February 2018 Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of February 2018 whale sightings.

February 28


February 27


February 26
While I was bird-watching from the Edmonds Pier on Monday, Feb 26, I spotted and photographed a Gray Whale at 10:05am. It was fairly close, just a few hundred yards southwest of the pier. It surfaced two more times before I lost sight of it. It was heading south. -Joe Sweeney
(ID notes by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research: "This is another unknown animal, doesn't match the catalog. I don't think it is the left side of the gray seen on the 21st either.")
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February 26 - At about 1 am we both heard what we were pretty sure sounded like a large whale spouting, then heard a few other sounds (sort of like we used to hear when they fed below us on North Bluff rd), I wonder if the grays feed a bit along here (south of Bush Point), it is really sandy/muddy - I know they feed in Useless bay. Anyway, hoping it is a(nother?) Gray and someone sees and photographs it first thing! -Susan Berta, Orca Netwrok

February 25
Whale off President Point, Kitsap, near Kingston. Not an orca. Heading North at 4:54 pm. (possibly one of the Sounders or Unknown grays who has been seen in this part of Puget Sound - alb) -Joanne Graves

February 24
T124A2B is a girl! ..."Morning Star" arrived on scene with T87, the T124A2s, and T124C at 1510. The whales were still in Rosario Strait off the south side of Allan Island, near Williamson Rocks....Encounter report and photos at Center for Whale Research Encounter 9.
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This afternoon I got out on the water with Maya's Legacy and we met up with the T124As (including T124A1) in San Juan Channel. While they were in travel mode heading slowly north when we got on scene, they soon went on a killing spree. As they headed into Upright Channel we saw them make three consecutive kills, most likely of harbor seals. On all three occasions dozens of gulls came down to join the feeding frenzy. We left them milling near 5:30 PM at the bottom of Harney Channel. Whale fix! I was thrilled to get out on the water this afternoon with the T124As in San Juan Channel. This is calf T124A6 (born 2016) with eyes wide open on a high surfacing between mom T124A (left/back) and sibling T124A3. -Monika Wieland Shields - Orca Behavior Institute
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A beautiful encounter with some hungry Bigg's killer whales this evening in San Juan Channel. -Photo by Sara Hysong-Shimazu, February 24, 2018
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We watched the T124As traveling up the Lopez Island in San Juan Channel today, 2/24/18, including calf T124A6. A hungry group as they made 3 kills in Upright Channel within an hour. -Photo by Jeff Friedman, February 24, 2018
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T124A and T124A6 north bound past Whale Rocks on the afternoon of February 24th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2018
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Bigg's/Transient killer whales - San Juan Channel - Transient Orcas in San Juan Channel off of Cattlepoint. Time was 2:15, watching them circle Whale Rocks where the Steller's sea lions are hauled out. Can't ID group from where I'm standing, but there appears to be 4 adults (possibly all females) and one baby. Traveling north through the channel. -Anne Marie Colbert
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2:28 p.m - Still moving up, but closer to Lopez. Total of 5, no males that are obvious. Parallel to Goose Island. Not in hunting mode seems like. Seals are vigilant. Harbor porpoise, 4? went racing the opposite direction.
2:17 p.m. - Stellars just started vocalizing alot!
2:08 p.m. - Four orcas off Cattle Point, one is young. Slow, off the lighthouse, heading north into San Juan channel. Three adults, one young. Don't see males, unless sprouters. At Whale Rocks, where Stellars are. I'm out with Birding Class. -Cher Renke

