December 2022 Whale Sightings

December 31
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 31 - South Puget Sound (T71B, T71B1, T124As, T124Ds) - I spent the last day of 2022 with...whales. Yes, I know you are shocked. I saw reports of transients in the area, and I had to take the opportunity to go see them. This group included T124A, T124A1, T124A4, T124A4A, T124A6, T124A7, T124D, T124D1, T124D3 and a couple of surprises T71B and T71B1! There were 11 whales in total. That is a very robust group for transients! All of these whales were new to me, and I'm grateful I was able to spend some of my last hours of 2022 with them. Thank you to Ling's Cetacean Photos for the identifications. -photos by Cindi Rausch Crowder, December 31, 2022
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Sat, Dec 31 - Haro Strait (T2B & T60s)
14:00 - Northbound aiming for D’Arcy.
13:20 - Currently due west of Lime Kiln on Canadian side.
13:15 - T60s with T2B northeast of Discovery in Haro. May have stopped on a kill but were trending northeast across towards San Juan. -Orca Behavior Institute
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Sat, Dec 31 - South Puget Sound (T124As, T124A4s, & T124Ds) -photos by Jason Cook, December 31, 2022
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This New Year's Eve afternoon, about 15:00, orcas paid a last farewell visit to Henderson Bay for 2022, far over towards the east shore and Horsehead. They were heading north, but must have turned around heading south, but then I didn’t see them any more. Approx. 2 mile over along the east shore! -photos by Ingrid Shumway, December 31, 2022
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They were confirmed T124A4s, with likely T124As and T124Ds, according to Puget Sound Express. -Sam Wallace
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We were paddling on the opposite side of Henderson Bay when they were there this [morning]. -Heidi Schutz
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16:10 - Losing sight of them. Viewing from Kopachuck looking south. They are still southbound. -Candace Gavin
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16:00 - Front of Kopachuck headed south. -Randy Witter
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14:45 - Waving bye bye to 2022! Exciting day today viewing from Kopachuck. -photo by Cherie StOurs, December 31, 2022
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14:23 - Breach after breach. The hunt is on [approx. 47.334939, -122.711410].  -Jason Cook
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14:15 - Mid-channel off Kopachuck Park. -Randy Witter
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14:02 - Heading northbound towards Kopachuck, closer to mid channel now.
13:28 - Seem to have turned around and are heading back northbound.
13:18 - Directly opposite me now by the peninsula side of Carr Inlet.  -Jennifer Swenson
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12:51 - Grouped up, south of Kopachuck, southbound, mid channel. Long down times. -Ashley Whitman
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12:25 - Mid-channel by Cutts Island headed south at a good pace.  -Randy Witter
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12:10 - Off Allen Point.
12:04 - Southbound. Getting close to Allen Point.
11:55 - Maybe 1/4 mile north of Allen Point, closer to east side of Henderson Bay. Multiple directions. -Gary Furuheim
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11:30 - [video] orcas in Henderson Bay. -Jane Durnbaugh Thompson
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11:36 - They are headed south towards Raft Island.
11:05 - Henderson Bay almost to Purdy Spit! -Gudrun Gearhart
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10:26 - 5-6 orcas in Carr Inlet moving north from Raft Island. -James Neil
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Sat, Dec 31 - Costa Rica Pacific Coast
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jack Vester
Date of Sighting: 12/31/2022
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 8-10 miles south east of Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Male
Any unusual markings?: None could be seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Orcas are not common according to locals
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Dec 31 - Haro Strait (BCY1218 Kata)
15:05 - Milling and lunge feeding just south of Mitchell Bay.
14:10 - Humpback close to shore north of County Park heading north. This is BCY1218 Kata. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Sat, Dec 31 - Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Dec 31 13:15 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.94929,-123.47887 [mid Galiano Island]
Number Sighted: 8
Submitter Name: Marina Roy
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Dec 31 - North Cowichan, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Dec 31 12:32 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.82124,-123.58837 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Close to shore heading north out of Maple Bay. Time approximate 
Submitter Name: Kim Thompson
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Dec 31 - Haro Strait (BCY1218 Kata) - We (Eagle Wing tours) saw Kata there [near San Juan County Park]. -Selena Donker [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Dec 31 - Saratoga Passage - 11:30 - Two grays headed north towards Summerland. South Camano. -Peg Boley (CWW)

December 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Dec 30 - Puget Sound - Transient orcas passing by West Seattle today. Super close to shore with a tiny calf. Always fun to rush out and see these amazing animals. @MichaelReports - Cute face of T124A7 peeking out -photos by Michael Crowe, December 30, 2022
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Fri, Dec 30 - Puget Sound (T124As & others)
16:21 - At least 7 orcas southbound approaching Colman Pool seen from Lowman Beach. Tight group no big males. -Mary Hartmann
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16:09 - Looks like they are passing Lowman Beach now, still southbound, east of traffic lanes. Maybe heading for a close pass at Lincoln Park! -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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15:58 - Looks like five or six headed south, going and blowing pretty quickly. South of Emma Schmitz now. Mid channel. Viewed from Emma Schmitz. -Russ Mann
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15:54 - Close pass off Emma Schmitz southbound Vashon ferry dock in background. Tightly grouped about 5 orcas.
15:41 - Close pass off Constellation Park in line with Vashon ferry dock. 4 or 5 southbound fast. -Mary Hartmann
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15:30 - About 4 orcas just swam past Alki towards the point heading southwest towards Vashon and one or two looked real small. -Laura Clark
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14:25 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1417hrs: Vessel WALLA WALLA reports via 800MHz 3-4 orca in the southern portion of Elliott Bay. No particular direction of travel.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Dec 30 - Haro Strait - 16:13 - Huge humpback just breached right along shore south of Mitchell Bay (SJI). Heading north. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Dec 30 - Possession Sound  - 17:00 - Two grays heading north from Clinton ferry towards Brighton Beach. Saw them surface 5-6 times before losing sight of the pair.  -David Stern
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15:04 - Appear to be two gray whales headed south in front of Clinton, Columbia Beach, 1/2 mile south of the ferry dock. -Melissa Simmons

December 29.
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Thu, Dec 29 - San Juans - 13:30 - We saw a single orca today from Sylvan Cove (Decatur Island) around 1:30pm - it must’ve been the same one! Only saw it come up a few times within a couple minutes, looked to be headed toward Thatcher Pass. Was very exciting and unusual to see from Decatur! -Anna Bhatia
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11:25 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Log entry 1119hrs: Vessel YAKIMA reports via 800MHz spotting a single orca milling about at the junction of Lopez Sound and Thatcher Pass, heading in a NW direction.
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Dec 29 - Saratoga Passage - 16:12 - One gray in Saratoga Passage northbound between Pebble Beach and Mabana. -Peg Boley
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Thu, Dec 29 - Port Susan (CRC2440) - 09:26 - 10:20 - CRC2440 was feeding at Bretland and then Pirates Cove in Port Susan along Camano Island. After feeding he headed south quickly along the shore past Tillicum and Tyee Beach. Last seen about 10:20 heading south off Tyee. -John C Storbeck

December 28
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 28 - Todd Inlet, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Doan Allan
Date of Sighting: 12/28/2022
Time: 3:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: They were observed while we were on the Mill Bay Ferry (heading from Brentwood bay to Mill Bay, and they were travel into Todd Inlet (Victoria BC) along the shoreline
Direction of travel: Traveling at an extremely fast pace and were heading into Todd Inlet
Behaviors observed: traveling fast, in two groups, but close together (almost in a synchronized line) and possibly hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes, there was at least 1-2 that appeared to have a 4-5ft dorsal fin
Any unusual markings?: none that we could observe from the distance we were at
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Wed, Dec 28 - Haro Strait - 08:00 - Hearing faint calls on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone! -Brooke Casanova [WSSJI]
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07:32 - 07:58 - I scrolled back to beginning at 07:58:45, sounds like transients. Even earlier at 07:33:39 for sure (and think even earlier super faint like beginning around 07:32:25). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed, Dec 28 - Haro Strait - 09:14 - 8-10 [orca] just passed Madrona close to shore heading towards Henry Island. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Dec 28 - San Juan Channel - 15:40 - Just saw them from the ferry still southbound right outside Friday Harbor. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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14:35 - Two humpbacks headed south past Mineral Point 35 yds off shore! Pretty special! -Josie Gillett [WSSJI]
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Wed, Dec 28 - Haro Strait - 11:48 - Humpback spotted milling off Westside Preserve. -Piper Bishop [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Dec 28 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - 15:00 - Little Patch mid Saratoga Passage. Feeding in a big circle, zig zagging north and south. -photos by Rachel Bernal, December 28, 2022
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14:13 - He stopped to feed again and is now midchannel heading north [approx. 48.099968, -122.467412].
13:24 - Confirmed Little Patch. He's been feeding in the same area since my last post. He was moving a bit farther offshore and just fluked on a dive heading south, so he may be moving on.
12:35 - Gray whale feeding off Irenella. Pretty sure it's Little Patch [approx. 48.107924, -122.446500].  -photos by Serena Tierra, December 28, 2022
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Wed, Dec 28 - Port Susan
12:56 - Another gray heading into Port Susan, mid channel.
10:52 - Solo gray feeding north of Hermosa Point heading north to Tulalip Shores. -Kim Thomas [PSWW]
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Wed, Dec 28 - Saratoga Passage - 11:35 - Separate report of a possible minke whale feeding off Mabana Beach. Could quite possibly be a gray that has been in the general area these past several days, would love some more info on this guy/gal to ID who's out there. Follow up from Mitch: he thought it was a gray at first. Pretty large dorsal lead him to think it wasn’t a gray, but he left open possibility. Large dorsal however would eliminate gray, unless it was pec or fluke fin above surface while feeding. Also did say he did not see the whale fluke. -Mitch Lee [CWW]

December 27
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Tue, Dec 27 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - J-pod coming down Strait of Georgia passing Active [Pass] around 12:45 via Rachelle’s post [on SSOS]. -Eric Eisenhardt [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Dec 27 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T75s, T77s, & T99s) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #82: “Meanwhile, the T077s and T075s came together approximately two nautical miles south of Race Rocks and slowed to allow an outbound car-carrier passage west. The animals turned east-northeast in the ship’s wake, and Mike 1 ventured north after spotting the elusive ‘new’ animals just a mile north. They shortly found the T099s travelling east-southeast on an intercepting course for the larger group offshore of them. Both groups spent around five minutes at the surface as they arced east before diving for nearly the same…” -Read more at Center for Whale Research Encounter #82

December 26
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Dec 26 - Saratoga Passage - 13:33 - Seeing two blows south of Mabana Shores and north of Summerland, too far away to tell if feeding or traveling but appear to be feeding as they haven't moved from same area. But the two are together. -Marilyn Armbruster
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09:55 - They were on the north side of the spit and appear to have moved on. Not sure which direction.08:30 - Two gray whales feeding off Fox Spit, Whidbey Island. -photo by Michelle Sterett Bernson, December 26, 2022
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Mon, Dec 26 - Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sam Burdic
Date of Sighting: 12/26/2022
Time: 4:30 PM
Species seen: a big fin... it "stood up very tall"
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Innis Arden Reserve Beach [Shoreline, WA]
Direction of travel : we watched it for awhile 20.
Behaviors observed: milling
If orcas, any males?: big fin
Any unusual markings?: it was dark
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Cool experience. Wish I had more to share.
Photos available?: No

December 25

December 24

December 23
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Fri, Dec 23 - Boundary Pass - Belated report of an active group of orcas heading west down Boundary Pass this afternoon. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Dec 23 - Rosario Strait - 09:42 - Donna Sanders, Marine WSF Ops, emailed to report: SAMISH@0941 - Captain reports two Humpback whales SB in Rosario Strait near Thatcher Pass. 

December 22
GRAY WHALES - Thu, Dec 22 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Peg Boley
Date of Sighting: 12/22/2022
Time: 2:20 PM
Species seen: Gray Whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Camano Island, Saratoga Passage just south of Summerland
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Moving slowly, blows often, leaving circles on the water's surface, moved out of view
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I managed a couple photos and cropped them, but they are very blurry. Markings might be possible to see.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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13:40 - A gray whale just passed us headed towards Summerland (north). -Peg Boley -photos by Peg Boley, December 22, 2022
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Thu, Dec 22 - Port Susan (CRC2440) - 08:40 - CRC2440 has been at Tulalip Shores. His year round diet and low exercise routine has him looking "extremely well nourished”. -John C. Storbeck
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I have video of CRC2440 the last two days (12/21, 12/20) at Tulalip Shores in the evening. Same spotters are reporting him back this morning as well. Three days in a row now. Feeding along the shore at Tulalip Shores and he did head a bit up toward Spee-bi-Dah. Gray whales with snow on the beach! -John C. Storbeck

December 21
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 21 - Strait of Georgia (J & L Pod) - 13:00 - Large pod of orca reported earlier in Lambert Channel. Update: confirmed as endangered Southern Residents, northbound, pod includes members of J and L pod. Approx. 30 members present. -Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings FB Page
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Dec 21 - Haro Strait - 07:46 - 2 humpbacks headed north toward Snug [Harbor] about 100 yards from shore. -April Van Deventer, Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
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Wed, Dec 21 - San Juans - 13:22 - Two humpbacks milling around near Whale Rock. -Peggy Schellen [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Dec 21 - Port Susan (CRC2440) - I have video of CRC2440 at Tulalip Shores in the evening.  -John C. Storbeck

December 20
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Tue, Dec 20 - Puget Sound (Possible T46s) - 12:17 - Just spotted a small group of orcas just off of Apple Cove Point. Saw as many as three surface at a time, at least one big male. -Mike Poole
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12:22 - Sara Frey called to report orcas in the Kingston area, two males now south of Apple Tree Point (north of the ferry terminal) heading southbound. So far have not seen others, viewing conditions not great.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Dec 20 - Haro Strait - 13:05 - Two humpbacks at mouth of Open Bay. -M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]
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Tue, Dec 20 - San Juan Channel - 08:57 - Two humpbacks passing Mineral Point heading north. -Dan Shelley [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Dec 20 - Port Susan (CRC2440) - 08:40 - CRC2440 has been at Tulalip shores this morning, feeding along the shore. -John C. Storbeck 

December 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 19 - Haro Strait (K & L Pod) - After dark: K and L pods were very vocal over the Lime Kiln hydrophones. -Jeanne Hyde 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 19 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - 14:51 - Two orcas heading north mid-channel near Onamac Point off Camano! -Whitney Dock
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13:32 - My daughter and her friends reports 4+ orcas traveling northwest observed from Camano Island State Park. -screen grab of video by friend of daughter of Scott Veirs, December 19, 2022
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Dec 19 - Haro Strait - 10:41 - Small humpback heading north very close to shore on westside San Juan Island about 1/2 mile south of Mitchell Bay. -M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]

December 18
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Dec 18 - Haro Strait - 12-18-22 Orca Sighting, Haro Strait - 16:14, Four orcas traveling slowly up island to the north less than 1/4 mile from shore, long dives. It was too dark to make a positive ID. The group included a large male and a youngster. I saw them as they were approaching the south side of Point Edwards, just south of Landbank, viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photo by Michelline Halliday, December 18, 2022
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Sun, Dec 18 - Possession Sound (T46s) - 09:31 - Orcas heading south west side of [Hat] Island close to shore. After scrolling my photos, it appears there were two. Any idea who the smaller is despite the tough photo? [Possibly T122 - Alisa Lemire Brooks] -Roy Short [HIWW] - T46D Strider - back of camera photos by Roy Short, December 18, 2022
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UNKNOWN SPECIES - Sun, Dec 18 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cathy Wagner
Date of Sighting: 12/18/2022
Time: 1:30 PM
Species seen: Grey
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Breached along side ferry boat traveling from Coupeville to Port Townsend.
Direction of travel : I believe it was traveling same direction as ferry heading towards Port Townsend
Behaviors observed: very close to ferry. Its back came up along side the boat and people on boat were taking pictures.
If orcas, any males?: It was too big to be a orca
Any unusual markings?: Lots of birds, maybe 30 approx sea gulls were trying to land on it or feed off of it. It may have had some "cling on" food for the birds. Hard to see for all the birds
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The weather was very windy, seas very rough. It was announced that future ferry schedules were being canceled due to high seas. I had come up from the car deck to use the facilities and heard some one yell "Look over there!" and there it was, right along side of the boat. Very big The water was so rough with white caps, everyone had to hold on to something.
Photos available?: No

December 17
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 17 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - 14:53 - SRKW spread out from Kitty Coleman and Singing Sands, southbound. -Comox Valley Wildlife Sightings FB Page
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 17 - Port Susan (T46s) - 15:27 - All deep into Port Susan, T46 and F just finished a meal, T46D still mid channel, west of the family, T46E and 122 are leading, very far away in north [approx. 48.132887, -122.392896]. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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14:52 - Pod definitely committed to Port Susan at this time. Steady northbound north of [approx. 48.072417, -122.319795]. Eagles soaring all around. Stunning place we live. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:03 - Whole family here, T46 and F trailing, T46D is a little far away.
14:54 - Both T46D and E.
14:51 - One male here northbound [approx. 48.078038, -122.320346]. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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14:44 - Spotted at least 3-4 together just at entrance to Port Susan northbound towards Tulalip Shores. Another member is trailing 1/4-1/2 mile, also northbound [approx. 48.072417, -122.319795]. 
14:35 - From elevation on Whidbey, I just spotted a bull over just north of Tulalip Bay facing northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:53 - Two seen by an Islander, one male for sure.
12:33 - Several orcas passing the west side of Hat Island closer to Whidbey northbound. -Lori Christopher
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Sat, Dec 17 - California Coast - Scott Mercer asked that I report this to you. - Just south of Elk, Mendocino County California - two of us observed a pod of six to eight orca about 2-3 miles offshore. Most of them were in a tight group moving together, going north; they would surface almost simultaneously and very close together, which made it difficult to get an accurate count. These appeared to be all females and/or calves. There was also one (possibly two, but I think only one) very large male with an enormous dorsal fin, who seemed to be roaming around up to a few hundred yards away from the main group. While they were heading northward, he would run off in different directions and then circle back to them. The size difference in that dorsal fin was amazing. When I first saw them I was using binoculars and looking for birds; the splashing caught my attention. I then got the scope on them and had great if distant views for a couple of minutes before they went out of sight behind some trees. -Tim Bray
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Dec 17 - Haro Strait - 13:05 - Two humpbacks close in at Lime Kiln travelling north. -Dori Dace [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Dec 17 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC2440) - 12:55 - MV Swiftsure is leaving CRC2440 northbound along the shore of Whidbey from the south end of Admiralty Bay. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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11:05 - Baleen whale (probably gray). 100 yds off Bush Point heading northbound. Surfaced a few times then stayed under. Heard and saw it surface twice. I didn’t see a dorsal fin; looked more like the ridge of a gray. -Gregory Roeben
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Sat, Dec 17 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53) - 14:49 - He's in maybe 10 feet of water. -Smith Siromaskul
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14:35 - Eastbound CRC53 [approx. 48.068769, -122.397189]. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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13:38 - Still between Langley and Sandy Point but much farther offshore now.  -Smith Siromaskul
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13:28 - I’m watching a gray whale at Edgecliff. -Marly Eugenio
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12:46 - He’s right in front of the bluff near Edgecliff. -Luanne Seymour
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12:45 - Little Patch is still between Sandy Point and Langley Marina circle out and circle back inshore where he feeds for several minutes and repeats. Currently offshore, will update if he continues northwest or circles back (Which looks like he might be doing, circling back inshore that is). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Little Patch’s cute lunging face. -back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 17, 2022
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12:34 - [video of] CRC53 Little Patch feeding below the bluff between Sandy Point and Langley Marina. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network 
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12:21 - He’s moved close to the bluff again just north of Sandy Point. -Luanne Seymour
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11:57 - He's moving back to where he was before. Next to the wreck on the beach. -Smith Siromaskul
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11:56 - LP (CRC53) moved offshore and bit north but now he’s circling back towards shore same area. As before. Listening to him and the seabirds is heavenly. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:53 - Gray is headed toward mid channel due north toward Camano but not in a hurry. Still closer to Whidbey side of Saratoga Passage.
11:30 - Gray spotted just a bit northwest of Sandy Point headed in the direction of Langley Harbor. -Luanne Seymour
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11:48 - [video of] Lovely Little Patch same general area. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:15 - Can confirm CRC53 Little Patch circling around feeding same general area.
10:45 - Gray whale feeding between Sandy Point and Langley Marina close in shore [approx. 48.035052, -122.385972]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network and Marilyn Armbruster -back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 17, 2022

