December 2016 Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of December 2016 whale sightings.

December 31
I had a sighting of a Male Orca and at least 2 females while crossing the Sound on the Ferry on 12/31/16 around 1pm. I was on the Edmond Kingston Ferry headed for Kingston, the Orcas looked like they were heading into Seattle. -Sara Rahmani

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Southern Residents - Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound
Last day of 2016. Caught up with some of the K12's in Puget Sound, so fun to see them traveling together and playing! Happy New Year! I believe our marine naturalist (Island Explorer 3) said this was probably "Rainshadow" K37. We also saw a lot of K33 Tika! Image taken looking west, toward Jefferson Head/Presidents Point area of Kitsap Peninsula. -Sue Larkin, December 31, 2016

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2:30 p.m. - A big male just breached twice in front of our house right off Point Jefferson in Kingston. Saw another smaller orca with him. Heading south. -Chris Beamer Otterson

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1:55 p.m. - Just passed President Point heading south, Island Explorer following. -Julia Miller

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1:54 p.m. - Orcas are fast approaching Fay Bainbridge..west side of channel, heading south. We have seen Tika-K33, and others in K12 group. Wonderful day! -Sue Larkin

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1:46 p.m. - Off President Point Kitsap side heading south. Some spy hops and jumps. Island explorer is with them. -Joanne Graves

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1:42 p.m. - IE3 leaving K pod off President Point still aiming south. -Scott Jacobson

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12:55 p.m. - Southbound line of sight Apple tree point Kingston to Possession point. Few surfacing, steady SB. Whale watching boat behind them. West-mid channel. Moving fast. Almost line of sight Edmonds now. Hard to watch Dawgs and whales. -Sara Frey

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12:48 p.m. - I am on the IE3, seeing 4-5 members of K pod heading south, very spread out, approaching Kingston area mid channel. -Sue Larkin

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12:33 p.m. - Island Explorer 3 on scene with K pod. Heading south approaching Kingston. -Scott Jacobson

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12:00 p.m. - Seeing blows from south end of Whidbey looking across Possession Sound. Whales appear to be trending northwards.
11:05 a.m. - seeing dorsals north of Possession Park appear to be closer to Whidbey side. -Sandra Pollard

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10:56 a.m. - Southbound K pod member as viewed form WS Ferries near Clinton. -Melissa Simmons, December 31, 2016

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10:54 a.m. - We saw at least 4 passing the ferry dock at Clinton. -Gwendine Ellis Norton

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10:45 a.m. - Watching orcas from Clinton Ferry. -Tharon House, December 31, 2016

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K25 - This was taken from the end of the Clinton ferry dock. It was interesting to hear WSP radio to WSF captain letting him know location and numbers of orcas. He said in 8 years this was his first time and he was pretty excited. Lots of people lined up along the walkway to get a glimpse of members of K Pod crossing the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry lanes. -Debbie Stewart, December 31, 2016

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10:59 a.m. - They are just passing Glendale. So close to the whidbey side.
10:36 a.m. - The Saratoga group is just north of the Clinton ferry dock close to the whidbey heading south.
10:13 a.m. - Larger group than what was reported. We've seen 15+ still heading south.
10:07 a.m. - We've got the Saratoga group in view from Brighton beach. Still far out. Mid channel. -Danielle Pennington

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9:30 a.m. - At least 3 Orcas, 1 male, in Saratoga Passage. Between Langley and Camano Island (pebble beach) mid channel southbound. -Heid Vogl

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3:37 p.m. - Admiralty and Possession - 6 orcas headed north very close to Possession Beach. Tightly grouped and moving at a good clip. Off the beach on the east side of the island. So towards Mukilteo. -Nicole Woltersdorf

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11:35 a.m. - A group between Point No Point and Maxwelton frequently surfacing as a group. Visible from Dave Mackie Park. Also a single very close to Whidbey island heading south.

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There is a pod of 4-6 Orcas near Mutiny Bay. Viewed from the Victoria Clipper. As soon as the vessel slowed down we knew there were whales nearby!! Happy New Year! Viewed at 0910 am. Southbound. -Matt Graham

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A juvenile humpback appeared today around 1:30 pm off Sunrise Beach Dr in Gig Harbor. -Kelly Feely

December 30
Center for Whale Research Encounter 127 with the T86As and T124As in Haro Strait: "The photos were good enough to determine that there were actually two new calves and that both T124A and T124A2 appear to be the mothers. If this turns out to be the case, we will refer to the new calves as T124A6 and T124A2B respectively, per Jared Towers and DFO."

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4:15 p.m. - Saratoga Passage, I was at Camano State Park. They were heading steady North after meandering a bit. There was 3 in front of the beach and I think 2 more were further north and further from the beach. -Jerry Purnell (ID confirmation by Sara Hysong-Shimazu)

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My birthday twin bro Howard Garrett met up with me at Baby Island area, we patiently waited, and FINALLY saw a blow could see they were heading southeast. We both headed off to Fox Spit and this is where we saw the best of them, with K26 cruising southbound with his family nearby in Saratoga Passage, totally awesome! Orcas continued southeast towards Langley and met up with others there to watch them until around 3:30. It looked like they were heading back north again? that would be kewl. It surely was a great day! Love belated birthday presents blessed, so blessed! -Marilyn Armbruster

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End of year greetings to you guys, what a way to end it with Kpod out there today....Not sure how many whales I saw, but could ID (after briefly looking at photos) the following: Members of the . K12s, K13s and K14s, K13, 25, 26, 21, 44, 22 (I think), 27, 34 and 43. They were having 3-4 minute down times, and then ALL surfacing at the same time, heart-stopping - so beautiful to see!! A bit choppy out there, not getting good saddle patches. Hopefully others did as it sounds like the water was much calmer near Langley. -Jill (and Clarence)
(ID notes by Sara Hysong-Shimazu: the lighting doesn't make it easy on any of these but. looks like the two whales on the left is K22 and K33. Maybe K38 in the background.)

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About 4:30 p.m. - from the same location (Saratoga Rd) looking out onto the Saratoga Passage. I only saw 2 of the 3 and they were closer to Camano Island traveling NW up the passage. I lost sight of them due to the lack of light. -Adam Wendt

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4:21 p.m. - Right off Camano State Park right now! They were spread out in the channel, but two came by about 50 feet off shore. -Joanne Ring Reman, December 20, 2016

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3:50 p.m. - just saw them heading north, mid-channel slightly south of Bells Beach. -Emily Wandres

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Southbound spy-hopping member of K pod heading towards Langley, Whidbey Island, as seen from Hidden Beach, followed by an apparent consensus by the 7-8 orcas to turn around and head north again from Langley mid-afternoon. Their welcome arrival was an uplifting sight for visitors and regular whale-watchers alike, drawing 2016 and the losses to the Southern Resident community to a close with a message of hope. -Sandra Pollard.

