December 2019 Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of December 2019 whale sightings.

December 31


December 30
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Mon Dec 30 - Good morning! We had a wonderful encounter with J's and K's yesterday morning (30th). J's entered Active Pass at 9:45am against a 3.5 knot Ebb tide, 30 minutes later Kpod surprised us, and we even managed to record K calls on our hydrophone. K21 Cappucino eastbound in Active Pass. -Rachelle Hayden
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Mon Dec 30 - Transient Killer Whales T137's were off Sooke today and "Jack" (T137a) was looking well...Found them late afternoon towards Pillar Point....it took a while. Matriarch T137 off Sooke, BC......her eldestT137A. -Paul Pudwell
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Mon Dec 30 - (Sara's report w/comments by others in ( ) - alb)
MMX0101 "Strike" today near the Belle Chains getting a bit rowdy with MMX0073 "Lorax".
(Erin Gless: Like two males being competitive rowdy?)
...that's what it looked like to me. Not full on competitive but getting there.
(Tasli Shaw: Lorax is female.)
...Interesting! There was a third whale with them but it never fluked so no ID shot. Maybe Strike's posturing was at that whale OR it wasn't posturing at all and just being goofy. Just seemed reminiscent of behaviors I've seen on the breeding grounds...
(Jeff Freidman: was def behavior I've seen from males in breeding waters. Bubble blasts and all). -Sara Hysong-Shimazu, Maya's Legacy Whale Watch

December 29
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Sun Dec 29 - Here are a few photos from our encounter with the T137 pod today between Partridge Bank and Smith Island. T137A appears to be much healthier than he was earlier in the year after his caudal peduncle wound. We didn't get a look at his back end yesterday or today, but he seems to be traveling at a normal pace with the rest of his family. In one of the shots you can see him traveling close to his sister, T137B with Mount Baker in the background. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express Photographer/ Naturalist
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Today was absolutely beautiful! Great conditions and awesome whales. We encountered the T137s (only T137A Jack pictured) near Partridge Bank with Mt. Baker in the background. Then after a scenic trip through Deception Pass and Saratoga Passage, we encountered our first returning Gray Whale to the Snohomish River Delta since they (presumably) departed the area in late Spring! Gray Whale #2246 was in shallow water near Everett hopefully feeding on plenty of Ghost Shrimp! -Justine Buckmaster
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sun Dec 29 - 11:43 - Orca in Strait of Juan De Fuca being viewed from Coho Ferry (was just few miles from PA at time of report). Heading toward Port Townsend. I saw about three I believe two female and on male. They were far off and hard to see. Another couple saw them earlier circling a sailboat. I don't think it's one of the larger pods. They did seem kind of spread out. -Brianna Schroeder
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Sun Dec 29 - ~15:30 - Someone reported on Its An Edmonds Kind of page at 330ish 2 orcas near Edmonds jumping and being very playful. Swimming south towards Edmonds from Haines Wharf...Janine Harles
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun Dec 29 - Haro Strait - 11:27 - Humpback. Still there but sounds are more distant. This is the first time I"ve ever heard one in the daylight!
11:13 - Right now in the daylight a HB over LK hps. Can't see it yet. -Jeanne Hyde
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05:15 - Quite a loud HB on the Lime Kiln hydrophones. -Jeanne Hyde
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Sun Dec 29 - Strait of Georgia - Dear Alisa, Thanks a lot for the ID on the orcas. So cool!! Today, the Humpbacks put an incredible show for 1 hour at about 3pm with breaching behaviour, big flukes, side flipping (lifting flippers up and slamming the water). There were 2 humpbacks of similar size doing all this together. Is is mating behaviour? What does the breaching mean and the side flipping? It was all in the strait of Georgia, a few hundred yards from shore on Mayne island (Edith Point), directly opposite me. Photos taken from shore. -Cheers, Yves Tiberghien
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Sun Dec 29 - Haro Strait - 11:08 - Hey, So I was listening to the Lime Kiln Hydrophone right now and I can hear whales. I think they're orcas (they were humpbacks -alb), but I am not 100 percent sure. They're making whistly sounds and kinda clicky/snorty ones as well. (Sorry for the terrible description.) They were quiet at first, but now they're louder and there are more of them. I hope you have an awesome holiday season....I started to hear them at about 10:58 and heard them until 11:17 ish. I forgot to mention that in my first email. super sorry about that. -Katie McDermott
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Sun Dec 29 - San Juan Channel - Grey (I believe) whale at entrance to Friday Harbor, surfaced then passed in front of ferry leaving at 8:10am. Beautiful morning!...heading north....UPDATED TO: Thanks for the details! So this was a humpback, clearly had a dorsal fin and was smooth dark grey. Surfaced within 70 feet from us... beautiful! -Kristi Jones
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GRAY WHALES - Sun Dec 29...Then after a scenic trip through Deception Pass and Saratoga Passage, we encountered our first returning Gray Whale to the Snohomish River Delta since they (presumably) departed the area in late Spring! Gray Whale #2246 was in shallow water near Everett hopefully feeding on plenty of Ghost Shrimp! 2018 newbie NPS gray whale CRC2246 (right side) - Possession Sound! -Justine Buckmaster
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It looks like CRC 2246 is back already to bring in the new year! We spotted him/her on the edge of the Snohomish River Delta today from Chilkat Express. -Bart Rulon, Photographer/Naturalist Puget Sound Express.
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15:41 - Looks like it could be #2246! Definitely a smaller individual feeding in the shallows. -Justine Buckmaster
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15:20 - I'm seeing the gray today. Yay! Snohomish river delta north of jetty island, watch boat on scene. -Lori Christopher
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15:19 - Got a gray on the delta! (Snohomish Delta). -Brian McGinn

December 28
Sat Dec 28 - Orcas suddenly appeared in the same area (Mayne Island - Strait of Georgia) as I was taking photos of the humpbacks... first time we see them together. At the tideline, busy waters. Which ones are they? (Melisa Pinnow reviewed half dozen photos: They are Ts, perhaps the T36Bs and T99s). -Yves Tiberghien
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Sat Dec 28 - 15:07 - hearing something... Not sure if it's orcas, but there's chirps every now and then. If it is the pod, they aren't super talkative.
14:30 - Pretty sure I'm hearing them on the Port Townsend hydrophone, but I think there may be a ship now? -Ashley Whitman
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13:50 - we left the T137 pod still eastbound towards Point Wilson well north of Protection Island. Just made a kill and had a meal before swimming eastward again.
13:15 - MV Saratoga found the T137 pod south of Partridge Bank currently eastbound and aiming toward Admiralty Inlet and Puget Sound. It's possible they might make it into the sound later today. -Bart Rulon
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12:57 - Biggs Orca, T137s are at Partridge Bank pointed at Admiralty Inlet, Pt Wilson, probably be there around 2. -Cristopher Hanke
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Sat Dec 28 - Orca Pod in Alsea Bay, OR. Multiple spouts. No males spotted. Hunting harbor seals. -Regards, Lauri Hines
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Dec 24- 28 - Dear Alisa, Humpbacks have been coming a lot in the Strait of Georgia. We followed a humpback close to shore, playing the in kelp, and then leisurely along the shore of Mayne Island on Dec 24. Then a big bunch came on Dec 25 and again on Dec 26. And now this morning (28th) at the tide line a few hundred yards into the straight this morning. I have movies of the humpback in kelp from Dec 24 if there is a way to send them your way. -Yves Tiberghien, Mayne Island
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Sat Dec 28 - 11:59 - Hi Alisa, my husband just crossed from Hat to Everett, called to report gray whale blows between south tip of Hat and Mukliteo head, just past the barge that anchors out there. One individual, no direction apparent. -Lori Christopher

December 27
On December 27 we watched "Two Spot" CRC16017 (aka CS631 aka MMZ0013). get pretty playful with a juvenile humpback whale we've been calling Exclamation Point, out near Victoria. -Puget Sound Photographer/ Naturalist Bart Rulon