December 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Dec 16 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - This is Thor, T46E, a member of the T46s. The T46s are a special pod because the matriarch, T46 (Wake) was one of the Budd Inlet 6. Six whales were taken captive in Budd Inlet back in 1976. They were to be put on display in aquatic parks. Public outcry regarding the capture eventually led to the release of all of the whales. This was the last of the captures in Washington. Wake went on to have SEVEN children, 4 of whom we saw today. It was a real blessing to see T46 today. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 16, 2022
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T46E Thor - T122 Centeki & T46E Thor - First caught distant looks of the T46 pod (Matriarch Wake, T46, b. 1966, T122 Centeki, b. 1982, T46D Strider, b. 2000, T46E Thor, b. 2003, and T46F, Loki, b. 2012) from Long Point, then caught up with them further south and closer to Whidbey side as they cruised down Saratoga Passage in beautiful light and smooth water!  Good to see a lot of fellow orca watchers! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, December 16, 2022
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15:50 - Family is spread wide. T46D Strider is midway/Camano side between Elger Bay and East Point, T46E Thor is 1/2 mile ahead of him mid channel zig zagging, the others are southeast of Thor by about 1/2 mile mid channel slow southbound pace by all. Super long down times. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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T46E Thor - photo by Kat Martin, December 16, 2022
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15:03 - They are passing Hidden Beach southbound mid channel with some closer to Camano side. -April Basham
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14:58 - They are straight out from Hidden Beach heading south at a very leisurely swim. I have seen 3 fins so far. One fin is very small. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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T46E Thor on right. - T46E Thor - T122 Centeki - T46E Thor - 14:20 - 4 miles north of Hidden Beach. Southbound Whidbey side. -photos by Rachel Haight, December 16, 2022
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14:14 - Southbound towards Hidden Beach Whidbey side! -Bonnie Gretz
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13:17 - Looks like at least 4 total moving southeast towards Saratoga. Viewing from Long Point. -Candace Gavin
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13:15 - They trended back east after a likely hunt. 95% sure we spotted a 5th whale coming to join them in the distance, that would be T46D.
12:50 - 4 including T46E just east of Monroe Landing. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:38 - Seeing 2 closer to Long Point. Seem to be westerly.
12:24 - Just saw a big fin from Long Point way across but heading toward Oak Harbor. -Bonnie Gretz
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12:30 - Westbound approaching Scenic Heights.
12:05 - Look to be continuing westbound, maybe a mile east of Maylor Point?
11:50 - They've gone west. Out of my view behind Polnell. Possible trend into Crescent Harbor.
11:25 - There's two or three whales. So far away but male resembles T46E. Stalled well mostly south(east) of Polnell Point.
11:20 - Lone male charging eastward about 1 mile south of Polnell Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:00 - One male orca northbound, mid-channel/slightly on Whidbey side. Line of sight from Whidbey just north of Race Lagoon towards Rockaway Beach on Camano. Possibly two, too far to ID though. -Jill Hein, Orca Network
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09:30 - Orcas present at Crescent Harbor per husband. No binoculars so hard to tell direction. Lots of fins visible, he said maybe 6, not sure about males. He said they were moving towards Polnell Point and he eventually lost sight of them. -Anya Sika
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09:30 - Two orcas slowly heading north, close to shore just south of Cama Beach. Male and female. -Devin Darst [CWW]
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Fri, Dec 16 - Admiralty Inlet - 11:44 - Virgina W. called reporting large group orcas (at least 7-8) off Keystone, where Coupeville/PT ferry departs. She reported appears they are hunting, a lot of jumping around, surface activity.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Dec 16 - Haro Strait  - 15:30 - Humpback. Passing Hannah Heights (west side of SJI), heading up-island, very close to shore. -Michael Noonan [WSSJI]
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09:22 - Humpback northbound approaching Henry Island. 1/4 mile offshore west side San Juan Island. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Dec 16 - Possession Sound - 07:37 - Gray heading west north end Hat Island, couple hundred yards offshore. -Grey Bonn [HIWS]
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Fri, Dec 16 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 & CRC2440) - Well, CRC53, affectionately known as Little Patch is quite a character. He certainly approaches feeding with gusto! Here are a few pictures of our encounter with one of our most beloved Sounders (Gray whale that returns annually to the Puget Sound). -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 16, 2022
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I'm currently not there but what his pattern and behavior has pretty much been, years before too, is: he feeds in a general area for quite some time, he fills belly, heads out about 300 yds or so to burp (ok, I call it burp). He then does his lunge, and then soon right after, surfaces his body out like he's going to fluke, then starts making his turn back into his feeding pit. Repeats over and over. He generally stays for 3-4 hours. He's quite the dude. Little Pig. Hope that doesn't offend anyone but he sure is. I just love him so much. Friend/neighbor says he just tears the beach up out in front of his place. With huge clams strewn all over the beach. I would love to have my own personal clam digger. -Marilyn Armbruster - Fluke tip of CRC53 Little Patch just off north end Langley. -Back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 16, 2022
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12:35 - He did a big loop and came back to his original spot, still feeding, just north of Langley Seawall.
11:59 - Langley Whale Center staff are watching from the Whale Bell, looks like he is heading southwest now. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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11:03 - We’re with a feeding gray just north of the sea wall in Langley. The one I saw from the overlook was 2440, but we think this one is Little Patch. [Does match the pattern on 53's face. - Alisa Lemire Brooks]. -back of camera photo by Sara Montour Lewis, December 16, 2022
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10:40 - Thank you Sara; feeding just north of Langley. -Marilyn Armbruster
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09:40 - Gray whale CRC2440 is in Saratoga Passage, passing Langley boatyard, heading north, probably 100 yards offshore.  -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound

December 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 15 - Port Susan (T46s) - We had 2 people report. Terry shared some distant photos. -John C Storbeck -photos by Terry Gravell, December 15, 2022
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15:40 - Looks like 4 between Camano and Warm Beach. They look to be hunting.
15:15 - Just saw orca fins in Port Susan. -Terry Gravell [PSWS]
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12:26 - Group of 4-5 orca in Possession Sound going towards Saratoga Passage. Only saw them for about one minute. They were right in front of the river delta and we then lost them. My wife was able to get some distant footage. Very cool experience; we have seen orcas five times since May, fantastic.   -screen grab from video by Steve Von Herdringen, December 15, 2022-Xavier Von Herdringen
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09:40 - Sole orca headed south closer to the Whidbey side past Mabana. -Lucinda Brezak [CWW]
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Dec 15 - Possession Sound - 15:30 - 16:00 - Grey whale close to shore just north of Clinton ferry terminal northbound. Traveling. I had left him around 16:00 and he was mid way between north Brighton and Witter Rd/community. Heading towards Sandy Point. -back of camera photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 15, 2022
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15:20 - There is a gray close to the beach in Clinton, off Columbia Beach. Unknown direction of travel, possibly feeding.  -Melissa Simmons, WSF
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10:29 - Donna George called from the ferry to report a gray whale just north of ferry lane off Clinton between there and Hat Island, Whidbey side heading northbound.

December 14
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 14 - Howe Sound (J Pod) - Today was my lucky day and I will never take moments like this for granted! They’ve been identified as endangered Southern Resident, J pod, which is rarely seen in Howe Sound - so this is fantastic for the health of our biosphere! -Kathy Clarke [Howe Sound Cetacean Sighting FB group]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 14 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - 16:10 - Westbound off northwest tip of Camano. They flipped and are going back to Saratoga. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:07 - Me, too [see them headed west]. -Amy Norris Spencer
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16:06 - I see 3 now moving west. -Terese DeBoer Drummond
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15:50 - They did go east. Approaching Mariner’s Cove area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:57 - One male milling in front of what looks like an orange windsock.
15:50 - I see a fin north of Maple Grove close to Whidbey heading east. -Terese DeBoer Drummond
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15:09 - They had been going north, but my last look it looked like they possibly turned east.
14:45 - T46E and others [approx. 48.243999, -122.579893], T46D was trailing by quite a bit but catching up now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:57 - Northbound, moving fast. I've seen 3 dorsals, closer to Camano, passing Onomac now. -Jill Hein, Orca Network
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13:42 - Heading north mid channel just before Onamac Point. Moving fast. -Marie Heil
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T46D Strider - 13:21 - Heading north, Camano side at a pretty good pace. -photos by Aaron Gill, December 14, 2022
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12:58 - T46s here [approx. 48.122566, -122.509756]. Northbound. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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13:05 - 5 animals so far going about 4 knots up.
12:53 - Killer whales northbound Camano Island State Park! -Trevor Tillman, Puget Sound Express
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Dec 14 - Haro Strait - 12-14-22 Two Humpbacks, Haro Strait - 00:30 - 00:50, Two humpbacks milling, surfacing often, slowly traveling in a large circle from close to shore to farther out and circling back again, repeat. They came from the south, traveling up island. I assume this is the same pair that traveled down island less than an hour ago. They circled for 15 minutes and then headed down island/south again. Amazing. -Michelline Halliday, SJI
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Dec 14 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 & CRC2440) - Feeding along the Sandy Point Bluff shoreline. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 14, 2022
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12:29 - CRC-53 and 2440 confirmed [approx. 48.039716, -122.402353]. - Ling's Cetacean Photos
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Taken today from the bluff at Sandy Point. My sincerest thanks to Susan and Sharon for allowing me on their property to get ID shots. CRC 53 (Thank you Sara Montour Lewis for confirmation.) -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 14, 2022
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10:55 - Cindi Rausch called to report she is seeing the two grays, they are still just feeding together back and forth along the bluffs just west of Sandy Point. She has some images she'll forward later for IDs.
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10:30 - They can’t make up their minds. Heading back toward Sandy Point now
10:15 - Now meandering their way along the bluff toward Langley.
09:42 - They [grays] are now working their way back and forth so no direction right now.
09:30 - The 2 grays are a bit north of Sandy Point feeding near the bluff.
09:23 - 2 grays near Sandy Point [Whidbey Island] milling and feeding. -photo by Luanne Seymour, December 14, 2022

December 13
HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Dec 13 - Haro Strait - 12-13-22 Two humpbacks, Haro Strait - 23:36, Hearing two humpbacks traveling down island/south, 1 mile south of Landbank’s Westside Preserve. They were surfacing often together and very close to shore. The blows were startlingly loud and made me jump. So wonderful to hear them in the dark. The sea was calm, silent. -Michelline Halliday, SJI

December 12
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 12 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - On a sunny, cold day, zoomed down to Bush Point to catch distant looks at J pod streaming past. A few a bit closer, very choppy, so mostly could see the big boys. We all then went to Lagoon Point and got some closer looks, then to Fort Casey. Beautiful light though they were west of mid-channel.  -photo by Bonnie Gretz, December 12, 2022
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20:46 - Ts and Js! Heard two Bigg's killer whale calls in there with the J Pod calls. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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20:26 - Currently hearing SRKW calls on the Lime Kiln hydrophone/webcam. They've been getting steadily louder over the course of the last 10 minutes or so. At least Js, possibly one of the other pods coming in as well? -Morgan Dale
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14:45 - The big group passed Fort Ebey heading north.
14:25 - I am viewing from Point Wilson. I see a group of at least 8 mid channel passing Fort Casey. -Emily Calkins
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14:06 - Northbound now; passing red buoy closer to Port Townsend/mid channel.
14:00 - Multiple orcas; huge splashes! Still same general area. Viewing from Admiral’s Cove/Whidbey.
13:54 - Big male dorsal about here [approx. 48.125619, -122.736686].
13:50 - Just saw a spyhop! Closer to the Port Townsend ferry dock! -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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13:57 - Viewing from Fort Casey, mid channel to east side spread out, northbound but possibly grouping up; active splashes. -Bonnie Gretz
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13:11 - Orcas visible from Fort Flagler bluff near the lighthouse, heading north. -Michael Anthony Casanova
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Over at Lagoon Point today. -photo by Kat Martin, December 12, 2022
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J Pod crossing paths with a submarine and its' escorts - 12:55 - Cindi Rausch called to update on J pod who just passed by out from Lagoon Point. They are in general spread across Admiralty, with most mid channel to west of, but some came by close in off Whidbey side, maybe 50 yards or so. Js were foraging a lot earlier but are now more in travel mode. They have also tightened the gap between leaders and trailers but, again are still spread across the inlet as they continue northbound toward Fort Casey/Port Townsend. Some good breaching too! Cindy and pals are moving over to Fort Casey. -photos by Cndi Crowder Rausch, December 12, 2022
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12:42 - There are several more northbound very close in on Lagoon Point side. They are in a line clear across Admiralty!
12:36 - Several more northbound on Lagoon Point side of Admiralty. 
12:33 - 3-5 orca northbound off Lagoon Point. -photo by Bill Setter, December 12, 2022
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12:37 - I see them from my house on Smugglers Cove Road. Northbound. -Patricia Prochaska
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12:24 - Northbound Lagoon Point south beach. -Cheryl Connor
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12:14 - Cindi Rausch called to update on J pod. They just left Bush Point with leaders past Bush Point, others just at Bush Point. Some close in, maybe 50-70 yards offshore Whidbey side, others mostly mid channel. Lots of foraging behavior. 
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11:36 - Rachel updates she is still seeing blows, and a fin now, and surface activity to the south of her (Bush Point area). Pod appears to be making slow progress northbound still spread about a mile apart from approx 2 miles south of south end Marrowstone and north Foulweather (in general out from Mutiny Bay).
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11:20 - From Bush Point can see blows, midchannel or Kitsap side northbound just north of Foulweather Bluff area. Spread. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:30 - At Shore Meadows. Line of sight is Hansville. Seeing breaching, surface activity spread from Point No Point to north of Hansville. Mid channel to west. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:13 - Appears all whales now north of Point No Point. Midchannel, a few breaches along the way! -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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10:06 - Two breaches off the yellow marker off Point No Point just now!
10:00 - Large group passed Point No Point looked like they were heading north and into Admiralty. -Rebecca Berger
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09:45 - Orcas heading up Admiralty, small groups spread out. Moving quickly.
09:33 - Seeing lots of blows from Point No Point with whales trending north. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, December 12, 2022
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09:28 - I see three heading north up west side of Whidbey towards Admiralty side. About a dozen of them just went north past Possession Point on the west side and out of my view. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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J26 Mike - 08:45 - Nearing Eglon saw three, then just the large male continuing northbound Kitsap side. -photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, December 12, 2022
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08:40 - Donna Van Renselaar called to report she is watching orcas from Apple Tree Point. They are seeing at least 3 due east of them looking towards Edmonds, well north of ferry traffic lanes. General trend is northbound but they are out there foraging. Open saddle which confirms residents.
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08:03 - PUYALLUP@0803 C/M report 2-3 ORCA NB in shipping lanes.  -Donna Sanders WSF
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Dec 12 - Haro Strait
14:11 - Two humpbacks feeding in front of Land Bank! Scared off the seagulls by the bait balls! Been in this area most of the day!
13:35 - Humpback still hanging around Land Bank. Sooooo close to shore, if I had been on the rocks in front of my house, I almost could have touched it. Never have I seen one that close! Seems to be headed up island.
08:33 - Humpbacks close to shore passing Land Bank, headed north, almost to Lime Kiln lighthouse. Surfacing often. Can't tell if it's one or two. -Carol Kinkelaar Skully [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Dec 12 - Snohomish River delta (CRC2440) - 10:47 - With a ridiculous combination o cropping/zooming/focus zooming/iPhone wizardry across the miles I was able to get a little glimpse and it looks like 2440’s white patch. It also looks like it has 2440’s other little white patches on the dorsal ridge, so 95% sure it’s them.
10:34 - Spotted a gray whale feeding in this general area [approx. 48.019369, -122.236336]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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Mon, Dec 12 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - 12:40 - First NPS gray whale has arrived, very early again. CRC53 Little Patch in keeping with his December arrivals has done so again for the 3rd consecutive year during the Unusual Mortality Event which is still ongoing. With a report from Mike Moberly of a gray whale off Sandy Point, Whidbey, staff member Rachel Haigh decided she wanted to try and find the whale (she actually left watching for J pod to do so). She did head over, found and photographed the gray whale off Sandy Point, who is now currently west of Sandy Point after circling around feeding. She sent back of camera images that Alisa could confirm as North Puget Sound Gray whale #53 Little Patch! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -photos by Rachel Haight, December 12, 2022
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The Sandy Point area gray has been here since 11:00. -Luanne Seymour
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10:57 - Think it is a gray. Now just off the pier at Sandy Point heading north. We are on Camano across the passage so can’t get any good pictures.
10:37 - Got a whale working off Sandy Point for last half hour or so. Quite active. -Mike Moberly [PSWS]
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Mon, Dec 12 - Haro Strait - 16:12 - A whale very close to shore just south of Mitchell Bay. It’s not a humpback or an orca. I thought it was a minke, but not sure what kind because it fluked? It may be headed south. -M Elise Cannon [WSSJI]

December 11
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Dec 11 - Puget Sound (J Pod)
~20:16 - 20:29 - Sound Action recording of J pod echolocating and S4 calls mostly. 
20:17 - Calls on Sound Action Live Nearshore and Orca Camera! Orca Network staff member Marla Smith began hearing calls at about 20:17! -Orca Network
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After watching most of J Pod drift away from us as they approached, all of our hopes for a close pass were pinned on J26, Mike. Bless his little cetacean heart, he stayed on our side and even stopped to wave! We Love Mike! -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 11, 2022
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16:05 - Visible from Pike Market with binoculars! Saw him breach a minute ago! -Brian Hoffman
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15:53 - Seeing at least one male here. Transect Elliott Bay Marina and just north of Wing Point, Bainbridge stead travel southbound east of mid channel [approx. 47.631603, -122.436205]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:43 - Seeing blows just north of Alki all the way back to Discovery Park. All moving southbound. Mid channel to Kitsap side. Viewing from lighthouse. -Candace Gavin
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15:42 - From Rolling Bay, Bainbridge, watching 10+ orca travel south briskly. Longer down times. One tail slap. Several males. All south of channel marker/Discovery Park now. Kitsap side is favored but some mid-channel, too. Easy viewing with specs/naked eye. -Kimberly Sylvester
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15:36 - At green buoy off West Point lighthouse, direction changes. -Michelle Goll
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15:28 - Big male (Mike?) seemed to be sitting at the north end entrance to Elliott Bay. Haven’t seen any since. Looking from Fay Bainbridge, whales headed south. -Kirsten Martel
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15:22 - Coming into sight with naked eye, steady southbound.
15:17 - Seeing blows from West Point lighthouse in Seattle looking northwest. -Michelle Goll
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15:05 - Seeing 4-5 orcas spread out west of northbound shipping lanes off Shilshole, southbound. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, December 11, 2022
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14:53 - Due west Golden Gardens and due north of lighthouse.
14:34 - 2 miles northeast Point Madison. -Smith Siromaskul
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14:42 - Misty rain has lifted, visibility improving again. We still have at least a male still well on east side of channel, between Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and Carkeek east of Smith’s group. Believe they are advancing abreast across the channel still.
13:49 - Nice group including 3 males spread mid channel and each side of (male mid, one well east of mid, another just west of mid) sightline transect between Kayu Kayu Ac park, Shoreline and just north of President Point, Kingston. Slow steady southbound travels. Misty rain moving in, visibility bit diminished. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:50 - Approaching President Point. They are within 500 yards of shore still southbound.
13:35 - Now south of ferry lanes. -Smith Siromaskul
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13:36 - J38 Passing ferry lane, with J22 as expected. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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13:30 - All seem to have passed Apple Tree Point now, had at least 4 including a male on Kitsap side. Last seen heading towards ferry lanes, sightline between here and tank farm. -photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, December 11, 2022
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13:25 - Seeing several exhalations and dorsals mid channel about here. Steady southbound [approx. 47.806691, -122.435806]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:16 - Several Kitsap side right in front of me, maybe 1/2 mile out. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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13:02 - Another group of 10 or so including 2 babies. More northeast of previous groups, still north of Edmonds ferry terminal heading steady south. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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12:55 - Midchannel still north of ferry lanes. -Smith Siromaskul
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13:14 - And multiple fins tiny on horizon in mist, still same general area.
13:05 - Just made out male in the mist, traveling about 1/3 way between Haines and Edmonds ferry terminal.
12:53 - Just made out two distinct blows south of Haines Wharf/north of Edmonds ferry terminal. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:47 - Another group with a big male about 2 miles due north of them also heading south.
12:40 - Leaders with 1 big male southbound east of midchannel approaching ferry lane.  -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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12:38 - Steady southbound. Looks likely entire pod spread generally abreast spread east side to west, most east of mid channel. Slow steady southbound approaching ferry traffic lanes.
12:20 - From Ocean Ave seeing dozen fins at the horizon line moving southbound. Generally here [approx. 47.820738, -122.389737]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:36 - West of Brackett’s Landing. Fin at the horizon. -Ginn Barber
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12:27 - More spouts off of Rose Point.
12:22 - Still southbound approaching ferry line. Very slowly [approx 47.848690, -122.373054]. -Smith Siromaskul
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12:08 - Passing Haines Wharf way out to west - heading south. -June Mansfield
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12:02 - Viewing from Haines Wharf, slightly north!  -Julie Harris Martin
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11:55 - Have passed Picnic Point southwest bound. Likely J37 & J59 in this group.
11:49 - A few males offshore of Picnic Point foraging. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:45 - Quick look at a male heading steady southbound well on mainland side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:37 - Continuing south towards Edmonds/Kingston ferry [approx. 47.869466, -122.364868]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:15 - All have passed Possession Point State Park southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:00 - They all had passed Glendale/Whidbey at a pretty good pace southbound spread on both sides of mid channel. -Marilyn Armbruster
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10:55 - Just passing Glendale heading south. I’m counting about 5? -Jodi Krause Poissant
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10:39 - Leaders already just north of Chennault beach. I see 3. One big guy. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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10:34 - Can see several heading south towards Clinton, closer to mid channel. Watching from Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. -Taylor Seyl
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10:25 - More coming south from Sandy Point towards Clinton. -Joe Dreimiller
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10:23 - They are moving south fast! Whidbey side! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:20 - In ferry lanes and south of. Breaches. Southbound.
10:15 - Can see fins without binos from lookout above Clinton ferry terminal. Look to be trending towards Whidbey side from our perspective.
10:10 - South of Hat Island southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:36 - They’re on their way to Everett! 10+ very spread out, males in the lead and at the rear of the group. -photo by Lori Christopher, December 11, 2022
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09:25 - Orcas northeast side of Hat. Heading towards Everett. We believe we saw at least 8 with 2 large males. They were all spread out. -Alice Moyal
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Dec 11 - Haro Strait
15:10 - Another humpback has joined the party.
14:52 - Definitely humpback, just 100 yards or less from shore. Still milling in the kelp. -Alex McIntire [WSSJI]
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11:15 - Spotted what is possibly a humpback directly west from the lighthouse at Lime Kiln, about a mile offshore. -Chakong Thao [WSSJI]
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12-11-22 Two humpbacks, Haro Strait - 00:05, Listening to two humpbacks traveling close to shore, down island to the south. Very mysterious to hear them after dark, loud and so near in the quiet. One mile south of Landbank’s Westside Preserve. -Michelline Halliday, SJI
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Dec 11 - Possession Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alicia Higgs
Date of Sighting: 12/11/2022
Time: 9:00 AM
Species seen: Gray whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: near the north end of Jetty Island by Everett
Direction of travel : Not traveling
Behaviors observed: rolling near shore to forage and blowing
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