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3:20 p.m. - saw them over on the Camano side, South of Camano Island state Park, looks like they may be foraging, have been in the same spot for awhile. -Susan Berta, Orca Network

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3:10 p.m. - A pod of several orcas traveling, heading north in Saratoga Passage about 2 to 3 miles north of Langley December 30th 2016. -Dennis Headley

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2:51 p.m. - they appear to have approached Langley, stalled, and turned N again. Leaving them now. Amazing to see them on this sunny, calm day on Saratoga. -Steve Smith

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They got as far as Langley about 2:45, very spread out, then they bunched up and turned back north. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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2:23 p.m. - Just spotted them in Saratoga, mid passage, heading south, they've almost reached Langley. -Becky Wilson

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2:13 p.m. - Near Langley mid channel! -Steve Smith

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2:02 p.m. - We see them from Langely now but they're a lot closer to Camano Island across the way! -Molly Greenberg

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1:30 p.m. - they have passed Fox Spit and now passing Bells Beach...get ready Langley. -Marilyn Armbruster

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1:22 p.m. - Off Fox Spit slowly heading south. Viewing from Camano State Park. -Krista Paulino

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1:17 p.m. - Howie and I are at Fox Spit we see them mid channel not quite to Camano State park. -Marilyn Armbruster

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It was a wind chill kind of day, but after searching for 45 minutes from near Baby Island on Whidbey with a 180 degree view from Mabana Beach to Greenbank, K pod orcas finally began to show up. They were scattered far and wide, mostly one at a time, diving 5-10 minutes and very hard to predict where they would surface. Most were way over on the Camano side but K26, K42, and K20 came close to our side. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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1:15 p.m. - Orcas in Saratoga. I viewed a mother and 2 babies in the Saratoga Passage moving towards Langley. I can't tell any markings but were in the middle of the passage. Mother breached as she passed our house on Baby Island. -Adam Wendt

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12:20 p.m. - Passing Hidden Beach southbound. -Sandra Pollard

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12:12 p.m. - I'm just east of Baby Island high bluff and have finally spotted them due north and I would say east of Shangri La shores 1/4 mid channel Whidbey Island side kind of veering southeast. -Marilyn Armbruster

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11:10 a.m. - Group of six close together passed Shangri La heading steadily south. -Sandra Pollard

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11:00 a.m. - We can see them from Madrona Beach (Camano) with binoculars...spouting and surfacing near the Whidbey shore between Race and Harrington (Lagoons). -Vicki Anderson

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11:00 a.m. - Orca Pod Sighting: Saw some whales, at least 5, heading south in Saratoga Passage. (from) Race Road. -Jessie Goltz

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10:32 a.m. - Right off Harrington Lagoon now! At least 6, mid channel, heading south. (Pod flipped )
9:40 a.m. - Standing at Harrington Lagoon, I can see them over on the Oak Harbor side, moving north. They are right under Mt. Erie from where I am standing, for a site line. -Mary Fell Cheston

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9:12 a.m. - They've passed my house (2 miles south of Penn Cove) northbound, 4-5 of them so far. Mid-channel, but "could" be angling towards Penn Cove. Heading out in a few minutes... -Jill Hein

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8:35 a.m. - Four (I think) orcas spread out across Saratoga Passage heading north. They are almost to Race Lagoon. Fran Farley Kendall

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10:26 a.m. - Checked out Holmes Harbor - lots of harbor porpoise. -Sandra Pollard

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8:57 a.m. - There are at least 5 Harbor porpoise deep into Holmes Harbor. They seem to mill around together for a few minutes and then disappear and surface in a different spot. They were definitely not orcas. Very small fins. -Cindi Bowen

December 29
4:50 p.m. - Puget Sound - from bluff in Des Moines finally found them again...some approaching and others passing Point Robinson, with others spread to yellow mid channel buoy towards Des Moines. Steady northbound in waning light in very stormy seas.
3:52 p.m. - Moved to Dash Point Pier see at least one group of approx 4 to west of me slightly... they are this side mid channel slowly northbound. -Alisa

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3:37 p.m. - Near Piner Point, Vashon.
3:32 p.m. - northbound from Browns Point, mid channel west to Vashon. -Erin Rooks

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3:21 p.m. - We're at Browns Point lighthouse. Can see about 9 dorsals so close! -Tami Hunsaker Beach

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3:20 p.m. - I Moved back over to Brown's Point Park on north side. They passed now spread out in 1-4s around the point heading NE bound back from where they came this morning/early afternoon.
3:15 p.m. - They stalled and surfaced mid bay (after a longish dive 5 minutes?) All of them cuddled up together off shore just out in front of me, then went on another long dive surfacing aging all grouped up even closer to Brown's Point side (south side), maybe 1/4 mile! Went under again drifting west. Amazing!!!
2:55 p.m. - At a steady pace and very spread out seeing several members of K pod spread continuing deep into Commencement. They stopped in front of the tankers, flipped, circled for a bit. Few lazy tail lobs. They then joined up into 3 groups (matrilines?) heading out of Commencement west bound. At least the K12s, K13s, and K14s were ID'd as present. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
(IDs confirmed by Melisa Pinnow, CWR & Sara Hysong-Shimazu)

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3:11 p.m. - They are slowly making their way out of Commencement Bay, towards Browns Point Light. -Danielle Vance

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2:57 p.m. - sighted from Point Ruston...between the port lights and the ship labeled Lauritzen. -Jennifer McKee-Johnson

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2:54 p.m. - They are to the left of this ship, in front of the Marina, foraging, they seem to be West Bound again.
2:41 p.m. - They are right off the Marina on Browns Point side spread out from there to the orange and white container ship. Close to shore. Marine view Drive might have some good views.
2:29 p.m. - have a group of 4, one male, entering Commencement Bay, just passed Browns Point Lighthouse. They are close to that side, heading into the Port! -Melissa Burke

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A large K-Pod male (K25) entering Commencement Bay at around 2:30 P.M. -Connor O'Brien
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)

