the T18/T19s: Matriarch/grandma T18 Esperanza (b. est. 1955), her daughter T19 Nootka (b. 1965) and grandsons T19B Galiano (the magnificent and probably my favorite guy of all the Bigg's orcas!) (b. 1995), and T19C Spouter (b. 2001). They were off American Camp on San Juan Island, sort of spread out at first, Galiano gracing us with a beautiful pass close to our bow (engines in idle!). We then noticed a minke whale porpoising as fast as possible, with the orcas in hot pursuit - they kept at it for about half hour but thankfully the minke got away! Never seen anything like that before! The four orcas cruised around for awhile, giving us another wonderful look at them as they were sort of heading south. We stopped at Whale Rocks to watch more Steller sea lions play in the currents, and headed home through the San Juans, with Mt. Kulshan/Baker shining in the distance. Just a beautiful day!  -photos by Bonnie Gretz, August 14, 2023
*
T19B Galiano - After spending time with the T34's, T36B's and T37B's up near Sucia Island, we "took the long way home" back to Friday Harbor to check out some nature preserves and possibly see the T18's who had been around Shaw Island. After scooting through Cayou Channel we saw some distant blows along the Shaw shoreline in Wasp Pass but with long downtimes of > 4-5 minutes. No sign of Esperanza and Spouter (even though they were very likely nearby) but the magnificent Galiano was traveling with mother Mooya and they zagged across the channel heading to the north side of Crane Island. After giving them wide berth to make it through shallow and narrow Pole Pass they surfaced several times on the north side of Crane Island in magical golden light. The last photo I took on the day was a heart-shaped blow from Mr. Wonderful himself T19B. -photos by Debbie Stewart, August 14, 2023
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Aug 14 19:32 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.60314,-122.95307 [West Sound, Orcas Isl]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: David
Whale Alert App
*
19:24 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed at 20:08 to report: orca whales 1924 Chelan Master reports 4-5 orca between Shaw and Orcas milling about in no direction.
*
17:20 - Update from Lee Connally indicates the T18s have now gone west through Thatcher Pass and are near Spencer Spit.
15:30 - T18s now northbound in Rosario heading towards the Anacortes ferry lanes. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
*
Mon, Aug 14 - Haro Strait (T137s) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #40: “After getting off the dock at 13:22, the team arrived on scene with the whales off Landbank at 14:35. Initially, the team only found T137A, who was taking long dives but was being cooperative while he was at the surface. The team eventually did see the remaining three whales off shore. These whales were taking even longer dives, with big direction changes between surfacing sequences…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #40.
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Mon, Aug 14 - Rosario Strait (T18s) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #41: “After leaving the T137s in Haro (see Encounter 40), the team headed towards Rosario Strait to catch up with the T18s. The team finally found them outside the entrance to Lopez Pass. The whales were split into pairs, both hunting seals. While T18 and T19C worked on catching a seal a bit further inshore, the team saw T19 chase a seal up to the surface before the T19B made the kill further inshore.…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #41.
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T19C Spouter - 13:28 - North of Lopez Island. -photo by Amanda Minerva, August 14, 2023
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12:00 - Wonderful encounter with T18/T19s off American Camp (San Juan Island), unsuccessfully chasing a minke whale! -Bonnie Gretz
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Aug 14 11:38 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.41269,-123.09557 [Hein Bank]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Jen Wennerberg
Whale Alert App
*
11:00 - T18s northwest of Hein Bank heading north towards San Juan Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
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Mon, Aug 14 - Haro Strait (T137s) - Second of two videos of the T137s off the west side of Haro Strait, this one filmed from Ten Mile Point: Link to video. - First of two videos of the T137s off the west side of Haro Strait, this one filmed from Glencoe Cove: Link to video. -Gerald Graham
*
19:20 - At least two orcas northbound off Sidney fishing pier.
18:50 - T137s northbound approaching Sidney, closer to James Island [approx. 48.622667, -123.387021].
17:46 - At least one northbound off Island View Beach in line with south end of D'Arcy Island, others may be further offshore.
17:14 - T137A is northbound offshore from Cordova Bay. Family is trailing.
16:35 - At Glencoe Cove now. Three close to shore, 137A further out, all northbound with long downtimes.
15:55 - They have rounded Ten Mile Point and are continuing north following the coast.
15:45 - Seeing who I presume [confirmed] are the T137s off Ten Mile Point, northbound. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
*
13:43 - Moving further offshore, headed due south now.
13:21 - Now past the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, still moving down island.