December 10
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 10 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - Here are Jason's video highlights of the J-Pod pass we had at Possession Point State Park on Saturday. (Don't forget to change video quality to 4K!) - It was an especially magical moment because of how the day started. There was a report of orcas in Admiralty Inlet earlier in the morning, but no one had seen them since, so we scanned our way south from Fort Ebey to Maxwelton. With no luck, we decided to go birding at Possession Point when we got word Js had been picked up heading south on the other side of the point. We scanned and picked up a few distant fins heading away from us. I figured that was all we were going to see! But we hung out a bit longer in the wind and rain just in case, and suddenly a few whales were closer again and milling. And a little bit after that, the lead whales grouped up and turned to aim right at us! We lucked out by being in the right place at the right time. Here's what we saw. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute -video by Jason Shields, December 10, 2022
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Photo is of a spyhopping J36 Alki and a cartwheeling J56 Tofino. - The formula is tried and true: Determination + Whale Math + Luck = Whale Magic - After tracking reports of Js and Ks in Puget Sound over the last few days, we decided to gamble on a day trip to Whidbey Island to see if we could find some fins. After spending the morning scanning our way south along Admiralty Inlet after an earlier report, we lucked out with a close pass from all of J-Pod at Possession Point State Park at the southern tip of Whidbey. I should really include “+ a little help from your friends” in our formula too because it wouldn’t have happened without assistance from Orca Network and Puget Sound Express! -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, December 10, 2022
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16:36 - Saw one fin from Langley. Too dark to continue.  -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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16:00 - He right behind mama and babe as they rounded Sandy Point into Saratoga Passage.   -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, December 10, 2022
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16:03 - I think the trailers are now between Sandy Point and the marina, large male, mama and young one. Whidbey side. Northbound.
15:55 - A few more making the left hand turn into the passage out from Sandy Point, northbound. Very spread out, mid to Whidbey side and spread a few miles north and south.
15:50 - So far see 2 orca that have entered into Saratoga Passage mid channel viewing from north side Sandy Point northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
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15:45 - Should be easily visible from Sandy Point, just to the south, appear to be heading up Saratoga.
15:30 - 4-6 including 2 males, northwest corner of Hat still northbound but angling more east.
15:13 - At least 2 (one male) closer to Hat, mid island, northbound/milling. -Lori Christopher
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15:00 - Clinton/Mukilteo ferry area this afternoon. -photo by Shauna Causey, December 10, 2022
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15:02 - In between Whidbey and Hat [Island].
14:57 - Seeing approx. 4 to 5 including mama and youngster. Whidbey side of mid channel appearing to be heading between Hat Island and Whidbey. Just north of Brighton Beach. Northbound fairly quickly. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:52 - I’m on the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry. Whales were headed back toward Saratoga. North of the ferry lane. I’m just going to ride back.  -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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14:50 - On the ferry from Clinton to Mukilteo orcas on both sides. Heading towards Whidbey. -Aaron Gill
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14:48 - Believe trailers are now north of ferry traffic lanes. A few diverted east and have been making some directional changes, but are trending back northwest. Larger number have continued northbound directionally toward Saratoga Passage.
14:25 - Two male/female pairs spread couple hundred yards apart off Mukilteo Lighthouse beach. Trailing male here now is Cookie! Presume with mom Oreo. Another male tailing southwest of J22s. (Edit: J38 not necessarily with his mom, per Monika comment below he was with J36 earlier) -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:12 - Breach just south of Mukilteo ferry crossing multiple dorsal fins seen still northbound. -J.J. Newman
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13:57 - 2-3 including male stop to forage more, southeast of that group but have continued on.
13:53 - The J clan babies slay my heart! Babe breaching, off Glendale with her group making some directional changes. Male near foraging - all continue northbound. -0Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:52 - We’re seeing them from Mukilteo generally here [approx. 47.925141, -122.352523]. Trending north, but milling and breaching along the way. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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13:50 - I think the last of them just passed me in Chennault Beach. They put on quite a show! So many breaches I lost count. Really fun pass, spread out over almost an hour!  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:45 - Coming into view from Glendale. Northbound still. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:44 - Seeing blows and breaches in the distance looking south from Glendale. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 10, 2022
*
13:46 - Some orcas out from Glendale. Steady northbound.
13:44 - Not sure if they are the true trailers but couple of the big boys more mid channel.
13:40 - From south Mukilteo side: seeing Js streaming northbound west side channel in a line in several groups from between north of boat launch and midway to Glendale.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:41 - Seeing blows looking from Mukilteo Beach to Possession boat launch. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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13:40 - Believe all have passed Possession Beach Park - slow northbound travel. -Dori Dace
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13:25 - All Js northbound on Whidbey side. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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13:20 - More approaching the boat launch now.
13:12 - Right in front of the Possession Waterfront Park boat launch, milling. -Durand Dace
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13:07 - Half a dozen aiming for Possession Waterfront Park. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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12:58 - Heading into Possession Sound. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:53 - Have a group aiming Saratoga [Possession Sound]. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
12:35 - I have my eyes on them. They’re milling around. Lots of directional changes. Same location. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:22 - At least J27 35 47 53 56 57 still in Possession triangle.  -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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12:20 - Visual on 4-5 whales heading southeast from approx red pin [approx. 47.873760, -122.417411]. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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12:00 - We encountered J pod orcas generally southbound from my blue mark [approx. 47.912886, -122.479049]. We only saw about 5-6 but Justine spotted J27 so we have departed. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
*
08:36 - Seven orcas or so mid-channel off Marrowstone south of Marrowstone Point. Playing and milling. Direction not clear. -Rebecca Berger
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Dec 10 - Haro Strait - 09:55 - Humpback northbound off west side of SJI. Now approaching Mitchell Point. 200 yards offshore. -Peter Van Deventer [WSSJI]

December 9
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Dec 9 - Puget Sound (J & K Pod) - Videos from Point Robinson: Link to first video. Link to second video. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
This whole thread today brought me so much joy and excitement. Shout out to everyone that was there and happened to get awesome videos and pictures. -Joshua Chessin-Yudin
*
16:25 - Can see some splashing and hear their breaths at Al’s in Olalla, very close to Vashon side. -Robyn Dally
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15:44 - Can see some from Sunrise Beach Park in Gig Harbor. Headed north up Colvos hugging Vashon. -Kirsten Tucker
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15:40 - Lovely close to Vashon pass at Spring Beach Park. With private access permission. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
*
I love the size ratio of the person on shore with J26 Mike.  -photos by Tamara Kelley, December 9, 2022
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Here’s a screen grab I took from my phone video! From Point Robinson. -screen grab from video by Jami Cantrell, December 9, 2022
*
15:30 - Whales moving up Colvos from Dalco mid channel to Vashon side. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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15:25 - Members milling in 2 locations [approx. 47.337659, -122.531991 and 47.325027, -122.540147], mid Dalco & closer to southwest tip of Vashon/Colvos. -Melissa Bird
*
15:20 - Appears most if not all members are now west of ferry lanes. Slow westbound travel with some sweet inverted rolls and some tail slaps, directional changes likely foraging. Alisa and Marla aboard the Chetzy! -Alisa Lemire Brooks & Marla Smith Orca Network
*
J59 & J37 from Point Robinson. -photo by Ariel Yseth, December 9, 2022
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Off Point Robinson. -photos by Jeff Twersky, December 9, 2022
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15:13 - Several members mid Dalco Passage off Sunrise Beach, southbound.
15:11 - Several groups passing us at Dune, mid channel to Vashon side, travel mode, westbound. -Melissa Bird
*
15:05 - Js and Ks Dalco Passage. Leaders just west of ferry traffic lanes west bound. Pods are now spread in singles to small groups mostly back to south end Vashon and to mid channel. From ferry leaving Tahlequah. Playful group coming. -Alisa Lemire Brooks & Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
15:03 - Viewing from Point Defiance ferry terminal. Leaders are past ferry lane, still heading westbound. Spread out, in pairs. -Orca Conservancy
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14:52 - Leaders approaching ferry. -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
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14:49 - Spread out off of the south point of Vashon sightline Brown’s Point to Point Ruston in singles and pairs heading west, so many whales. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:50 - 2 in front of Vashon travel west almost to ferry. Couple out by channel marker middle channel Commencement Bay.
14:47 - Just approaching Maury westbound. To Quartermaster Harbor viewing from Point Defiance marina.
14:45 - More closer to Maury looks like heading west a bit.
14:41 - Seeing blows spread out mid channel just saw a breach between Dash Point and Maury, viewing from Point Defiance marina. -Cherie StOurs
*
Caught the close breach passing Point Robinson. -photo by Amber Stanfill, December 9, 2022
*
14:32 - Large group very spread out just passed Dash Point heading south. -Eric Elgar
*
14:32 - Visible now from Dune with binocs. Spread out wide.  -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
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14:20 - Viewing from Sandy Shores looking towards Brown’s Point. Spread out across the channel some closer to the Maury side. -Anna Stuart Olive
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Today was a day I will never forget! -photos by Monica Zaborac, December 9, 2022
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13:58 - Passing Gold Beach on Maury Island. Spread out. About 250 yards out and southbound. -Burt Miller
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13:37 - Js and Ks just passed by Point Robinson, large groups close in and spread to offshore. All southbound. Lone male trailing all the others just went by who Ariel says was K37. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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J47 Notch -photos by Marla Smith, December 9, 2022
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Nothing but love for these orcas. It was wonderful to finally meet little J-59! J-pod made their first daytime trek of the season into the south Sound, traveling alongside K-Pod. Our southern residents need all the space and respect we can give. -photos by Ashley Whitman, December 9, 2022
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13:36 - Definitely hearing them on hydrophone! -Cherie StOurs
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13:32 - Just watched them pass, from my porch in Des Moines. That’s the most surface activity I’ve ever seen from here. -Tanya Kuhr Marshall
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13:30 - Audible on Sound Action [hydrophone]. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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"A lot, a lot, a lot" of orcas coming [in video]. With some breaches and a spy hop and the excitement of it all.  -Caroline Martin Matter
*
13:28 - Hearings calls! Wow, So loud and chatty! -Brooke Casanova
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13:23 - Large group passing Luana Beach still southbound. Viewing from Des Moines marina. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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13:23 - Whole lot of orcas still just north of Point Robinson coming our way. A lot of surface activity, breaches galore!
13:09 - Still north of Point Robinson. Whales in sight, hopefully they’ll continue our way! Lovely place on earth with many lovely friends.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:52 - Southbound nearing Tramp Harbor. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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12:51 - 2 heading south from Crow Beach, Vashon. -Rachel Rodell
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12:45 - Just saw 2-3 from KVI, heading south. -Liz Riddle Sorensen
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12:30 - Seeing several blows west of midchannel. Viewing from Seahurst Park on the mainland. Heading southbound. -Sara Chastain
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12:14 - Seeing blows near Vashon from the Des Moines marina. -Marcie Evans
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12:14 - Trailers are off Dilworth seen from Lowman Beach. -Mary Hartmann
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11:59 - Some Js passed us just south of Glen Acres, including J26, playful travel southbound in two loose groups, others very spread out all the way to the mainland. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:57 - Watching members of the trailing group crossing the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry lane headed southbound now, mid-channel. -Mike Yov
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11:53 - Leaders passing Dilworth. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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11:45 - Saw one male with lead group southbound midchannel between Dolphin Point and Three Tree Point. Viewing 2 miles away from ferry. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:40 - Trailing group is large. At least 15-2 including 2-3 males mid channel north of Vashon Fauntleroy ferry lanes southbound. Surface active. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:38 - 2 breaches just north of Tillicum Village.
11:32 - Southbound between Bainbridge and Blake west in channel view from Lowman Beach. -Mary Hartmann
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11:32 - Seeing a couple fins and spouts off of Dolphin Point, some breaching, headed southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:24 - Still just east of Vashon ferry dock, slowly working southbound. -Tom Furtwangler
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11:23 - Donna Sandstrom called to report they have eyes on the 2nd group of orcas, now crossing south end Bainbridge Island to the north end Blake Island. No IDs, but is large group and super exciting.
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11:15 - Big breach mid channel across from Vashon ferry dock. Three with calf heading south quickly. -Jaymi Davison Garvett
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11:14 - Now approaching the Vashon ferry terminal. Southbound, very spread out. West of shipping lane. -Orca Conservancy
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Aubree Renfro
Date of Sighting: 12/9/2022
Time: 11:13 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: I’m on the north side of Alki, they are to the west southbound mid channel towards
Bainbridge
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least 2
Any unusual markings?: To far to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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11:10 - Donna Sanders, WSF ISSAQUAH just reported they are still in the water due to a large pod of possibly 15 Orca near the FVS>VASH traffic lanes.
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11:08 - Quickly approaching Alki.
11:05 - From Old Creosote on Bainbridge, watching 8-10 orca travel south quickly. Kitsap side. At least one large male and a youngster. Komo helicopter out there and north of them. Good conditions for viewing. -Kimberly Sylvester
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11:05 - Leaders now in front of Blake Island viewing from Shorewood on the Sound. Heading south [approx. 47.539563, -122.463993]. -Orca Conservancy
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10:58 - At least some of the orcas are in Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry lanes still steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:47 - Another male east of midchannel south of Emma Schmitz heading fast south toward ferry lane. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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10:44 - Approaching Blake Island - group is spread out, heading south, midchannel. -Elizabeth Claydon
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10:49 - Starting to see more coming south spread out across the channel.
10:43 - Just spotted some southbound past the south end of Lincoln Park, viewing from Fauntlee Hills. More towards the West Seattle side. -Mike Yov
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10:42 - Male and female fast southbound midchannel off Emma Schmitz. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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10:30 - I see one near Blake Island heading south. -Abby Orsch
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09:58 - Large group here generally [approx. 47.659477, -122.459653]. Still breaching, possibly playing in tanker’s wake, southbound.
09:50 - Seeing a sequence of breaches by multiple orcas just northeast Skiff Point Bainbridge sightline from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris Slye
Date of Sighting: 12/9/2022
Time: 9:20 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Yeomalt Point East side of Bainbridge Island 1/2 -1 mile off shore
Direction of travel : South Steady pace
Behaviors observed: Foraging Some breaching
If orcas, any males?: one Male Very Slender and tall Dorsal At least one young one.
Any unusual markings?: Most likely Transients [J & K Pod]
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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09:16 - We are anchored up [outside Kingston] and saw them go by. -photos by Lydia Sigo, December 9, 2022
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08:55 - Large group just passed President Point [Kingston] southbound. -Trish Moylan Davis
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Dec 9 - Puget Sound (Presumed T137s but unconfirmed) - 12:50 - Orcas are now north of Anderson Point. -Jan Cameron Alferness
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12:00 - Orcas northbound in Colvos Passage from near Camp Sealth. Likely transients. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Fri, Dec 9 - Admiralty Inlet
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rico Moore
Date of Sighting: 12/9/2022
Time: 2:45 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: ~500 yards north of north beach county park in Port Townsend.
Direction of travel : Traveling east.
Behaviors observed: Traveling, apparently hunting.
If orcas, any males?: Couldn’t tell
Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t tell.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Dec 9 - Haro Strait - 13:30 - Seen off of Lime Kiln - not even 100% sure what we were seeing as visibility wasn’t the best but pretty sure there were two out there [video shows humpbacks]. -Maren Custer [WSSJI]