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From 2:00-2:30 watched in awe and fascination as they streamed into Commencement Bay in 1-2s, continuing deep into the bay. Was stunning as it is not something they do. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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2:15 p.m. - Thea Foss waterway, past Ruston four by three huge ships. -Meghan Davis-Van Horn

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K26 and probably K14 heading towards Commencement Bay. -Ryan Rooks, December 29, 2016 (ID of K26 by Brendon Bissonnette confirmed by and additional ID information by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)

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2:09 p.m. - They are heading into Commencement Bay. They're easily visible from Ruston. -Sarah Share

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2:08 p.m. - male heading into Commencement Bay.. Mid channel off Point Ruston apartments. Seen from Point Ruston.
1:49 p.m. - Have at least one foraging still off Ocean Ranger (on the east side of the boat). Doing circles and Tail slaps..have lost the others. -Melissa Burke

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1:55 p.m. - I moved to Brown's Point Park...watched spread out whales in Dalco Pass, with at least one male heading in the direction of Commencement Bay. Wind, sideways rain and stormy conditions have picked up quickly.
1:45 p.m. - I've been watching for the past 15 minutes from just north of Browns Point Park. I've seen two males going in different directions, one westbound steady pace, another one eastbound with 2 females or young, perhaps foraging. Between here and Talequah Vashon side of channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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1:45 p.m. - (3) heading south towards Ruston from east side of Maury island. -Mark Baker

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1:42 p.m. - correction, just saw a female surface in front of black and red ship.
1:38 p.m. - see one male crossing the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor, heading for Pt. Defiance Ferry Terminal (Westbound), close to Vashon side. Think they have all passed the ship moored off Quartermaster. Long dives, foraging activity.
1:28 p.m. - can see them with Binoculars from N. 45th and Stevens.. off Rosehilla, Maury Island. Right by black and rust container ship. -Melissa Burke

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1:28 p.m. - Seeing dorsals behind Ocean Ranger, watching from Anthony's at Point Defiance. Foraging? -Jill Clogston

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1:15 p.m. - We are now at Brown's Point Lighthouse Park. Four mid-channel still heading south at yellow buoy. -Larry Majercin

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1:12 p.m. - Seen in the far distance from Point Ruston. Going behind the rusty looking container ship! It looks like its heading south, closer to Vashon side. -Ryan Rooks

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1:02 p.m. - We're seeing them now across from Dash Point mid Channel towards Vashon side. -Mary Hogan

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12:59 p.m. - South of Dash Point State Park, mid channel heading south. -Jeannie Majorcan

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12:30 p.m. - Killer whales between Maury Island Marine Park and Redondo. Approximately 6. Headed south. -B Miller

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12:05 p.m. - Amy Carey confirms open saddle patches so residents. Long down times. Spread out east of Point Robinson some foraging behavior. Maybe a dozen seen...At least 2-3 large males.
11:55 a.m. - several have passed Point Robinson. Others still north of heading southbound. With at least one foraging mid channel NE of Pt R.
11:42 a.m - from bluff in Des Moines can see large male approaching Point Robinson southbound steady clip, few others mid channel.
11:10 a.m. - from south side Three Tree Point Burien I see a lot of spread out orcas. Mid channel Southbound between KVI and southward. My guess would be spread out residents. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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10:23 a.m. - I don't have eyes on but Aimee Demarest saw some near Dilworth, Vashon. -Amy Carey

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9:50 a.m - Brace Point: Saw two orcas mid channel about 1 mile south of Fauntleroy ferry dock headed south. A male and a female. They slowed and lingered then headed close to east shore of Vashon island where a small research boat caught up w them. They stayed at the surface milling around then headed south again close to Vashon shoreline. -Carolyn Duncan

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Just watched (about 9:45am) three orcas travelling southbound quickly past Fauntleroy dock in West Seattle. One much closer to the WS side and the other two farther out. -MarKim Amsden

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What an Killer Day! Thanks to Ken Balcomb for the "Heads up" of Orca heading our way... we found the T11 & T11a Mother and son that seem to love Sooke. We found them off Muir Creek and we were fortunate to follow them all the way into the Sooke Harbour and Basin again! These have to be my favorite! 3 seal kills too. -Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal Explorations

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Four orcas sighted at 0850 this moring heading east towards Sooke harbour. One calf based on dorsal size along with adult, slowly moving east. We are located 3 km west of French Beach Provincial Park in Shirley, B.C. on the Juan de Fuca. -Meg Toom, Urban Wildlife Conflict Specialist

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I saw one orca traveling south Thursday morning past West Seattle! It was about 10 AM traveling south along the east side of Vashon Island. I was surprised there was no mention on the WS blog. I'm sure the ferry riders/captain could see it. -Sarah Robertson Palmer

December 28
Shachi J19, Hy'shqa J37, Se-Yi'-Chn J45, and Echo J42, in San Juan Channel. -Melisa Pinnow

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1:20 p.m. - Sandra Pollard was in the right place at the right time on the ferry Elwha as it entered San Juan Channel from Sidney BC, where she found many orcas, members of J pod, spread out in the NW part of San Juan Channel, NW of Friday Harbor heading generally NW.

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10:35 a.m. - ferry from Orcas to San Juan Island, a small group very close to the dock and kind of moving northish along the shore, I almost fell off the boat! Been here many years, but have never seen them at that location. Playful and active - tail lobs, spy hops, and a male swimming upside down (not rolling much). Looked like a party to me....wow. Probably the group mentioned later. Anyone got an ID? -Susan Anne Egon

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8:25 a.m. - Mike at WS Ferries relayed a report from a ferry captain of 6-8 orcas, 3-5 adults and 3 juveniles, in Upright Passage off Pt. George, between Shaw and Lopez Islands. No direction of travel.