December 26


December 25
Wed Dec 25 - 7:32 - hearing orca calls now as well? (while listening to humpback on Lime Kiln). -Steve Smith
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - 20:08 - Hearing calls on Port Townsend. - Wed Dec 25 - J pod - Puget Sound. -Linda Aitkins
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20:05 - Tune into the Port Townsend hydrophone! Hearing vocalizations. -Brittany Noelle Philbin
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20:00 - both Port Townsend and Bush Point hydros at 8pm. Louder on PT though.
19:15 - more calls now and sounding louder. Maybe they flipped?
7:08 pm - still hearing very distant Jpod calls on Bush Point hydrophone. This hydrophone is working great btw! Thanks Orcasound - Listen for Whales! -Susan Marie Andersson
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19:14 - Vocalizing now on Bush Point. -Kris Holley
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18:42 - J pod Bush Point hps. It was so abrupt, from loud chatter to nothing. Susan heard one call a minute ago.
18:25 - Orcas live on Bush Point hydrophones now! Raucous calls....Then they stopped vocalizing after I posted this. Port Townsend hydrophones might be next. -Susan Berta & Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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16:45 - Saw multiple exhalations northbound waaaaay across the water from the Scatchet Head community looking west (and what a sunset, too). Good night, J's, and Merry Christmas! -Durand Dace
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15:45 - Edmonds ferry stopped again for Blackberry straggling behind J Pod. Mike, Tsuchi and J56 also spotted. -Rik Wright
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15:21-16:00 - Ok first blows in view west of ferry 3:21 Kitsap side from Apple Tree Pt; 15:30 - Orcas are all around the Kingston to Edmonds ferry.; 15:38 - North of tanks (Woodway) and Edmonds bound ferry has stopped again - looks like orcas are escorting the ferry to Edmonds. saw a group of 4-5 bunched up at least one Male; 15:45 - Orcas, north of Edmonds terminal travel mode northbound at a good clip. 1 Male in lead Kitsap side of mid channel, but pretty far out still;
16:00 - Orcas. Two lead males porpoising into Possession triangle looks like west side of Possession Point heading NW...now definitely heading towards Admiralty side crossing front of Cultus Bay from my view at Apple Tree Pt - just blows now as sunset approaches. I'm out! -Donna Green VanRenselaar
From Apple Tree Point this afternoon, rocketing North past Edmonds- all day long they stayed just out of good photo range but I'm not complaining! I was able to see them Southbound this morning from Point No Point, midday from Fay Bainbridge and Northbound from Apple Tree in the late afternoon. Now I call that a whaley great Christmas! Happy Holidays to all of you and to our beloved J Pod. -Photo by Donna Green VanRenselaar, Dec 25, 2019
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14:45 - 15:20 - Orcas. Still seeing them off Richmond Beach...New follower here - seeing sprays and breaches off Richmond Beach closer to Kitsap side. Heading north. From 2:45-3:20. Next to research boat. Merry Christmas!! -Katie Jackson McNeil
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14:59-15:05 - Orcas. Lead group of four just off the oil storage tanks, approaching the Kingston ferry lane. 15:05 - Several breaches almost to ferry lane
14:52 - Orcas. Just watched them from the private pier just East of Indianola. Lots of tail slapping! Heading rapidly north. -Charles Davis
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14:50 - Orcas. From Fay Bainbridge, looking north and scanning. Only found one male traveling north towards Edmonds. Mid channel from my POV. Research boat is no longer visible for me. Signing off. Have a WHALE of a day! Thank you, ORCA NETWORK!!! -Kimberly Slyvester
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14:35 - Orcas off of Jefferson Point in Kingston. I saw at least 4 and 1 Male. Going north. -Corrie Beamer Urquhart
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14:20 - Kimberly Sylvester has sight on J pod. She's viewing from Rolling Bay, and her line of sight has them spread from just north of Fay Bainbridge, Kitsap side, to mid-channel. They are still Northbound and research boat is with them. -Susan Marie Andersson
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14:01 - Orcas. Seeing them now from Fay Bainbridge northbound. I am looking kinda of north east they are headed northbound. Big breach! I am looking from Fay Bainbridge towards I would say Richmond beach. -Tracy Grass
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13:26 - Orcas. Turned and now heading north. We are watching from Rolling Bay. Lots of breaching & tail slaps. Looks like 10 or so....Whales along shore aporox Golden Gardens. Research boat with them now. -Kimberly Sylvester
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12:48 - Orcas. I was looking out towards Discovery Park (at 12:33) so probably a little south of that now. Not quite to the ferry lanes yet
12:33 - Seeing them from Rolling Bay! Mid channel southbound, maybe 7 or 8 (orcas). There were a lot! A big group with one trailing farther behind...I was on the Bainbridge side looking towards Discovery and I had to use binoculars so you might be able to see with the naked eye from the Seattle side. -Emma Vasilj
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12:04 - Two good blows in front of storage tanks my sightline is to Richmond Beach/shoreline still sb.
11:45 - Orcas. From Fay Bainbridge first glimpse leaders passing presidents point way far out approaching storage tanks mid channel or east of mid channel. -Donna Green VanRenselaar
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11:27 - Orcas. Blows south of the yellow mid channel marker (between Richmond Beach and Presidents Point, Kingston) barely visible now, from Edmonds. -Jenny McEachron Gorle
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11:20 - Maija WS Ferries Marine Operations called to report at least 6 orcas in the southbound shipping lanes between Edmonds/Kingston. Orcas were heading southbound.
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11:20 - J pod. Some now appearing from behind. At the ferry SB. Kitsap side of channel.
11:05 - Orcas. Seem to all be south of the ferry now. Most mid channel, but Blackberry was closer to the Kitsap side. Baby Tofino is still very active with frequent breaches. Mom (presume) keeps doing tail lobs.
10:40-55 - Orcas. Seeing more. SB. Spy hops, etc. Will be to the ferry soon if they keep moving south west.10:45 baby breaches! 10:55 passing the ferry. One breach after another. Southbound.
10:35 - Orcas. I have them north of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry mid channel, hard to miss a big breach! Assume SB. -Sara Frey
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~10:50 - Orcas. I saw 8-10 dorsals come up well south of Point No Point mid channel barely visible somewhere in range of Edmonds/Kingston ferry.
10:05 - Orcas are due east of Point No Point, between here and Picnic Point (Lynwood), midchannel no direction yet assuming SB or SW. -Donna Green VanRenselaar
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09:21 - Orcas. Just at Possession Point turning corner west bound. -John Carroll
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Morning of Christmas day, Deb Stewart alerted Orca Network orcas were near the Clinton ferry around 8:30 am. I high tailed off and hit up Glendale Beach as they were just approaching 8:50 am. It was incredible as they were near Whidbey Shores. It was only a minute or less than that they passed Glendale, like in a hurry! I then headed south, I mean everyone off the road please ~ to Possession Beach Boat Launch Park where again 9:06 am they were just north of me and within a minute or so made their pass by swiftly again. I was truly blessed with orca love...Christmas morning. also first time I was successful with camcorder. All these shots are still shots off video. There were a total of 8 orcas that I had counted...members of J pod...all I can say is WOW..that was the best Christmas present ever. while recording them I didn't even scream, well, I kept that excitement inside of me until I hit the stop button. then you could have heard me from who knows where!...J-16 Slick, J-19 Shachi, J-26 Mike, J-27 Blackberry, J-31 Tsuchi, J-38 Cookie, J-39 Mako, J-41 Eclipse, J-47 Notch, and J-56 Tofino...(with the help of Sara Hysong Shimazu, got me some great ID's of who I was with. Thank you Sara). J19 Shachi and J41 Eclipse leading with J26 Mike. J56 Tofino alongside mom and others...Shipwreck in background. J-27 Blackberry in back of group, J-39 Mako in the middle, and J-26 Mike in foreground. -Marilyn Armbruster
(ID help by Sara Hysong-Shimazu)
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09:04 - Orcas. They passed Glendale about 8:50-8:55. Beautiful tight grouping of 8-10 whales including a couple of large males. Should be close to Possession by now. Confirmed J Pod. Blackberry ID from back of camera. He's an easy one.
8:50 - Orcas. LARGE group together close to Whidbey approaching Glendale. This is going to be an EPIC pass by. -Debbie Stewart
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08:40 - There are about 5 Orcas by Possession Point on Whidbey island this morning. -Janet Hammond
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08:23 - Orcas off Clinton ferry! Moving south very close to Whidbey!... I saw large male and one other (female or juvenile male) surface. Neighbor alerted me and those two surfaced just as I looked out the window! J39 Mako and J41 Eclipse. J37 Hy'Shqa and her son J49 T'ilem I'nges. J27 Blackberry. J26 Mike and little sis J42 Echo. -Debbie Stewart
(IDs by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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07:31 - It just got better - L Pod calls now on LK! -Jeanne Hyde
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Tue Dec 24 & Wed Dec 25 - 07:24 - Humpbacks I just heard them! What a beautiful present. Thank you for your updates! I always seem to miss the action, so it was such a wonderful way to start my holiday. (on Lime Kiln hydrophone). -Deanna Brown
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08:38 - humpbacks can still be heard singing on Lime Kiln hydrophone!
07:11 - Humpbacks can be heard vocalizing once again on the Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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07:03 - There's been a humpback(s) singing over the Lime Kiln hydrophones since last night - started about 9pm and continued as I fell asleep after 11pm...woke up at 5a.m. to an HB (assuming the same one cause the repertoire sounds the same)...now 7:02a.m. and still there. Have a Merry Christmas Day! -Jeanne Hyde
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06:42 - Humpbacks are on the Lime Kiln hydrophone right now! 6:42am. Merry Christmas! -Meg Sellers
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06:33 - Merry Christmas! I'm not sure if this is posted anywhere on your page or if anyone else was listening to Lime Kiln's hydrophone late last night (from 2am until 4am ish ET) but their were humpbacks vocalizing and I'm hearing some calls right now too! Super magical! -Claudia Lorena