December 8
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 8 - Saratoga Passage (J Pod) - Cold day but I got down to Hidden Beach in time to see a few of J pod plowing through the white caps, a few mid-channel but mostly more toward Camano. Caught a brief look at a few more a bit north of there, but had to go home to warm up! I think this is J37 Hyshqa? -photo by Bonnie Gretz, December 8, 2022
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13:40 - Look to be spread out foraging between Race Lagoon and Madrona Beach. Directional changes. Some drifting north, some south. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:30 - Getting a few glimpses of them from my house, agree they seem to be trending south. Watching with spotting scope, they're a long way over towards Rockaway Beach on Camano. Some foraging too, I've only seen 2 or 3. -Jill Hein, Orca Network
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13:10 - Appeared to have flipped south at Harrington Lagoon area. Will confirm if committed soon.
12:50 - Spread out slow northbound near Race Lagoon. Some foraging. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:39 - Finally saw them, they’re getting out of my range. -Aaron Gill
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12:14 - At least 8 heading north approaching Onamac Point on Camano side. Lots of splash and belly flops. -Marie Heil
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11:47 - Straight across from Cama - Hidden beach area.
11:45 - Viewing from Cama State Park. Seeing several fins on Whidbey side. Could be milling. -Linda Aitkins, Orca Network
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11:21 - Mid channel from Hidden Beach looking south, very choppy water northbound. -Bonnie Gretz
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11:00 - Updates from Rachel Haight and Linda Aitkins have J pod continuing northbound travels (very slowly) in Saratoga Passage mid channel to favoring Camano side In general spread out between wide open area out from Holmes Harbor entrance to Camano Island State Park.
10:28 - Orcas in Saratoga are still moving northbound spread out across the passage about 2+ miles north of Langley. -Orca Network
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09:43 - Seeing a few more north that have passed Langley but appear to be on the Camano side of mid channel.
09:42 - It's looking possible for J pod. I am seeing more north and further over towards Camano. The others have passed the marina now. All northbound.
09:27 - Only seeing a few. Slow pokey traveling northbound out from Langley Marina, Whidbey side of Saratoga Passage.
9:13 - I have a couple orcas out from west side of Sandy Point, northbound into Saratoga Passage. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, December 8, 2022
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08:26 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: SUQUAMISH, 0739hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 10-12 orca just off the CLIN dock, headed in a NB direction. 
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Thu, Dec 8 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - 16:45 - Seen from the deck of the ferry while waiting at dock for the pod to move through. -Erin Enns Hauk
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16:34 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: ISSAQUAH Orca Report From SW 12/8/2022 1634hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they are holding in at SW due to 20 orca just east of the terminal, moving slowly to the north. 
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16:32 - Leaders are passing the north tip of Vashon. Still traveling northbound. Approaching ferry lanes. Mid channel. Losing light quickly. Spread out. -Candace Gavin
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16:08 - Seeing fins northbound midchannel just south of the Southworth ferry lanes. -April Basham
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15:56 - They hung out for about 30 minutes here and are heading north. I’m in Olalla. -Jeannette Marie
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K20 Spock & K45 - 15:18 - Adorable! -back of camera photo by Kirsten Tucker, December 8, 2022
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14:55 - Trailers passing Lisabuela. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:52 - Just saw them at Anderson County Park. -Mary Moreno
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14:39 - They’ve slowed a bit. I think maybe they’re feeding. Have seen a couple of breaches in the distance. -Kirsten Tucker
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14:35 - K37 Rainshadow passing Lisabuela. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:32 - Two trailer adult males approaching Lisabuela favoring mainland side, all steady northbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:30 - Leaders slowly approaching Al's. Spread north to south and east to west across the channel. -Ashley Whitman
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14:18 - K26 in lead group passing Lisabuela now. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:14 - I can just see them now from Olalla. They are coming fast! -Kirsten Tucker
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14:00 - Leaders south of and approaching Lisabuela, northbound spread out across the channel, travel mode. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:07 - Can confirm there were several individuals who got as far south as the south end of Sunrise Beach, but they turned back around there. I know last time any residents entered the Narrows, it was K Pod. We had the transient "Twins" trailing them that day too.
13:44 - Looks like they've all turned & are northbound into Colvos.
13:39 - At least 4 individuals southbound out of Colvos, into Dalco, meeting up with the 2 most southern individuals.
13:33 - Still seeing many blows just inside of entrance to Colvos. 2 trailers still just south of main group in Dalco, but northbound towards main group. Main group is milling but trending north.
13:23 - Several individuals foraging the mouth of Colvos, trending north. -Melissa Bird
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13:12 - South end of Colvos.
13:00 - K34 & K37 passed Anthony’s heading west. 
12:53 - K34 from Anthony’s Point Defiance. -back of camera photo by Ariel Yseth, December 8, 2022
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13:10 - Several individuals spread throughout Dalco passage from southwest tip of Vashon to off Owen Beach, foraging. -Melissa Bird
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13:11 - Lots of surface activity on the Gig Harbor side at the entrance for Colvos.
13:01 - Leaders look to be heading south to Narrows Bridge. -Robyn Dally
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12:54 - Several individuals passing us close to Dune, westbound. -Melissa Bird
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12:49 - Three in travel mode just nearing the Vashon ferry terminal. Westbound.
12:48 - K Pod from Dune Peninsula, Tahlequah ferry terminal in background.  -photo by Jill Clogston, December 8, 2022
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12:47 - Approaching south tip of Vashon. -Jordan Allen
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12:44 - Just passing the mouth to Quartermaster on the Vashon side. -Robyn Dally
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12:40 - More dorsals visible mid channel near the channel marker. Little breaches! Appear to be westbound. -Brooke Casanova
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12:39 - From Anthony’s in Tacoma looking toward midchannel marker heading west toward Point Defiance. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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12:38 - At least one bull is westbound along the south shore of Maury, close to the island. Seeing a few more individuals just east of the buoy, both to the north & south of it, southbound. One bull has crossed Quartermaster Harbor & has reached southeast tip of Vashon, westbound. -Melissa Bird
*
12:43 - I’d estimate maybe 8 total spread out, viewing from a distance at Dune.
12:37 - Seeing at least one dorsal westbound off of south tip of Maury. -Linda Podiak
*
12:33 - From Dune have several individuals off Piner Point, look to be foraging. At least one Individual who looks to be a bull, east of channel marker buoy, passing Dash Point area, approaching Brown’s Point southbound. Not right up close to shore, but closer to shore than mid channel. -Melissa Bird
*
12:35 - At least one is past the southern tip of Maury, moving quickly now in a southwesterly direction.
12:29 - Seeing lots of activity out from Maury Island Marine Park. Splashes & dorsals making directional changes, no one appears to be at the southern tip of Maury yet. 
12:20 - Large dorsal nearing the southern tip of Maury, westbound.
12:16 - Seeing multiple dorsals, spread out from mainland side to channel marker. -Brooke Casanova
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12:15 - Visible from stadium neighborhood in Tacoma, closer mid channel. -James Rempt
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12:13 - I see at least 4 heading towards the lighthouse. -Rowena Mills
*
12:10 - Seeing some trending west towards southeast tip of Vashon with others mid channel still moving south. All are spread out.
11:55 - Looks like the leaders are passed Gold Beach still southbound. Lots of surface activity. Still super spread out. Viewing from Brown's Point Lighthouse. Some already at the south tip of Maury. -Candace Gavin
*
12:03 - Past Maury Island. Now heading west in Dalco Passage.
11:53 - Close to Piner Point on Maury. Still southbound but some milling or circling.
11:45 - They're between Gold Beach on Maury Island and Brown’s Point. Heading South. Closer to Maury. -Burt Miller
*
11:40 - Also seeing blows island side!
11:26 - Seeing blows from Dune, mid channel. -Brooke Casanova
*
K16 Opus - 11:08 - Beautiful bouncy Ks, very spread out in singles, island side of channel to mostly mid channel with some also on mainland side. Some foraging, most in travel mode southbound, trailer male has just cleared the point way out in mid channel. -photos by Marla Smith, December 8, 2022
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11:01 - Still southbound now visible from Maury Marine Park, very spread out behind the ferry Walla Walla that stopped for a moment and then continued on. -Janna Ignatow
*
10:46 - From my vantage point (south end of Three Tree Point) appears all whales are at or have passed Point Robinson, just saw some HUGE splashes as they passed (breach maybe?).
10:36 - Viewing from the south end of Three Tree Point, spread out from north to south, some stragglers are still directly in front of the south end of Three Tree Point others have appeared to past Point Robinson. A ferry following the group. Heading south. So maybe 4-5. -Shelly Sh
*
10:33 - Seeing spread out whales from Point Robinson some nearing the point, all headed southbound.
09:37 - Just had K26 Lobo pass me close in to shore, just south of Glen acres, steady southbound. Haven’t seen others yet, very rainy and windy out here, poor visibility with the rain squalls. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
09:35 - Seeing at least three clearing Dilworth closer to Island side. Heading southbound. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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09:20 - Seeing an adult male on the horizon line nearing or just passing the Vashon/Fauntleroy ferry lane, mid channel favoring island side headed southbound, sight line viewing from just south of Glen Acres.   -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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K22 Sekiu - 08:56 - A friend on the water taxi just sent a video and I think it may by Ks who were off of Alki. I will see if I can upload the video. -screen grab from video by friend of Ellen Weir, December 8, 2022
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08:46 - Vashon water taxi just saw a group, just southeast of Blake [Island]. -Liz Riddle Sorenson
*
08:30 - Amy Carey relayed report of orcas headed southbound near Alki. 
*
08:26 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: TACOMA, 0741hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted 5-10 orca in the TSS heading in a SB direction. WRAS updated.
*
08:15 - Amelia Jennings called to report seeing one
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 8 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T251)  - With a report of orca off Sooke, we headed out to reacquire Bigg’s/Transient Killer Whale T251 (M ~1982) foraging westerly zig zagging through the swell and white caps! -Sooke Coastal Explorations -photos by Paul Pudwell, December 8, 2022
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Thu, Dec 8 - Rosario Strait (T77s & others) - 08:30 - I got them halfway up Rosario headed north/northwest. Definitely about a dozen of them, including one mature male and a definite calf, possibly newborn. I can pretty confidently say that they were Bigg’s. Still working on any possible IDs; I didn’t get the best photos. [ID by Sam Wallace includes T77C & T77D, likely T77 & T77E & others]. -photos by Sam Wallace, December 8, 2022
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08:30 - Report had them east of Blakely [Island] heading northwest towards Obstruction Pass. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: YAKIMA, 0759hrs: Vessel reports they've come to all-stop for a pod of 8 orca; 5-6 juveniles and 2 adults, in Rosario Strait, East of Decatur Island. 
*
Thu, Dec 8 - South Puget Sound (T137s  - 16:18 - I saw them! So excited to watch them [from 13:00 - 14:30] at Titlow Beach! -Linda Barckert
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15:44 - Between Sunnyside and McNeil. Just west of Steilacoom ferry dock.
15:29 - Off Sunnyside Beach. Near the buoy. -Kathi Gibson Coleman
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15:29 - Looking from Chambers Bay. They're in line with McNeil Island & nearing the buoy. Trending southwest. -David Bennett
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15:25 - Traveling south approaching McNeil [Island], viewing from Chambers Bay walk bridge. -Cherie StOurs
*
15:25 - They're moving fast heading south past Fox Island.
15:20 - They're moving southbound east of Fox Island. -David Bennett
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15:10 - Approaching McNeil Island.
15:05 - Saw a full breach from Day Island through my zoom lens. Same location out from Fox Island Pier
15:00 - They are further out now and possibly headed towards Chambers Bay or southbound towards McNeil?
14:55 - I just saw a blow off the Fox Island pier. I’m viewing from Day Island.  -Karen Caldwell
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15:00 - Orcas between Fox Island and University Place just south of Day Island and mid channel and heading south. -Pattie LaRue Warr
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14:59 - Earlier when they were north of bridge after the kill. -Susan White
*
14:56 - Watching from Lemons Beach Road. Mid channel, staying put. One male, one female, two juveniles. -Rich Kuras
*
14:22 - Just saw them between Gig Harbor and Fox Island on the western side. Viewpoint from University Place. -Glen German
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12:30 - 13:15 - I watched them take down a sea lion about .25 miles north of the bridge just below the power tower favoring the Gig Harbor side. They may have been training the younger, smaller whales in the pod because it went on for a long time before the sea lion finally gave up. Then they seemed to be feeding and doing tail and flipper slaps, it was disturbing to watch but amazing at the same time to see how they work together. -Lorel McChesney
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14:11 - Slowly moving southbound. Far out. -Linda Podiak
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13:56 - Just south of the bridge mid channel. -Lori Vonderhorst
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13:56 - Confirmed T137s. -Ashley Whitman
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13:55 - All four visible closer to Gig Harbor side currently hunting. -Linda Podiak
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13:41 - Walked to the end of my street and caught quite a show - they spent quite a bit of time milling around (hunting?) and I saw 4 big tail slaps in a row! -Lori Vonderhorst
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13:51 - Heading south close to Gig Harbor side.
13:37 - South of bridge now. One male, one female for sure.
13:35 - [Ts] Appear to be heading back north again.
13:30 - Viewing from Titlow. Can't give much details but a group [orcas] heading south under the Narrows Bridge now. -Rich Kuras
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13:31 - Slowly going south under the bridge.
13:29 - 100 yards north of bridge. -Andrea Reubel Walker
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13:26 - Still circling north of Narrows Bridge.
12:37 - Orca north of Narrows Bridge on a kill center one mile north of bridge. -Susan White
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Dec 8 11:58 PST AND 14:49 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.22824,-122.56284 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Stone
Whale Alert App 
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Daniel Phillips
Date of Sighting: 12/8/2022
Time: 11:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Just north of the Tacoma Narrows bridge
Direction of travel : North slow and south occasional while tail slapping
Behaviors observed: Hunting, feeding.
If orcas, any males?: One male and one possible calf.
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Watched them for an hour through binoculars from shore under the bridge. Sea gulls flocking and diving above them feeding on the leftovers. I did see the head of a freshly eaten hearing on the beach. Lots of fluke slapping and circling with occasional breaches.
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Thu, Dec 8 - Bellingham Bay - FB post: shared with us “Just before sunset he watched 3 orcas swimming off Taylor Dock.” 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Dec 8 - Haro Strait - 12-08-22, Humpback, Haro Strait - 10:35, A humpback traveling south/down island in choppy seas, 1/2 mile from shore. There could have been 2 humpbacks but it was very hard to see fins in so many humpback-shaped waves! Surfacing infrequently I only saw them twice but thought I might have seen two blows. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank. Photo from shore, heavily cropped and enlarged. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photo by Michelline Halliday, December 8, 2022

December 7
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 7 - Puget Sound & Possession Sound (J & K Pod) - A cold but successful day watching some very active Southern Residents along the shores of Whidbey! All zoomed and cropped and taken close to the Clinton ferry.  -photos by Donna George, December 7, 2022
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Taken from Whidbey looking toward Hat [Island]. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 7, 2022
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16:17 - Stopped at Harborview Park for a few minutes. I could see several surfacing out in front of Hat Island heading east. -Chris McNally
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16:15 - 16:30 - They came around the east side of Hat, some are south of Camano Head heading west. Another part of the group lingering between Tulalip and south Port Susan, very surface active. -Lori Christopher
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16:10 - Saw a breach north of Hat and about a mile east of Sandy Point. Could not tell direction. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:51 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: 1418hrs: Email noted from Orca Network for a group of 30-40 orca NB in Possession Sound approaching the MUK>CLIN route. SUQUAMISH and TOKITAE notified. 1432hrs: SUQUAMISH reports that the group is at CLIN at this time, continuing to move NB. Noted. 1446hrs: TOKITAE reports one large male moving SB alone. 
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14:35 - They were all around the ferries this afternoon in Clinton. I was on the 2:35 sailing and we had to come to a complete halt and then proceed at what felt like 1 knot. -Andrew Bakkinger
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14:47 - Seeing them from Edgewater. I’ve seen some milling, but they seem to be trending north. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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14:45 - See spread out orcas including several males in general in this area. Northbound. And a male south of ferry lanes Clinton side facing south, think he’s foraging. [approx. 48.002795, -122.337804]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:33 - They seem committed more so towards northeast about middish channel. Spread out from north side mid ferry channel to downtown Everett. I'm viewing from south end Brighton Beach. They are still northbound. There is a trailing group of about 6-8 on the Whidbey side of mid heading towards and in between Brighton and Hat. -Marilyn Armbruster
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K38 Comet & K43 Saturna - 14:30 - Passing Clinton ferry. -IDs by Melissa Pinnow -photo by Rachel Haight, December 7, 2022
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14:35 - Some angling northeast north of ferry lanes. Spread out. Not sure if any still south of ferry lanes, haven’t seen any.
14:20 - Spread out leaders in ferry traffic lanes mid channel to west of. Male making directional changes mid channel. All northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:21 - Stalled out in ferry lanes. See a big male just resting midchannel.
14:14 - Just south of Clinton ferry terminal. -Suzanne McKetta
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13:50 - A group with 2 males just went past Possession Park northbound. A baby is with this group too. -Donna George
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13:50 - Definitely working their way along Whidbey shore toward Clinton. -Suzanne McKetta
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13:45 - Seeing fins and blows from Glendale. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:35 - Now off the southwest of Possession Point traveling towards Possession Sound [approx. 47.903512, -122.369160].
13:21 - Viewing from Sunset Ave, appearing to be traveling northwest in front of Cultus Bay. Looks like line of travel is going to be up Whidbey shoreline. -Orca Conservancy
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13:25 - Leaders approaching Possession Sound. 
13:05 - It looks like they’re going northeast towards me in Mukilteo.
12:55 - Been watching about a dozen of them for the past 20-30 mins and either they’ve stalled about here or they’re starting to head east [approx. 47.844704, -122.455165]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:45 - Seeing a group including at least one male close to Edmonds north of ferry traffic lanes. From my vantage (Marina Beach looking north) they appear eastbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:21 - Multiple individuals crossing south/southeast sightline Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay/Possession Point at least 3 males/6 individuals surfaced at once.
12:00 - I see blows and a male dorsal, sightline Apple Tree Point to Scatchet Head way out there! -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:00 - Kim Page called to report 10+ orcas southbound between Pilot Point and Eglon, Kitsap side.
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11:55 - J26 spotted. Update: the whole J16s. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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11:53 - Too far for IDs, 30 whales southbound off Pilot Point. -Christopher Hanke
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11:40 - There are a lot of orcas out here, at least 20-30 so far, so possibly two pods. Too far for IDs. Pod is grouped making their way southbound west of mid channel northeast of Eglon sightline from Stamm Overlook. South of last reports. Surface active as they go.
11:30 - Seeing large grouped group of orcas southbound about here. Due south of Scatchet Head, southeast of Point No Point. Lots of surface activity. [approx. 47.892672, -122.469259]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:30 - Lots of activity at Point No Point. They turned around and headed south again. Got there at 10:30, is now 11:30 they’re heading south. -Dianna Cowden Root
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10:40 - Seeing a couple blows trending northbound from Maxwelton. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:35 - Thanks to the keen eyes and help of Sara Montour Lewis, I’m seeing male, with possibly another making their way northbound about midway between Stamm Overlook and Point No Point. She’s been seeing others spread out to the south for the last several minutes [approx. 47.900784, -122.442991]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:13 - I just saw breaching and dorsal fins at Eglon. 
10:09 - I just saw a couple of breaches at Eglon. -Dianna Cowden Root
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09:18 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 0855hrs: SPOKANE Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 6 orca, north of the ferry crossing, mid-channel, heading in a northerly direction.
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09:10 - Orcas northbound off Edmonds/Kingston at least. Presuming spread out residents, treat as such unless confirmed otherwise. Both Js and Ks were on Port Townsend hydrophone last night. In general, at about 09:00 [approx. 47.814310, -122.425289].
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Vliet
Date of Sighting: 12/7/202
Time: 8:58 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Kingston to Edmonds ferry
Direction of travel : Eastbound
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Breathtaking, truly. They came within a couple hundred feet of the ferry. I was so thankful for the ferry crew who immediately stopped travel once the orca were detected. And for them alerting us that these majestic creatures were present.
Photos available?:
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 7 - South Puget Sound (T137s)
16:30 - Seems like they may still be ‘in the hood.’ At least as of 4:30. At waning light, they were heading again south into Budd Inlet - where the local lighting condition(s) prevented any visuals. Wind and wave actions have prevented any ‘audio sightings’ of them as well.
13:30 - Orcas heading into Budd Inlet passing Burfoot Park into the Gulf Harbor area, mid-channel. Long down times. Can see large male (assume it's Jack) and at least two other smaller ones. Way far away.
One of the last sightings -out of 4- heading north/south all afternoon. This (back of camera super enlarged image) was them heading south just north of Boston Harbor. One of the only images of all four fins. -Kim Merriman -back of camera photo by Kim Merriman, December 7, 2022
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Dec 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Spent the afternoon of December 7th on the Salish Sea. A pair of humpback whales feeding in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or the Juan de Fuca Strait since they could have been on the Canadian side. -George Holland [WSSJI]