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(Humpback) Just below Point Defiance at 310 and bonus a few acrobatic dolphins near the Gig Harbor shores! -Michele Riley Campbell

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3:00 p.m. - The humpback whale stayed in the area of Point Defiance. -Carl Williams

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1:00 p.m. - Humpback whale in Dalco Passage next to Point Defiance. -Dave Kasperson, December 28, 2016

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1:15 p.m. - juvenile humpback fluke. North of Owens Beach (Tacoma). Currently must be headed towards the Narrows. Island explorer 3 and another boat following. -Cathy Baker

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(Humpback) Just below Point Defiance at 310 and bonus a few acrobatic dolphins near the Gig Harbor shores! -Michele Riley Campbell

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3:55 p.m. - Dolphins - No luck spotting the whale from Gig Harbor since about 3:15. We did see dolphins just past the mouth of Gig Harbor up towards Colvos passage. -Heidi Powers Armstrong

December 27
12:37 p.m. - 2 Orcas, One baby and one adult traveling side-by-side - heading North between Shaw Island and San Juan Island. -Katie Lyon

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12:42 p.m. -Very small humpback whale right on Point Defiance (Tacoma) . Island explorer 3 is currently viewing. Really small spout must be a yearling. 3rd time out boat has found this guy in the past two months here in the Sound. -Scott Jacobson

December 26
At the time T77A and T49A2 were in the harbour the T11s were off Sooke. We were watching the former pair as they moved toward Victoria. -Val Shore

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Video by John Basterfield of T77A and T49A2 in Victoria Harbor shared on Victoria Buzz Facebook page: We have obtained video showing two transient killer whales spotted on the inside of the breakwater on Boxing Day. John Basterfield captured the video, and he tells Victoria Buzz, "we saw them out by the light beacon from a distance, but by the time we got there, there was no sign of them. Walking back toward the Pilot Boats' basin we saw them heading out. A real gift."

December 25
Shared by Global BC News: Video by Keyur Dalal of a large pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins following his ferry from Powell River to Comox on Christmas Day.

December 24


December 23


December 22


December 21
On the morning of 12/21/16, Dave Ellifrit was notified by Jane Cogan that there were J pod calls audible on the hydrophones. Dave called Melisa Pinnow and they both left Snug Harbor at 10:46 aboard Orcinus. At 11:03, Dave and Melisa arrived on scene with J36, J39, and J52 off of Bellevue Point traveling in a loose group south down Haro Strait. The three whales paused to forage for a few minutes and J39 breached once before splitting off from J36 and J52 and moving offshore. J26 was a little further south and inshore of the other three, also traveling south...See photos and full summary report at CWR Encounter 124. -Center for Whale Research

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Saw 4-5 harbor porpoise. First time I have ever seen them in Holmes Harbor and they were like just 1/4 mile from Freeland Park/boat launch. -Marilyn Armbruster

December 20


December 19


December 18


December 17
9:30 a.m. - Admiralty Inlet - Two unidentified orca Marrowstone heading north mid channel. One male, one female. One on both sides of the Clipper. -Meg Van horn

December 16
4:45 p.m. - Rosario Strait - Just wanted to report two whales seen in Rosario Strait, just outside of Burrows Island and Washington Park, headed north. One male for sure and one female, I only saw them surface a few times in the choppy water. -Krissy Burkhart

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6:07 p.m. - Saratoga Passage - (No IDs, but we presume these to be residents) - I can hear the orcas! Very close to the shore, just off of Pebble Beach (south Camano Island). Direction of travel...unknown. -Sarah Malmsteaad

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3:00 p.m. - 2-3 near Bells beach lots of splashing headed south. -Jaime Scaggs

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2:59 p.m. - Behavior change. Seems like they've woken up. Breaches, cartwheels, porpoising.
2:54 p.m. - whales approaching Bells Beach southbound mid channel.
2:43 p.m. - passing Fox Spit midchannel/Camano side. Still slowly southbound. Too far for IDS. -Rachel Haight

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2.00 p.m. - Whales heading steadily south as seen from Hidden Beach. Appear closer to Camano side....Day Four of Southern Residents in Puget Sound (at least we believe these were Southern Residents in Saratoga Passage today) (unconfirmed- ALB) ...too far for IDs and lighting conditions were tricky with distortion on the water. Mt. Baker looks stunning with all that fresh snow. -Sandra Pollard

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It would take a little magic to ID the whales we saw this afternoon headed south in Saratoga Pass. This image was taken from Hidden Beach as the whales passed the headland that is Camano Island State Park. I can only assume they were the SRKW's that were nearby yesterday. I can say for sure they were Orca. -Richard Snowberger

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1:45 p.m. - seen orcas mid channel Between Hidden beach Whidbey and Cama beach Camano still trendng south. -Marilyn Armbruster

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1:05 p.m. - 2 or 3 orcas are approaching Cama Beach, Camano Isl., headed south toward Baby Island, reported by Connie Barrett.

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At 1:00 p.m. just spotted several spouts near center channel of Saratoga Passage several miles south of Polnell Point and perhaps 2 miles north of Baby Island. -Steve Rothboeck

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12:54 p.m. - Just spotted several blows, middle of Saratoga passage, off Indian Beach. Milling around, not travelling. -Patti Nevaril-Cassell

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At 11:55 a.m. just saw more spouts. They are about 1 mile north of Mariner's Cove and 1.5 miles SW of Polnell Point.
At 11:20 a.m. several orcas are 1 mile due south of Polnell Point. They are (at 10:20 am) located one mile SW of Polnell Point and easily visible in the morning sunshine. -Steve Rothboeck

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Six orcas in front of Madrona Beach around 11:30 this beautiful Friday morning. Traveling southbound. The big boat that was following them the entire time seemed far too close. -Vicki Anderson

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10:00 a.m. - activity continued at 10AM...dozens of soundings and blows 5 miles SE of Snakelum point in central Saratoga passage heading south.
8:30 a.m. - At least 6 orcas heading southwest, including at least two males...dozens of soundings...unfortunately we were probably a mile away with good light and angle for spotting but not close enough for study...the male dorsals were easily viewed and low profile females but not much else other than blows. Fun to see. -Rick Porritt (with Jose Torres)

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8:30 a.m. - Half dozen orcas in north Saratoga passage heading southwest Friday between Polnell Point (North Whidbey, Oak Harbor area) and Camano...at least two males...a couple of dozen soundings. -Jose Torres

December 15
3:47 p.m. - Southern Residents - Saratoga Passage - Seeing blows slightly north of Penn Cove. Folks on Whidbey will have much better view point than me.
3:27 p.m. - pod is milling outside of Penn cove. I'm viewing now from Madrona Beach Camano, so pretty far away.
3:09 p.m. - They have slowed and appear to be milling/feeding.
3:00 p.m. - 3-4 orca mid channel, northbound, seen from Woodland Beach on Camano. -Krista Paulino

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1:55 pm - Jill Hein reports seeing several orca passing Cama Beach, on the Camano Side, still heading north.