December 24
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Tue Dec 24 - J pod - Puget Sound - You already have amazing photos from the 24th but I thought I would add a couple of my own. I don't have a zoom lens however but I was one of the lucky people on the 8am ferry heading to Mukilteo on Christmas Eve morning who got to see what we thought were 10 orcas. What a gift to be stopped in the middle of the crossing for what seemed like forever as we were treated to this amazing sight. We are so very blessed to live here. -Robin Olive Reich
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Members of J pod travel Possession Sound early Christmas Eve morning back-dropped by snowy mountains and a blaze of color. -Photos by Robin Olive Reich, Dec 24, 2019
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Tue Dec 24 - in addition to the humpback and L Pod calls, K Pod was on the Lime Kiln hydrophones (Dec 24)...couldn't confirm this until I reviewed the entire recording. On their way to Puget Sound?...or...spending time in the Strait of Juan de Fuca?...Jeanne Hyde
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Puget Sound - Dec 24 - J pod - Puget Sound, Christmas Eve - J pod and transient orcas graced Whidbey Island waters today with an early wake up call of orcas in the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry lanes. Orca watchers were quick to get out of bed and relay reports of the whales passing Sandy Point and Langley before continuing north in Saratoga Passage. The whales were fairly well spread out as they passed Fox Spit, foraging sporadically between Greenbank and Camano Island. It seems all us Orca Dorks at Fox Spit missed the photo of the day of L56's baby breach as the newest member of J pod and her mother (J31) slipped by. Every encounter with these whales is special, but there's something extra special about a visit at this joyous time of the year. Happy Christmas! J56 (Tofino) and mother J31 (Tsuchi) make a close pass at Fox Spit. -Sandra Pollard
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15:38 - At 3:30 pm have been watching at least two orcas, one mile SE of Polnell Point on Whidbey Island. Polnell Point is NW of Utsalady Point on the north end of Camano Island). -Steve Rothboeck
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15:18 - Watching 2 females mid channel just north of Oak Harbor marina entrance traveling north. Had a male close in at Madrona traveling north as well but lost sight of him. -Michele Ashley Sarver
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15:45 - Orcas. still headed north, right out front now, Sunset drive just south of Rocky Point (Camano).
14:38 - Orcas. Distant view south of Rocky Point (Camano) mid channel just now trending west to south. -Murray Langille
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Orca today at Camano Island Yacht Club...the one quick breach I caught. -Breach sequence by Edward Greybeck, Dec 24, 2019
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I agree it's Onyx!!! I have a very distant photo, will post later...from my house, but a loooong way off - at least 2/3rds of the way across to Camano!! So GREAT to see some of them. -Jill Hein
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14:00 - Orcas. Slowly heading north, spread all across the Saratoga Passage, just south of Penn Cove.
13:45-55 - Onyx, I'm pretty sure it's him, very close to Camano foraging, tail-lapping and rolling.
13:40 - Orcas. Right north of Onomac now, they're just milling around now, in front of Eagle Crest on Camano Island. -Kristina Trowbridge
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13:32 - Jill Hein reports seeing a few orcas still northbound on the Camano side. She is viewing from near Shangri La Shores (so maybe in vicinity of Onamac Point give or take)
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12:42 - Orcas. Group is moving north from Hidden Beach and Camano State Park.
12:32 - Orcas. Seeing several between Hidden Beach and Camano Island. Spread out and foraging. -Greg Heist
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12:15 - Orcas. They're between Greenbank and Camano State Park. All over the place! -Landon Holley
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12:02 - Trailers of Jpod have all past Fox Spit, steady NB. Multiple breaches. Happy holidays to Jpod and their fans. -Brittany Noelle
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~11:50 - J pod. Worth the wait! They were all spread out closer to Camano Island side, heading NB. -Photos by Salleigh Knox, Dec 24, 2019
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11:46 - J pod. Heading north mid channel just passed Fox Spit. -Allie Hudec
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11:08 - Orcas. Blows mid channel south of Camano Island State Park. Mile or so south. -Bryan Hansen
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10:43 - Orcas. Passing Bells Beach still steady northbound. Tsuchi and baby Tofino!. -Donna George
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10:12 - viewing from Pizzeria Langley. Whales northbound and fairly well spread out mid channel and toward Camano side. -Sandra Pollard
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10:04 - Durand Dace messaged these whales around Whidbey are J pod (per Brittany Noelle Philbin).. Js are continuing northbound up Saratoga Passage, currently off Langley. J27 Blackberry as he passes Langley, northbound. -Back of cam photo by Brittany Philbin, Dec 24, 2019
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10:03 - Orca sighting just now in Saratoga Passage. (We live on Edgecliff in Langley). Winter Greetings, Susan Burgers
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10:03 - Orcas. Moving past Langley mid channel northbound in Saratoga passage. -Kat Johnson
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~09:50 - Three orcas, one male and two females (possibly a younger one) headed west in front of Langley in Saratogs Passage a few minutes ago. Too far away to ID. -Peg Boley, Pebble Beach, Camano
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09:35 - Orcas. Peace on Earth, Good Whale toward All! Passing Sandy Point and looks like they are going to continue north into Saratoga. Hearing tail slaps in the distance! There seem to be about 8, with a large bull being the trailer. -Durand Dace
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09:03 - Orcas. From Mukilteo Ferry Dock, seeing blows in the distance, closer to Whidbey, north of the ferry lanes, seem to be milling, but hard to tell from this vantage point. But I would say trending north. -Brittany Noelle Philbin
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08:19 - Just saw at least 10 orcas off the ferry. Heading from Clinton to Mukilteo. -Photo by Dan Angst, Dec 24, 2019
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08:00 - Donna with WS Ferries Marine Ops called to report at least 3 orcas milling around the Clinton/Mukilteo ferry lanes. No direction of travel.
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Tue Dec 24 - 14:30 - 6 orcas. Heading north past Strawberry Point (Whidbey) and LaConner towards Deception Pass 2:30 Christmas Eve. -David Carnes
(ID'd as Ts by Melisa Pinnow)
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14:30 - Hello. Today I saw 4, possibly 5 Orcas cruising through the Skagit Bay. I live in Oak Harbor and my home faces the bay. As I watched them go by, I noted that a few seals looked a little panicked and swam hurridly towards shore. I wanted to send this as well to be sure you received the information. Thank you for allowing me to tell you what I saw. Thank you for all that you do for the previous Orcas. -Sincerely, Trisha Ferreira, Oak Harbor WA
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2:30 - Caller reports seeing 5-6 orcas heading north from Mt. Baker Drive, toward Deception Pass.

December 23
Mon Dec 23 - J56 Tofino, youngest Southern Resident off Point Robinson,Vashon, swims nestled among her family. -Photos by Jolena Tagg, Dec 23, 2019
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - J pod - Puget Sound - Mon Dec 23 - J pod Puget Sound - 16:18 - At least 4 southbound approaching Browns Point (Tacoma), 4 more straight across from Sandy Shores (Vashon). -Marlin Black
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16:04 - Orcas. Saw two breaches from Dune Peninsula Park in Tacoma with binocs. They appeared to be north of Quartermaster Harbor from here. (From the footbridge above the park). -Gayle Swigart
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15:37 - Orcas. South of Pt Robinson, southbound. Beautiful! -Maurianna Zingarelli
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Spyhopper off Point Robinson today...Kasia Bozek, Dec 23, 2019
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Hi Alisa! Hope this finds you doing well and enjoying all of the SRKW activity! I have some pics for you from their pass by Point Robinson late this afternoon. It was, as always, so amazing and such an honor to watch them, so spiritual and soul filling. Wishing you a wonderful holiday and thank you so much for all that you do!! Cheers and Merry Christmas! J19 Shachi and J36 Alki. J26 Mike passing Point Robinson in shimmering light. -Marla Smith
(ID help by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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15:30 - Large orca pod southbound at Point Robinson now. -Matt Hahn
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15:24 - Orcas. The back group is just south of the KVI tower.
15:20 - Orcas. The leaders just passed Point Robinson lighthouse. Lots of breaching. -Tanya Jackson Esparza
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J47 Notch powering along...J19 Shachi and her grandson J51 Nova surface off Point Robinson. Illuminated and illuminating...J45 Se Yi' Chn passes Point Robinson. -Photos by Jolena Tagg, Dec 23, 2019
(ID help by Melisa Pinnow, CWR
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15:00 - Orcas. They were truly in travel mode as they arrived at Point Robinson today around 3pm...I finally took the plunge, caught the 11:45 ferry to Vashon, I was the first one at Point Robinson, but I waited it out for it to pay off in the end. Youngest J pod member J56 Tofino off Point Robinson. -Amber Stanfill
(ID confirmation Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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15:00 - Received a call, no name, reporting about a dozen orcas headed S off Vashon.
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14:56 - My Bf is at Normandy Parking looking at Vashon. 1 male taking deep dives, heading south. -JuJu Julie
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14:42 - Orcas. Research vessel following whales southbound halfway between KVI and Point Robinson directly under the rainbow. -Anna Stuart Olive
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14:52 - Orcas. Whales are still southbound mid channel north of the Des Moines's marina pier. -Tanya Jackson Esparza
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14:14 - Orcas. Southbound close to Vashon near top of Maury Island. Viewing from south side of 3 Tree Point. -Sandhya Ballal
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14:01- Orcas. Now about mid-Vashon East shore... about a mile and a half from West Seattle shore about a half mile south of Fauntleroy Ferry Dock... heading slowly south. At least 5, 2 are males. Slightly west side of channel. -Jim Nunn
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13:48 - Seemed spread out from northeast end of Vashon southbound. Moving slowly. One or two large males about 1 mile off Vashon that surface very slowly so you can see them well. I'm on West Seattle side one mile south of Fauntleroy ferry dock. Been watching for 10-15 minutes. Don't have photos. Neighbor has telephoto lens. Later. -Carolyn Duncan
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13:38 - Orcas. I see at least 2 heading south at a good pace between Vashon and West Seattle. Closer to Vashon side. Almost to Dilworth. Viewing from Seola Park. -Lindsey Clark
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13:34 - Orcas. At least 3. One male. Going south from vashon ferry.
13:20 Orcas. South end Blake island. You can see from Lincoln. -Laurel Talbot
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13:37 - Orcas sb from Vashon ferry doc closer to the island side.
13:13 - Orcas. Puget Sound group is trailed by the research boat. The Vashon ferry just cut between them. Looks like at least one male and maybe two others bearing Southwesterly- it's at the extent of my telescope range. Not the best viewing conditions. -Margery Spears
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13:07 - from Emma Schmitz Park West Seattle (orcas) between Blake and Vashon. -Mary Hartmann
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12:54 - Orcas. Watching a group pass in front of Blake Island right now, 12:54pm, watching from Constellation Park in West Seattle. Southbound. -Brian-Nicole Jenkins
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From Constellation Park in West Seattle with the north part of Blake Island in the background at 12:51 pm today. -Photo by Jackie Sinner, Dec 23, 2019
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12:53 - 20 or so orcas in Puget Sound, halfway between Bainbridge and Blake Island, heading south. 12:20 sailing from Seattle to Bremerton slowed for the pod. Lots of surface activity, including a big breach! No pictures this time, sorry. -Kelli Reinhardt Gracia
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12:25 - Bart Rulon confirms J pod as Puget Sound group main channel. Currently out from Elliott Bay spread across channel southbound.
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11:40 - In water work was paused at 1129 because of Orca within 9 km of ferry terminal. Our monitors will track them and we will remain shutdown until they clear through. His is the southbound group. Thanks for all the updates. Very helpful. -Burt Miller, WSF
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10:57 - Female orca SB just west of tug heading north.
10:50 - I just spotted two orcas southbound mid channel of Shilshole...too far away for ids. I believe they are part of J pod group. J22 Oreo off Rolling Bay, Bainbridge Island. J16 Slick. J26 Mike. -Sue Larkin
(IDs by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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10:53 - There are a lot of orcas spread from north of Blue Ridge (north of Golden Gardens) across to mid channel at least. I've seen at least 8-9 including the four described earlier and another group with female and young one. They are acting like spread out residents. Still not close enough dorsal to confirm. All still steady southbound
10:20 - Orcas spread across channel. Large male in lead east of mid channel south of Richmond Beach, female or young male trailing him. Third orca further SW of them splashing or porpoising. 4th orca, a male, is well on east side of channel off Richmond Beach. All steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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09:45 - Orcas. Off President Point heading south, Kitsap side, but closer to mid channel. -Joanne Graves
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09:08 - Orcas. I can see them from the Edmonds Marina but so far all of them appear to be way over on the Kitsap side. -Bart Rulon
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08:45 - Orcas approaching the ferry, a least 2 males, female, young. Checking pics. Up and down pretty fast. Two stopped for a minute with some directional changes but overall fast travel southbound. J36 Alki making brief directional change off Kingston. Possibly J16 Slick. -Sara Frey
(ID notes from photos reviewed by Melisa Pinnow: " I think these are all J36 except for #5 who may be J16").
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08:57 - seeing 3 different blows in the sunrise, just north of the Edmonds ferry crossing. All headed south.
08:48 - Spotted an orca looking toward Edmonds from Pilot point. Far East side of shipping lane, heading south.
08:11 - I watched one lone male orca traveling south past Pilot Point this morning. Close to the Kitsap side. (Pilot Point is between Point No Point and Eglon). -Austin Iles
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TRANSIENTS/BIGGS WHALES - Mon Dec 23 - T36s and T99s spent the day in Puget Sound eventually traveling the inlets, passages, and bays around the west side of Bainbridge and Kitsap Peninsula. -Photo by Jim Pasola, Dec 23, 2019
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Mon Dec 23 - 14:08 - 2 orcas male and female between Decatur and Blakely headed North West. -Nathaniel Cornille
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Mon Dec 23 - T36s and T99s - Puget Sound - 16:18 - this group has 7 Orcas. Turn north heading to Clearwater Casino (towards Agate Pass bridge -alb). -Tom Parks
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I was there when they were coming back around through Keyport from Liberty Bay. Breaches and and then down for a long time and I decided to drive out to Brownsville. I arrived at Brownsville at 3:48pm, Lots of people were out watching and they seem to be hugging Bainbridge side. -Geanvieve G Boogie
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15:50 - Transient Orcas. Currently off the Brownsville Marina, trending south. -Bob Rosenbladt
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15:50 - Susan Marie Andersson called to report the Ts in Liberty Bay, 6 fins in a tight circle hunting. they left and headed south in Pt Orchard channel.
15:45 - Watched 5 or 6 Transients in Keyport stalled out near a dock, possibly hunting, for about 10 min. Kimberly Sylvester saw them turn south as they headed back into Port Orchard Channel, heading toward Brownsville. -Susan Andersson
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15:10 - I just witnessed a pod of Orca swim by my boat anchored in Poulsbo. Hard to tell how many, at least 5 breaching at once. Posted video to FB under Jason Firewalker. Merry Christmas all. -Jason Firewalker
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15:30 - Orcas. 4-6 orca headed back south past Keyport Marina.
14:25 - Orcas. Heading north past Keyport Marina. -Jesse Avery
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14:27 - The T36 pod and T99 pod have passed Keyport and are now swimming northbound toward Poulsbo. They made a couple of kills along the way.
14:03 - Transients are getting closer to Keyport.
13:28 - The killer whales between Battle Point and Brownsville are Biggs killer whales. So far we've seen the T99s and T36. traveling out in front of the T99s by about a quarter mile. This was seen from MV Saratoga. Here is a spyhop from T99, just as her pod started to eat a meal off the west side of Bainbridge Island on December 23. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express Photographer/Naturalist
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Bigg's entering Liberty Bay as viewed from Keyport, Kitsap County. -Photos by Jim Pasola, Dec 23, 2019
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13:44 - Per Kimberly Malazan..5 orcas passing Brownsville, heading north in Agate Passage (west side of Bainbridge)..not sure yet if they will go into Liberty Bay or continue under the bridge. -Sue Larkin.
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13:06 - Orcas. North of Illahee, moving north. Watching from Bainbridge Island, Fletcher Bay Landing. -Grace Hensley
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12:33 - Orcas. Right in front of Illahee State Park dock. Heading North towards Agate Pass. (noted circling then moving towards Bainbridge a few minutes before continuing northbbound). -Kori Erin
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12:30 - Viewing Ts from Illahee state park they're still a little bit to the South can't tell how many... hoping to come this way. -Jim Pasola
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12:01- Orcas. They are headed north close to shore Mannette area. Did not turn up Dyes Inlet.
11:57 - Orcas. Right in front of Bremerton ferry dock headed north. -Noelle Morris
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11:29 - Orcas in front of PSNS (Puget Sound Naval Station). Viewing from Ross Point in Port Orchard. They are closer to PSNS side. -Laura Jensen
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Potential orcas in the Sinclair inlet next to Gorst? Two or three blows and fins. -Claire Sprouts
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10:00 - Orca sighting west side of Rich Passage, heading west into Port Orchard Bay, north of Waterman. Pod of four adults,10AM, 12-23-19. -Jim and Debbie Ellis Waterman
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09:09 - Hi Alisa, Just spotted 2-3 orcas right off the shore around Manchester from the ferry! Love having them near for the holiday! Thank you. -Tad Standing Bear
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Mon Dec 23 - Our fondest memories of the season are continuing to be made even into the last days of the year. The past three days have brought visits with over a dozen humpback whales EACH DAY! Check out this photo from today of two adult whales that have been hanging out together the past couple of days. This is MMX0014 "Nike" and MMX0111 "Coon", BCY0770 "Gibbous." Zephyr and her calf.- Strait of Georgia in some golden winter light. -Photos by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, Maya's Legacy Whale Watch