December 6
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Tue, Dec 6 - Puget Sound (K Pod exited Admiralty Inlet, then met up with J Pod before turning back south in Admiralty Inlet just before dark)
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Out to Fort Casey in the cold (but not snowing!) to catch a brief and distant look at some of K pod as they sped by Port Townsend, lovely to see! Then a gray whale popped up right in front of the Admiralty Head lighthouse! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, December 6, 2022
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18:49 - Hearing faint calls again/still.
18:35 - Hearing calls again.
17:46 - In quieter seas now that tug has passed am I hearing J pod S1 calls ever so faintly or ears playing tricks?
17:23 - Definitely hearing J pod. 
17:16 - Hearing calls of who sounds like both Ks and Js. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:43 - Large pod (or two) between North Beach, Port Townsend, and the big orange buoy near Ebey’s Landing. Many large males, lots of spy-hopping and lobtailing. Perhaps happy to see the sun. 15:15-15:30, headed southeast. -Annette Huenke
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16:26 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: SALISH - Orca Report 12/6/2022 1626hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 5 orca in the SB shipping lanes between Port Townsend and Keystone Harbor, moving south. 
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16:02 - South of [Point] Wilson west of the lanes headed south fast. -Ryan Johnson
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15:35 - WSF Salish reports 10+ Orcas headed north between Port Townsend and Coupeville.
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13:14 - You can see them from Fort Ebey. They are quite a way out but seem to be continuing north. -Melissa Gardner
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12:20 - After several minutes of silence (or super faint) hearing K pod calls again. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:15 - Cindi Rausch called to report while watching K pod continue northbound mid-ish channel she too saw the baleen [CRC2440] super close in shore to shore (maybe 50 yard out). Surfaced twice then disappeared. Ks continuing mid channel.
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12:10 - Wonderful number of vocalizations right now. Bulk tanker "Indian Bunker" is moving northbound now nearing Fort Casey going slow (10kn). Hopefully doesn't drown them out.
12:00 - Calls and whistles continue. So lovely. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:58 - Viewing from the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry westbound sailing to Port Townsend, I see what appears to be the trailers directly between my blue mark [approx. 48.130520, -122.706635] and Point Wilson about 3/4 of a mile. They are still aiming to the northwest. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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11:43 - 12:00 - Very chatty on hydrophone. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:56 - Continuing north. Passing Fort Casey. They are spread out a little more, but generally together. Staying mid channel. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:56 - Me, too [hearing them]. -Patricia Prochaska
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11:52 - Love this! Listening to them on the hydrophone. -Dawn Müller-DePape
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11:50 - So chatty on the Port Townsend hydrophone.  -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:48 - Watching them go by Port Townsend, mid channel. -Bonnie Gretz
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11:46 - Hearing calls on Port Townsend hydrophone.  -T.L. Stokes
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11:46 - Still mid channel heading north.  -Janine Harles
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11:50 - Still hearing K pod calls. Mew mew.
11:41- Hearing calls under tanker noise. Per AIS. two tankers moving through, one in each direction as well as passenger cruise liner. We (Orca Network) have notified all large commercial maritime and WSF. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:38 - They are still heading north on both sides of the tanker’s wake. Viewing from Fort Casey.
11:34 - Looks like they are crossing over west of mid channel, possibly to get west of the tanker. -Janine Harles
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11:26 - Heard them. -Jenny Stands Wilson
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11:28 - Regular faint calls now - definitely Ks.
11:20 - Heard a faint call on Port Townsend hydro - another one at 11:23. Sounds like Ks. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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11:18 - Cindi Rausch called from Fort Casey where she's watching orcas who are too far away for IDs but definitely more than 4. Surface activity, breaching while moving quickly northbound. Were seeing blows appear mostly mid channel but trending toward Fort Casey.
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11:00 - Just saw them in the rip tide coming off Marrowstone Point, at least one male and several females. -Greg Johnston
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10:32 - Several orca Lagoon Point. Big male close in on Lagoon Point and Marrowstone jumpers in the distance. Heading north. -photo by Bill Setter, December 6, 2022
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Dec 6 - South Puget Sound (T137s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christine Turner
Date of Sighting: 12/6/2022
Time: 4:54 PM
Species seen: Believe it to be orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Nisqually Reach in the water 
Direction of travel : NW at a leisurely pace?
Behaviors observed: Together in a group coming up for air, diving for up to 30 seconds then going down again. The whole sighting lasted less than 5 minutes.
If orcas, any males?: Too far away to tell, and we didn't have the telephoto lens on the camera to get good detail
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We were on our deck a distance from the water, so we can't give enough detail
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Christine Turner, December 6, 2022
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From: Christine Turner
Date and Time Sighting Observed: 2022-12-06 04:55 PM
Marine Mammal Type: Orca (Killer Whale) Unknown Type
If SRKW, select pod/s:
If other:
Number of Marine Mammals Observed:
Latitude: 47.137338°
Longitude: -122.789193
Country: Within US International Boundary
General Location: Other
If other: Nisqually Reach
Describe what you saw: Swimming of several whales, one seemed much smaller than the others, coming up for air, diving for 30 seconds or so, then coming up in another position
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14:37 - There are at least four I believe orcas between Tolmie Park and Johnson’s Point this hour. They have surfaced a few times, appear to be a young one, two average ones and one larger with a very tall fin.   -Bonnie Gross
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Dec 6 - San Juans - 13:20 - 2 humpbacks heading south in San Juan Channel, towards Cattle Point. -Jeanne Sept [WSSJI]
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10:45 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: SAMISH spots Humpbacks Log entry 1036hrs: Vessel reports spotting 2-3 humpback whales at the confluence of Upright Channel and San Juan Channel just off Flat Point. Pod is heading in an easterly direction. 
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Dec 6 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC2440) - Was close to Whidbey, about 50 feet offshore when passing lighthouse at Fort Casey! Saw a gray whale today southbound by Fort Casey, very close to shore. ID'd as CRC2440 - while K-pod was exiting Admiralty Inlet on the west side.  -photo by Jill Hein, December 6, 2022
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12:42 - Gray whale continues south towards Lagoon Point, as seen from Driftwood Park/Crockett Lake. -Steve Smith
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12:15 - Cindi Rausch called to report while watching K pod continue northbound mid-ish channel she too saw the baleen super close in shore to shore (maybe 50 yard out). Surfaced twice then disappeared. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 6, 2022
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ID notes by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research: Fort Casey Gray whale is CRC2440.  - 12:05 - Gray whale southbound just off of Admiralty lighthouse! -Bonnie Gretz

December 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 5 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - As they passed Dash Point. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 5, 2022
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Lobo approaching Point Robinson earlier. -photo by Ariel Yseth, December 5, 2022 - K33 Tika - ID by Ariel Yseth - K16 Opus - ID by Ariel Yseth
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K26 Lobo - From Point Robinson. -photos by Jami Cantrell, December 5, 2022
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17:00 - Can still see one between old town dock and Brown’s Point marina lights. -Ed Rickert
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16:40 - Now seeing several fins moving east back into Commencement Bay. Losing light fast. Looking from Dune with line of sight Brown's Point. -Candace Gavin
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16:32 - Jordan Light, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: WSF CHETZEMOKA reports 4-6 orca heading west a half mile off of Point Defiance.
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16:30 - Got a little tail slap as they passed by the Dune Peninsula. -Cherie StOurs
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16:16 - Viewing from Anthony’s (Ruston), foraging behaviors, right before ferry lane. -Orca Conservancy
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16:15 - Seeing several fins passing the southeast tip of Vashon mid channel approaching ferry lines. Viewing from Dune. -Candace Gavin
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16:12 - Seeing two from Dune looking mid channel without binocs. Saw at least 3 other individuals looking towards Brown’s Point lighthouse with binocs, headed into Commencement Bay. -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
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15:54 - Just saw a tall fin from Dune, orca continue heading southeast. I can at least confirm K12 20 26 27 33 37 42 43 45 today. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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15:45 - At least half the pod is now at Brown’s Point including K20 & super wonderful K45. Spread from off the point here to mid channel southwest bound. Angling toward Commencement Bay. And dozens of CA sea lions being lovely and vocal. Visibility only to mid channel looking towards Ruston. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:44 - A group is passing Brown's Point Lighthouse, mid channelish, southbound. Surface activities of breaching & tail slapping. Calf, bulls, & females present. Visibility is tough. Also surrounded by very active sea lions feasting just off shore! -Melissa Bird
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15:44 - I’m seeing a male heading south towards the lighthouse. Very active, saw 3 breaches so far, a female trailing behind heading the same direction.
15:37 - I see the leaders still heading south moving closer to the Vashon side nearing ferry. Viewing north of Brown’s Point lighthouse, south of Dash Point pier. -Rowena Mills
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15:24 - K20 and K45 plus one arriving at Dash Point pier. Passing now very much on this side. Visible with naked eye in misty foggy conditions. She’s (K45) porpoising! So cute.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:13 - Leaders past Gold Beach now, very spread out, some mid channel to Vashon side, all steady southbound, nearing Sandy Shores.
14:36 - Trailers have passed Point Robinson, close pass for some of the Ks, but very spread out in singles and doubles, all southbound, some vocalizations on Sound Action hydro as they passed, so beautiful! -photos by Marla Smith, December 5, 2022
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14:25 - Most have passed by Des Moines and Point Robinson very spread out. Several still north of Point Robinson southbound. K20 & K45 continued southbound travels east side but angled toward mid channel as they continued on. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:25 - Also hearing some clicks and calls on hydrophone. -Ann Ventic
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14:11 - Seeing blows nearing Point Robinson, island side of channel, at least one is passing us mid channel now. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:08 - From high bluff Des Moines, can see pod spread wide north of transect marina and Point Robinson: 2 females or juvenile well on east side, K45 trailing and east. Couple east of mid channel, and with one bull west of them and another bull trailing back near research skiff. All slow steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:07 - Near Des Moines Marina now. -Scott Hill
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14:04 - Lots of spouts and research boat seen from Point Robinson, closer to KVI. -Jake Conroy
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13:45 - K20 & K45, plus the two others on this side angling more mid channel, little K45 looks like little porpoise in the distance with naked eye. Others spread in sight mid channel all southbound. Believe all south of Three Tree point spread in singles to loose groups of few.
13:35 - No less than the cutest baby tail slap and forward fully out of the air leap by K45. She reminds me of Scarlet. She likes to explore away from mom and rejoin and play and just nail your heart! Others back by yellow buoy off the point midchannel and ahead.
13:30 - Got K20 and super adorbs K45 right off Three Tree Point, now south side with couple others. Can see several males more. Mid channel all southbound. This babe is so spunky!
13:15 - I just arrived north side Three Tree Point and see at least half dozen in a line east of mid channel sightline just slightly north of Dilworth, Vashon (private community) includes little one and male. Steady southbound just at mirage line [approx. 47.467174, -122.402867]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:12 - Just passing Dilworth spread all across the channel. Southbound. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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13:08 - Slowly southbound approaching Dilworth closer to Vashon side. Looks like small research boat traveling with pod.  -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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12:58 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1234hrs: ISSAQUAH reports via 800MHz they have spotted the same pod of 10-20 orca spread out from Dolphin Point to Brace Point, heading in a southerly direction. 
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12:44 - Leaders now past northern tip of Vashon heading south. Spread out across shipping channel. Viewing from Fauntleroy ferry terminal. -Orca Conservancy
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12:34 - Spread from south of Vashon ferry dock to south of Blake Island southbound west of mid channel seen from Lowman.
12:20 - Two breaches south of Tillicum village seen from Lowman. -Mary Hartmann
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12:05 - 3 more spotted southbound off Constellation Park Alki. One breach.
12:00 - 2 orcas headed southbound northeast of Blake Island. -Patti Waterfall
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11:56 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1139hrs: SEA/BI vessel WENATCHEE reports via 800MHz slowing down mid-crossing for a pod of ~10 orca, heading in a southbound direction.
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11:56 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1152hrs: SEA/BREM KALEETAN reports via 800MHz slowing down mid-crossing for a pod of ~12 orca at Restoration Pt and 10 orca at buoy Tango, all heading in a southbound direction.
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11:45 - My fiancé on eastbound Bainbridge-Seattle ferry reports seeing one in ferry lane, north of Alki. Ferry diverted far north to avoid. Orca seemed to be heading west. -Trileigh Tucker
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11:40 - Distant now, occasionally surfacing on the west side of channel by Bainbridge.
11:29 - At least 2 right now heading south past Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint right now. -Alex Sowers
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11:25 - Scanning from Old Creosote on Bainbridg, several fins mid channel, favoring Kitsap side, spread out between our line of sight just north of Alki to just north of Eagle Harbor, southbound. -Kimberly Sylvester
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10:56 - At least 4 orca southbound close to Bainbridge, just seen from Bainbridge ferry. Orcas approximately here right now: (47.6534737, -122.4843320). -Raphael Fennimore
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Martha West
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:24 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Puget Sound - North Beach Seattle - just north of Golden Gardens
Direction of travel : Headed N/NE at a fairly swift pace - in the short amount of time it took to grab my binoculars and good camera, he/she was out of my sightline.
Behaviors observed: Taveling, and hunting perhaps? Diving down, surfacing and making good progress. It was two hours after low tide at our location, and he/she seemed fairly close to shore.
If orcas, any males?: I really couldn't tell - seemed like a big straightish dorsal, but I couldn't say for sure
Any unusual markings?: I couldn't see well enough
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I have some poor cell phone photos that I'll email. I think there was only one Orca, but that seems odd? I definitely saw one, but don't think there were any others - at least none that I could document
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Martha West, December 5, 2022
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10:22 - Breaches off Golden Gardens now. -Jennifer Greiner Clark
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Michael Hamm
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:15 AM
Species seen: Orca whales
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Meadow Point - Salish Sea / Puget Sound
Direction of travel : Lat 47.69961 LON -122.4012
Behaviors observed: Traveling south towards Golden Gardens. Mother breached with calf following behind
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: More Orcas sighted towards mid channel headed south.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
K20 Spock & K22 Sekiu - K20 Spock & K45 - K12 Sequim - K37 Rainshadow -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks
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10:39 - A group just porpoised past Golden Gardens so so close in.
10:20 - Fins spread out all around Golden Gardens on east side of channel.  -photos by Matt Leaman, December 5, 2022
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10:08 - 2 big breaches by the male closer in Carkeek Bay! I’ve had my eye on this guy so long I lost sight of the others in the area.
09:56 - They’re milling about changing direction, seem to be moving slightly east into the Carkeek Bay south of Richmond Beach oil tanks.
09:47 - Rather tiny from my vantage but this is a large male who was milling around this area a bit.
09:30 - Spotted half dozen or so spread out and milling east of mid channel off Richmond Beach area. I’m on the bluff above Golden Gardens Park with a big pair of binocs looking north. -photo by Jennifer Greiner Clark, December 5, 2022
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08:48 - Sara messaged w/update: Seeing blows, but not whales so at least mid channel to east. Not seeing a lot. Neighbor said small group with one adult male. 
08:43 - Sara Frey called to report southbound orcas off Kingston area. She has seen at least one exhalation off Apple Tree Point, but hasn't seen any since. 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 5 - Victoria Inner Harbour (T49A1) - Orca spotted hunting seal in Victoria's Inner Harbour by Darron Kloster - "The transient orca was identified as T049A1, a big 21-year-old male that’s known to slip into local waters and hunt seals."
*
Mon, Dec 5 - South Puget Sound (T137s)  - T137A Jack and T137B Tempest
16:05 - Now they are near Point Fosdick headed back towards the Fox Island Bridge! They changed direction and are southbound by Point Fosdick.
15:59 - They are circling just on the east side of the west tower of the Narrows Bridge. Might be on a kill.
15:50 - They are headed northbound west of the west tower of the Narrows Bridge close to the Gig Harbor shore. -photos by Karen Caldwell, December 5, 2022
*
15:36 - Group of approximate 4 just passed Fox Island heading north towards the Narrows [approx. 47.226738, -122.571802]. -Sarah Scharmen Bratsch
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rick Kivett
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47°09'46"N 122°47'28"W
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 male traveling 250-300 m away from other 3
Any unusual markings?: None observed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
10:24 - At least one male orca heading north out of Budd Inlet, very close to shore and very surface active. Passed Boston Harbor Marina (breaching all the way) until I lost sight near the southeast tip of Harstine Island. Very poor viewing conditions. Super foggy. -photo by Kim Merriman, December 5, 2022
*
08:00 - 10:30 - Joe Gould called this afternoon to report sighting of orcas seen early morning in Budd Inlet. They were at Burfoot Park when they saw a pod of 4 orcas hunting, flipping around, very surface active for over 2 hours between approx. 08:00-10:30+. Couple of boats transited through and the orcas went stealthy. 
*
08:00 - I believe there were 4 total - they entered Budd Inlet and went down to Burfoot Park before turning back around and heading out. Very active! -Katie Christensen
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mina Mathis
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Burfoot Park Budd Inlet
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: N/a
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They had a calf with it and stayed in the Budd Inlet for about an hour and a half.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Dec 5 - Puget Sound (CRC19820 Malachite) - 08:45 - 9:45 - I spotted what looked like a whale across the water (I live on Bainbridge Island facing west). It was heading north towards Port Orchard. Around 9:45, it was spotted heading south on the Bainbridge side. Five of us hustled to the Point White pier. Malachite came back to us, turned away and swam towards Rich Passage. -photo by Donna Hansen, December 5, 2022
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Dec 5 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: James Irving
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: About 200 yards ff the shore at Joseph Whidbey State Park, Whidbey Island
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling at a normal pace. I saw him/her breach a total of 5 times while it was swimming north toward the direction of Deception Pass. Just up for air then back down again.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

December 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Dec 4 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - “The unexpected snow that kept me on Harstine today, provided me with the opportunity to experience one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. After reading that the Biggs Orca were in the area this morning, I spotted the pod of four a bit before 3pm, just to the south of our property. Mid channel in line with Fishtrap for those who know the area. I hooted and jumped for joy (as I always do when I see whales here) and then grabbed my binoculars and raincoat and ran to the bluff deck for optimum positioning. I watched them for over an hour despite the snow and my inadequate attire. About 15 minutes in, I realized that they were not playing as I first interpreted but were hunting. A harbor seal. Once I realized this I looked below me and 5 harbor seals were swimming almost up against our bluff in the other direction, while a sea lion was heading straight for the pod. Thankfully, it turned around a few minutes later once it clued into the danger. I proceeded to watch the hunt despite the unease in my stomach, my racing heart and my freezing, bare hands. I couldn't pull my eyes away for fear that they were hunting my beloved, faithful sea dog, Bert, our resident seal. I have, as many others have, watched countless videos of the Biggs Orca hunt. I have watched them terrorize and play with their prey, but it has always been on a screen- often the size of a smart phone. Today, I was watching the hunt in real time, up close, seemingly alone on my little island in the wet snow. I was panting with exhilaration and awe as they proceeded to bash, nose and seemingly mouth the poor creature. They would disappear for many, many seconds and in my mind, I was yelling at the seal to GET AWAY, but the poor thing just stayed. After more time, I realized it was injured as it kept rolling on its back and side. Likely lost the use of one flipper, and probably worse. As always, the Orcas were cunning, graceful and wickedly fast- both working as a team and sometimes alone. I can't imagine what the seal was thinking being in the midst of all the commotion as I could barely make sense of what I was watching from land. I became so statue like in my voyeur stance that I didn't realize the pod with their prey had traveled far enough north to align directly in front of and below me on my bluff deck. They were no more than 20-30 feet away as they carried on with their same trickery- all the while the seal kept surfacing and seemed to be looking up at me in disbelief. I no longer needed my binoculars. I could see their crisp black and white bodies with my naked eyes- so close I was sure I could reach for them and maybe feel their smooth skin. With tears streaming down my face, heart thumping in my chest, panting for fear of what would come next, I thought- just yell and they might stop. Orca are very curious about humans, it might work, but to what end- leave the poor seal to suffer a longer a death? No, I could not do that. Fortunately, I only had to witness the torture playing out in front of me for another handful of minutes. The monochrome foursome and seal went under almost in unison and this time the seal did not flounder to the surface again. I knew it was over. I was so relieved standing there, frozen and breathless trying to make sense of everything I had watched. I was so grateful that the pod did not resurface right away so I could regroup. I am writing this recount a mere hour after a life was taken in my front yard and where I was graced with the lingering pod post feed, frolicking the way the Orca do best. I saw many breaches, three spy hops and several tail slaps. This rejoicing of the Orca with their full bellies was enough to remind me that this is the way of nature and that I should feel blessed witnessing such an awesome and emotional event.” -Francesca Quagliata
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Dec 4 10:41 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.33958,-122.82423 [Treasure Island, Case Inlet]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Cheri Swettenam
Whale Alert App
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T137A Jack - 09:05 - They’ve left our sight. Possibly heading up to Allyn or Vaughan. 
08:44 - My neighbor and I are watching 3-5 orcas in front of our houses. Closer to Harstine Island side.  -photos by Sammy Malm LaRiviere, December 4, 2022
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Dec 4 - Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Dec 4 10:28 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.38797,-124.58974
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Heading up island towards Texada and Hornby.
Submitter Name: Vern Hattle
Whale Alert App 
*
Sun, Dec 4 - Haro Strait (Same pair spotted on December 1 in Haro Strait)
12-04-22 Two Humpbacks, Haro Strait
15:05 - 15:16, A pair of humpbacks traveling to the north /up island less than 1/4 mile from shore. Surfacing regularly but barely breaking the surface, this pair traveled slowly and stately together. At one point one of them changed direction and the other stopped to wait for the friend to return and they resumed their journey. I think this was the same pair that traveled very close to shore on 12-01-22. The fin shapes are identical and one has a distinctive white patch on the dorsal fin. Viewed from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photos by Michelline Halliday, December 4, 2022
*
11:45 - Alas, no photos, but spotting of two gorgeous humpbacks, one with its back surfacing, one with a magnificent fluke pointed towards the heavens, at Granny's Cove, American Camp [San Juan Island]. -Sara Abrevaya Stein
*
11:30 - 13:15 - Reports between 11:30 and 13:15 of a pair of humpbacks milling between South Beach and Eagle Point. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sun, Dec 4 - Puget Sound
10:49 - Still 100-200 yd from the tip of Camp Sealth.
10:37 - We are pretty sure there are 2. Near the point of Camp Sealth now. Looks to be heading south super slowly. Just saw a dorsal fin pop up and then another in almost the same place. Have not seen 2 surface at the same time. But we have seen that double surface pattern 3x. 
10:15 - May just be one. Seems to be going in a circle. Was headed towards Camp Sealth then turned around. -Jenni Buttercup Smith -photo by Jenni Buttercup Smith, December 4, 2022
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MINKE WHALES - Sun, Dec 4 - Puget Sound - 07:30 - We just saw what we believe was a minke whale. Very pointed dorsal fin. Surfaced 3 times but wasn’t able to get a picture. Location is Colvos Passage, between Andersen Point County Park and Al’s Market on the Olalla side of the passage. He was southbound. -Kyle Buffenmyer