13:07 - Orcas visible on the Lime Kiln camera. North of the lighthouse, moving south. Quarter mile offshore. -Fred Horn [WSSJI] 
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12:35 - Past Mitchell Bay southbound, tight to shore. -Eric Eisenhardt [WSSJI] 
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11:30 - The T137s are southbound near Henry Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI] 
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Aug 14 10:48 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.61122,-123.16985
Number Sighted: 4
Submitted Comments: Exiting Roche Harbor
Submitter Name: Kevin Tseng
Whale Alert App
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MINKE WHALES - Mon, Aug 14 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - They [T18s] started [to] spread out and travel, then broke into porpoising as they chased a minke whale for a few minutes. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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12:00 - Wonderful encounter with T18/T19s off American Camp (San Juan Island), unsuccessfully chasing a minke whale! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, August 14, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Mon, Aug 14 - Haro Strait - 20:20 - Looks maybe a minke whale or possibly a small humpback northbound on the west side passing the Center. Also tons of harbor porpoises zipping around closer to shore in the orange sunset glow. -John Boyd [WSSJI]

August 13
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Aug 13 - San Juans (T18s, T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37, T37Bs, T65A5, T71Bs, T75Bs, T77C, T77D, & T124Ds)
*
T37B3 - photo & ID by Debbie Stewart, August 13, 2023 - There were 32 Bigg's orcas from nine different matrilines today in the San Juans. And yes T65A5 among them. T18's, T75Bs, T34s, T37/T37Bs, T36/T36Bs, T71Bs, T124Ds, T77C & D and T65A5! My head is spinning - thanks to Monika at OBI and Ellie with Mayas for sorting through ALL THESE WHALES! -Debbie Stewart
*
The newest member of the T75Bs traveling alongside T75B2 Jasper & T75B Pebbles - T19B Galiano - I was up in the San Juans and saw several of the 30 whales that were in the area. It was a spectacular day on the water. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 13, 2023
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T19B Galiano - T36B3 Chip & T37B3 - T37B1 Lance, T37B Harald, T36B2 Greenfelder, T34A Pachamama - My encounter with the T-party (T19s, T34s, T37s, and T36s) east of Lawrence Point, Orcas Island. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 13, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Aug 13 11:11 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.57943,-122.85368 [between Blakely/Lopez/Orcas]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Kevin
Whale Alert App
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Some went north, some went south, but all present in Rosario Strait at some point this evening were: T18s, T34s, T36, T36Bs, T37, T37Bs, T65A5, T71Bs, T75Bs, T77C and T77D, T124Ds = 30 Ts! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
19:47 - Well, after I left, some of them did end up coming south.
19:15 - Packing it up. Still near Orcas Island and think they’re heading north now.
18:50 - Stalled out, they met up with other groups; big party out there but on the far side of Rosario if you’re looking from Anacortes. They’re near south Orcas/Blakely Islands. -Erin Johns Gless
*
17:00 - Followed by other spread groups of Ts further north but also heading south towards Peapods. T18s, T34s, T36s, T37s, T65A5.
16:15 - T71Bs and T124Ds southbound at Peapod Rocks. -Orca Behavior Institute, Monika Wieland Shields [WSSJI]
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16:22 - Secondhand report of orcas headed south in Rosario, two small groups, the behind group is right around Clark Island now heading towards Orcas coastline/Doe Bay area where it seems the first group is. -Rose Caitlin
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12:45 - Orcas spotted at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve in Blaine, WA right in front of the trailhead very close to shore. It seems there was at least four orcas, one possibly being male as you can see the very large dorsal fin in one of the videos. They swam near shore for approximately ten to fifteen minutes, possibly foraging, at a slow pace heading south (towards Sandy Point) before speeding up and moving farther out and heading west (towards Orcas Island).  -Christopher Cabello-Christie
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13:15 - They changed direction and are deep in Eastsound now. Per Eric Eisenhardt T75Bs, T77C, & T77D.
11:15 - Four Bigg’s killer whales westbound approaching the Lopez ferry terminal. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Aug 13 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
15:40 - Humpback is continuing travel southeast, now directly south of Clover Point. Has fluked a few times with generally short downtimes.
15:25 - Humpback eastbound approaching Clover Point (Victoria, BC) [approx. 48.403640, -123.357777]. -photos by Serena Tierra, August 13, 2023
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Sun, Aug 13 - San Juans - 20:10 - I just saw a humpback headed east between Lummi and Matia, although closer to Lummi. The purple dot was where I saw it [approx. 48.733478, -122.743662]. -Rose Caitlin
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Aug 13 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 11:00 - Report of gray whale [photo confirmed] off Place Road Beach, west of Port Angeles (mouth of the Elwha). Close to shore, going back and forth. -Rachel Rodell [OPSW]

August 12
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Aug 12 - Shearwater Passage, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alicja Krysiak
Date of Sighting: August 12, 2023
Time: 2:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 9
Where seen: Southern tip of Shearwater Passage
Direction of travel : N . Leisurely swim
Behaviors observed: Travelling, approached our vessel, swam underneath it
If orcas, any males?: Two males, three females and 2 calves
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were swimming alongside then turned and approached the vessel from the front starboard swam up and under the vessel. Turned on the port side and swam away. Photos posted on My Instagram and Facebook pages (both) Justadventures.ca
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Sat, Aug 12 - Haro Strait (T75Bs, T77C, & T77D) - The T75Bs and T77C/D passed the Lime Kiln lighthouse at sunset this evening. Enjoy! Link to FB video. -Fred Horn
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20:25 - Still up island bound, approaching the County Park, fairly close to shore.
20:05 - On the Lime Kiln camera now. Up island bound.