December 22
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Sun Dec 22 - Dave Ellifrit was on the water with Transients: ...Dave gathered up his warm clothing, headed to Snug Harbor, and left in the boat at 1115. Several other boats were also out looking for the whales reported and we all coordinated in our search of the area we thought they may have gone. "J2" eventually found the whales, ID'd as the T34s and T37s, heading northeast up President Channel. Dave eventually caught up and the encounter began at 1240 about a mile or so off Pt. Doughty on Orcas Island...Little one T34A1...Full summary and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 107.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun Dec 22 - 22:39-22:54 - Haro Strait. Loud vocalizations and exhalations very close to shore moving to the north between northern edge Hannah Hts and Edwards Point - 10 separate vocalizations lasted between 2-3 seconds, very close to shore, elephant-like trumpeting, reedy "twirling" sounds as the whale broke the surface. I heard the first call from inside my house. Running outside to listen as the whale north moved towards Edwards Point. I turned on the LK hydrophone. First faint call heard at 11:10pm getting loud as the whale passed. Last call heard at 11:24pm. (The calls lasted 14 minutes. I am attaching a 4 minute sample). -Michelline Halliday, SJI
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We continue to be astounded by how rapidly the Salish Sea is changing. Here we are near the end of December and today there were at least five different groups of Bigg's (transient) killer whales, a large group of Southern Resident killer whales, and over a dozen humpbacks reported in the region. The humpback whales are perhaps the most amazing of all, as this is very late in the season for any of them to be here, let alone so many of them! Most of the whales have departed for their breeding grounds in Hawaii or Mexico, but as the population continues to grow, it's likely some non-breeders will hang out for more of the year in the feeding grounds, including the Salish Sea.
Yesterday we got out on the water and saw about a dozen humpbacks in a very active group in the Strait of Georgia. It's awesome to have so many naturalists in the region dedicated to getting to know the Salish Sea humpbacks on an individual level, alongside the orcas. Thanks to their help, we know the humpback whales Coon, Nike, Mensa, Cassiopeia, Gibbous, Pulteney, Windy, and Bullet were all present. Then this evening (likely multiple) humpbacks were singing in Haro Strait as heard over the Lime Kiln hydrophone. In case you missed it here's a link to a sample on our Soundcloud. -Monika Wieland Shields, OBI
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18:40 - Ship came through drowned out the whales...once again hearing faint/distant vocals through waning ship noise.
18:14 - Whales went quiet cople minutes, started up again. Loud.
18:12 - Still hearing them...just beside myself, this is so beautiful, whales have been loud and clear entire time...now loud tanker ship noise audible.
~ 17:17 - I had been listening to Lime Kiln hydrophone in hopes any of the orcas seen around earlier might mosey by the node... when suddenly around 17:17 I start hearing Humpbacks singing, vocalizing, trumpeting! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sun Dec 22 - 15:00 - Three humpbacks and a small herd of white-sided dolphins: 3:00 PM, three humpback whales first observed from boat 1/2 kilometre west side of Active Pass. A single, half way across Trincomali Channel and a pair just offshore of Active Pass. the white-sided dolphins (about seven) were just coming out of Active Pass (west side) just before whale sightings. The pair of humpbacks were heading down Swanson Channel past North Pender.
This humpback, which sadly is the case with large percentage of humpbacks, shows scarring consistent with having been entangled in line at some point. Fluke of humpback known as Solar! IDs designations: Marine Education Research Society: MERS- BCYuk2017#5, Cascadia Research: CRC-16585, Happy Whale: HW-MN0510098 -Photos by Peter McAllister, Dec 22, 2019
(ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network)
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DOLPHINS - Sun Dec 22 - 15:00 - Three humpbacks and a small herd of white-sided dolphins...the white-sided dolphins (about seven) were just coming out of Active Pass (west side) just before whale sightings...Peter McAllister
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SPECIES UNCONFIRMED - Sun Dec 22 - 11:24 - Donna at WS Ferries marine ops called: Master of the MV Yakima reports two whales (not orcas, not grays) about 8/10 mile off the Anacortes dock heading westbound.
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Sun Dec 22 - Lots of orcas - don't know who-in the Strait of Juan de Fuca surrounding our ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria at about 3 this afternoon. The captain slowed down for them. -Rachel Graves

December 21
Sat Dec 21 - What an incredible day! Seeing humpback whales in the Salish Sea on the winter solstice is remarkable enough. Up that to seeing a dozen of them in what sure looked like a rowdy group, and you're in epic territory. Typically this kind of behavior, with lunging and ramming, tail throwing, trumpeting, and breaching is only seen on the breeding grounds. But typically they're at or on their way to the breeding grounds by now! Yet another example of the rapidly changing ecosystem here, and incredible to witness. Thank you Jeff and Sara! -Monika Wieland Shields
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Sat Dec 21 - While our primary focus is orcas, we of course enjoy and document all cetacean species in the Salish Sea. Last weekend while out with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching when we had our memorable humpback whale encounter in the Strait of Georgia, we also documented some whales that are known from much further north in British Columbia. In particular, it was cool to learn from Marine Education & Research Society that this was the first time BCZ0297 Pulteney was documented this far south! Connections like this are what we are all about. We are all citizen scientists on the water, observing so much more than any one research group could ever document. It is through sharing and collaboration that we all learn more about these incredible whale neighbors of ours! -Monika Wieland Shields