February 23
5:20 p.m. - Puget Sound - T124A2s, T124C, T87 - Pod is due west of Sunset Ave, Edmonds so about Eglon?, way over on west side of Sound. Still northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
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4:50 p.m. - approaching Apple Tree Point. West channel, steady pace northbound. One last look at T87 for the night, and maybe for some time. -Photos below by Sara Frey
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I've seen blows now twice at 4:20 and 4:25 further north so they are northbound nearing Kingston in very choppy seas and moody skies of sideways snow and Sun rays! From Kayu Kayu Ac Park Richmond Beach. -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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4:12 p.m. - Spotted the pod west of mid channel just south of yellow middle channel buoy between Richmond Beach and Presidents Point, Kingston while aboard ferry crossing to Edmonds. -Marilyn Armbruster
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2:15 p.m - Just saw them from the deck of the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry. It looked like there were three and they were headed North still on the west side (of channel) but traveling more to the center of the channel. And it was pretty neat because the huge harbor crane vessel just had passed, so the vessel was the backdrop to our pictures. GREAT experience. Loving our Puget Sound today. -Heather Strassell
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1:40 p.m. - Pod went East side of Bainbridge. They are at Eagle Harbor, heading north. They are in no hurry. We have left them now.
1:06 p.m. - Orcas are heading North nearing Seattle but closer to the south end of Bainbridge Is. -Debby Giard
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1:11 p.m. - Watching from Constellation park in west Seattle large male in lead, far west in channel between Blake and Bainbridge islands. Very choppy conditions. -Kersti Muul
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12:30 p.m. - T87 - pod is Southeast side of Blake Island still heading north. -Photo by Marilyn Armbruster, February 23, 2018 (photos taken while aboard WS Ferry)
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12:25 p.m. T124C and T87 Watching the Ts heading Northbound aiming for main channel, east side of Blake. Long down times. Viewed from aboard 12:20 Southworth/Vashon ferry. -Photo by Marilyn Armbruster, February 23, 2018
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12:12 p.m. - (pod) northbound just south of the Southworth Ferry lane. Close to Vashon Island. -Noreen Ferris
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12:05 p.m. - off Sylvan Beach (Vashon) in mid channel of Colvos traveling northbound. -Shannon Kachel
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High noon - Northbound group at north tip Vashon. Apx 4-6 orcas long dives moving at a fast clip! -Tim Ferris
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11:38 a.m. - T124A2...Off Cove walk right now on Vashon side...and her eldest T124A2A (born 2013). Nice look at T87 at north end of Colvos Passage off Vashon. -Photo by Shelby Middling, February 23, 2018
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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11:23 a.m. - the are approaching Fragaria road (in Olalla) they are traveling at a steady pace still northbound. Long down times. -Brittany Gordon
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11:03 a.m. - I am at Al's Market in Olalla...they just passed, Vashon Island side still heading north. -Jami Cantrell
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10:13 a.m. - Just saw them passing by near the entrance of Gig Harbor. Looks like they're heading north up Colvos. -Michaela Kelly Wuelfing
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I just watched them cross Dalco heading north into Colvos at 10:10am, moving rapidly. -Michele Riely Campbell
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9:47 a.m. - (pod) Middle of channel. Still present. Milling after kill I suspect.
9:30 a.m. T124A2 and eye patch of her surfacing little one T124A2B. Passing by Salmon Beach now heading north. T124C in the Narrows, backdropped by beautiful snow-dusted sandy bluffs. T87 holding his own against the towering bluffs of the Tacoma Narrows. -Zeno Martin
(IDs by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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9:00 a.m. - orcas just north of Tacoma Narrows Bridge. I don't know who, but there appeared to be 4, including one baby. Direction of travel... generally North, but playing and milling around a bit. -Sarah Whalen
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Unidentified cetacean - February 23 - 5:10 p.m. - Mike at WSFerries called with a partial report of a single blow between Bremerton and Waterman Point. No species or direction. (No orcas have been reported near there so this may be the gray whale that was seen off Edmonds Feb. 21)