19:05 - Orcas in south Haro headed east/northeast. Currently on border. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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Sat, Aug 12 - Strait of Georgia (T36 & T36Bs) - T36B2 Greenfelder - Greenfelder just felt like breaching today. Glad I was there for it. T36 and the rest of the T36Bs were pretty chill as they slowly traveled in tight formation north. We caught them somewhere southwest of Point Roberts. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network
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T36 Flapjack - T36B Tattertip & T36B1 Bhotia
16:50 - Approaching Tsawwassen ferry terminal. -
15:32 - Westbound at Point Roberts close to shore.
13:50 - Slowly but steadily northbound into Boundary Bay. -photos by Smith Siromaskul, August 12, 2023
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13:05 - Per Cindi on IE5, these are T36 & T36Bs and they are headed north.
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12:41 - Make that four. Nope, five.
12:39 - At least two. Feeding [approx. 48.858925, -122.925564]. -Smith Siromaskul
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Aug 12 9:45 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.38000,-124.30000 [near Parksville, BC]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Julius
Whale Alert App
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Aug 12 - Strait of Georgia (BCX1057 Divot and BCY0458 Raptor) - From IE5 - From today's trip up to the Strait of Georgia which include BCX1057 Divot and BCY0458 Raptor. Divot is the 2003 calf of the one and only, BCY0324, Big Momma. It is said that Big Momma was spotted in the Strait of Juan De Fuca back in 1997, and reportedly she was the first humpback to enter in over 100 years. Since then, she has been single-handedly trying to repopulate the Salish Sea with humpys. She has seven known offspring and at least six grand calves. Rounding out the fam are two great-grand calves. Thanks for the correction Erin. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 12, 2023
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Aug 12 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Gray whale feeding in the shallows off Sekiu at sunset. -Hope Anderson [Sekiu Fishing]
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Sat, Aug 12 - Hood Canal
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Susan Donnelly
Date of Sighting: August 12, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM
Species seen: Unsure, saw two different sprays of water several times from a restaurant window, so no
better description.
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: From the Alderbrook Resort: (47.3478353, -123.0682056)
Direction of travel : Heading back out of the sound so from east to west
Behaviors observed: Just water sprays seen traveling down the sound.
If orcas, any males?: N/a
Any unusual markings?: N/a
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No, sorry, I hope this helps though.
Photos available?: No

August 11
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Aug 11 - Gulf Islands, BC (T2Cs & T137s) - T137A Jack & T2C1 Rocky - T137A Jack
14:24 - Two miles off shore of Crofton, B.C.
13:42 - Northbound now leaving Maple Bay. 
13:38 - Maple Bay, B.C. At least four. Straitwatch says T137 and T2C. -photos by Smith Siromaskul, August 11, 2023
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Fri, Aug 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T75Bs with new calf, T77C & T77D) - 77D Alcyon, T75B Pebbles, newest member of T75Bs - T75B2 Jasper, T75B Pebbles, calf, T75B3 Rubble, T77D Alcyon - We caught up with the T75Bs traveling with T77C & T77D west of Race Rocks with a new baby looking to belong to T75B. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 11, 2023
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13:40 - Kyla Bivens, PSE sent message they are just west of Race Rocks, B.C. with the T75Bs (unofficial, but looks possible for new family member). T75Bs are traveling with T77C & T77D.
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Another killer day with Bigg's/transient killer whales (T075Bs, T077 D&C, and new calf?) hunting with the shoreline from Race Rocks to East Sooke!  -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 11, 2023
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Fri, Aug 11 - San Juans (T34s & T37s) - T34A Pachamama, T34 Grace, T37 Rocky III, T37B Harald - T34s and T37s off of Lummi Island. -photo & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 11, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Aug 11 19:05 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.61929,-122.66041 [East side Sinclair Isl]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Dan
Whale Alert App
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18:23 - Giving us a close pass on Lummi [Island].
18:00 - Passing Clarke [Island]. -Rose Caitlin
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18:12 - Westbound [approx. 48.739385, -122.750205]. -Smith Siromaskul
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17:21 - Late in the day but I’ve got eyes on orca coming into Rosario headed north, Blackfish is with them, can’t tell how many yet but looks like five or six [currently between Lummi and Orcas Island]. -Rose Caitlin
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Aug 11 13:54 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.59813,-122.59095 [SE of Vendovi Isl]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Dan
Whale Alert App
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10:22 - We saw the whales along the Bellingham channel in between Guemes and Cypress. The beach is in the NW corner of Guemes. They came from the north and were heading south towards Anacortes. I know they were also spotted at Kelly’s Point, which is the SW tip of Guemes. We spotted them on Friday, 8/11 at 10:22am and they hung out until 10:28am. I believe they were likely hunting as they were very close to shore and going in different directions, seemed like a circle. There was at least one baby with them. A dog ran into the water and one whale came within 10/15 feet of shore after the dog who made it out just in the nick of time. -Jody Ludvigsen -photos by and courtesy of Jody Ludvigsen
*
Fri, Aug 11 - Sucia Island
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Andy Gilbert
Date of Sighting: August 11, 2023
Time: 3:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Sucia Island, Johnson Point
Direction of travel : Staying in mouth of Sucia Island
Behaviors observed: Playing
If orcas, any males?: Juvenile, 2ft
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Just a playful juvenile orca, didn't see any adults
Photos available?: No
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Fri, Aug 11 - Oregon Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maddie Colbert
Date of Sighting: August 11, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Depoe Bay
Direction of travel : N/A
Behaviors observed: Maybe hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Aug 11 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCX1795 Scuttle) - BCX1795 Scuttle east of Race Rocks. -photoby Kyla Bivens, August 11, 2023