December 20
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Fri Dec 20 - J and K pods, along with 18 members of L pod, were heading west out the Strait of Juan de Fuca this afternoon toward the Pacific, documented by field researcher Mark Malleson, according to Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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...They began the encounter at 1133 at 48 19.6/123 25.9 (~4 nm NE of Race Rocks) and quickly confirmed several members of K pod. The whales were spread to the north and southwest but all seemed more interested in foraging than going anywhere quickly. J31 and calf J56 were foraging alongside K37, and the youngest Southern Resident breached three or four times while mom searched for food. K43 and L91 porpoising through Race Passage as they head west late morning on December 20th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, CWR, 2019...Full summary report & images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 106.
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Fri Dec 20 - 23:30 - Was listening to the LK hydrophone at around 2:30am (ET) and heard a handful of calls. Not sure if it was SRKWs or Biggs but definitely orcas. Must have been traveling because I didn't hear them again. Short and sweet. Made me really happy. -Claudia Lorena
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Fri Dec 20 - After confirming K26 and a small group of Pacific white-sided dolphins joined the fray! The "lags" (from the scientific name for Pacific white-sided dolphins, Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) raced off towards a small group of killer whales less than a mile inshore of them, and the Mike 1 crew watched in anticipation of a meeting. The whales dove though, and the lags opted to play alongside Mike 1 for a few moments before disappearing to the east... Center for Whale Research (see Encounter 106 link in Southern Resident section)

December 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (Dec 19 Puget Sound) - Js, Ks, & Ls Puget Sound - Audio reports - Bush Point hydrophone (w/ some Port Townsend) 23:00PST - It is 2 am EST and quite a lot of activity....I was listening to Bush Point when i heard activity. I heard an orca but then some other sounds i didnt recognize. I tried recording it on my cell, so can try posting that here. I was checking both out, but am sure I caught the activity on Bush Point. -Andi G CB (posted on Orcasound - Listen for Whales Facebook page)
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16:00 - We're still at about 2.5 knot ebb tide... But I can't remember if Fred Felleman's thesis suggested the SRKWs often turned at the slack or the peak in Haro. (Still no calls on PT hydrophones.) Fred said: SRKWs are 7x more likely to change direction within an hour of slack. (Pg. 56 of UW Master's thesis...)
15:35 - FYI there's a nasty looking container ship bound for the Port of Tacoma that's about to clear Point Wilson, so we're probably going to lose acoustic sensitivity in Admiralty Inlet in ~15-30 min...
15:30 - Still hearing them on Bush Point too, but fainter than ~15 minutes ago. So maybe they are stalled off north Marrowstone?
15:29 - Starting to hear calls at Port Townsend more consistently, despite rattling flow noise from the ebb current... so maybe some continued northwest? Or it could be they are stalled and I'm only hearing them because the ferry/ship noise is lower at PT now...
15:11 - With fishing vessel and ferry noise down, we're again hearing SRKW calls over the lapping of waves under the Bush Point wharf as the tide continues to fall (PHOTO)
14:40 - BTW, the ebb tide is running fast so there's some flow noise at Port Townsend but we've heard a few faint calls...Scott Veirs, Orca Sound & Beam Reach
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13:54 - Still hearing some calls on the Bush Point hydrophone. -Rachel Messerschmidt
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13:05 - Wonderful calls. One call repeated, very clear. Bush Point hydrophone. -Howard Garrett
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15:09 - Hearing calls again on Bush Point 3:09. Some sound closer but most sound faint and inconsistent.
13:02 - Starting to hear calls on Bush Point hydrophone! -Meg Sellers
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15:51 - 16:00 - Resdients still audible but horrible tanker noise...turned off at ~16:00.
15:20 - S1 calls.
14:30 - and still hearing many vocals on Bush Point Js plus. Wonder if some have stalled and/or if some might turn back. Js have flipped back in Admiralty a lot this fall...boat noise now....maybe the Ursa Major NB @ 10.3kn
14:08 - So excellent! 14:08 and still hearing them quite well on Bush Point. Maybe trailers passing by or some stalled and/or turned back? (Though visuals have at least leaders/some still NB as far as we can tell)
13:44 - Calls still faintly audible on Bush Point hydrophone.
13:37 - Members of all three pods heard on Bush Point hps.
13:00 - Yay! Loud and clear calls on Bush Point hydrophone, confirmes residents! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:30 - With visibility deteriorating we left Lagoon Point northerly viewpoint after seeing one fin mid-channel northbound, and still hearing frequent vocalizations, loud and clear, on the Bush Point hydrophone. Like Marilyn Armbruster, lleft wondering if some may have turned back south. -Sandra Pollard
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13:40 - Group of orcas passing Lagoon Pt steady northbound.
12:45 -13:30 had at least 15 to 20 pass close to Bush PT Shore. At that point they started veering more northwesterly. After Lagoon point I stopped at little lookout on Ledgewood beach. Didn't see them but the could have easily been more over towards ft Flagler or be nice if they turned back. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:58 - Orcas. We're leaving Lagoon Point. There was one group mid-channel off the point. Others are north of there. Forts Flagler & Casey, Port Townsend viewpoints & the PT-Coupeville ferry could all be good spots soon.
13:20 - More passing Bush Point. Several groups of 3-4 orcas. Maybe 15 or so.
12:59 - A lead orca just passed Bush Point heading northbound. Not far off the Whidbey side. -John Scanlon
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13:05-13:15 - Pod of 7 or 8 Orcas going from south to north at 1:05 -1:15 PM today. -Ken LaForce
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12.50 passing Bush Point...Wet and wild - but what's a bit of wind and rain when Southern Resident orcas are heading your way? When the going gets tough, the tough get going...Together with intrepid fellow Orca Dork Marilyn Armbruster we braved the elements in the early afternoon of December 19 to await the arrival of the whales at Bush Point, Whidbey Island, following Orca Network reports that they were northbound in Admiralty Inlet. We were not disappointed...Despite being buffeted by a bracing breeze as we scanned the whitecaps we stood our ground, and soon spotted rising dorsal fins and blows breaking the crests of the waves. In no time at all 15-20 whales powered past the Whidbey shoreline breaking their dynamic rhythm briefly with tail-slaps, spy-hops and one or two short directional changes by a couple of the orcas in pursuit of prey. Listening to their loud, clear vocalizations on the Bush Point hydrophone in tandem with their travels gave a surreal edge to the encounter leaving us feeling as though, just for a while, we were part of their mysterious watery world. To quote Marilyn, we were 'in the moment.' And what a moment it was. J56 Tofino alongside mom J31 Tsuchi and J46 Star. L91 in the lead here... (photos below by Richard Snowberger). -Sandra Pollard
(IDs by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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12:47 - 15-20 orcas are bunched up less than a mile from the Whidbey side off north side of Mutiny Bay, much surface socializing, many tail lobs, spy hops, mostly non-directional but still trending northward.
12:03 - Orca fins and blows off Mutiny Bay or Useless Bay, steady northbound mid channel. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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12:45 - Orcas just south of Bush PT 1/2 mile or so mid or closer to Whidbey northbound.
Noon - Viewing from Shore Meadows, orcas in line with Hansville maybe mid channel or closer to Kitsap northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
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Noon - Orcas. I left about 15 minutes ago but they were still trending north. I saw at least 7 blows. If they continued they should be visible from Bush Pt soon. And I'd try the new hydrophone to see if anyone is talking!!
11:28 - Group of orcas off Double Bluff! Big breach and multiple blows. Looks like they're continuing NB. Far off for me-viewing from Pt. No Pt.!! -Amanda Colbert, Orca Network
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09:25 - Orca - seeing several with foraging activity - close to Eglon. Presumably still trending NB. Large male and smaller - juvenile maybe. It's a bit choppy out there. They were hanging out just a bit south of Eglon last time I looked. I think PNP would be a good bet.
09:15 - Orca. Seeing at least one in the shipping Lane, also northbound.
08:59 - Seeing a large orca male northbound off Apple Tree Point, close to Kitsap side! -Sara Frey
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08:55 - Maija with WS Ferries Marine Operations called to report 3-5 orcas north of Kingston in the southbound traffic lanes. No direction of travel provided at the time reported to Ops.
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08:45 - Northbound off of Kingston at 8:45am. Two individuals spotted. So much for my ferry boat nap! -Back of camera photo by Paul Dudley Mooselips, Dec 19, 2019