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1:45 p.m. - looked like they were veering towards mid channel (as viewed from bluff Baby Island area)
1:30 p.m. - The Saratoga orcas have now passed Camano State park heading north along shores of Camano island. I am at Fox Spit Whidbey island side...
1:20 p.m. - a few more Elger Bay heading north towards Camano St park.
1:15 p.m. - Large male Camano Side just south of Camano State Park heading north. -Marilyn Armbruster

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12:30 p.m. - Three Orcas observed off Camano, Pebble Beach area. -Randy Zimmerman Furnas

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Southern Resident orcas heading north in Saratoga Passage between Langley and Camano Island on a cold, frosty morning. Photos taken from the warmth of Langley Village Pizzeria after a bone-chilling stint whale-watching in the great outdoors. -Sandra Pollard

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12:25 p.m. - Whales still heading north Camano side. Watching from Langley Pizzeria. Sandra Pollard

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10:07 a.m. - Spread out mid channel south of ferry Lanes (watching from Mukilteo lighthouse Park). Still headed North. They're pretty far spread out some are still south of ferry and some are North. They were so spread out and there wasn't much surface action I saw 2 females and at least one male.
9:59 a.m. - still heading north, south of Clinton ferry closer to Whidbey. -Melinda Barajas

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9:20 a.m. - Spotted orcas traveling North just south of Mukilteo. They were more to the east in Possession sound on the Everret side. -Greg Kenney

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(Orcas on both sides of Whidbey Island today. Saratoga whales were ID'd as residents, but this Admiralty Inlet group was too far for IDs. Js and Ks may have split from yesterday.) We received a message from Sarah MacDougal, who received a text from friends who were on the Pt Townsend/Coupeville ferry and saw a pod of orcas at 4:15 pm.

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Had to stop at Fort Casey - and watched at least 8 whales foraging but trending northbound -- VERY spread out -between Ft. Casey and Fort Flagler. Some beautiful backlit blows - too far away for photos/ID's. Left them at 4:10 pm.....Pretty cool seeing orcas on both east and west sides of Whidbey today!! -Jill Hein

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2:06 p.m. - Just saw a breach hall way between here (Fort Casey) and Lagoon Point. -Bonnie Gretz

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1:36 p.m. - These orcas are now north of Lagoon Point. They were too far for me to count.
1:30 p.m. - Lagoon Point whales are headed northbound. -Patricia Prochaska

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Orcas just spotted at 1pm off Lagoon Point traveling north! -Kathy Pulley

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12:45 p.m. - we got a call from Mike Waitt, who is seeing 4 - 6 orcas 1 mile north of Bush Pt, 1 mi. south of Lagoon Pt, very close to the Whidbey side, moving north leisurely, sounds like they are possibly foraging.

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11:20 a.m. - Watching far side of Mutiny Bay heading north. Only visible with binoculars. There were about 4 Orcas. One large male. Was watching from condos on Old Breach Rd Mutiny Bay. -Nancy Hnat

December 14
3:55 p.m. - Puget Sound - They traveled steadily west to Point Dalco then turned back east at 4:35 p.m., crossing the ferry near Pt Defiance on it's 4:35 route and surfing briefly in it's wake (2 breaches). Then they continued traveling east. -Meg McDonald

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4:12 p.m. - Some passed right in front of Vashon ferry as it was going to Point Defiance. They were headed east. -Jeanette Dorner

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4:09 p.m. - Lost track, but they were going back and forth at Owen beach for the past 45 minutes. Closer to Vashon side, Just now saw them by Maury island again. Possibly heading north. Only saw about 3 or 4...-Cassy Suratos

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3:45 p.m. - Residents foraging in Dalco Passage as viewed from Point Defiance (Vashon viewpoint). -Jill Clogston

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K26 Lobo as viewed from 1st viewpoint (Vashon viewpoint) on 5 Mile Drive, Point Defiance, Tacoma. -Melissa Bird (Burke),
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
3:54 p.m. - they seemed to have turned, heading towards Commencement Bay Owen Beach would be good right now.
3:48 p.m. - still foraging below 1st viewpoint on 5 mile drive. Between Owen Beach and Vashon Ferry run.
3:34 p.m. - foraging between Vashon ferry terminal and West side (Colvos) of Vashon mid channelish.
3:29 p.m. - some have passed ferry terminal, mid channel heading into Dalco Passage.
3:08 p.m. - lost then at the moment. Saw a baby breach! Still close to Maury shore heading towards Quartermaster Harbor.
2:47 p.m. - from N. 45th and Stevens.. Fins and blows off very southern tip of Maury Island, close to shore Maury side heading towards Quartermaster Harbor. Big Breaches! -Melissa Burke
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J40 passing Point Robinson, J51 and mom J41 - Point Robinson. -David Earl, December 14, 2016
(ID by Sara Hysong-Shimazu)
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2:25 p.m. - About 30 orca reported heading steadily south spread out between Gold Beach, Maury Island and Dash Point, Federal Way, reported by Carl Sells.
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See them off Maury island near Gold Beach community club. 2:19 pm. Slowly continuing south. -Jeanette Dorner
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Members of J and K pods traveled inland Puget Sound together. J19 surfaces with another as they pass Point Robinson on their southbound travels down the east side of Vashon/Maury Island. -David Earl
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J19 Shachi and J40 Suttles cruising by Point Robinson around 2:00 p.m. L87 - Point Robinson. K33 Tika travelng under Mt. Rainier this afternoon.. Another image of 22-month old J51 Nova and his mom J19. -Kelly Keenan, December 14, 2016
(J34 Doublestuf was also seen and photographed by Kelly Keenan from Point Robinson at 1:39PM, heading south. They went as far as Point Dalco and turned back east and then north at 4:35PM.)
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I saw two from DesMoines looking across at Point Robinson around 1:20 to 1:40. I just left as I am too cold. Will try to post a picture as as soon as my hands warm up. -Monica Zaborac
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1:40 p.m. - Just spotted them right off Point Robinson! -Denise Harrell
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11:30 a.m. - Jeff Hogan is seeing at least two groups of orcas, off the Fauntleroy ferry dock and off the north end of Vashon, both seemingly headed south.
11:23 a.m. - Reports from Jeff Hogan and WS Ferries say orcas, including at least one adult male, are now off the north Vashon ferry dock, still headed south.
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11:21 a.m. - I saw one from Beach Drive (West Seattle). It was midway and then on the Vashon side. -Judy Krebs
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10:22 a.m. - 6-8 Orcas heading south off Restoration Point, Bainbridge Island, across Puget Sound from Elliott Bay and Seattle, reported by Marie Waterman of WS Ferries. First seen and reported by the Captain of the Kaleetan.