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Fri, Aug 11 - Haro Strait - 17:55 - 18:05, I could hear the blow and it sounded close to shore but I couldn't see the humpback through the trees. Heading north, up island, the whale stayed under the surface until well past me and surfaced farther from shore. Heading NNW the humpback moved away from the shore heading out and into the shipping lanes in Haro Strait. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photo by Michelline Halliday, August 11, 2023
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16:29 - Single humpback two miles south of Eagle Point, headed slowly northbound towards shore.  -R/V WDFW 572, Kwasi Addae [WSSJI]
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10:15 - Humpback off of Lime Kiln, now. Headed north. -Rick Hedrick [WSSJI]
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MINKE WHALES - Fri, Aug 11 - Haro Strait - 17:23 - I just saw a minke whale traveling north on the west side of San Juan island [approx. 48.475361, -123.091403]. -Alicia Dudziak.Fri, Aug 11 - Puget Sound
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UNIDENDIFIED SPECIES - I was viewing from the backyard/beach area of Federal Way, WA. I would love to learn towards them being orcas, that was my initial thought but didn't want to say it outright since this is only my second time ever seeing any whales. I do know that they were quite dark, possibly black from what little I did see. Bigger than the harbor seals that were also swimming around but smaller than other whales I've seen breaching here. -Jessica Peterson 
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jessica Peterson
Date of Sighting: August 11, 2023
Time: 10:35 AM
Species seen: Dark gray/black (smaller) with triangular dorsal fin, their backs just breaking the surface of the water
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: 47.3646342, -122.3706985
Direction of travel : N/NE
Behaviors observed: Hunting, saw a bit of a "struggle" then blood and remnants on the surface of the water
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

August 10
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Aug 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 10 17:40 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.18174,-123.10976
Number Sighted: 6
Submitted Comments: Lighthouse keepers this week at New Dungeness Lighthouse and so happy to get to see them just off shore in the Strait and move over to the bay side
Submitter Name: Judy Sanclaria
Whale Alert App -photo by Judy Sanclaria, August 10, 2023
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Thu, Aug 10 - Puget Sound (No other reports of orcas despite many people searching) - 13:00 - I saw one orca off the bow of the Seattle-Bremerton ferry run. It was headed south in the shipping lanes. I saw its entire body with dorsal fin and saddle patch, but I don’t know orcas well enough to ID it. It was thrilling! I would say it was a tall dorsal fin with a straight trailing edge. -Deb Lee
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09:03 - My son called to say he saw what he thinks were four or five orcas heading north from Discovery Park [North Seattle] just now (Joni thinks possibly harbor porpoise and will head out to scout). -Joni Pollino
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Aug 10 - San Juans (BCX1640 Bond) - Humpback identified as BCX1640 “Bond”. We were on one of the boats. -Ann Kasper [WSSJI]
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12:49 - I see a handful of WW boats by Stuart [Island]. -Jeff Redmond [WSSJI]
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Thu, Aug 10 - Constance Bank (BCX1358 Frankenstein, BCX1795 Scuttle, & BCY1033 Merlin) - - CX1795 Scuttle - BCX1358 Frankenstein - Humpback whales BCX1358 Frankenstein, BCX1795 Scuttle, and BCY1033 Merlin by Constance Bank south of Victoria. -photos by Kyla Bivens, August 10, 2023
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Thu, Aug 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC16017 Two Spot, BCY1071 Entropy, & others) - BCY1071 Entropy -ID by Alethea Leddy - CRC16017 Two Spot -IDs by Alethea Leddy
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Another FLUKING awesome day out west with 25+ humpacks! We just shut down for over a half hour listening to constant blows all around us while I tried to get as many ID shots as possible, WOW. -Sooke Coastal Explorations  -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 10, 2023
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 10 11:21 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.31029,-123.38137 (So. of Victoria)
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Kt
Whale Alert App -photo by Kt, August 10, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 10 11:31 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.32439,-123.36711 (So. of Victoria)
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Sara Baldwin
Whale Alert App/Sara also commented on our thread
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MINKE WHALES - Thu, Aug 10 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Minke Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 10 10:45 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.17293,-122.84717
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Jen Newman
Whale Alert App
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Minke Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 10 10:48 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.17497,-122.85410
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Sara Baldwin
Whale Alert App - 10:49 - Same minke from report. No direction, just feeding. Notch on trailing edge of fin. -back of camera photo by Sara Baldwin, August 10, 2023
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Thu, Aug 10 - Eastern Bank - We saw a minke whale at Eastern Bank. -photo by Kyla Bivens, August 10, 2023

August 9
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Aug 9 - Chatham Strait, Alaska (T64Bs & T65As minus T65A5) - 16:00 - My friend Carlyn, who used to work on the Clipper and is now working on a boat in southeast Alaska, spotted the T65As and T64Bs on Wednesday 8/9 about 4pm! Chatham Strait, between Morris Reef and Angoon, so east of Chichagof Island. -Carlyn Schmidgall with Lindblad Expeditions aboard the National Geographic Venture - T65A3 Amira - T65A Artemis - T64B1 Peaches -photos by Brooke Jackson, August 9, 2023
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Wed, Aug 9 - Active Pass (T36, T36Bs, & T65A5) - 17:00 - The T036s and T065A5 (thanks to R. Hayden for IDs) made their way slowly eastward through Active Pass. Photos taken from the shore of Galiano Island. -photos by Karoline Cullen , August 9, 2023 -video by Gary Cullen, August 9, 2023
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Aug 9 15:50 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.85847,-123.33042 (Active Pass)
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: B
Whale Alert App
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Wed, Aug 9 - San Juans (T37Bs) - 12:55 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:54 to report: 1255hrs: Captain [of CHELAN] reports via 800MHz, 3 orca moving in a westerly direction, just south of the their position at ORC. Vessel is holding in until the animals are well clear. - T37Bs north of Lopez Island. -photos by Kyla Bivens, August 9, 2023
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T37Bs near Cypress Island. Link to FB reel video. - Steve Gardner
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12:45 - Westbound off the Shaw ferry terminal.