December 18
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed Dec 18 - 04:15 - I just began to hear calls on our Bush Pt Whidbey Island hydrophone! A superpod was off Victoria Tuesday, hope it is all or some of J, K and L pods!...listened for another two hours and didn't hear more calls. Didn't hear enough to 100% confirm as Southern Residents, but definite orca calls for the short time I heard them. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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Wed Dec 18 - L87 Onyx travels alongside L82 Kasatka as they pass Point Robinson,Vashon Island, Puget Sound. -Photo by Jake Conroy, Dec 18, 2019
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (Dec 18 Puget Sound) - Wed Dec 18 - Js, Ks, & most of L pod - Brad Hanson confirms they saw members of all three pods, but they were really spread out didn't get a chance to ID everyone so may not have complete picture since priority was trying to get fecal and prey sample samples. He said residents were out there killing a lot of fish and that researcher Mark Sears got some scale samples, they some prey samples. All in all a good day out there.
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KIRO 7 News aerial footage of Southern Residents in Puget Sound this morning, including one holding a large salmon in its mouth.
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17:56 - they are here! 25-50 feet off Pt Robinson with a nighttime passby at least ten males and females Northbound!!!!! Woooo! -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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17:54 from Pt. Robinson. My favorite Bad Whale Photo. -Photo by Ariel Yseth, Dec 18, 2019
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16:18 - Losing light, watching from Maury Island lookout. Grouped up, heading northbound. -Brittany Noelle Philbin
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14:11-15:45 - I was viewing the pod from 2:11-3:45. The Pod of 10+ was very active and spread out in smaller groups. They seemed to be moving at a slower speed circling Commencement Bay and Quartermaster Harbor with the bull males leading the way, with a NOAA boat behind them. After a while they all seemed to meet back up greeting each other. The whole Pod went under water for a few minutes, coming back up they formed a line and headed back on course...It was around 3:30 when they met back together then headed north again. -Desiree Sauve
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15:28 - I'm in between Commencement Bay and the mouth of Quartermaster Harbor and there are SO many orcas here today. Huge breaches at Browns Point with a group of 9-12. But they are in every direction I look. Has anyone counted how many are around today? -Melissa Mallott
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Viewed 20 or more with binoculars from Dash Point Pier. They were spread out and collectively heading north past tip of Maury towards Des Moines at a fast clip. -Anika Blake
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15:24 - at least 10 have grouped up, all ages, and seem to be heading north. Passing Browns Point now. Nice big breach for you Browns Point folks! -Amy Bliss-Miller
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15:27 - Orcas. Group of maybe 5 on Browns Point side Northbound towards Dash Point. Dash Point pier should be amazing soon.
15:11 - Orcas. Still some heading into Commencement Bay, Browns Point side with NOAA boat. Mom & Calf with them. Others still fishing off Buoy.
14:53 - Orcas. There were at least 2 deep in Commencement Bay off the Husky Terminal who seem to have turned and are heading back Westbound. Others are still spread out all over the channel near Browns Point & yellow Buoy, milling, fishing it seems. Unsure of how many because they are everywhere! -Melissa Burks
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14:57 - Several headed west past Quartermaster Harbor towards Vashon Ferry dock. (As seen from Ruston.) 3-5 when I was watching, cannot confirm that they kept in that direction. -Kala Escobar
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14:36 - Orcas. I think Westbound group turned east towards Commencement Bay. Many entering Commencement Bay on Browns Point side, some appear to be fishing.
14:27- Orcas. I have some leaders in front of Dune Peninsula heading westbound towards Pt. Defiance with some breaching, others spread out to the Bouy still southbound. Someone breaches out from Tacoma waterfront. Also we have 2 porpoises of some sort about 10 ft. Off Shore in front of us!! -Melissa Burks
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14:15 - Orcas. I just saw leaders surface mid channel in front of Point Ruston, nose pointed to the ferry lane. Many others coming into the bay heading same direction. Very spread out. -Marla Smith
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14:12 - Leaders are halfway between Browns Point and Ruston. -Melissa Malott
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14:08 - Still a group in Poverty Bay (Redondo, Federal Way). -Marlin Black
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14:14 - Orcas in front of Ruston now, heading west. Heads up Pt Defiance! between Vashon and Ruston, mid channel. Mostly females and juvies. Big bulls are still coming south. There's some in front of Commencement Bay proper as well. Viewing from south tip of Vashon
14:11 - Orcas. Leaders entering Commencement Bay.
14:02 - Orcas. Largest number milling outside of Quartermaster Harbor. Two research boats with them.
13:58 - Orcas. Leaders are between Browns Point and Vashon, mid channel still SB
13:43 - Orcas. Leaders approaching south end of Vashon, mid channel. Almost to Dash Point. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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13:40 - I live in Redondo, never have I seen so many Orca's in one Pod. They're mid-channel Southbound just off the entrance to Quartermaster Harbor now 1:40. -Rick Johnson
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13:12 - Scott Durkee reports orcas headed south off Gold Beach, Maury Island, close to shore.
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~13:00 - also a call from Doc, his friend relayed a report of the orcas headed south off Vashon Island, passing the Maury Island gravel pit site at approx 1 pm.
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I have saddle patches from the point Robinson pass today. I also have some shots that I'm not sure if they'll be helpful with IDs, but want to at least send them or have them in a gallery for you to access in case they are helpful...It was amazing! J27 Blackberry, K26 Lobo, K37 Rainshadow - Point Robinson, Vashon. K20 Spock, K12 Sequim passing Point Robinson with researchers beyond.-Ashley Whitman
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Hi there! On 12/18, I got lucky and witnessed members of all three SRKW pods from Point Robinson on Vashon! It was hard to know where to look, as there were so many whales! Everyone seemed very relaxed and very few breaches or skyhops given the number of whales. At the end of the video, you'll see a little baby! (I think J56?) Thanks for all you do! -Grace McRae
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12:52 - Orcas just passed Point Robinson and Des Moines, headed south. -Sue Jarvis
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12:51 - Chopper 7's closeups show them making tight circles and figure 8s, Presumably hunting. One orca carried a salmon in her mouth for a while. -Margery Spears
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12:46 - Very close pass to Pt Robinson. Almost too many to count. Spectacular! -Amy Bliss-Miller
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12:38 - Orcas. I just counted seven including one male closer to the Des Moines's side.
12:31 - Orcas. So they are spread out on both the east and west side. There are two research boats with them now. Still southbound
12:23 - Orcas. I have them in my sight. South of the KVI tower heading south It looks like perhaps there is a research boat just north of the KVI tower as well...So yes, it is a research boat. The whales appear to be spread out some north of the tower and some south of the tower. -Tanya Jackson Esparza
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12:10 - Orcas. Viewing from Point Robinson. Seeing blows in the distance to the north heading southbound. -Brittany Noelle Philbin
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12:08 - can see blows from Pt Robinson now. Seem to be on the Vashon side heading south. Spread out. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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12:04 - Leaders approaching KVI beach. -Kasia Bozek
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11:50 - Orcas. Trailers still can be seen from Burien heading south, very spread out, lots of time down. -Margery Spears
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11:45 - Also have a whale parade at Dilworth right now. -Amy Carey
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So blessed to see the resident orcas. I managed to get 3 photos from 3 Tree Point, but just being in their presence is all I needed, and feeling them, and that there are an abundant amount of salmon out there. Had these few (J16s per Melisa Pinnow, CWR) pass by close but most were on the Vashon side as they headed south towards Tacoma. I am going to time this encounter for future use. Yeomalt 9:17 me on 10 am Clinton ferry, orcas at Alki 10:20, me at 3 Tree Point 11:25 with orcas spread out from 3 Tree to Vashon, 12:30 Point Robinson...battery died just after taking these few photos. J26 Mike and mom J16 Slick, J42 Echo off Three Tree Point, Burien. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:22 - Leaders visible from Northside of Three Tree Point. Lots of blows, spread out, past ferry lanes, East side of channel, moving Southbound. -Christina Van Wolbeck Fenerty
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11:18 - Orcas. Spread out all across channel between West Seattle and vashon heading south towards three trees. At least 10. Passing dilworth on vashon side and seola Park on West Seattle side. -Lindsey Clark
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11:12 - Orcas. Seeing them from the Ferry line at Fauntleroy. Very far out. They seem to have moved on from the ferry lanes continuing southbound. -Mollie Segall
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11:11 - Brad WS Ferries Ops called again to report pod of orcas now in Vashon and Fauntleroy ferry lanes heading southbound. --
10:52 - Orcas. Leaders already past Fauntleroy, another big group approaching the ferry lanes southbound. Very close to West Seattle side! -Pia VanHanen
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10:52 - Orcas. Just spotted at least 4 from the ferry (Vashon to Fauntleroy), quite close to the Fauntleroy side. -Halee Dams
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10:40 - Orcas. Mid channel, but closer to the West Seattle side. Approaching Lincoln Park. Still southbound. Spread out so hard to count but there seems to be at least 8. -Sarah May
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10:35 - J38 Cookie passing Tillicum Village. -Photo by Brittany Noelle Philbin, Dec 18, 2019
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10:31 - Orcas heading south towards Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry line. Spread out quite wide. Viewed from above 60th and Spokane. -Douglas B Greenswag
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10:28 - Orcas. At least 6, perhaps 8, now 1/2 mile west of Mee Kwah Mooks Park southbound approaching blue fishing vessel
10:17 - At least two orca southbound approx 1 mile or less SW of Alki Lighthouse. Some no farther than 1/2 mile. -Jim McDermott
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10:20 - Close pass at Constellation Park...I was looking at some off in the distance and it popped up right in front of us oh my God i was totally unprepared. -Southbound, all spread. J16s present. - L122 Magic and L91Muncher -Kersti Muul
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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09:55 - Orcas. From Charles Richey, southbound, passing Restoration Point.
09:49 - Orcas. From Alki beach blows on the horizon approaching Bainbridge ferry line, still southbound. Research vessel on the water. -Brittany Noelle Philbin
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09:48 - Brad at WS Ferris Ops called to report 3-5 orcas southbound in traffic lanes of the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry run.
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09:47 - Just south of the Bremerton to Seattle ferry Lanes. Eyes on from way up high in sunset overlook Admiral. Southbound east in channel. Residents. -Kersti Muul
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09:17 - Leaders are just south of yeomalt, mid channel. They are extremely spread out. But I would put numbers over 15. 15-23...(possibly more.) back of cam. -Michelle Savoie
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Victoria Clipper V reports orcas southbound at Meadow Point, spread out, at 8:19. -Stepahnie Raymond
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07:30 - John Gore reported 2-3 bulls, 2 females and several juveniles (total of 6 - 7 orcas) at 7:30 am, about a mile off Jefferson head southbound toward West Point. This may be the whales we heard on the Bush Pt hydrophone a few hours ago, let us know if you see them! Ferry commuters keep your eyes open ~
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Wed Dec 18 - 04:15 - I just began to hear calls on our Bush Pt Whidbey Island hydropone! A superpod was off Victoria Tuesday, hope it is all or some of J, K and L pods! (unconfirmed, but probably was, they showed up later in the morning further south - alb) -Susan Berta, Orca Network