December 3
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 3 - Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - December 3: It took awhile starting at steadily northbound back-lit blows seen from Maxwelton beach, culminating in a large group of J pod whales congregated in a close-knit family group as they passed Bush Point in the waning light at sunset. Worth every minute of waiting and bracing against a chill wind, come back soon J pod. -Sandy Pollard -photos by RJ Snowberger, December 3, 2022
*
18:34 - Am I hearing faint call or something else again? (thought I heard couple faint calls at 17:58) -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
18:05 - 18:15 - Possible faint echolocation. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
16:20 - Large group of J pod whales have passed Bush Point and the yellow marker, making good time northbound. A beautiful sight in the waning light and setting sun. -Sandy Pollard
*
16:00 - Approaching Bush Point midchannel northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:30 - J-pod still northbound about 3/4 of a mile to the northeast of [approx. 47.981420, -122.592931]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
*
15:23 - Leaders (we think) are approaching Foulweather Bluff continuing northbound, as seen from Shore Meadows. Mutiny Bay. -Sandy Pollard
*
15:10 - 10-15 at Robinson Beach still going north. -Betsie Jo Lawler
*
14:02 - Seeing three or four back-lit blows from Maxwelton looking across to Point No Point - appear to be heading north in choppy conditions. -Sandy Pollard
*
13:53 - And sequence of large splashes/disturbances a bit northwest of those others and blows in between. Looks like still trend toward Admiralty.
13:48 - More surface activity, big water disturbance from breach or cartwheels, and seeing fins. I think some might be stalled foraging.
13:44 - J pod. Happened to catch a big breach here viewing from Stamm Overlook, Edmonds [approx. 47.873354, -122.444346]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:26 - Found more behind the big guy that are still pretty south of Eglon. 
13:20 - Found a handful of them going north up the west side of Whidbey towards Admiralty. Big guy following.
13:08 - I’ve lost track of all of them except one big male who is making it easier for me with his huge fin and big breaches, so far. I’m thinking he’s near the end of the group if not the last. He is close to Eglon still steady northbound.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:40 - Male, sight line Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay way out there, most must be in the triangle. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
12:35 - Lots of blows all up and down the west side of Possession triangle. Super spread apart. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:33 - There was a big breach just north of ferry a few minutes ago but they’re all hiding now. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
12:25 - Call from Kendall reporting still seeing orcas generally near Edmonds Kingston ferry lanes heading northbound. Large male at least.
*
12:30 - Still some just passing north of the ferry, west side of shipping lanes, long down times. Leaders well ahead. -Sara Frey
*
12:20 - Seeing 5-6 blows and splashes heading north towards Eglon. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
11:52 - Just got to Sunset Ave: see at least one male sightline from Sunset Ave north side of Apple Tree Point, Kingston just east of mid channel. Steady northbound angling Kitsap line (vs. toward Possession) [approx. 47.805798, -122.43821]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:55 - From Apple Tree Point spread all the way from tank farm to Picnic Point midchannel to west of midchannel traveling steady northbound. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
11:40 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point Kingston. Leaders passing the ferry, mid channel. Trailers past the oil tanks approaching the ferry lanes. -Sara Frey
*
11:42 - Stopped at Marina Beach to take quick look. Much tougher at sea level, but could spot one male northbound sightline Kingston dock but we’ll east if mid channel steady northbound travel. I am moving to Sunset Ave (north of Edmonds terminal) elevation is our friend today. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:41 - Spotted one from Edmonds ferry dock area. Close to Apple Tree Cove I believe. -Diana Pham
*
11:08 - J pod is very spread out with leaders out from Point Wells, Woodway. Others spread west and south in singles. Any groups from earlier have spread out. All continue steady northbound with some foraging and surface activity. Who think are trailers have cleared yellow mid channel buoy off Richmond Beach. Chop makes it a little tough to see all fins but no problem with binoculars. Super beautiful to watching so many orcas streaming by and foraging.
10:50 - Leaders about Point Wells mid channel and spread across. Another group well in east side of channel off Kayu Kayu Ac Park includes wee one! -Alisa Lemire Brook, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jeff Blyth
Date of Sighting: 12/3/2022
Time: 10:58 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Port Madison / Jefferson head
Direction of travel : N slow (feeding)
Behaviors observed: Breaching
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: Unable to determine
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seen from a great distance.
Hard to tell detail but repeated breaches.
Photos available?: No
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10:44 - Apple Tree Cove looking directly east - seeing group of ~10 traveling steady northbound. Mid-channel and more on the east side. -Jenny Klis
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10:25 - Leaders off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park east side of channel with at least dozen trailing on this side. So beautiful backdropped by snowy Olympics. All steady northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Message received from Richmond Beach viewer:
10:06 - And another 10 more east of midchannel heading north.
10:00 - Group of 5+ northbound just east of midchannel just north of Carkeek.
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09:42 - I could only find a single male, viewed from Shilshole. Northbound. Down time about 30 seconds. -Sarah Sing
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09:30 - Trailing group, just east of midchannel off Golden Gardens northbound.
09:15 - Orcas, lots northbound off Shilshoe/Golden Gardens. Spread out north to south. No count but 10-15 at least. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, December 3, 2022
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09:21 - Three northbound, closer to Shilshoe side than Bainbridge Island. Moving pretty fast. -Susie Cunningham Bavo
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Dec 3 9:13:22 PST
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 47.69051,-122.50560
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.69051,-122.50560
Number Sighted: 4
Submitted Comments: 4-6 Orca in the middle of the channel heading north. 
Submitter Name: Emily Smiley
Whale Alert App
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08:50: [all committed to N/NE travel?] YES!
08:45 - Update: 2 more, one close to island.
08:41 - Update: 4, with one pair looking like adult with juvenile.
08:37 - 3 orcas off Wing Point on Bainbridge, moving NE mid channel. -Jane Rein
*
08:09 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report TACOMA@0809 C/M reports 4 Orca West of SB traffic lanes outside of Eagle Harbor Bainbridge.
*
08:00 - Carrie Dosdick (sp?) called to report late morning to report seeing a single orcas from the 07:35 ferry from Seattle to Bremerton, middle run so about 08:00. Not sure if male or female but single orca was traveling eastward back toward Seattle. 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 3 - South Puget Sound (T137s) -
16:40 - Southbound near McNeil.
16:11 - North end of Fox Island, Carr Inlet side. 5 minutes ago. -Brooke Krakora
*
15:30 - The transients were southbound south of Kopachuck State Park. -Orca Network
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14:42 - I see 2 large blow spouts and one definite orca dorsal fin just north of Minter Creek in middle of Henderson Bay. Slowly heading north. Lots of sea lions nearby just north of them. -Audrey ML
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14:00 - Orcas in Henderson Bay this afternoon. -screen frame from video by Jane Durnbaugh Thompson, December 3, 2022
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14:00 - Henderson Bay. -Gudrun Gearhart
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13:39 - Three orcas reported by the Purdy Spit at the end of Henderson Bay in Carr Inlet. [PSWS]
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Dec 3 - Puget Sound - 15:13 - Gray whale healthy/large spotted westside Vashon, Colvos Passage. -Sean Nelsen

December 2
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Dec 2 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - 16:21 - Losing view of them along with light. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
*
16:15 - In ferry crossings mid channel Clinton/Mukilteo. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
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16:08 - Viewing from Mukilteo and there is a group approaching Clinton ferry terminal. In the long stretch of houses. I think J27 is in that group. Positive ID on J47. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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16:07 - I see a few on the Mukilteo side of midchannel line of sight with Mukilteo Lighthouse. I'm viewing from Clinton ferry terminal. They were still northbound.
15:45 - About mid channel 1/2 mile from south ferry lane. Saw a huge breach twice. Getting off ferry soon. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
15:46 - Spotted almost at Glendale. Northbound. -Sara Montour Lewis
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nancy Stiefel Boyle
Date of Sighting: 12/2/2022
Time: 3:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Glendale beach heading north
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: All fins looked small, one baby possibly
Any unusual markings?: Not close enough
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:10 - Cindi Crowder Rausch is viewing them northbound from Possession Point Beach Park. 
*
15:04 - Seeing lots of blows from Edmonds (I’m standing above the ferry terminal) on the other side of channel heading northbound to Possession. No fins visible from my POV. -Vanessa Franz
*
15:00 - Found the rest of them. All heading into Possession Sound.
14:51 - They’re heading right at me in Mukilteo. At least 4-5 and one big guy. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
14:28 - Pod is still eastbound in line with west side of Possession head. From Edmonds.
14:17 - At least 4 big males fitting profile of J boys.
14:03 - Going fast east in a big line generally due south Cultus Bay/Possession Point.
13:58 - Big active group moving south/southeast along Possession bar (South Whidbey). Line of sight Sunset Ave, Edmonds to Double Bluff, Whidbey.
13:47 - From Edmonds pod appears to have stalled to forage a ways north of the ferry traffic lanes, at least for the time being. They are making directional changes, sightline from Sunset Ave looking toward Point No Point, which puts them out in the middle out from Eglon area where Jim last reported. (Still unconfirmed, but presume SRKWs, and presumably J pod.) -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:22 - Viewing from Eglon got whales straight out in front of me halfway between Possession Point and Edmonds line of sight, southbound. -Jim Pasola
*
12:58 - About a dozen + being very active breaching cartwheels tall slaps as they move their way south along Kitsap side of triangle.
12:48 - 4 breaches in a row! About 4-5 more in view now. 
12:33 - One big guy visible to me in Possession triangle now going south pretty quickly, viewing through telescope from Chennault Beach. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:20 - I got them I'm viewing from Possession Shores, Sunset Hill Dr. Whidbey. Southbound [approx. 47.902598, -122.494326]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:24 - I see whales line of sight Scatchet Head and what I guess are the leaders are past Possession Point line of sight closer to the Kitsap side, continuing south.
12:06 - Continuing southeast closer to this side nearing Maxwelton line of sight.
11:44 - Appear to be moving southwest.
11:41 - They are definitely this side of mid-channel or I couldn't see them, there's a heavy groundswell in fairchop; elevation will be your friend.
11:35 - Looking from Point No Point at Double Bluff seeing many, many blows and dorsals; they're just at the edge of my sight line, I can't tell any direction or behavior from here, but there's got to be 12 to 15 blows. -Jim Pasola
*
08:52 - John Gardiner called to report orcas approx. one mile south of Point No Point, Kitsap. They are seeing approx. 5 (incl. male and calf) so far, spread traveling northbound west side of the channel. 
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Dec 2 - Haro Strait - 09:05 - Humpbacks (I think 2 but I saw multiple blows) just off of Kellett Bluff on Henry Island (can't tell direction). -Sara Cannon [WSSJI]
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Fri, Dec 2 - Puget Sound - 14:49 - There is currently a humpback off of Owen Beach headed east towards Commencement Bay.  -Johnny Collard
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14:45 - We lost it before I was able to get my good camera, this was taken when we first saw it. -photo by Shalane Ilene Smith, December 2, 2022

December 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 1 - Puget Sound (J pod) - 11:49 - From Kayu Kayu, we can see 2+ large fins southbound, mid channel passing the yellow channel marker. -April Basham
*
11:46 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report PUYALLUP spots 10 Orca headed SB 1114hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 10 orca headed in a southerly direction currently located in the southbound shipping lanes. SPOKANE copies radio transmission. 
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08:24 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report SUQUAMISH spots Orcas at CLIN - Log entry 0818hrs: Captain reports vessel came to all-stop for a pod of approximately 20 orca whales, heading North off the CLIN dock.
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08:16 - Orcas spotted from the Mukilteo ferry on the Clinton side heading north. 5 minutes ago. -Rachel King
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 1 - Haro Strait
10:17 - Moving up island now.
10:10 - Orcas off County Park on a hunt. Probably 5. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching [WSSJI]
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Thu, Dec 1 - Possession Sound (T137s)
14:35 - From Richmond Beach Saltwater Park high elevation can confirm just four orcas including male so safe to presume T137s. Southbound steady clip, loosely grouped, midway between mid channel buoy and Jefferson Head west side of channel [approx. 47.751312, -122.451349].
14:24 - Pod has continued southbound travels making good time. About out from President Point (sightline). Seen big fin distorted by superior mirage and still distinct blows of so far just four so thinking it’s the Ts. Going to move back to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park for higher perch and perspective. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:07 - Seeing blows just south of the Kingston ferry line (barge in the area right now). Not sure which group it is. -Sara Frey
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14:05 - Seeing exhalations of at least 4 individuals moving southbound, sight line south of Apple Tree Point from Kayu Kayu Ac park, Shoreline. Watched several surfaces before posting [approx. 47.795214, -122.458950].  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:55 - From Scatchet, caught looks at VERY distant blows far south, look to be heading south, probably east side of midchannel. 
12:20 - They passed SO CLOSE to shore southbound. At Possession Point State Park, they crossed paths with a bunch of sea lions. It was crazy! Looks like they've passed them on southbound, but watching for a few in case they start a sneaky hunt. -photos by Rachel Haight, December 1, 2022
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12:26 - They were milling around for about 30 minutes, disappeared, and now popped up heading into Possession triangle.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:50 - T137s just north of Possession Point Beach Park, on a hunt. Looks to be successful judging by the gull action. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:49 - Milling in front of Chennault Beach on Whidbey side of channel, I count 4-5. One big guy. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:15 - Finally spotted them. Southbound almost to Glendale. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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10:55 - Angling over towards Mukilteo/Lighthouse southbound.
10:30 - [approx. 48.009721, -122.342187] Southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
10:45 - Approaching ferry lanes, Whidbey side of mid southbound. Moving fast.
10:40 - In between mid Brighton and southeast side Hat Island. -back of camera photos by Marilyn Armbruster, December 1, 2022
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10:13 - Stealth mode, Jack trailing family, pushed southeast towards Hat Island.
10:04 - I found the T137s! Southbound approaching Sandy Point (from Saratoga Passage). -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:07 - They spent lots of down time but they’ve now passed Sandy Point and are headed south towards Clinton.
10:00 - 3-4 orcas heading southeast at Sandy Point. -Luanne Seymour 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Dec 1 - Haro Strait - 12-01-22, 8-10 humpbacks, Haro Strait
09:30, A humpback traveling to the southeast, estimating 3-4 miles from shore, seeing blows with a sliver of dark body. Twice I saw a large dark shape rise out of the water, either a breach or a big arching dive. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
09:33, A humpback traveling north/up island, 2-3 miles from shore. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
10:20, Two humpbacks traveling down island to the south. Traveling very tight and only 35 feet from shore, the pair surfaced far to my right, then stayed under the surface as they crossed in front of me. On the calm water I could see the large disturbance patterns left on the surface by their pectoral fins as they swam slowly past underneath. With each fin stroke there appeared alternating flat circles a few yards apart one after another. The pair surfaced again south of me seconds before my view was blocked by trees. I was left staring in amazement at the still visible surface marks of the Goliaths. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
12:05, Three humpbacks traveling tight to the southeast, estimating 4+ miles from shore. The trio's blows were bright white against the dark clouds that were obscuring the Olympic peninsula at the horizon. 2 of the humpbacks dove, arching high, their lower bodies clearing the surface. I could see their flukes as they dove under, one was solid bright white against the dark sea behind. At the same time but farther north of the trio, a fourth humpback seen traveling to the north. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
14:00, Two humpbacks traveling tight together up island to the north, 50' from shore. Based on dorsal fin shapes, I'm pretty sure this was the same pair that traveled down island past my location at 10:20. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. Photographed from shore, cropped and enlarged. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photos by Michelline Halliday, December 1, 2022
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Thu, Dec 1 - Possession Sound - 11:50 - I'm definitely seeing a blow towards Legion Park [approx. 48.019028, -122.246254]. I'm viewing from north side of Clinton ferry terminal high bluff. It almost looks like a gray blow. Maybe a humpback? -Marilyn Armbruster 
13:26 - Still circling north of Narrows Bridge.
12:37 - Orca north of Narrows Bridge on a kill center one mile north of bridge. -Susan White
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Dec 8 11:58 PST AND 14:49 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.22824,-122.56284 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Stone
Whale Alert App 
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Daniel Phillips
Date of Sighting: 12/8/2022
Time: 11:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Just north of the Tacoma Narrows bridge
Direction of travel : North slow and south occasional while tail slapping
Behaviors observed: Hunting, feeding.
If orcas, any males?: One male and one possible calf.
Any unusual markings?: ?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Watched them for an hour through binoculars from shore under the bridge. Sea gulls flocking and diving above them feeding on the leftovers. I did see the head of a freshly eaten hearing on the beach. Lots of fluke slapping and circling with occasional breaches.
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Thu, Dec 8 - Bellingham Bay - FB post: shared with us “Just before sunset he watched 3 orcas swimming off Taylor Dock.” 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Dec 8 - Haro Strait - 12-08-22, Humpback, Haro Strait - 10:35, A humpback traveling south/down island in choppy seas, 1/2 mile from shore. There could have been 2 humpbacks but it was very hard to see fins in so many humpback-shaped waves! Surfacing infrequently I only saw them twice but thought I might have seen two blows. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank. Photo from shore, heavily cropped and enlarged. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photo by Michelline Halliday, December 8, 2022

December 7
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 7 - Puget Sound & Possession Sound (J & K Pod) - A cold but successful day watching some very active Southern Residents along the shores of Whidbey! All zoomed and cropped and taken close to the Clinton ferry.  -photos by Donna George, December 7, 2022
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Taken from Whidbey looking toward Hat [Island]. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 7, 2022
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16:17 - Stopped at Harborview Park for a few minutes. I could see several surfacing out in front of Hat Island heading east. -Chris McNally
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16:15 - 16:30 - They came around the east side of Hat, some are south of Camano Head heading west. Another part of the group lingering between Tulalip and south Port Susan, very surface active. -Lori Christopher
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16:10 - Saw a breach north of Hat and about a mile east of Sandy Point. Could not tell direction. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:51 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: 1418hrs: Email noted from Orca Network for a group of 30-40 orca NB in Possession Sound approaching the MUK>CLIN route. SUQUAMISH and TOKITAE notified. 1432hrs: SUQUAMISH reports that the group is at CLIN at this time, continuing to move NB. Noted. 1446hrs: TOKITAE reports one large male moving SB alone. 
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14:35 - They were all around the ferries this afternoon in Clinton. I was on the 2:35 sailing and we had to come to a complete halt and then proceed at what felt like 1 knot. -Andrew Bakkinger
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14:47 - Seeing them from Edgewater. I’ve seen some milling, but they seem to be trending north. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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14:45 - See spread out orcas including several males in general in this area. Northbound. And a male south of ferry lanes Clinton side facing south, think he’s foraging. [approx. 48.002795, -122.337804]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:33 - They seem committed more so towards northeast about middish channel. Spread out from north side mid ferry channel to downtown Everett. I'm viewing from south end Brighton Beach. They are still northbound. There is a trailing group of about 6-8 on the Whidbey side of mid heading towards and in between Brighton and Hat. -Marilyn Armbruster
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K38 Comet & K43 Saturna - 14:30 - Passing Clinton ferry. -IDs by Melissa Pinnow -photo by Rachel Haight, December 7, 2022
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14:35 - Some angling northeast north of ferry lanes. Spread out. Not sure if any still south of ferry lanes, haven’t seen any.
14:20 - Spread out leaders in ferry traffic lanes mid channel to west of. Male making directional changes mid channel. All northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:21 - Stalled out in ferry lanes. See a big male just resting midchannel.
14:14 - Just south of Clinton ferry terminal. -Suzanne McKetta
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13:50 - A group with 2 males just went past Possession Park northbound. A baby is with this group too. -Donna George
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13:50 - Definitely working their way along Whidbey shore toward Clinton. -Suzanne McKetta
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13:45 - Seeing fins and blows from Glendale. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:35 - Now off the southwest of Possession Point traveling towards Possession Sound [approx. 47.903512, -122.369160].
13:21 - Viewing from Sunset Ave, appearing to be traveling northwest in front of Cultus Bay. Looks like line of travel is going to be up Whidbey shoreline. -Orca Conservancy
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13:25 - Leaders approaching Possession Sound. 
13:05 - It looks like they’re going northeast towards me in Mukilteo.
12:55 - Been watching about a dozen of them for the past 20-30 mins and either they’ve stalled about here or they’re starting to head east [approx. 47.844704, -122.455165]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:45 - Seeing a group including at least one male close to Edmonds north of ferry traffic lanes. From my vantage (Marina Beach looking north) they appear eastbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:21 - Multiple individuals crossing south/southeast sightline Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay/Possession Point at least 3 males/6 individuals surfaced at once.
12:00 - I see blows and a male dorsal, sightline Apple Tree Point to Scatchet Head way out there! -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:00 - Kim Page called to report 10+ orcas southbound between Pilot Point and Eglon, Kitsap side.
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11:55 - J26 spotted. Update: the whole J16s. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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11:53 - Too far for IDs, 30 whales southbound off Pilot Point. -Christopher Hanke
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11:40 - There are a lot of orcas out here, at least 20-30 so far, so possibly two pods. Too far for IDs. Pod is grouped making their way southbound west of mid channel northeast of Eglon sightline from Stamm Overlook. South of last reports. Surface active as they go.
11:30 - Seeing large grouped group of orcas southbound about here. Due south of Scatchet Head, southeast of Point No Point. Lots of surface activity. [approx. 47.892672, -122.469259]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:30 - Lots of activity at Point No Point. They turned around and headed south again. Got there at 10:30, is now 11:30 they’re heading south. -Dianna Cowden Root
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10:40 - Seeing a couple blows trending northbound from Maxwelton. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:35 - Thanks to the keen eyes and help of Sara Montour Lewis, I’m seeing male, with possibly another making their way northbound about midway between Stamm Overlook and Point No Point. She’s been seeing others spread out to the south for the last several minutes [approx. 47.900784, -122.442991]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:13 - I just saw breaching and dorsal fins at Eglon. 
10:09 - I just saw a couple of breaches at Eglon. -Dianna Cowden Root
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09:18 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 0855hrs: SPOKANE Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 6 orca, north of the ferry crossing, mid-channel, heading in a northerly direction.
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09:10 - Orcas northbound off Edmonds/Kingston at least. Presuming spread out residents, treat as such unless confirmed otherwise. Both Js and Ks were on Port Townsend hydrophone last night. In general, at about 09:00 [approx. 47.814310, -122.425289].
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Vliet
Date of Sighting: 12/7/202
Time: 8:58 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Kingston to Edmonds ferry
Direction of travel : Eastbound
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Breathtaking, truly. They came within a couple hundred feet of the ferry. I was so thankful for the ferry crew who immediately stopped travel once the orca were detected. And for them alerting us that these majestic creatures were present.
Photos available?:
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Dec 7 - South Puget Sound (T137s)
16:30 - Seems like they may still be ‘in the hood.’ At least as of 4:30. At waning light, they were heading again south into Budd Inlet - where the local lighting condition(s) prevented any visuals. Wind and wave actions have prevented any ‘audio sightings’ of them as well.
13:30 - Orcas heading into Budd Inlet passing Burfoot Park into the Gulf Harbor area, mid-channel. Long down times. Can see large male (assume it's Jack) and at least two other smaller ones. Way far away.
One of the last sightings -out of 4- heading north/south all afternoon. This (back of camera super enlarged image) was them heading south just north of Boston Harbor. One of the only images of all four fins. -Kim Merriman -back of camera photo by Kim Merriman, December 7, 2022
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Dec 7 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Spent the afternoon of December 7th on the Salish Sea. A pair of humpback whales feeding in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or the Juan de Fuca Strait since they could have been on the Canadian side. -George Holland [WSSJI]