11:20 - The T37Bs (3 whales) are now heading north towards the Lopez ferry terminal.
10:40 - Two orcas northbound off the west side of Decatur Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Aug 9 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCY0755, BCY0842, BCY0876 Scissorhands, HW-MN0443704, CRC17390 Trifecta, & others) - BCY0876 Scissorhands - CRC17390 Trifecta -ID by Alethea Leddy - BCY0842 - BCY0755 -ID by Alethea Leddy - HW-MN0443704 -ID courtesy of Rachel Rodell via Happywhale - We finally had the pleasure to get out west near Jordan River with around 20 humpback whales heavily feeding in the fog. Tried to get as many fluke shots as possible despite the conditions. -Sooke Coastal Explorations  -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 9, 2023

August 8
HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Aug 8 - Haro Strait - 16:05 - Humpback southbound off County Park. -David Neiwart
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Tue, Aug 8 - Haro Strait/Strait of Juan de Fuca (BCY1022 Scratchy & BCY0946 Slits) - BCY1022 Scratchy - BCY0946 Slits - We watched BCY1022 Scratchy with BCY0946 Slits off the south end of Lopez Island. -photos & IDs by Kyla Bivens, August 8, 2023
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14:55 - Half mile south of Iceberg Point heading straight east. -Allison Jean [WSSJI]
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13:50 - Two humpbacks spotted south of Cattle Point lighthouse just now! Headed east, further into the channel. -Skye Stevenson [WSSJI]
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12:45 - They are now down island from Eagle Point. Still very close to shore. Heading down island.
12:23 - Possible change of direction. Now very close to shore. Sometimes up into the kelp! Maybe moving back down island.
12:09 - Between Eagle Point and False Bay. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]

August 7
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Aug 7 - Burrard Inlet (T36, T36Bs, & T65A5)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: April Penney
Date of Sighting: August 07, 2023
Time: 1:09 PM
Species seen: Killer whale
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen:
Direction of travel : Rockey Point [Port Moody, BC]
Behaviors observed: Playing
If orcas, any males?: Unsure
Any unusual markings?: Unsure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One whale was significantly smaller. A baby perhaps?
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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T65A5 Indy - T36B Tattertip - They were in Burrard Inlet/Indian Arm/ Port Moody, BC. -photos by Lissett Tschenscher, August 7, 2023
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Aug 7 - San Juans - 19:35 - I think I saw them! One breached out of nowhere in between Lummi and Matia Island. -Rose Caitlin
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17:33 - Just now [approx. 48.761237, -123.020758]. Humpback, Appears to be two of them, eastbound very very slowly. Maybe two miles per hour. Very, very slowly northbound.
15:51 - When we left, it was northbound. Judging from the whale fleet, he now appears to have shifted southwestbound. Didn't move much while we were there. About ten minutes on deep dives. Maybe two minutes on shallower ones.
14:16 - One humpback. South of Patos Island. -Smith Siromaskul
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Mon, Aug 7 - Possession Bar (CRC16017/BCZ0432 Two Spot) - BCZ0432 Two Spot did some lunge feeding on Possession [Bar]. -photo & IDby Kyla Bivens, August 7, 2023
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10:15 - We have Two Spot (Crc16017) lunge feeding where my map shows [approx. 47.882950, -122.454080]. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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Mon, Aug 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC15262/BCX1251 Orion) - We found Orion who lunge fed once before breaching twice just north of Protection Island. -photos by Kyla Bivens, August 7, 2023
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12:05 - We found another humpback, Orion (crc-15262) between the Dungeness Spit and Protection Island. Orion was lunge feeding and breached twice! Westbound. -back of camera photo by Bart Rulon Art & Photography, August 7, 2023

August 6
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Aug 6 - Howe Sound, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: I-M Toriel
Date of Sighting: August 06, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Near Cotton Point on Keats Island (~10 miles NW of Vancouver BC)
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Calf spotted
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Aug 6 - San Juans 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Aug 6 12:09 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.78181,-122.93491 [SE Patos Island]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Allison Sherry
Whale Alert App
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Sun, Aug 6 - Puget Sound (CRC16017 Two Spot) - 14:54 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Puyallup Master reports a whale [presumably Two Spot] just North of the EDM/KING Ferry route mid channel. They are unable to determine type and direction.