February 22
South Puget Sound - T124A2s, T124C, T87 - 4:20 p.m. - Heading North up Dana passage...1st spotted in front of Cooper point from Boston Harbor. -Aaron Barna
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This morning, as the sun hit the water in blinding fashion, I got a call from Chris Hamilton with a report of "orca in the hood." I ran to the deck in sub zero weather and 60 mph winds to see if I could see them. I COULD! They had just entered Eld Inlet (so they passed right in front of me without being detected) and they were all doing what I call the "Whale Happy Dance." They were so active that I could hardly keep up. Breach. Tail slap. Spy hop. Head stands. Pectoral slap. Roll. Repeat. :) I had to go inside to warm up. And I could hear the tail slaps and breaches inside the house! They stayed in this same are for a long time, with lots of tail slaps, breaching, spy hops and other social behavior that is common after they have made a 'kill' and that I missed witnessing (one of the photos shows the oil slick from that) and everyone was happy! After some time, they traveled a bit further south into Eld, passing Sanderson Cove and on their way to Flap Jack Point. About 20 minutes later, I could see the strong blows of the animals now exiting Eld Inlet near Cooper Point heading north with a purpose. As they passed, I could see a lone and scared seal at the edge of the beach. But the whales were moving quickly north, mid channel. I lost sight of them in the high chop and biting north wind as they approached Harstine Island area. I do not know if they went north up Dana Passage or hung a west and went toward Steamboat Island and waters in those inlets. SO GRATEFUL!!! As they faded out of sight, I sobbed. Such a gift to be able to share a few moments with such magnificent animals.
4:15 p.m. - Ts exiting Budd Inlet heading north. That is Cooper Point Spit in the foreground. The body of water on the bottom is Eld Inlet.
4:10 update. The whales are still in the Budd/Eld inlets vicinity. They have circle around and headed into the entrance of Budd Inlet. Quickly swung around and headed north again on the far shore (toward Boston Harbor/Zangle Cove) and are now out of sight yet again. VERY hard to spot unless they are on their pattern - long dive followed by a three X surfacing series. I lost sight in the chop as they were headed north and if they keep on that trajectory, they are angled toward Dana Passage.
3:36 p.m. - They are there again. Almost missed them. I was on the beach and as I came inside, I turned around and there they were heading east from Eld Inlet toward Zangle Cove. Mid channel. Long dives. VERY tough to see them due to chop and wind.
1:08 p.m. - They are still here. I can see them from my front room breaching on the south side of Harstine - even in huge whitecaps. Too far away for photos. Cannot tell if they are going north up Dana Passage or west toward Steamboat Island and inlets over there.
12:35 p.m. - They are now heading north and traveling fast. Porpoising and tail slapping along the way. Now on long dive. Mid channel heading straight to Harstine Island. I lost sight in the wind and whitecaps.
11:47 a.m. - I can still see them and now they are traveling south toward Flap Jack Point.
11:37 a.m. - Still in roughly the same place. I can't tell if they made a kill. Wild waves and a weird "patch/spot" on the water just north of where they are (photo viewed showed oil slick from kill - alb) They are taking a few long dives. Huge tail slaps, breaches, blows and other surface activity. Slightly and slowly heading south into Eld...
11:05 am - Orcas in Eld Inlet. They are just south of Cooper Point very active staying in the same place. Now heading into hot light (sun glare). LOTS of tail slaps a breaches. HUGE. Blows. T124A2 Eld Inlet this morning. A little tail-lobber sandwiched by great uncle T124C and T87. Eld Inlet. -Kim Merriman
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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Approx. 8:00 a.m. - Saw them (orcas) from Otso Point (Anderson Is., Puget Sound)...they were headed south west towards the end of Long Branch. Amazing. Wonderful way to start the day. -Ellen Ross Kaspi