December 6
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Tue, Dec 6 - Puget Sound (K Pod exited Admiralty Inlet, then met up with J Pod before turning back south in Admiralty Inlet just before dark)
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Out to Fort Casey in the cold (but not snowing!) to catch a brief and distant look at some of K pod as they sped by Port Townsend, lovely to see! Then a gray whale popped up right in front of the Admiralty Head lighthouse! -photo by Bonnie Gretz, December 6, 2022
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18:49 - Hearing faint calls again/still.
18:35 - Hearing calls again.
17:46 - In quieter seas now that tug has passed am I hearing J pod S1 calls ever so faintly or ears playing tricks?
17:23 - Definitely hearing J pod. 
17:16 - Hearing calls of who sounds like both Ks and Js. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:43 - Large pod (or two) between North Beach, Port Townsend, and the big orange buoy near Ebey’s Landing. Many large males, lots of spy-hopping and lobtailing. Perhaps happy to see the sun. 15:15-15:30, headed southeast. -Annette Huenke
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16:26 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: SALISH - Orca Report 12/6/2022 1626hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 5 orca in the SB shipping lanes between Port Townsend and Keystone Harbor, moving south. 
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16:02 - South of [Point] Wilson west of the lanes headed south fast. -Ryan Johnson
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15:35 - WSF Salish reports 10+ Orcas headed north between Port Townsend and Coupeville.
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13:14 - You can see them from Fort Ebey. They are quite a way out but seem to be continuing north. -Melissa Gardner
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12:20 - After several minutes of silence (or super faint) hearing K pod calls again. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:15 - Cindi Rausch called to report while watching K pod continue northbound mid-ish channel she too saw the baleen [CRC2440] super close in shore to shore (maybe 50 yard out). Surfaced twice then disappeared. Ks continuing mid channel.
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12:10 - Wonderful number of vocalizations right now. Bulk tanker "Indian Bunker" is moving northbound now nearing Fort Casey going slow (10kn). Hopefully doesn't drown them out.
12:00 - Calls and whistles continue. So lovely. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:58 - Viewing from the Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry westbound sailing to Port Townsend, I see what appears to be the trailers directly between my blue mark [approx. 48.130520, -122.706635] and Point Wilson about 3/4 of a mile. They are still aiming to the northwest. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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11:43 - 12:00 - Very chatty on hydrophone. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:56 - Continuing north. Passing Fort Casey. They are spread out a little more, but generally together. Staying mid channel. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:56 - Me, too [hearing them]. -Patricia Prochaska
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11:52 - Love this! Listening to them on the hydrophone. -Dawn Müller-DePape
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11:50 - So chatty on the Port Townsend hydrophone.  -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:48 - Watching them go by Port Townsend, mid channel. -Bonnie Gretz
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11:46 - Hearing calls on Port Townsend hydrophone.  -T.L. Stokes
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11:46 - Still mid channel heading north.  -Janine Harles
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11:50 - Still hearing K pod calls. Mew mew.
11:41- Hearing calls under tanker noise. Per AIS. two tankers moving through, one in each direction as well as passenger cruise liner. We (Orca Network) have notified all large commercial maritime and WSF. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:38 - They are still heading north on both sides of the tanker’s wake. Viewing from Fort Casey.
11:34 - Looks like they are crossing over west of mid channel, possibly to get west of the tanker. -Janine Harles
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11:26 - Heard them. -Jenny Stands Wilson
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11:28 - Regular faint calls now - definitely Ks.
11:20 - Heard a faint call on Port Townsend hydro - another one at 11:23. Sounds like Ks. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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11:18 - Cindi Rausch called from Fort Casey where she's watching orcas who are too far away for IDs but definitely more than 4. Surface activity, breaching while moving quickly northbound. Were seeing blows appear mostly mid channel but trending toward Fort Casey.
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11:00 - Just saw them in the rip tide coming off Marrowstone Point, at least one male and several females. -Greg Johnston
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10:32 - Several orca Lagoon Point. Big male close in on Lagoon Point and Marrowstone jumpers in the distance. Heading north. -photo by Bill Setter, December 6, 2022
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Dec 6 - South Puget Sound (T137s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christine Turner
Date of Sighting: 12/6/2022
Time: 4:54 PM
Species seen: Believe it to be orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Nisqually Reach in the water 
Direction of travel : NW at a leisurely pace?
Behaviors observed: Together in a group coming up for air, diving for up to 30 seconds then going down again. The whole sighting lasted less than 5 minutes.
If orcas, any males?: Too far away to tell, and we didn't have the telephoto lens on the camera to get good detail
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: We were on our deck a distance from the water, so we can't give enough detail
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Christine Turner, December 6, 2022
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From: Christine Turner
Date and Time Sighting Observed: 2022-12-06 04:55 PM
Marine Mammal Type: Orca (Killer Whale) Unknown Type
If SRKW, select pod/s:
If other:
Number of Marine Mammals Observed:
Latitude: 47.137338°
Longitude: -122.789193
Country: Within US International Boundary
General Location: Other
If other: Nisqually Reach
Describe what you saw: Swimming of several whales, one seemed much smaller than the others, coming up for air, diving for 30 seconds or so, then coming up in another position
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14:37 - There are at least four I believe orcas between Tolmie Park and Johnson’s Point this hour. They have surfaced a few times, appear to be a young one, two average ones and one larger with a very tall fin.   -Bonnie Gross
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Dec 6 - San Juans - 13:20 - 2 humpbacks heading south in San Juan Channel, towards Cattle Point. -Jeanne Sept [WSSJI]
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10:45 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: SAMISH spots Humpbacks Log entry 1036hrs: Vessel reports spotting 2-3 humpback whales at the confluence of Upright Channel and San Juan Channel just off Flat Point. Pod is heading in an easterly direction. 
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Dec 6 - Admiralty Inlet (CRC2440) - Was close to Whidbey, about 50 feet offshore when passing lighthouse at Fort Casey! Saw a gray whale today southbound by Fort Casey, very close to shore. ID'd as CRC2440 - while K-pod was exiting Admiralty Inlet on the west side.  -photo by Jill Hein, December 6, 2022
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12:42 - Gray whale continues south towards Lagoon Point, as seen from Driftwood Park/Crockett Lake. -Steve Smith
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12:15 - Cindi Rausch called to report while watching K pod continue northbound mid-ish channel she too saw the baleen super close in shore to shore (maybe 50 yard out). Surfaced twice then disappeared. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, December 6, 2022
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ID notes by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research: Fort Casey Gray whale is CRC2440.  - 12:05 - Gray whale southbound just off of Admiralty lighthouse! -Bonnie Gretz

December 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 5 - Puget Sound (K Pod) - As they passed Dash Point. -photos by Mollie Segall, December 5, 2022
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Lobo approaching Point Robinson earlier. -photo by Ariel Yseth, December 5, 2022 - K33 Tika - ID by Ariel Yseth - K16 Opus - ID by Ariel Yseth
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K26 Lobo - From Point Robinson. -photos by Jami Cantrell, December 5, 2022
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17:00 - Can still see one between old town dock and Brown’s Point marina lights. -Ed Rickert
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16:40 - Now seeing several fins moving east back into Commencement Bay. Losing light fast. Looking from Dune with line of sight Brown's Point. -Candace Gavin
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16:32 - Jordan Light, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: WSF CHETZEMOKA reports 4-6 orca heading west a half mile off of Point Defiance.
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16:30 - Got a little tail slap as they passed by the Dune Peninsula. -Cherie StOurs
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16:16 - Viewing from Anthony’s (Ruston), foraging behaviors, right before ferry lane. -Orca Conservancy
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16:15 - Seeing several fins passing the southeast tip of Vashon mid channel approaching ferry lines. Viewing from Dune. -Candace Gavin
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16:12 - Seeing two from Dune looking mid channel without binocs. Saw at least 3 other individuals looking towards Brown’s Point lighthouse with binocs, headed into Commencement Bay. -Kourtnee Marr Lindgren
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15:54 - Just saw a tall fin from Dune, orca continue heading southeast. I can at least confirm K12 20 26 27 33 37 42 43 45 today. -Ling's Cetacean Photos
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15:45 - At least half the pod is now at Brown’s Point including K20 & super wonderful K45. Spread from off the point here to mid channel southwest bound. Angling toward Commencement Bay. And dozens of CA sea lions being lovely and vocal. Visibility only to mid channel looking towards Ruston. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:44 - A group is passing Brown's Point Lighthouse, mid channelish, southbound. Surface activities of breaching & tail slapping. Calf, bulls, & females present. Visibility is tough. Also surrounded by very active sea lions feasting just off shore! -Melissa Bird
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15:44 - I’m seeing a male heading south towards the lighthouse. Very active, saw 3 breaches so far, a female trailing behind heading the same direction.
15:37 - I see the leaders still heading south moving closer to the Vashon side nearing ferry. Viewing north of Brown’s Point lighthouse, south of Dash Point pier. -Rowena Mills
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15:24 - K20 and K45 plus one arriving at Dash Point pier. Passing now very much on this side. Visible with naked eye in misty foggy conditions. She’s (K45) porpoising! So cute.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:13 - Leaders past Gold Beach now, very spread out, some mid channel to Vashon side, all steady southbound, nearing Sandy Shores.
14:36 - Trailers have passed Point Robinson, close pass for some of the Ks, but very spread out in singles and doubles, all southbound, some vocalizations on Sound Action hydro as they passed, so beautiful! -photos by Marla Smith, December 5, 2022
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14:25 - Most have passed by Des Moines and Point Robinson very spread out. Several still north of Point Robinson southbound. K20 & K45 continued southbound travels east side but angled toward mid channel as they continued on. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:25 - Also hearing some clicks and calls on hydrophone. -Ann Ventic
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14:11 - Seeing blows nearing Point Robinson, island side of channel, at least one is passing us mid channel now. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:08 - From high bluff Des Moines, can see pod spread wide north of transect marina and Point Robinson: 2 females or juvenile well on east side, K45 trailing and east. Couple east of mid channel, and with one bull west of them and another bull trailing back near research skiff. All slow steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:07 - Near Des Moines Marina now. -Scott Hill
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14:04 - Lots of spouts and research boat seen from Point Robinson, closer to KVI. -Jake Conroy
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13:45 - K20 & K45, plus the two others on this side angling more mid channel, little K45 looks like little porpoise in the distance with naked eye. Others spread in sight mid channel all southbound. Believe all south of Three Tree point spread in singles to loose groups of few.
13:35 - No less than the cutest baby tail slap and forward fully out of the air leap by K45. She reminds me of Scarlet. She likes to explore away from mom and rejoin and play and just nail your heart! Others back by yellow buoy off the point midchannel and ahead.
13:30 - Got K20 and super adorbs K45 right off Three Tree Point, now south side with couple others. Can see several males more. Mid channel all southbound. This babe is so spunky!
13:15 - I just arrived north side Three Tree Point and see at least half dozen in a line east of mid channel sightline just slightly north of Dilworth, Vashon (private community) includes little one and male. Steady southbound just at mirage line [approx. 47.467174, -122.402867]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:12 - Just passing Dilworth spread all across the channel. Southbound. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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13:08 - Slowly southbound approaching Dilworth closer to Vashon side. Looks like small research boat traveling with pod.  -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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12:58 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1234hrs: ISSAQUAH reports via 800MHz they have spotted the same pod of 10-20 orca spread out from Dolphin Point to Brace Point, heading in a southerly direction. 
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12:44 - Leaders now past northern tip of Vashon heading south. Spread out across shipping channel. Viewing from Fauntleroy ferry terminal. -Orca Conservancy
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12:34 - Spread from south of Vashon ferry dock to south of Blake Island southbound west of mid channel seen from Lowman.
12:20 - Two breaches south of Tillicum village seen from Lowman. -Mary Hartmann
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12:05 - 3 more spotted southbound off Constellation Park Alki. One breach.
12:00 - 2 orcas headed southbound northeast of Blake Island. -Patti Waterfall
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11:56 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1139hrs: SEA/BI vessel WENATCHEE reports via 800MHz slowing down mid-crossing for a pod of ~10 orca, heading in a southbound direction.
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11:56 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: 1152hrs: SEA/BREM KALEETAN reports via 800MHz slowing down mid-crossing for a pod of ~12 orca at Restoration Pt and 10 orca at buoy Tango, all heading in a southbound direction.
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11:45 - My fiancé on eastbound Bainbridge-Seattle ferry reports seeing one in ferry lane, north of Alki. Ferry diverted far north to avoid. Orca seemed to be heading west. -Trileigh Tucker
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11:40 - Distant now, occasionally surfacing on the west side of channel by Bainbridge.
11:29 - At least 2 right now heading south past Magnolia Boulevard Viewpoint right now. -Alex Sowers
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11:25 - Scanning from Old Creosote on Bainbridg, several fins mid channel, favoring Kitsap side, spread out between our line of sight just north of Alki to just north of Eagle Harbor, southbound. -Kimberly Sylvester
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10:56 - At least 4 orca southbound close to Bainbridge, just seen from Bainbridge ferry. Orcas approximately here right now: (47.6534737, -122.4843320). -Raphael Fennimore
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Martha West
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:24 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Puget Sound - North Beach Seattle - just north of Golden Gardens
Direction of travel : Headed N/NE at a fairly swift pace - in the short amount of time it took to grab my binoculars and good camera, he/she was out of my sightline.
Behaviors observed: Taveling, and hunting perhaps? Diving down, surfacing and making good progress. It was two hours after low tide at our location, and he/she seemed fairly close to shore.
If orcas, any males?: I really couldn't tell - seemed like a big straightish dorsal, but I couldn't say for sure
Any unusual markings?: I couldn't see well enough
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I have some poor cell phone photos that I'll email. I think there was only one Orca, but that seems odd? I definitely saw one, but don't think there were any others - at least none that I could document
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Martha West, December 5, 2022
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10:22 - Breaches off Golden Gardens now. -Jennifer Greiner Clark
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Michael Hamm
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:15 AM
Species seen: Orca whales
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Meadow Point - Salish Sea / Puget Sound
Direction of travel : Lat 47.69961 LON -122.4012
Behaviors observed: Traveling south towards Golden Gardens. Mother breached with calf following behind
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: More Orcas sighted towards mid channel headed south.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
K20 Spock & K22 Sekiu - K20 Spock & K45 - K12 Sequim - K37 Rainshadow -IDs by Alisa Lemire Brooks
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10:39 - A group just porpoised past Golden Gardens so so close in.
10:20 - Fins spread out all around Golden Gardens on east side of channel.  -photos by Matt Leaman, December 5, 2022
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10:08 - 2 big breaches by the male closer in Carkeek Bay! I’ve had my eye on this guy so long I lost sight of the others in the area.
09:56 - They’re milling about changing direction, seem to be moving slightly east into the Carkeek Bay south of Richmond Beach oil tanks.
09:47 - Rather tiny from my vantage but this is a large male who was milling around this area a bit.
09:30 - Spotted half dozen or so spread out and milling east of mid channel off Richmond Beach area. I’m on the bluff above Golden Gardens Park with a big pair of binocs looking north. -photo by Jennifer Greiner Clark, December 5, 2022
*
08:48 - Sara messaged w/update: Seeing blows, but not whales so at least mid channel to east. Not seeing a lot. Neighbor said small group with one adult male. 
08:43 - Sara Frey called to report southbound orcas off Kingston area. She has seen at least one exhalation off Apple Tree Point, but hasn't seen any since. 
*
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Dec 5 - Victoria Inner Harbour (T49A1) - Orca spotted hunting seal in Victoria's Inner Harbour by Darron Kloster - "The transient orca was identified as T049A1, a big 21-year-old male that’s known to slip into local waters and hunt seals."
*
Mon, Dec 5 - South Puget Sound (T137s)  - T137A Jack and T137B Tempest
16:05 - Now they are near Point Fosdick headed back towards the Fox Island Bridge! They changed direction and are southbound by Point Fosdick.
15:59 - They are circling just on the east side of the west tower of the Narrows Bridge. Might be on a kill.
15:50 - They are headed northbound west of the west tower of the Narrows Bridge close to the Gig Harbor shore. -photos by Karen Caldwell, December 5, 2022
*
15:36 - Group of approximate 4 just passed Fox Island heading north towards the Narrows [approx. 47.226738, -122.571802]. -Sarah Scharmen Bratsch
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rick Kivett
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:50 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 47°09'46"N 122°47'28"W
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 male traveling 250-300 m away from other 3
Any unusual markings?: None observed
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
10:24 - At least one male orca heading north out of Budd Inlet, very close to shore and very surface active. Passed Boston Harbor Marina (breaching all the way) until I lost sight near the southeast tip of Harstine Island. Very poor viewing conditions. Super foggy. -photo by Kim Merriman, December 5, 2022
*
08:00 - 10:30 - Joe Gould called this afternoon to report sighting of orcas seen early morning in Budd Inlet. They were at Burfoot Park when they saw a pod of 4 orcas hunting, flipping around, very surface active for over 2 hours between approx. 08:00-10:30+. Couple of boats transited through and the orcas went stealthy. 
*
08:00 - I believe there were 4 total - they entered Budd Inlet and went down to Burfoot Park before turning back around and heading out. Very active! -Katie Christensen
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mina Mathis
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Burfoot Park Budd Inlet
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: N/a
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They had a calf with it and stayed in the Budd Inlet for about an hour and a half.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Dec 5 - Puget Sound (CRC19820 Malachite) - 08:45 - 9:45 - I spotted what looked like a whale across the water (I live on Bainbridge Island facing west). It was heading north towards Port Orchard. Around 9:45, it was spotted heading south on the Bainbridge side. Five of us hustled to the Point White pier. Malachite came back to us, turned away and swam towards Rich Passage. -photo by Donna Hansen, December 5, 2022
*
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Dec 5 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: James Irving
Date of Sighting: 12/5/2022
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: About 200 yards ff the shore at Joseph Whidbey State Park, Whidbey Island
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling at a normal pace. I saw him/her breach a total of 5 times while it was swimming north toward the direction of Deception Pass. Just up for air then back down again.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