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17:34 - Saw a pod of orcas and a gray/humpback [presumably Two Spot] off the Kingston ferry en route to Edmonds. Heading south. -Karen McClung Sansgaard [PSWS]
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15:15 - Humpback whale Two Spot (CRC16017) is circling around where my map shows [approx. 47.811209, -122.421381]. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Sun, Aug 6 - Puget Sound - 17:34 - Saw a pod of orcas [no orcas reported the rest of the day; several reports of harbor porpoise in the area. -rh] off the Kingston Ferry en route to Edmonds. Heading south. -Karen McClung Sansgaard [PSWS]

August 5

August 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Aug 4 - San Juans (T37Bs & T137s) - fin tip of T37B1 Lance, T37B Harald, T37B3 - T37B1 Lance in background, T37B Harald in foreground, T37B3 - T37B1 Lance in background, T37B Harald in foreground
18:00 - 137s were moving north from this point [approx. 48.829248, -123.020182].
17:11 - 37Bs are at the blue dot [approx. 48.767661, -123.003573]. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, August 4, 2023
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Out on IE and met up with Cindi Crowder Rausch and Kat Martin on a spectacular warm, sunny and glass water day. Headed up north to just south of Patos Island and found the T37s, minus matriarch Rocky III, who apparently was with her other daughter. This group was T37B Harald (b. 1998), her son T37B1 Lance (b. 2012), and calf T37B3 (b. 2022). They graced us with a beautiful pass across the bow (engine in neutral!), and continued north in the gorgeous afternoon light. We then headed a bit further north, off White Rock (BC) and found the T137's, Matriarch T137 Loon (b. 1984), son T137A Jack (b. 2002 and well known as sort of a trickster!), daughters T137B Tempest (b. 2006) and T137D Wright (b. 2012). They were generally headed north and further in the distance, but with lovely looks at Mt. Kulshan (Baker). We found humpback Yogi off Tumbo Island, feeding amid many hundreds of gulls - never fluked up in that shallow area. Really lovely day! -Bonnie Gretz -137A Jack - T37B Harald & T37B3 - T37B1 Lance - T37B Harald & T37B3 -photos & IDs by Bonnie Gretz, August 4, 2023
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13:00 - T137s northbound up San Juan Channel on the Shaw Island shoreline. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Aug 4 12:55:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.55629,-122.91779 [Upright Channel] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Liese Eppick
Whale Alert App
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Aug 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC16294 Sam, CRC15976 Caspian, CRC19889, & others) - CRC16294 Sam -ID by Alethea Leddy - CRC19889 -ID courtesy of Brittany Hendricks per Happywhale - CRC15976 Caspian - CRC15976 Caspian - Great to encounter a few new humpbacks to our area off Sooke today! Caspian is an obvious one. -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 4, 2023
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Fri, Aug 4 - Boundary Pass (CRC13657 Yogi) - 18:26 - Yogi is here [approx. 48.803342, -123.031373].  -Cindi Crowder Rausch, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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Fri, Aug 4 - Puget Sound  - 20:16 - Second hand report: visible directly out from Sunset Bay without binoculars, possibly northbound. -Tamara Kelley
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17:40 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:55 to report: Vessel [SPOKANE] reports they have sighted what they believe to be a grey whale [likely the humpback that has been in this area the past few days], at a distance moving south near the Edmonds Marina.
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09:45 - I saw a distant blow twice north of Edmonds apparently slowly northbound. Presumed humpback but s/he was doing long dives and I didn’t get a great look. Appeared close to shore off of Brown’s Bay. I was looking across from Possession Bar so location is approximate. -Justine Buckmaster
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09:40 - Justine spotted a couple of exhalation blows near Edmonds as we were leaving the dock on Swiftsure around 09:40. Likely Two Spot. -Bart Rulon, PSE

August 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Aug 3 - Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting - Strait of Georgia
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 3 15:44 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.15748,-123.51114 [mid strait between Gabriola & Richmond, BC]
Number Sighted: 10
Submitter Name: Jeffery Keith
Whale Alert App 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Aug 3 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 3 12:25 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.36401,-123.21706 [East of Constance Bank]
Number Sighted: 20
Submitter Name: Brian Heath
Whale Alert App
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Thu, Aug 3 - San Juans  - Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Aug 3 8:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.73601,-122.86276 [Near Sucia and Matia]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: M. Fitzpatrick
Whale Alert App
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Thu, Aug 3 - Haro Strait (CRC15979 Bond, CRC16820 Valiant, & BCX1658 Bullet) - 08-03-23 BCX1658 Bullet, Haro Strait
14:05 - 14:10, BCX1658 Bullet was traveling up [San Juan] Island to the NNW. I only saw her surface two times but I was able to get a photo of her fluke as she dove. She was about 1/4 mile from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI - BCX1658 Bullet -photo & ID by Michelline Halliday, August 3, 2023
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16:15 - Off South Beach still headed down island. Moving more offshore. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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16:03 - One to two baleen whales spotted from shore at Eagle Cove just now! Appeared to be headed east toward South Beach/Cattle Point direction. -Carly Heltzel
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15:22 - Two humpbacks very close to shore north of Eagle Point. Moving down island. -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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14:35 - Several humpback spread out visible from South Beach, SJI. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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IDs are Bond and Valiant. -Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing [WSSJI]
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Thu, Aug 3 - Puget Sound (CRC16017 Two Spot)
20:50 - Humpback has zig-zagged his way southeast, basically surfacing facing northbound and pops up from sounding further southeast. He is maybe one to one and a half miles off North Edmonds now, Browns Bay Area would guesstimate. Last surface sequence continued north making some progress. Surface sequences are irregular, generally surface and down times about two to three minutes each.