February 21
February 21 - North Puget Sound - T137s - 3:58 p.m. - Midchannel male dorsal out from Mutiny Bay plus a few hugging Whidbey side N end of Double Bluff. They gathered right here off PNP with feeding behavior, but soon spread out as they moved on heading NE towards S Whidbey. At least 4 -- that was so cool to walk onto the beach and have a big ol' spy hop right in front of me!! Didn't even have camera ready yet.
3:35-3:45 p.m. - Eyes on - 100 yards out from Point no Point... big spy hop now traveling NE at good clip passing Double Bluff and heading to Mutiny Bay up Admiralty! T137A northbound in Admiralty Inlet off Point No Point. T137D, T137A, & mom T137. -Donna Van Renselaar
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1:40 p.m. - passed Apple Tree Point Kingston, NB steady pace. Several plus a male about 1/4 mile behind...Stinks to be home sick but for a few minutes of orca viewing, felt better! Pretty sure I saw one very young, one female, young male and an older male. Matriarch T137 off Kingston...her big 16 year-old son T137A. -Sara Frey
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1:23 p.m. - Pod is just on south side Apple Cove Point, Kingston heading towards row of home at Point. Male is on outside , maybe leading a bit, 1 female, 1 young and maybe 4th (female or juvie)? Still NB. Travel is slowish moving at surface but then 3-5 mintue dives they surface much further ahead than anticipated. Has made tracking them a bit more difficult than usual.
1:10 p.m. - pod resumed travel and is about to surface in front of Kingston dock steady northbound West side of channel, loosely spread.
12:54 p.m. - after long dive pod has moved far over to Kitsap side north of Presidents Point. Some surface action: tail lobs and maybe a spyhop.
12:35 p.m. - This pod is stealthy. They were either on prey or flipped...last northbound same spot. I moved closer and haven't seen them again since about 12:20.
12:12 p.m. - May have stalled. They just made directional change and their location is actually mid channel between Richmond Beach and Jefferson Head.
12:05 p.m. - After hours of searching...Finally found them. Pod is southbound steady pace just south of Jefferson Head just west of mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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8:58 a.m. - At least 3 orcas including a large male off SW Possession headed south. -Toby Black
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February 21 - South Puget Sound - T87 (& presumably T124C, T124A2s). At 7:38pm, a pod of orcas came by Arcadia Point westbound. I could not see them, but we could hear them. No pics, too dark. -Pamela S. Burger
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I saw, 2 perhaps 3 (they were far away by the time I got there) Orca heading out past Boston Harbor Marina. Someone had posted on a neighborhood page that they were heading out past Burfoot Park in Olympia @4:45 at by 4:57 they were past the marina, heading out! -Brandee Crocker Kankaala
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5:12 p.m. - Done for the night. Lost them in the snow heading across from far shore and mid channel toward Hunter Point and Squaxin Island. Heading west toward Steamboat Island.
4:53 p.m. - Now turned around and heading north still on far shore and now north of the marina. Slow and long dives with a few frolics thrown in by the little one
4:19 p.m. - They are in Budd Inlet heading south. Slow surfacing series as they approach Boston Harbor. Very close to that shoreline. -Kim Merriman
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2:44 p.m. - 2 orcas spotted heading south in Case Inlet between Herron and Hartstene Islands. -Eric Bergson
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Weds 2:30 pm 2-3 orcas swimming south in Case Inlet, south of Herron Island. -Charlotte Smothers
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Here is a VERY grainy image of both males from 8:30 this morning as they were spotted south side of Squaxin Island heading west. T87 and his pretty boy notch."
8:10 a.m - I could see at least 5, at least two bulls. Heading west toward Steamboat Island, When I first saw them they were slow surfacing. Hardly any blows...they were doing slow surfacing and directional changes. (Prior to that...They were headed east in front of Squaxin toward Budd Inlet.) -Kim Merriman
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7:45 a.m - Five orcas in Dana Passage, going south! -Cora Tunberg Gray whale
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February 21 - 2:00 p.m. - Gray whale off Olympic Beach, Edmonds. The whale was pretty close, about as close as the fishing pier, I first saw it half way between the ferry dock and the pier, I thought it was a log, then it disappeared so I knew it was a whale. It surfaced again closer to the pier so I thought it was traveling south, but the photo shows it turned around and was headed north. I went south to see if I could see it again but I didn't. No blow/spout. -LeRoy VanHee
(ID notes: "This gray is definitely not one of the Sounders. I took it through our catalog and did not find a match." - Alie Perez, Cascadia Research)