December 17
Tue Dec 17...For a short while, it was very super pod like behavior. More whales were trickling in from the west and these were mostly K pod whales along with a few more Ls. After searching many groups, it became clear that the L12s, L54s, and L88 were not present this day but all the Js, Ks, L4s, L47s, L72s, L90, and L87 were. All whales present were photographed by the end of the encounter. Once the eastbound Ks and Ls met the others, all the whales began moving easterly but very slowly and there was a lot of milling and socializing still going on. The encounter ended at 1310 about a mile and a half or so southeast of Trial Island with most of the spread out groups heading due east...Full summary report & images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 105.
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Tue Dec 17 - Ken Balcomb at Center for Whale Research reports that all of Js and Ks plus 18 L pod whales were together off Victoria Tuesday December 17th.
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09:09 - He just reported whales also spotted further off shore of Hannah Heights. Perhaps J Pod (heard on LK hydrophone at 8AM)
08:15 - Just heard from a friend at Hannah Heights...8:15 Spotted several Orcas close to shore, "looked like a female and a smaller one" slow southbound. -Lodie Budwill
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08:00 - Early Christmas gift. J pod on the Lime Kiln HPs right now. Distant but in Haro....I only heard them. Scanned and scanned but I have not seen them...yet. don't really expect them to come up the west side...will know more later on. -Jeanne Hyde
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue Dec 17 - Haro Strait - 10:22 - Currently watching 2 humpback whales slowly northbound from Land Bank (San Juan Island) about 1 mile from shore!! -Justine Buckmaster
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Tue Dec 17 - Have a whale of a holiday Howard, Susan & Alisa! 12-17-19 Haro Strait, SJI. Photographed from shore 3 pair of humpbacks observed between Hannah Hts and Edwards Point:
14:50-14:58 - A pair very far out. I was disappointed to see a vessel almost over one whale, moving with it.
12:52-13:50 - A pair very far out drifting north to south and back while moving away from SJI, surfacing many many times.
10:45 - 11:13 - The third pair moving to the south ever so slowly, surfacing many times. One individual had a blunted fin and one a curved fin. In the past when I would see the humpbacks they pass through quickly. To see them behaving like this was a joyful relaxing experience.
10:45 - A second pair close in moving to the south, surfacing 3 times in unison.
10:10 - 10:55 - The first pair was far out drifting south, then slowly west away from the island, close together & interacting, tail lobbing, many pectoral slaps and one floated on it's back fins raised. Photos attached. -Michelline Halliday, SJI
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11:02 - Leaving Land Bank. Humpbacks went on a deep dive when cargo ship passed. Last seen pointed south but being pushed north by the current.
10:30 - Humpbacks are rolling and lunge feeding in the tide rip. ...
10:22 - Currently watching 2 humpback whales slowly northbound from Land Bank about 1 mile from shore!! -Justine Buckmaster
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GRAY WHALES - Tue Dec 17 - Possession Sound - 12:02 - I have what appears to be a Gray Whale feeding off of Everett. It's totally out of season but it is here up on the flat in the usual spot behaving the way Gray Whales typically behave. Will try for photos but only have my phone...I was up on the large eel grass flat off of Jetty Island. Slightly South of the shallow water marker out on the edge of the flat and about half way from the marker to the island itself. At that tide level it was about` ten or twelve feet of water in there. I watched the Whale for about 45 min or more. Due to the shallow water it wasn't arching up to dive you couldn't see the body very well it was just coming up to blow and then going back down. Part of the time it was making a visible surface disturbance as it moved around. One time it rolled on it's side and put a pectoral fin up. One other time it came up and showed part of it's back out of the water. Seemed like a smaller Whale. I lost track of it after that while I was texting you. -John Judy

December 16
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Mon Dec 16...They slowed in the southeasterly swell in order to lock on to the killer whale, and began the encounter at 1250 ~3.5 nm ENE of William Head (48 21.9/123 26.7). No other killer whale fins or blows were seen, and they moved closer to confirm a lone male Bigg's whale. T097 was travelling ENE steadily, until ten minutes into the encounter when he nabbed a small mammal, likely a harbour seal or harbour porpoise. -Full report and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 104.

December 15
Sun Dec 15 - T077B hunting seals at Cabbage Island (north of Saturna Island) late afternoon on December 15th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2019.

December 14
Sat Dec 14 - 21:00 - Some nice Transient calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophones, right now. -Jeanne Hyde
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After departing the the Bigg's killer whales approaching Albert Head (see Encounter #102) Mark and Joe turned south in search of an outer-coastal group that had been left by a couple of the whale watch boats. These whales were last seen heading east in the Juan de Fuca Strait a few miles south east of Race Rocks. They spotted the bull T251 (also known as CA166/U033) in short order. He was travelling stealthily to the NE ~ 5 nm SSE of Race Rocks (48 14.2/123 26.1), and apparently alone, so after confirming his identity they continued on to find the rest of the group. With the help of Gord spotting from Victoria through Big Eyes, Mark and Joe were able to pick up a group of three animals, including a weeks old calf, only a few miles to the NW of T251. This group turned out to be more outer-coastals and the new mother was confirmed to be T253...Full report and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 103.
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There were at least three but I think four separate groups in JdF yesterday. T77s were one, picked up west bound between Constance and Race. 75Bs and Cs were tight to shore Northeast of race milling and then headed east. Looks like T75C has a new calf. I heard there were others south including at least CA166 but we didn't see them. -Sara Hysong-Shiamzu, Maya's Legacy
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Mark and Joe departed the dock at 1400 on Mike 1 after having multiple reports of killer whales in the vicinity of Race Rocks. The only confirmed ID at that point was T251, an outer coastal Bigg's whale that Mark had seen at the end of his morning whale watch trip guiding for Prince of Whales...Mike 1 arrived with the most northerly group of animals at 1425 as they passed by the shoreline of William Head (48 20.5/123 31.4). This group was tracking north towards Victoria and Mark and Joe confirmed they were the T077 matriline. T077 and T077B led the way across Quarantine Cove...They departed the T077's and confirmed the T075B's and T075C's and saw a new calf swimming alongside T075C!...Full report and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 102.
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WOW! It is the middle of December and we still are having Amazing Encounters...today with 15+ Transient Killer Whales and 6 Humpback Whales from Sooke to Race Rocks! (Individuals present per Brendon Bissonnette: CA166 (T251), CA173 (T252), U83 (T240), U84 (T241), U84's calf...(along with T075Bs, T075Cs with new calf, T077s). -Paul Pudwell
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6 Humpback Whales from Sooke to Race Rocks! BCY0584 Pillar. -Photos by Paul Pudwell, Dec 14, 2019
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SPECIES UNCONFIRMED - Sat Dec 14 - At 7:45 am this morning my friend saw a tall thin dorsal fin about 300 yards off the shore of Whaler's Village condominiums in Des Moines. Remained in the area for repeated sightings about 15 minutes. (possibly rafting sea lion(s) - HG). -Always, Karen Keiser

December 13
Fri Dec 13 - Orcas Amazing Footage At NW Galiano Island - This video was captured by my dad Jim. Such an amazing moment during a quiet and peaceful morning on Galiano Island. Thanks Dad for sharing this video and allowing for me to post for everyone else to see. -Jared Mckeown
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FALSE KILLER WHALES - Fri Dec 13 - While installing new hydrophones today, 12/13, at Bush Pt. On Whidbey Island Lon Brocklehurst of Lab-core heard a whale blow nearby about 4:30pm. When he looked up he reports seeing two false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens), one of them about 100 yards from the dock. They were traveling north about 1/4 mile apart, one larger than the other. This is a highly unusual sighting and we don't have any photos but he knows his whales and is a reliable observer. If anyone else saw or heard anything like that please let us know here.

December 12
Thu Dec 12 - 14:53 - Group of 4 quickly traveled northbound, now north of West Point. Beautiful spyhops while they hung out in Elliott Bay. -Brittany Noelle Philbin
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~ 14:30 - Maija, WS Ferries update on pod of orcas earlier off Alki Point - they are still milling about. Reported about 2:30.
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14:20 - At least some orcas are due west of Elliott Bay Marina on the east side of the channel skirting outer edge of Elliott Bay proper making directional changes in choppy seas. Rain squall moving in...visibility decreasing. Observed From Elliott Bay Marina. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:35 - Watching with binos by Sunfish restaurant on Alki. Hanging around the tip of Discovery Park for the last 15 minutes. -Hannah Dickinson
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13:00 - Orcas. Between West Point and Magnolia heading east.
12:46 - Orcas. Visible from 63rd and Alki north east bound. -Mary Hartman
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12:22 - There's still a small group milling around just north of Alki. Leisurely heading East. But they don't seem to be going anywhere quickly as of 12:22. -Daron Nicole Walters
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Looks like one of the T's took in a little bird watching during their visit to Elliott Bay today. -Photo by Greg Snyder, Dec 12, 2019
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~ 11:45 - Here's a couple of Orcas seen from 63rd and Alki. -Photo by Robin Sinner, Dec 12, 2019
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Noon - Last seen heading NNE towards Discovery Park after a long visit at Alki. One individual spyhopped as ferry passed.
11:03 - Orcas. Blows just west of Cactus/63rd...4 individuals. -Kathleen Fife
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Around 11:00-11:20 this morning, 3-4 orcas spotted off Alki Beach! They put on quite a show for awhile! Was so much fun to see them. -Jennifer Pritzker
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11:09 - On a kill lip of Elliott Bay proper. (Maybe the 65As - there's about five: one bull, one little one...Whatever they killed there was a lot of it, they were very spread out and sharing it. I could tell when they finished eating because they started playing. Happy seabirds too.
10:57 - They are transients, three to four seen for sure about 300 yards off of Cactus restaurant on Alki Avenue. T34, T37, T37B, T37B1, T37B2 or T34B. -Kersti Muul
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10:55 - Spotted breaching not far from the beach, a little north of the Alki lighthouse. -Skip Tognetti
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10:45 - Orcas. Now being seen off Alki Starbucks.
10:17 - My second hand report guy reported them having a breach fest right off Alki Point, and then disappearing. When visible they were closer to Seattle side. Seen from Constellation Point southbound. -Kersti Muul
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10:15 - Brad w/WSF Marine Ops called to report 3-4 orcas southbound near Alki.
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Thu Dec 12 - My daughter and her friend were on the 12:40 from Edmonds yesterday (Dec 12) and said they saw something larger than a harbor porpoise when nearing the dock in Kingston. We talked about the bottlenose sightings in recent months. The FKWs look bigger than what they described but thought it was worth mentioning. My daughter is an avid whale watcher and her friend recently changed her major from marine biology to chemistry-so they're no dummies in this area. -Jennifer Backen Matchem