20:30 - Our friend the humpback has moved south and east [approx. 47.869664, -122.369561]. Generally still milling around in wide area.
20:10 - Tall blows and back visible from Edmonds. Whale (presumably humpback Two Spot) is approx. one mile southeast of Possession Point milling, currently facing eastbound. Fish jumping all over the place. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:56 - Directly in line with Sunset Bay, south of Possession Point, traveling south. East side of the channel.
18:18 - Directional change, now south bound still between Possession Point and Glendale.
17:59 - Visible with the naked eye from Sunset Bay Beach Camp. East side of the channel and from this line of site in line with Possession Point - Glendale traveling north towards Possession Sound. -Tamara Kelley
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17:44 - Received a call from Robin McCain who reports seeing who believes is a humpback off Edmonds out from Browns Bay looking over to Point No Point. Humpback is closer to east side of channel, milling around. Whale blows two to three times then disappears for five minutes then comes up again - just hanging around. Watched a whale out there yesterday as well.
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12:34 - San Juan Clipper leaving Two Spot still in the very same spot as before. Doing some circling around in the Triangle.
11:36 - San Juan Clipper just located this lovely fella! It is in fact Two Spot, still middle of Possession Triangle [approx. 47.854788, -122.417094].
09:25 - Good morning! Our sister ship the Victoria V reported to us this morning that they spotted a humpback in the center of the Possession Triangle [body of water between Kingston/Edmonds/South tip of Whidbey]. No direction of travel indicated yet! -Alli Montgomery
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Thu, Aug 3 - Kitsap Peninsula - 21:25 - I swear I thought I saw two blow hole spouts of something in Keyport heading near Poulsbo. -Tamera Shields
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17:00 - I thought I saw something just south of Brownsville. Just one, and didn't see it again, so I'm not sure, but just figured I'd share. -Peter Glein

August 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Aug 2 - N Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Aug 2 20:43 PDT
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 49.89042,-125.12695 [Oyster Bay, BC]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Dave Rockford
Whale Alert App  -photo by Dave Rockford, August 2, 2023
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Wed, Aug 2 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T69s) - T69C Kye - Almost like clock work - shared a breaching picture from past memories on this day of T069C and of course Bigg’s/transient killer whales (T069s) were encountered off Sooke, B.C. this evening! Went out to see who was there from reports from shore of incoming orca; a little lumpy for the se state but did get a chance to get a few quick shots! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, August 2, 2023
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Wed, Aug 2 - San Juans (T46s)
14:40 - I left them at Cattle Pass. Some almost stationary in the strong incoming tide. Moving towards the Whale Rocks.
13:35 - Moving again towards Cattle Pass. Will make a close pass by Jackle’s Lagoon.
13:30 - Stalled in Griffin Bay.
13:15 - Deep into Griffin, southbound approaching Pilgrim Rock. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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12:59 - Moving further into Griffin Bay.
12:53 - Off of Jackson's Beach. Viewing from Cattle Point Road above 4th of July [Beach].  -Jenny Stands Wilson [WSSJI]
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T46E Thor - 12:00 - Saw three orcas (one was very small - a baby?), just outside of Friday Harbor this afternoon. They were headed south along the coast. -photos by Adam, August 2, 2023
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11:30 - T46s in San Juan Channel heading south past UW Labs almost to Friday Harbor. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Aug 2 - Puget Sound  - 18:35 - Carol Burtson called to report a baleen whale (either gray or humpback). Whale is south of southern tip of Whidbey Island by two to three miles and east of Point No Point by about five miles out in the middle of the Sound. Been watching spouts last fifteen to twenty minutes, whale has been traveling north/northwest (Carol said tiny dorsal seen so likely a humpback -alb).

August 1
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Aug 1 - N Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Aug 1 17:31 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.32813,-124.30686 [Parksville, BC] 
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: David McArthur
Whale Alert App
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Aug 1 - Saratoga Passage (CRC16017/BCZ0432 Two Spot) - BCZ0432 Two Spot has made his way into Puget Sound! Off of Harrington Lagoon, Whidbey Island. -photos by Kyla Bivens, August 1, 2023
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CRC-16017 Two Spot, Humpback - Called and texted Alisa right away with photos while out there. I thought it was Two Spot, but for some reason I was going off the two spots off his pectoral fin when actually his ID is from his two spots on his fluke. Thank you Alisa for IDing and confirming. Around 08:00, [I] saw him out from the Langley Marina heading north past Langley. He was super active, pec and tail slapping cannon bombs! Awesome full out of the water, breaches! He was so flippin' amazing. Thank you Two Spot. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, August 1, 2023
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20:10 - A bit out from Sandy Point southbound. Rounded the point. -Marilyn Armbruster
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20:08 - Two Spot just rounded Sandy Point, showing his beautiful white fluke as he sounded, heading southbound into Possession Sound Whidbey side.