December 4
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Dec 4 - South Puget Sound (T137s) - “The unexpected snow that kept me on Harstine today, provided me with the opportunity to experience one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. After reading that the Biggs Orca were in the area this morning, I spotted the pod of four a bit before 3pm, just to the south of our property. Mid channel in line with Fishtrap for those who know the area. I hooted and jumped for joy (as I always do when I see whales here) and then grabbed my binoculars and raincoat and ran to the bluff deck for optimum positioning. I watched them for over an hour despite the snow and my inadequate attire. About 15 minutes in, I realized that they were not playing as I first interpreted but were hunting. A harbor seal. Once I realized this I looked below me and 5 harbor seals were swimming almost up against our bluff in the other direction, while a sea lion was heading straight for the pod. Thankfully, it turned around a few minutes later once it clued into the danger. I proceeded to watch the hunt despite the unease in my stomach, my racing heart and my freezing, bare hands. I couldn't pull my eyes away for fear that they were hunting my beloved, faithful sea dog, Bert, our resident seal. I have, as many others have, watched countless videos of the Biggs Orca hunt. I have watched them terrorize and play with their prey, but it has always been on a screen- often the size of a smart phone. Today, I was watching the hunt in real time, up close, seemingly alone on my little island in the wet snow. I was panting with exhilaration and awe as they proceeded to bash, nose and seemingly mouth the poor creature. They would disappear for many, many seconds and in my mind, I was yelling at the seal to GET AWAY, but the poor thing just stayed. After more time, I realized it was injured as it kept rolling on its back and side. Likely lost the use of one flipper, and probably worse. As always, the Orcas were cunning, graceful and wickedly fast- both working as a team and sometimes alone. I can't imagine what the seal was thinking being in the midst of all the commotion as I could barely make sense of what I was watching from land. I became so statue like in my voyeur stance that I didn't realize the pod with their prey had traveled far enough north to align directly in front of and below me on my bluff deck. They were no more than 20-30 feet away as they carried on with their same trickery- all the while the seal kept surfacing and seemed to be looking up at me in disbelief. I no longer needed my binoculars. I could see their crisp black and white bodies with my naked eyes- so close I was sure I could reach for them and maybe feel their smooth skin. With tears streaming down my face, heart thumping in my chest, panting for fear of what would come next, I thought- just yell and they might stop. Orca are very curious about humans, it might work, but to what end- leave the poor seal to suffer a longer a death? No, I could not do that. Fortunately, I only had to witness the torture playing out in front of me for another handful of minutes. The monochrome foursome and seal went under almost in unison and this time the seal did not flounder to the surface again. I knew it was over. I was so relieved standing there, frozen and breathless trying to make sense of everything I had watched. I was so grateful that the pod did not resurface right away so I could regroup. I am writing this recount a mere hour after a life was taken in my front yard and where I was graced with the lingering pod post feed, frolicking the way the Orca do best. I saw many breaches, three spy hops and several tail slaps. This rejoicing of the Orca with their full bellies was enough to remind me that this is the way of nature and that I should feel blessed witnessing such an awesome and emotional event.” -Francesca Quagliata
*
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Dec 4 10:41 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.33958,-122.82423 [Treasure Island, Case Inlet]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitter Name: Cheri Swettenam
Whale Alert App
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T137A Jack - 09:05 - They’ve left our sight. Possibly heading up to Allyn or Vaughan. 
08:44 - My neighbor and I are watching 3-5 orcas in front of our houses. Closer to Harstine Island side.  -photos by Sammy Malm LaRiviere, December 4, 2022
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Dec 4 - Strait of Georgia
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Dec 4 10:28 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.38797,-124.58974
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Heading up island towards Texada and Hornby.
Submitter Name: Vern Hattle
Whale Alert App 
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Sun, Dec 4 - Haro Strait (Same pair spotted on December 1 in Haro Strait)
12-04-22 Two Humpbacks, Haro Strait
15:05 - 15:16, A pair of humpbacks traveling to the north /up island less than 1/4 mile from shore. Surfacing regularly but barely breaking the surface, this pair traveled slowly and stately together. At one point one of them changed direction and the other stopped to wait for the friend to return and they resumed their journey. I think this was the same pair that traveled very close to shore on 12-01-22. The fin shapes are identical and one has a distinctive white patch on the dorsal fin. Viewed from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. Photographed from shore. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photos by Michelline Halliday, December 4, 2022
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11:45 - Alas, no photos, but spotting of two gorgeous humpbacks, one with its back surfacing, one with a magnificent fluke pointed towards the heavens, at Granny's Cove, American Camp [San Juan Island]. -Sara Abrevaya Stein
*
11:30 - 13:15 - Reports between 11:30 and 13:15 of a pair of humpbacks milling between South Beach and Eagle Point. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sun, Dec 4 - Puget Sound
10:49 - Still 100-200 yd from the tip of Camp Sealth.
10:37 - We are pretty sure there are 2. Near the point of Camp Sealth now. Looks to be heading south super slowly. Just saw a dorsal fin pop up and then another in almost the same place. Have not seen 2 surface at the same time. But we have seen that double surface pattern 3x. 
10:15 - May just be one. Seems to be going in a circle. Was headed towards Camp Sealth then turned around. -Jenni Buttercup Smith -photo by Jenni Buttercup Smith, December 4, 2022
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MINKE WHALES - Sun, Dec 4 - Puget Sound - 07:30 - We just saw what we believe was a minke whale. Very pointed dorsal fin. Surfaced 3 times but wasn’t able to get a picture. Location is Colvos Passage, between Andersen Point County Park and Al’s Market on the Olalla side of the passage. He was southbound. -Kyle Buffenmyer

December 3
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 3 - Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - December 3: It took awhile starting at steadily northbound back-lit blows seen from Maxwelton beach, culminating in a large group of J pod whales congregated in a close-knit family group as they passed Bush Point in the waning light at sunset. Worth every minute of waiting and bracing against a chill wind, come back soon J pod. -Sandy Pollard -photos by RJ Snowberger, December 3, 2022
*
18:34 - Am I hearing faint call or something else again? (thought I heard couple faint calls at 17:58) -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
18:05 - 18:15 - Possible faint echolocation. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
*
16:20 - Large group of J pod whales have passed Bush Point and the yellow marker, making good time northbound. A beautiful sight in the waning light and setting sun. -Sandy Pollard
*
16:00 - Approaching Bush Point midchannel northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:30 - J-pod still northbound about 3/4 of a mile to the northeast of [approx. 47.981420, -122.592931]. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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15:23 - Leaders (we think) are approaching Foulweather Bluff continuing northbound, as seen from Shore Meadows. Mutiny Bay. -Sandy Pollard
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15:10 - 10-15 at Robinson Beach still going north. -Betsie Jo Lawler
*
14:02 - Seeing three or four back-lit blows from Maxwelton looking across to Point No Point - appear to be heading north in choppy conditions. -Sandy Pollard
*
13:53 - And sequence of large splashes/disturbances a bit northwest of those others and blows in between. Looks like still trend toward Admiralty.
13:48 - More surface activity, big water disturbance from breach or cartwheels, and seeing fins. I think some might be stalled foraging.
13:44 - J pod. Happened to catch a big breach here viewing from Stamm Overlook, Edmonds [approx. 47.873354, -122.444346]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:26 - Found more behind the big guy that are still pretty south of Eglon. 
13:20 - Found a handful of them going north up the west side of Whidbey towards Admiralty. Big guy following.
13:08 - I’ve lost track of all of them except one big male who is making it easier for me with his huge fin and big breaches, so far. I’m thinking he’s near the end of the group if not the last. He is close to Eglon still steady northbound.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:40 - Male, sight line Apple Tree Point to Cultus Bay way out there, most must be in the triangle. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:35 - Lots of blows all up and down the west side of Possession triangle. Super spread apart. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:33 - There was a big breach just north of ferry a few minutes ago but they’re all hiding now. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
12:25 - Call from Kendall reporting still seeing orcas generally near Edmonds Kingston ferry lanes heading northbound. Large male at least.
*
12:30 - Still some just passing north of the ferry, west side of shipping lanes, long down times. Leaders well ahead. -Sara Frey
*
12:20 - Seeing 5-6 blows and splashes heading north towards Eglon. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
11:52 - Just got to Sunset Ave: see at least one male sightline from Sunset Ave north side of Apple Tree Point, Kingston just east of mid channel. Steady northbound angling Kitsap line (vs. toward Possession) [approx. 47.805798, -122.43821]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:55 - From Apple Tree Point spread all the way from tank farm to Picnic Point midchannel to west of midchannel traveling steady northbound. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
*
11:40 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point Kingston. Leaders passing the ferry, mid channel. Trailers past the oil tanks approaching the ferry lanes. -Sara Frey
*
11:42 - Stopped at Marina Beach to take quick look. Much tougher at sea level, but could spot one male northbound sightline Kingston dock but we’ll east if mid channel steady northbound travel. I am moving to Sunset Ave (north of Edmonds terminal) elevation is our friend today. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
11:41 - Spotted one from Edmonds ferry dock area. Close to Apple Tree Cove I believe. -Diana Pham
*
11:08 - J pod is very spread out with leaders out from Point Wells, Woodway. Others spread west and south in singles. Any groups from earlier have spread out. All continue steady northbound with some foraging and surface activity. Who think are trailers have cleared yellow mid channel buoy off Richmond Beach. Chop makes it a little tough to see all fins but no problem with binoculars. Super beautiful to watching so many orcas streaming by and foraging.
10:50 - Leaders about Point Wells mid channel and spread across. Another group well in east side of channel off Kayu Kayu Ac Park includes wee one! -Alisa Lemire Brook, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jeff Blyth
Date of Sighting: 12/3/2022
Time: 10:58 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Port Madison / Jefferson head
Direction of travel : N slow (feeding)
Behaviors observed: Breaching
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: Unable to determine
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seen from a great distance.
Hard to tell detail but repeated breaches.
Photos available?: No
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10:44 - Apple Tree Cove looking directly east - seeing group of ~10 traveling steady northbound. Mid-channel and more on the east side. -Jenny Klis
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10:25 - Leaders off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park east side of channel with at least dozen trailing on this side. So beautiful backdropped by snowy Olympics. All steady northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Message received from Richmond Beach viewer:
10:06 - And another 10 more east of midchannel heading north.
10:00 - Group of 5+ northbound just east of midchannel just north of Carkeek.
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09:42 - I could only find a single male, viewed from Shilshole. Northbound. Down time about 30 seconds. -Sarah Sing
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09:30 - Trailing group, just east of midchannel off Golden Gardens northbound.
09:15 - Orcas, lots northbound off Shilshoe/Golden Gardens. Spread out north to south. No count but 10-15 at least. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, December 3, 2022
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09:21 - Three northbound, closer to Shilshoe side than Bainbridge Island. Moving pretty fast. -Susie Cunningham Bavo
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Dec 3 9:13:22 PST
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 47.69051,-122.50560
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.69051,-122.50560
Number Sighted: 4
Submitted Comments: 4-6 Orca in the middle of the channel heading north. 
Submitter Name: Emily Smiley
Whale Alert App
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08:50: [all committed to N/NE travel?] YES!
08:45 - Update: 2 more, one close to island.
08:41 - Update: 4, with one pair looking like adult with juvenile.
08:37 - 3 orcas off Wing Point on Bainbridge, moving NE mid channel. -Jane Rein
*
08:09 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report TACOMA@0809 C/M reports 4 Orca West of SB traffic lanes outside of Eagle Harbor Bainbridge.
*
08:00 - Carrie Dosdick (sp?) called to report late morning to report seeing a single orcas from the 07:35 ferry from Seattle to Bremerton, middle run so about 08:00. Not sure if male or female but single orca was traveling eastward back toward Seattle. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Dec 3 - South Puget Sound (T137s) -
16:40 - Southbound near McNeil.
16:11 - North end of Fox Island, Carr Inlet side. 5 minutes ago. -Brooke Krakora
*
15:30 - The transients were southbound south of Kopachuck State Park. -Orca Network
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14:42 - I see 2 large blow spouts and one definite orca dorsal fin just north of Minter Creek in middle of Henderson Bay. Slowly heading north. Lots of sea lions nearby just north of them. -Audrey ML
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14:00 - Orcas in Henderson Bay this afternoon. -screen frame from video by Jane Durnbaugh Thompson, December 3, 2022
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14:00 - Henderson Bay. -Gudrun Gearhart
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13:39 - Three orcas reported by the Purdy Spit at the end of Henderson Bay in Carr Inlet. [PSWS]
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Dec 3 - Puget Sound - 15:13 - Gray whale healthy/large spotted westside Vashon, Colvos Passage. -Sean Nelsen

December 2
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Dec 2 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - 16:21 - Losing view of them along with light. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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16:15 - In ferry crossings mid channel Clinton/Mukilteo. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
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16:08 - Viewing from Mukilteo and there is a group approaching Clinton ferry terminal. In the long stretch of houses. I think J27 is in that group. Positive ID on J47. -Tamara Kelley, Orca Conservancy
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16:07 - I see a few on the Mukilteo side of midchannel line of sight with Mukilteo Lighthouse. I'm viewing from Clinton ferry terminal. They were still northbound.
15:45 - About mid channel 1/2 mile from south ferry lane. Saw a huge breach twice. Getting off ferry soon. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
15:46 - Spotted almost at Glendale. Northbound. -Sara Montour Lewis
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Nancy Stiefel Boyle
Date of Sighting: 12/2/2022
Time: 3:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Glendale beach heading north
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: All fins looked small, one baby possibly
Any unusual markings?: Not close enough
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
15:10 - Cindi Crowder Rausch is viewing them northbound from Possession Point Beach Park. 
*
15:04 - Seeing lots of blows from Edmonds (I’m standing above the ferry terminal) on the other side of channel heading northbound to Possession. No fins visible from my POV. -Vanessa Franz
*
15:00 - Found the rest of them. All heading into Possession Sound.
14:51 - They’re heading right at me in Mukilteo. At least 4-5 and one big guy. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
14:28 - Pod is still eastbound in line with west side of Possession head. From Edmonds.
14:17 - At least 4 big males fitting profile of J boys.
14:03 - Going fast east in a big line generally due south Cultus Bay/Possession Point.
13:58 - Big active group moving south/southeast along Possession bar (South Whidbey). Line of sight Sunset Ave, Edmonds to Double Bluff, Whidbey.
13:47 - From Edmonds pod appears to have stalled to forage a ways north of the ferry traffic lanes, at least for the time being. They are making directional changes, sightline from Sunset Ave looking toward Point No Point, which puts them out in the middle out from Eglon area where Jim last reported. (Still unconfirmed, but presume SRKWs, and presumably J pod.) -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:22 - Viewing from Eglon got whales straight out in front of me halfway between Possession Point and Edmonds line of sight, southbound. -Jim Pasola
*
12:58 - About a dozen + being very active breaching cartwheels tall slaps as they move their way south along Kitsap side of triangle.
12:48 - 4 breaches in a row! About 4-5 more in view now. 
12:33 - One big guy visible to me in Possession triangle now going south pretty quickly, viewing through telescope from Chennault Beach. -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
12:20 - I got them I'm viewing from Possession Shores, Sunset Hill Dr. Whidbey. Southbound [approx. 47.902598, -122.494326]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
12:24 - I see whales line of sight Scatchet Head and what I guess are the leaders are past Possession Point line of sight closer to the Kitsap side, continuing south.
12:06 - Continuing southeast closer to this side nearing Maxwelton line of sight.
11:44 - Appear to be moving southwest.
11:41 - They are definitely this side of mid-channel or I couldn't see them, there's a heavy groundswell in fairchop; elevation will be your friend.
11:35 - Looking from Point No Point at Double Bluff seeing many, many blows and dorsals; they're just at the edge of my sight line, I can't tell any direction or behavior from here, but there's got to be 12 to 15 blows. -Jim Pasola
*
08:52 - John Gardiner called to report orcas approx. one mile south of Point No Point, Kitsap. They are seeing approx. 5 (incl. male and calf) so far, spread traveling northbound west side of the channel. 
*
HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Dec 2 - Haro Strait - 09:05 - Humpbacks (I think 2 but I saw multiple blows) just off of Kellett Bluff on Henry Island (can't tell direction). -Sara Cannon [WSSJI]
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Fri, Dec 2 - Puget Sound - 14:49 - There is currently a humpback off of Owen Beach headed east towards Commencement Bay.  -Johnny Collard
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14:45 - We lost it before I was able to get my good camera, this was taken when we first saw it. -photo by Shalane Ilene Smith, December 2, 2022

December 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 1 - Puget Sound (J pod) - 11:49 - From Kayu Kayu, we can see 2+ large fins southbound, mid channel passing the yellow channel marker. -April Basham
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11:46 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report PUYALLUP spots 10 Orca headed SB 1114hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 10 orca headed in a southerly direction currently located in the southbound shipping lanes. SPOKANE copies radio transmission. 
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08:24 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report SUQUAMISH spots Orcas at CLIN - Log entry 0818hrs: Captain reports vessel came to all-stop for a pod of approximately 20 orca whales, heading North off the CLIN dock.
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08:16 - Orcas spotted from the Mukilteo ferry on the Clinton side heading north. 5 minutes ago. -Rachel King
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Dec 1 - Haro Strait
10:17 - Moving up island now.
10:10 - Orcas off County Park on a hunt. Probably 5. -April Ryan, Maya’s Legacy Whale Watching [WSSJI]
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Thu, Dec 1 - Possession Sound (T137s)
14:35 - From Richmond Beach Saltwater Park high elevation can confirm just four orcas including male so safe to presume T137s. Southbound steady clip, loosely grouped, midway between mid channel buoy and Jefferson Head west side of channel [approx. 47.751312, -122.451349].
14:24 - Pod has continued southbound travels making good time. About out from President Point (sightline). Seen big fin distorted by superior mirage and still distinct blows of so far just four so thinking it’s the Ts. Going to move back to Richmond Beach Saltwater Park for higher perch and perspective. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:07 - Seeing blows just south of the Kingston ferry line (barge in the area right now). Not sure which group it is. -Sara Frey
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14:05 - Seeing exhalations of at least 4 individuals moving southbound, sight line south of Apple Tree Point from Kayu Kayu Ac park, Shoreline. Watched several surfaces before posting [approx. 47.795214, -122.458950].  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:55 - From Scatchet, caught looks at VERY distant blows far south, look to be heading south, probably east side of midchannel. 
12:20 - They passed SO CLOSE to shore southbound. At Possession Point State Park, they crossed paths with a bunch of sea lions. It was crazy! Looks like they've passed them on southbound, but watching for a few in case they start a sneaky hunt. -photos by Rachel Haight, December 1, 2022
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12:26 - They were milling around for about 30 minutes, disappeared, and now popped up heading into Possession triangle.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:50 - T137s just north of Possession Point Beach Park, on a hunt. Looks to be successful judging by the gull action. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:49 - Milling in front of Chennault Beach on Whidbey side of channel, I count 4-5. One big guy. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:15 - Finally spotted them. Southbound almost to Glendale. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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10:55 - Angling over towards Mukilteo/Lighthouse southbound.
10:30 - [approx. 48.009721, -122.342187] Southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
10:45 - Approaching ferry lanes, Whidbey side of mid southbound. Moving fast.
10:40 - In between mid Brighton and southeast side Hat Island. -back of camera photos by Marilyn Armbruster, December 1, 2022
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10:13 - Stealth mode, Jack trailing family, pushed southeast towards Hat Island.
10:04 - I found the T137s! Southbound approaching Sandy Point (from Saratoga Passage). -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:07 - They spent lots of down time but they’ve now passed Sandy Point and are headed south towards Clinton.
10:00 - 3-4 orcas heading southeast at Sandy Point. -Luanne Seymour 
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Dec 1 - Haro Strait - 12-01-22, 8-10 humpbacks, Haro Strait
09:30, A humpback traveling to the southeast, estimating 3-4 miles from shore, seeing blows with a sliver of dark body. Twice I saw a large dark shape rise out of the water, either a breach or a big arching dive. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
09:33, A humpback traveling north/up island, 2-3 miles from shore. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
10:20, Two humpbacks traveling down island to the south. Traveling very tight and only 35 feet from shore, the pair surfaced far to my right, then stayed under the surface as they crossed in front of me. On the calm water I could see the large disturbance patterns left on the surface by their pectoral fins as they swam slowly past underneath. With each fin stroke there appeared alternating flat circles a few yards apart one after another. The pair surfaced again south of me seconds before my view was blocked by trees. I was left staring in amazement at the still visible surface marks of the Goliaths. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
12:05, Three humpbacks traveling tight to the southeast, estimating 4+ miles from shore. The trio's blows were bright white against the dark clouds that were obscuring the Olympic peninsula at the horizon. 2 of the humpbacks dove, arching high, their lower bodies clearing the surface. I could see their flukes as they dove under, one was solid bright white against the dark sea behind. At the same time but farther north of the trio, a fourth humpback seen traveling to the north. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve.
14:00, Two humpbacks traveling tight together up island to the north, 50' from shore. Based on dorsal fin shapes, I'm pretty sure this was the same pair that traveled down island past my location at 10:20. Viewing from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve. Photographed from shore, cropped and enlarged. -Michelline Halliday, SJI -photos by Michelline Halliday, December 1, 2022
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Thu, Dec 1 - Possession Sound - 11:50 - I'm definitely seeing a blow towards Legion Park [approx. 48.019028, -122.246254]. I'm viewing from north side of Clinton ferry terminal high bluff. It almost looks like a gray blow. Maybe a humpback? -Marilyn Armbruster