December 13
4:05 p.m. - Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound - Orca (5 or 6) just north of Edmonds Kingston ferry route, mid channel. Ben watching them for a while very slowly moving south. Mostly just seeing their distinctive group blows. -Stu Davidson
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1:10 p.m. - seeing blows SE of the green buoy/channel marker between Useless Bay/Point No point. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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12:45 p.m. - whales south of Foulweather Bluff moving fast. Dick thinks he saw one large dorsal south of Bush Point. -Sandra Pollard
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Noon - They passed south of Bush Point, foraging and slowly heading south, now off Mutiny Bay. Still only about six, with young ones but no adult males. Taken from shore south of Bush Point about noon. Five orcas heading south. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
(ID notes by Sara Hysong-Shimazu: "Js. Looks like J19 in the front to me. Looks like Maybe J31 as the female in the back. Maybe J41 in the middle with J51 just about to surface?")
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11:30 a.m. - At least 1/2 dozen orcas foraging between Lagoon Point and Bush Point, Whidbey Island, trending southward closer to the Whidbey side. -Called in by Michael Waitt.
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2:46 - pretty sure Im seeing a tail lobbing humpback.
2:25 p.m. - saw splashes of 2 breaches maybe a mile off north Edmonds. Did not see body. Could be another whale. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

December 12


December 11


December 10
2:30 PM - I found J Pod and L87 Onyx in San Juan Channel going East. Pretty sure I saw J2, but the weather deteriorated quickly after I found them in-between the Cactus Islands, which concerned me, maybe they were taking a break from the 3'-4' waves... In 16 years I have never seen them in there, hope all is well with them. -Hobbes Buchanan

December 9
1:06 p.m. - We just spotted Southern Residents at Fort Casey going North. -Michael Golden

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10:16 a.m. - they are northbound passing Lagoon Point far side. I've seen nothing closer.
9:57 a.m. - Found them again -- nice tailslap, still a little south of Lagoon Point far side.
9:40 a.m. - Blows and fins kinda SW of Lagoon Point seem to be northbound. -Patricia Prochaska

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8:50 a.m. - Spotted pod of at least 7 orcas just south of South Whidbey State Park RF our deck. Closer to Whidbey side. Been hanging about in same spot at least 30 minutes. Can't ID but one has much larger dorsel fin than the others. Our first siting! -Denise Barker

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8:39 a.m. - 8 orcas passing Bush Point, Whidbey Island heading north, including two males, leaders probably close to Lagoon Point by now, called in by Ann and Pip.

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8:30 a.m. - 3-4 orcas (re: adult male: too far out to tell, but did see one tall fin) moving south, about 1/2 mile offshore...Admiralty Inlet, equidistant between Lagoon Pt and Bush Pt. (seen off my property). I noticed them because coast guard cutter stopped in its northward course. -Claudia Mitchell

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8:20 a.m. - Pod of at least 10, with 3-4 Bulls (large dorsal fins) traveling Northbound past Bush Point at 8:20 am 12/9/16 along westside of Whidbey. T raveling, Breaching (viewed 3 times), Tail Slaps. -Ann & Pip Singh Deo

December 8
L87 Onyx passes Point No Point, Kitsap southbound close inshore back-dropped by a brightly illuminated snow blanketed Mount Baker. -Donna Van Renselaar

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5:04 p.m. - Just left Alki Point after watching GIANT males rounding the buoy in the almost dark...awesome! -Kersti Muul

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4:10 p.m. -Multiple orcas off Bainbridge Island ferry route. Headed south- spread out west of mid channel. At least on male and 3 or more individuals. Between Eagle Harbour and Elliot Bay. -Daniel Lipinski

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4:05 p.m. - 2-3 orcas along Seattle/Bainbridge ferry 'Tacoma' mid sound southbound. -Allen MIller

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3:55 p.m. - Majority appear to have passed West Point Lighthouse/Discovery Park in Magnolia with at least two adult males still visible; one due west (sightline Murden Cove) and another to the south (sightline Eagle Harbor). Several others, at least 6+, are visible to the south outside Elliot Bay. All still steady southbound, some loosely and widely spread.
3:10 p.m. - several adult males, at least as many females and couple of calves loosely and widely spread east of mid channel (with many blows visible further west and south) passing Shilshole Marina, steady southbound. These may be trailers. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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3:00 p.m. - there were a few of them heading south south of Kingston off Point Jefferson just now. -Chris Beamer Otterson

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3:11 p.m. - straight out from from Discovery Point. Multiple dorsal fins spotted mid channel heading south.
2:53 p.m. - From Discovery Lighthouse, seeing several blow spouts heading south towards Fay Bainbridge. West side of channel. -Robby Bessey

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2:41 p.m. - seeing several just north of Golden Gardens moving south east of mid channel...out from parking lot. -Sue Larkin

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2:15 p.m. - See a few orca out in the middle of the channel in front of Shilshole. Seem to be just milling around as going both north & south. -Chris Beamer Otterson

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2:00 p.m. - cow/calf, and 1 other on east side of channel just exiting Richmond Beach area still southbound. Others spread to the West and South, with more streaming in from the north.
1:20 p.m. - Still too far for IDs but this has to be residents...very spread out in 1-3s midchannel and either side of from mid way Richmond Beach/ President Point and still coming from north off Edmonds/ Apple Cove Point, north Kingston. Several adult males spread, females, and calves present. At least 2 dozen.
1:05 p.m. - 3+ including adult male southbound mid channel between Kingston ferry dock and Point Wells, Woodway. Several more approaching from the north, on east side of the Sound between Edmonds Marina Beach and Point Wells (tank farm). Some directional changes, circling, soft lunges, look to be foraging. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:55 - Marie Waterman of WA State Ferries reports a half dozen orcas off Apple Tree Pt. heading south.