20:05 - Two Spot now just slightly north of Sandy Point. Slowly traveling southbound.
19:52 - Can finally see Two Spot (presumably) illuminated blow from my perch at Sandy Point. Steady southbound hugging Whidbey. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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19:53 - Steady southbound.
19:41- Quite close to Whidbey side. One arrived in north Langley. Now steady southbound.
19:31 - Perspective is hard for me right now. Mid channel Saratoga. Quite a bit south of Bells. Getting very much closer to Langley. Off to ring bell!!
18:45 - 19:23 - Viewing from Langley. Tonight's winter weather and light is allowing us to see tons of spray. Even flukes. Direction!? Seemingly both north and south. But, now more south. Mid channel between Bells and Camano. -photo by Kathleen Cage, August 1, 2023
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18:00 - Just saw it go past cabins on Cama! Southbound. -Jennifer Quisenberry
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17:50 - Now transect Hidden Beach and Cama.
17:44 - Two Spot generally here [approx. 48.219354, -122.560984]. Still slightly north of Hidden Beach and Cama State park slowly southbound mid channel. I watched surface sequence up for at least four breaths then sounded.
17:29 - He’s so hard to see! Barely surfaces (that I’ve seen), get lucky if see his exhalations. Still slow southbound, still just north of Hidden Beach.
17:12 - Finally spotted an exhalation and fluke of Two Spot. Southbound approx. one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. Whidbey side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:09 - Loooong downtimes, ten to fifteen minutes!
17:05 - I'm the last house south at Eagle Crest, just north of Onomac; Two Spot just fluked and went down in front of J2; southbound, way in front of Whidbey, about across from Onomac now. Still southbound!
16:55 - Way over on the Whidbey side now, J2 and Blackfish IV following southbound.
16:50 - Swiftsure heading north, headed off the sighting to someone other. Haven't seen Two Spot in a while now, so probably still southbound. -Kristina Trowbridge
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16:49 - I saw him fluke from my house, wondered if you [Kristina] were at home!
16:45 - Two-Spot still southbound, just passing Onomac - it looks like mid-channel. -Jill Hein
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16:45 - Seems to be circling now. Ten to fifteen minute downtime.
16:35 - Swiftsure in front of Eagle Crest now. Two Spot southbound just fluked. -Kristina Trowbridge
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16:15 - Doing a lot of zig zagging, currently southbound mid channel [approx. 48.219354, -122.560984]. -Kyla Bivens, PSE
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15:45 - Found him again west of Rocky Point, northwest Camano. Southbound. -Brian McGinn
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13:20 - Watching from north point Camano. -Teresa Woody
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13:10 - San Juan Clipper leaving scene with a very lazy Two Spot pointing towards Polnell Point. -Alli Montgomery
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13:00 - Headed northeast bound approx here [418.225853, -122.595030]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:30 - He was pretty quick - took ages to spot him and he was past Rockaway Beach but lost him behind the trees. Seemed to have long down times. -Jill Hein
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12:26 - Moving pretty quick steady north.
12:04 - Heard him before I saw him. Approaching Race Lagoon area midchannel northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:21 - Whale watching vessel Swiftsure has Two-Spot! Northbound, milling right below surface [approx. 48.150678, -122.548482]. -Grayden Kelbert
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11:20 - Humpback is off North Bluff Road. Mid channel and Swiftsure is on them. Headed northbound [approx. 48.150121, -122.541744]. -Erik Anderson
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10:28 - Lost him again. When seeing the very tall blows we were at least three to four miles away north. So couldn't tell at that time which direction. Assumed it was him as we lost him once he was out from Fox Spit and Elger Bay for quite awhile before we saw the blows.
10:00 - He's made a directional change southbound. Can't exactly say where we are seeing the blow. Guessing now between Bells Beach and Langley possibly more on the Camano side of channel. -Marilyn Armbruster
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09:23 - Mid channel going north in Saratoga passageway straight out from Bells Beach. -photos by Christy Grant, August 1, 2023
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09:08 - Super active breaches, tail slaps, pec slaps, south of Bells Beach appearing to be still moving northbound. Just took a dive.
08:20 - Looks like humpback out from Langley Marina Whidbey side northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
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07:31 - Good Morning! We spotted a grey or humpback on Brighton Beach [south Whidbey] headed towards Hat [Island]. -Riley Sullivan 
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PORPOISES - Tue, Aug 1 - Puget Sound  - Harbor porpoise - 11:53 - I was at Titlow Beach for the low tide today and took pictures of something I could not identify. I was standing near the water level, and what I saw was about midway between the two shores. It appears to perhaps be a mother and calf. They were moving slowly north toward Narrows Bridge. -photos by Alisa Miller, August 1, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Tue, Aug 1 - Saratoga Passage - 07:33 - Just saw three whales/dolphins slowly heading north. I am one mile north of Langley. I don’t think orca. Not grays. Maybe dolphin. Two bigger ones and one small one. -Stacy Wright