December 11
Wed Dec 11 - T046B's moving quickly northeast through the Oak Bay Flats on the morning of December 11th. Photo by Mark Malleson, CWR, 2019 (CWR Encounter report link in Bigg's section)
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Wed Dec 11 - ...The crew turned west from Constance Bank and shortly saw a distant but large group of killer whales just a few miles offshore of Albert Head, pointed south, grouped up, and traveling slowly. They estimated 15 - 20 individuals were present, and a few open saddle patches confirmed the resident ecotype! The encounter started at 1144 (48 21.9/123 24.5). Several L pod killer whales were soon identified, including L72 and L105, L105, L82, and L91. The group was resting and slowly traveling south as ID photographs easily captured all individuals of the L4, L47, and L72 matrilines, along with L90....Full summary and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 101.
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Great December day yesterday (Dec 11th) in the Salish Sea! The T046B's, L Pod and about 15 humpbacks...Didn't spend too long with the Ls. Very spread and foraging (Between William head and VH)...It was just the 18 Ls (No L87) L72 "Racer" and L105 "Fluke".. Lots of HBs down near Crescent Bay. -Gary Sutton
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Wed Dec 11 - onto killer whales within a mile of Staines Point on Trial Island! The encounter began at 0953 at 48 22.9/123 18.4, and the T046B's were quickly confirmed as the distinctive leucistic light grey T046B1B surface swiftly alongside her mother. The whales were traveling quickly towards Seabird Point on the south end of Discovery Island, averaging 8-9 knots over the bottom. They were tightly grouped, and all eight members confirmed with the youngsters T046B6 and T046B1B looking plump and energized. No predation was observed...Full summary and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 100. -(see Malleson Photo of the Day)
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Wed Dec 11 - ...They came across a large aggregation of ~ 10 - 12 humpbacks feeding offshore of Crescent Bay...Center for Whale Research Encounter 101 (link in SRKW section)

December 10
Tue Dec 10 - Thanks, Gary Sutton...That might explain what I heard at 10pm on the the night before you saw L Pod whales. I heard one, what could have been a call, but it was extremely faint and lots of ocean noise. Then 3 minutes later I heard one S19 (up-tick) call. But that was it, nothing else...Jeanne Hyde

December 9


December 8
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sun Dec 8 - Puget Sound - 12:09 - Seeing 4 to 5 orcas east of Eglon in the shipping lane. Heading straight East. -Austin Iles
(Sara Hysong-Shimazu & Kersti Muul both viewed a posted video and think they look and act like Bigg's Transients. Video too distant to confirm IDs - alb)
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11:47 - Orcas. We saw 5 (one baby I think) they appeared to be fishing and just now started to head north a bit. They were close to the shore, but moved out a bit.
10:38 - Orcas off Eglon!! Just 1/2 mile from Eglon boat launch. -Gail Turner Wicklein
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10:52 - I am an Eglon and I see at least three orcas, 2 adults 1 little one, on the Kitsap side...milling around. Follow up: I couldn't tell I think they moved closer to the middle of the inlet. -Melissa Peterson
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SPECIES UNCONFIRMED - Sun Dec 8 - Hood Canal - 12:34 - I believe I just saw a nice big fin (dorsal) in Anna's Bay on Hood Canal. Anybody else? Dorsal. In water a ways away from me. Maybe 3 feet. I am looking from above so don't have great perspective. I have seen a gray in Hood Canal but, it was 30 years ago. Too shallow right here for grays I think. I have lived on Whidbey, San Juan and Lopez and been lucky enough to see them in my life many times. There is a huge population of seals right now here at the mouth of the Skokomish River. All things being equal I would love to see a few orcas hang here for a while in the interest of population control. -Andrea Love
(We explained a gray whale was seen in Hood Canal last week and that they feed in the shallows, but still uncertain what species she saw - alb)
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Sun Dec 8 - Rosario Strait - 09:07 - Donna with WS Ferries Operations called: MV Sealth reports seeing one whale of unknown type (saw just the tail) as they were heading into Anancortes. The whale was heading SSW in Rosario Strait off Washington Park.

December 7
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat Dec 7 - We had some amazing views of these lunge feeding humpbacks today. We feel incredibly fortunate to still be seeing these giants in December! West of Constance Bank. There were at least a dozen all lunge feeding there. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu, Maya's Legacy WW

December 6


December 5
COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Thu Dec 5 - CA Coast - 15:15 - Orcas: I arrived too late to see the show - just saw three spouting as they sped off into the distance. Apparently there were 5 confirmed (one swam under my buddy as he sat in the water surfing - he got out right away - haha) as they breached and swam just offshore of Virgin Creek Beach just north of Fort Bragg CA. We watched them as they sped off towards Laguna Point just north of Virgin Creek. Hope this can help....Follow up: Apparently, the Orcas doing their show ten minutes before that. I saw the spouts about 300 yrs out. No fins. One friend got a video with iPhone...of them frolicking. We ran back to car to hopefully intercept them at Laguna Point - the next point north. Ran into folks that had binoculars and saw them before we got there. But we never saw spouts or them after Virgin Creek...Cheers, Robert Jamgochian

December 4
GRAY WHALES - Wed Dec 4 - OR Coast - 16:00 - 3 grays have moved north towards Depoe Bay, good feeding grounds.
14:40 - Gray going back and forth feeding. Otter Crest Loop and Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint. Trying to get photos. May have a fluke shot.
13:45 - gray whale, pretty sure it's a gray off Rodeo Point/Otter Crest Loop not far offshore 300 yds or so. Southbound (North of Newport South of Depoe Bay OR.) -Marilyn Armbruster

December 3
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - T028B during a hunt southwest of Sooke, BC. T030B during a steller sealion hunt on the morning of December 3rd in the Juan de Fuca Strait. -Photos by Mark Malleson, CWR, Dec 3, 2019
Mark spotted several killer whales just to the west, apparently headed SSE. They began the encounter here at 1150 (48 15.2/123 44.2). These whales turned out to be several of the T046Bs; the T046B1s were spotted just under a mile south. All of the whales turned west on the next surfacing, and Joe spotted several more blows approximately 1.5 miles west of them. Mark and Joe made their way slowly towards this larger group and were rewarded with the early stages of a Steller sea lion hunt at 1203 (48 14.4/123 47.2). The animals involved turned out to be the T028Bs, T030Bs, T117B, T121As and T172, several rare visitors to the Salish Sea. The T046Bs arrived in their matrilineal groups and waited on the periphery of the hunt, along with T117A. The large group continuously rammed and breached upon the sea lion, and had pulled it under within 30 minutes. The T046Bs and later T117A joined the predation and all whales fed for close to an hour as they drifted west with the ebb current...Full summary report and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 99.
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Tue Dec 3...They stopped briefly northeast of Race Rocks for a small aggregation of humpback whales in the area. They estimated 6-8 whales within two square miles, including BCX0470 "Hecate" and BCZ0180 "Monarch" before continuing southwest...See CWR Encounter 99 link in Bigg's section
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Tue Dec 3 - OR Coast - 2nd hand information for possible grays. I ran into a couple today watching the grays south of Depoe Bay, OR. They had told me they had hiked out to Cascade Head which is north of Lincoln City yesterday 12/3 and had said they watched 3 whales...Marilyn Armbruster

December 2
We had 30 Biggs killer whales in the Salish Sea today, including the T35As, T38As, T37, T36, T36As, T36Bs, T46Bs, T123s, CA40 and CA137. Incredible for December 2nd. T123 Stanley. -Maya's Legacy Whale Watch
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CA040 and CA137 off Discovery Island on the morning of December 2nd. T123A with sister T123D on the morning off of Discovery Island, -Photos by Mark Malleson, CWR, 2019
...confirmed when they simultaneously spotted the unmistakable leucistic T046B1B along with the rest of the T046Bs. They started the encounter at precisely 1000 ~0.5 miles south of Discovery Island and were able to confirm all of the T036s, T037, the T046Bs, the T123s, and the two CAs from the day before, CA040 and CA137, were present. They could see another eastbound group slightly south of them, which Joe guessed was likely the T035As and T038As and intended to get to them once they finished the encounter with the large group.
At 1033 the T036As, along with T037, came across a lone seal at 48 25.1/123 11.5 and started to hunt it. The T036Bs were first to get in on the fun, the T046Bs came in from the south, the T123s turned back from the north to join in and eventually CA040, and CA137 completed the group...Full summary report and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 98.

December 1
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Sun Dec 1 - It's a new era in the Salish Sea, with killer whale sightings of both ecotypes occurring regularly through November. Today, the 1st of December, continued in the same vein with members of at least six Bigg's killer whale matrilines in the area today. We headed out with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching and met up with the T34s, T37Bs, and T99s today in Haro Strait, complete with gorgeous wintery backgrounds. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Sun Dec 1 - CA137 crossing Middle Bank on the afternoon of December 1st. -Photo by Mark Malleson, CWR, 2019
...could see Jeff Friedman on J1 slightly north of them. They gave Jeff a call to see if he was with anything, and he had just spotted a group of northbound Bigg's, which he later identified as the T034s, T037B's, and the T099s. Mike 1 started to work their way towards Jeff's group when Joe spotted more killer whales ~ 1.5 miles to the south, so they turned around and headed to them instead. At 1231 they came across a large slick from a kill at 48 23.4/123 11.7, which was likely where Gord had last seen them through the Big Eyes. At 1238 Mark and Joe started their encounter after confirming the T035As, T036As, and T038As along with an unidentified bull spread out and traveling east (48 22.2/123 10.7) 3.5 nm SSE of Discovery Island. Joe eventually was able to identify the bull as CA137, and later on in the encounter, Mark had spotted a trailing very cryptic female who was CA040...Full summary report and images at Center for Whale Research Encounter 97.
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GRAY WHALE - Sun Dec 1 - Hood Canal - I was referred to you to report my sighting by friends on the Seattle Aquarium's Beach Naturalist facebook group, which I am a member of. Today at about 2pm, I was birdwatching at Potlatch Park in the Hood Canal - and saw a gray whale. I was stunned, but we watched it surface and spout several times quite close to shore (50-100ft) as it continued moving south, and it's body was a pale gray, and it's spout a distinctive two-pronged shape. I know that they migrate through Washington waters but did not expect to see on so far south in Hood Canal, or this time of year! I only had my phone camera on me at the time and the whale was traveling south, not really hanging out, so I just focused on watching it as long as I could. I would say I'm about 90% sure it was a gray. I am not an expert but this is what makes me think it was a gray whale:
* Pale mottled gray color
* No visible dorsal fin
* Quite close to shore
* Heart-shaped spout
Thank you, Sara Jaye Sanford