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1:04 p.m. - Moving east bound toward tank farm (Point Wells) south of Edmonds.
12:53 p.m. - Watching at least 2 orcas approaching Kingston Edmonds ferry lanes from 2nd street bluff in Kingston. Southbound. -Sue Larkin

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12:25 p.m. - One of the many adult male residents in Puget Sound today glides southbound past the Kingston area mid channel under snow-capped Cascades Mountains. -Sara Frey

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12:15 p.m. - 4-5 orcas in the shipping lanes off of Eglon, heading south. A couple more heading south between Eglon and PNP, also in the shipping lanes. -Shermna Page

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12:15 p.m. - seeing blows in four places groups spread mid channel 2 miles N to S...southbound. All up and down channel south of Point No Point north of Eglon (line of sight from Edmonds at sea level now). Superior Mirage interferes with depth/ distance. 12:02 p.m. - at least 3 (1 large male, female and young) in mid channel southbound 2.5 miles south of Scatchet Head. AND 2nd group mid channel 1/2-1 mile south. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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At noon, watching through our "Big Eyes" (thanks to the Center for Whale Research!), I can see spouts from beyond Point no Point to the south, all the way up to just south of Pt. Wells, Edmonds (which is as far north as we can see). It appears to me the spouts seem to be moving north, but at this distance it is difficult to tell for sure. -Susan Berta, Orca Network

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I left Point No Point at 11:50 am, after seeing 3 males traveling fast southbound from Whidbey/Doublebluff towards Edmonds. They crossed over from Mutiny Bay towards Point No Point, came 200 yards from shore traveling southbound, then crossed back over mid channel in front of Eglon and headed on over to Edmonds. Zigzaggy southbound boys! Approx 11:20-11:45 a.m. - I saw one circle back but then cruise south again at a pretty good clip, out in front of Point No Point. J27 Blackberry just offshore while passing Point No Point, Kitsap southbound. Mount Baker, Puget Sound and L87 Onyx rounding Point No Point, Kitsap southbound close inshore. -Donna Green Van Renselaar

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11:54 a.m. - One adult male southbound mid channel 2 miles south of Scatchet Head trailing earlier group of at least 2 others further south (sightline north of Eglon transected from my location at Stamm Overlook park in Edmonds). Third group of 3 (female and young) further to the east, east side of mid channel.
11:25 a.m. - Seeing spread out whales...See several blows of one group about 1 mile south and west of Scatchet Head Whidbey, southeast bound. Second group mid channel, 2 miles south of Scatchet southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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11:20 - Two adult males just passed Point No Point heading south. -Reported by Kim Page.

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10:24 a.m. - Just saw spouts off Double Bluff with binoculars. -Holly Lusk

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10:00 a.m. - Leaders are approaching Point No Point now. Southbound. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network

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9:55 a.m. - orcas, small pod group going south alongside Whidbey, seen off end of Adams Road. (north end Mutiny Bay). -Christina Baldwin

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9:36 a.m. - 8 orcas seen off Lagoon Point, closer to the Whidbey Island shore, headed south toward Bush Point. Called in by Wayne Sedgrick (sp?).

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9:28 a.m. - Unidentified killer whale - Just saw what I believe is an Orca carrying a seal. Live on Mutiny Bay. Orca heading north toward Admiralty inlet. Just moved here so not sure. Black fin had notches in it. The Seals tail was in the air. Dorsal fin was visible on Orca and every once in awhile Seals head would appear. Wish I had taken a photo but ran out with only binoculars. (This report of an orca with a seal is at the same time residents were in the general area. Leaving open the possibility a single (or pod of) Bigg's may have been ahead of them or possibly Sea Lion thermoregulating - ALB) -Nancy M Hnat

December 7
... arrived on scene, offshore of the San Juan County Park at 14:50. While the leaders were long gone, the trailers were spread out, slow traveling west-southwest. While Giles drove, Jim first photographed J34, followed by photos of J47 and J44 engaged in social behavior including rolling over on each other. The next whale photographed was J45, youngest calf of deceased J14, who was observed swimming nearest to J34. J22 was first photographed alone heading south but within a few minutes she was joined by her son J34 and both whale changed direction, as did the other three young males, and headed west southwest toward Discovery Island.... See photos and full summary report at CWR Encounter 123. -Center for Whale Research

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3:45 p.m. - Saw for sure J16s, 14s, 17s, and 19s but quite a few more way off- one nice pass!
2:42 p.m. - We're at Lime Kiln and see them, Js. Leaders past Lime Kiln very spread. Some porpoising, moving quick with the ebb. -Monika Wieland Shields

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Unidentified whales - Saw one blow from Whidbey Island near Lagoon Point, but haven't seen anything since. That was about 30-45 minutes ago (3:10ish). -Margaret Marshall

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1:00 pm - Just saw a brief glimpse of a tail on the Edmonds-Kingston ferry. Closer to Kingston side, my guess is a humpback. -Madelyn Gilbert Aman

December 6


December 5


December 4


December 3
J27 and other J pod members tucked in close to one another for at least this part of their northbound travels up Admiralty Inlet. -James Gresham

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4:29 p.m. - They are much closer to Marrowstone than Whidbey at this point, especially the leaders.
3:45 p.m. - Visible from the south side of Lagoon Point, Whidbey Island. Mid-channel south of Marrowstone Island. From my perspective on Whidbey, they are mid channel just a bit toward the Whidbey side from the mile market buoy, between the buoy and the southern end of marrowstone. Closer too marrowstone. -Margaret Marshall

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Great afternoon with part of J Pod, J16 Slick and her daughter J50 Scarlet...The orca's passed Bush Point from around 3-4 pm with 3 of them close in. Most were mid channel and further over at Marrowstone Island side. -Marilyn Armbruster, December 3, 2016

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After one of those slightly surreal treks along Whidbey's back roads only to find the Southern Residents were always just out of sight around the bluff, we eventually caught up with the leaders in Mutiny Bay. At least five whales were together at one time, milling and tail-slapping, and not in any particular hurry. It seemed an interminable wait at Bush Point before the whales (came by, but our patience and that of fellow frozen Orca Dorks (Marilyn Armbruster and Jill Hein) was amply rewarded with three of the J16's passing close to shore. As the light faded the orcas were still heading in a northerly direction. -Sandra Pollard

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3:14 p.m. - Pod of 4-5 off old Beach Road, Mutiny Bay. -Nancy M Hnat

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3:09 p.m. - Went to south Lagoon Point beach and found them again. Still by Bush Point. -Patricia Prochaska

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2:15 p.m. - mid-channel, about 1 mile so. of Bush Pt/Whidbey side, approaching Foulweather Bluff/entrance to Hood Canal/Kitsap side (sightline), closer to Whidbey. Lots of tail lobbing, splashing and feeding behavior but still heading north at a fairly steady pace. This is Susan posting, have to go work at the Langley Whale Center soon, but what a blessing to see them in front of our ON headquarters! -Susan Berta, Orca Network

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2:04 p.m. - North bound still. Closer to the Kitsap side. South of Bush Point. Danielle Pennington

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1:44 p.m. - They just passed Double Bluff northbound. -Jean Watson Manis

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1:27 p.m. - last report from me... they're at Mutiny Bay as seen from Point No Point. Closer to Whidbey now. Island explorer is still with them. Big splashes over there.
12:48 p.m. - currently northbound between Point No Point and Useless Bay, headed toward Double Bluff. -Michelle Goll

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We spent time with J Pod group B (J11's, 17's and 22') and L87 Onyx in Admiralty Inlet today. Several of the whales made a bee line right to the boat as soon as we got on scene. We spent much of the encounter today drifting with engines off. It was great seeing them but also sad with the glaring absence of recently deceased J28 and J54. Seeing J46 Star, J28's oldest calf swimming with her aunt J35 Tahlequah was both heart warming and heart breaking. I hope Star is ok. The whales were foraging very actively and there seemed to be plenty of salmon around which is a good thing.
12:55 p.m. - The outside group are the J16's. J22's and at least J27 inside. Need confirm the rest. (Currently) Just below Point No Point.
12:46 p.m. - Confirm 2 groups. We"re moving to the western group. -James Gresham

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12:49 p.m. - Found another part of J pod off Hansville, Kitsap Peninsula. J27 Blackberry is one. -Carol Knight, December 3, 2016

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12:45 p.m. - They are definitely heading north now.
12:35 p.m. - I was watching another smaller group north of that. I haven't seen the more north group in a while. Maybe they turned south a met up. -Danielle Pennington

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12:44 p.m. - Marilyn called again with update: orcas were going north, around the point not too far out and also across the water over toward Useless Bay.
12:30 p.m. - Marilyn DeRoy called from Point no Point to report seeing 7 - 8 orcas, perhaps starting to head back south.
12:36 p.m. - Looks to be heading towards us at Point No Point. -Elyse Solitto

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12:28 p.m. - From high bluff Stamm overlook in Edmonds I could see beautiful line of at least 8-10 dorsals all southbound east of Point No Point. Pod is on Kitsap side of mid channel.
12:15 p.m. - there may be 2 groups (or just different angles). And/ or I'm Seeing a baleen whale. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

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12:27 p.m. - Mid channel closer to Point No Point. Southbound now. J's. -James Greshamn

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12:14 a.m. - I am at Point no point and finally found them. They are south of Whidbey and seem to be slowly circling as first they were headed south and not north. Large male is still headed south. -MIchelle Goll

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12:10 p.m. - I am seeing blows mid Sound well east of where you (Danielle Pennington) dropped pin on map photo. -Alisa lemire Brooks

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12:11 p.m. - They are passing Point No Point. There is a large yellow channel marker. They are northwest of it. ...'m seeing a very large male up here north of the buoy. Must be spread out.
1:53 a.m. - This is where I am seeing them. (map indicates 1 mile southeast of Point No Point) ...Very close to the Kitsap side.
10:50 a.m. - I see them from Maxwelton beach (Whidbey) heading north. They are way on the other side. -Danielle Pennington

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9:52 a.m. - Vessel Spokane reports 12 or more Orca whales sighted. Full grown and babies. Heading Northbound to Kingston. -Donna Wharton, WS Ferries

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8:30 a.m. - Saw 2 humpbacks off the coast of Victoria, there might be one or two others as I saw what agitated to be several spouts in the distance but can't be sure. They were foraging in one area for awhile, then a tanker started up and moved their way and they moved out of there quickly. -Mariann Carrasco

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Gray whale 723, Saturday in Admiralty Inlet west of Point No Point. We were headed back to Seattle after visiting with members of J Pod when a baleen whale was spotted in the distance. It turned out to be 723 known as Lucy or Lucy-fer. 723 is a member of the Saratoga Passage gray whales, a group of about a dozen who for many years have stopped by Puget Sound in the spring for a couple months of feeding in the waters of Saratoga Passage and Possession Sound while on their northward migration. For whatever reason it appears that 723 decided to stick around this year as he has occasionally been sighted all through this past summer and fall. Here he is surprising us by surfacing right at the bow of Island Explorer 3. -James Gresham, December 3, 2016

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12:15 p.m. - there may be 2 groups (or just different angles). And/ or I'm seeing a baleen whale. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

December 2
2:20 p.m. - 5 or 6 orcas seen off Alki, including at least one male, reported by Donna Sandstrom.

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We saw 5-6 at 1:40pm heading Soutbound with very long diving times. Large fin, and very small fin involved. Mid-channel at buoy (at Alki point). -Kersti Muul

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10:25 am -At least 4 loosely spread, east side of channel passing by Shilshole Marina still southbound steady clip. Mom/calf, 2 females (or young male), and possible sprouter male. Seas fairly choppy. Too far for ID, every possibility there are more spread that I cannot see. I need to leave.
10:12 a.m. - Moved to Golden Gardens in north Seattle and just spotted fins of at least 2 traveling swiftly on the eastern side of the Sound 1/4 mile off green buoy, line of site mid Port Madison. Still Southbound.
9:30 a.m. - from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. 2-3 on still on east side of channel, passing southbound still fast clip out from Richmond Beach.
9:08 a.m. - 2 traveling Southbound at good clip off Kayu Kayu AC Park north Richmond Beach in Shoreline. East side of channel. Limited visibilty due to rain. -Alisa Lemire Brooks

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8:53 a.m. - Still have one orca drifting slowly north, off 2nd bldg to the south, at PT Edwards.
8:38 a.m. - Two orca midchannel off Point Edwards slightly closer to Edmonds side. -Dave Golner

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Another update from Edmonds Kingston ferry crossing, 8:10 am from John Scordino, of a female and two juveniles seen on the west side of the crossing. He noted they have open saddle patches which means we have Resident orcas!

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8:15 a.m. - WSF Master aboard the SPOKANE reports sighting of 1/2 dozen southbound orcas when approaching the Kingston dock. -Donna Wharton

December 1
How fun to be on the ferry with a bunch of folks heading to the big event tomorrow and have the ferry captain get on the PA and tell us we had some whales in front of the ferry. Saw between 8-9 Unidentified orcas just off the Anacortes ferry terminal in mid-Rosario, southbound. 2 big males. 3 breaches, but we never got close enough to be able to get any IDs. -John Boyd (JB)

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10-12 orca southbound off Reef Pt. in Rosario Strait. -Marie Waterman, WS Ferries

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On our way to Sydney, today, we saw a group of about 10 Dall's porpoise cavorting in a bay off San Juan island opposite Spieden Island. -Mariann Carrasco