February 20
The beautiful whole group; T87, T124A2, T124C, T124A2B, and T124A2A, & a flying companion, on their return trip out of Dyes Inlet through the Washington Narrows, Bremerton. -Photo taken from shore at Lions Park by Shannon Hull
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February 20 - Puget Sound - T137s plus?
(One of the morning reports had 8 NB off Vashon. I saw 6-8 off Jefferson Head in the early evening, but we've only photos of the T137s so leaving the possibility another pod was traveling w/T137s and left overnight? - alb)
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5:35 p.m - Orcas spotted off Jeff Head headed North toward Apple Tree Cove. Confirmed 3 adults and 2 calves. Way close into shore. -Rick Wood
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5:41 p.m. - pod has loosened up a bit but still traveling close together, male and younger one hanging back several hundred yards, with female and others in lead. All continuing steady medium pace Northbound, currently off President Point (midway between Jefferson Head and Kingston ferry)
5:15 p.m. - finally seeing orcas at Jefferson Head/Point in main channel Kitsap side heading steady northbound, grouped tight. 6-8? including at least one male and little one. Viewing from quite a distance in waning light from Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, they are hugging Kitsap side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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4:40 p.m. - pod now heading east out of bay toward Jefferson Head.
4:35 p.m. - orcas are now by Indianola dock!!! Entering Miller Bay!
4:25 p.m. - Watching from Suquamish dock. (Pod) Kitsap side mid channel. Steady trending north towards Kingston. -Kimberly Sylvester
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3:40 p.m. - T137A, T137D, T137A, T137, T137D - group moving into Port Madison Bay West toward Suquamish. -Photo by Sue Larkin, February 20, 2018
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3:15 p.m. - Spotted the NB pod on the Northeast side of Bainbridge! (off Fay Bainbridge Park) -Nick Eberling
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12:55 p.m. - I got eyes on Northbound between Blake and Bainbridge west of mid channel. At least 4 with male in lead. -Kersti Muul
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12:54 p.m. - Just saw at least 4 between Blake and West Seattle. Mid-channel. Not sure of direction. (I'm on Southworth ferry). -Kate Calamatta
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8:11 a.m. - The Fauntleroy to Southworth ferry passed 3-4. At least 1 big one in the group. They were hunting, guess based on the eagle and numerous seagulls swooping above. -Kayla Barr Graham
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8:07 a.m. - 5 orcas east of Blake Isl. 2 calves, 2 females, 1 male. Heading south. -Mike at WSF
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February 20 - (presumably T124A2s, T124C, T87) - 5:33 p.m. - small group of Orcas travelling south, headed under the Narrows Bridge. Two large, one medium, two or three small for a total of 5 or 6. Passed by the Pt Defiance lighthouse around 5:10 pm, and then under the Narrows (or just north of) at 5:33. -Beth Blankenship
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February 20 - Puget Sound - Bremerton - T124A2s, T124C, T87 - 12:23 p.m. - Orca at lighthouse point heading south from Rich Passage. -(Back of camera) Photo by Noelle Morris, February 20, 2018
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11:47 a.m - There were two large males in the group that passed Waterman Point. Hard to keep eyes on them with all the snow! -Debra Noland Shizuru
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11:42 a.m. - spotted steady east. At Manchester park. Looks like about 6 total.
11:07 a.m. - northeast from Manette Bridge close to Bremerton side. Possibly hunting. Starting to head steadily north towards Illahee park. -Jami Cantrell
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Peruse this beautiful photo gallery of T124A2s, T124C, and T87 photographed from Bachmann Park by Meegan Reid, Kitsap Sun
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Double rarity. Well, you just never know. Snow is rare for us at sea level, so are orcas in our waters. Then one day you wake up and chase killer whales during a snowstorm. That makes these pictures are rather rare, and rather grainy, as the snow was coming down good while the whales came for a visit. I shot first from the Warren Ave bridge as they exited Dyes inlet, and then caught up to them at Bachmann Park in Manette. There were two calves, two females, and a male. They put on quite a show that thrilled all the numb toed watchers. -Steve Scholle Photography
(Group consists of 2 adult males T87 & T124C, and 1 female T124A2 & her offspring juvenile T124A2A and calf T124A2B - alb)
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Birdseye view! 10:48 a.m. - Spotted near Manette bridge headed towards ferry dock. -Photo by Stephanie Allen, February 20, 2018
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10:41 a.m. - Orcas just went by Lions Park and under bridge. T124A2, T124A2B, T87, and T124A2A - Washington Narrows, Bremerton. -Photo by Shannon Hull, February 20, 2018
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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10:40 a.m. - T124A2A and T124C - Port Washington Narrows, taken from Evergreen Park in West Bremerton. -Photo by Patrick Kerber, February 20, 2018
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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10:15 a.m. - Watching from Tracyton Beach road. They (orcas) are off Rocky Point right now headed out of Dyes Inlet. -Brittany Gordon
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9:45 a.m. - At least 4 (2 males, 1 female, and a calf) heading south, seemingly out of Dyes Inlet. Research boat heading out from Silverdale waterfront now. -Kyleen Junier
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I hope you are enjoying the snow views. I saw 4 orcas (transients) coming into Dyes Inlet this morning around 9:17 am. They didn't stay long. They were out of there around 9:37 am. The mom, baby, & young male(?) came further into the inlet. A male mature looking male stayed closer to the entrance of the inlet. T124C in Dyes Inlet, Bremerton. -Carol Derusha
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9:22 a.m. - Group of at least four in front of Silverdale waterfront Park.
8:50 a.m. - There's a group (of orcas) in front of Tracyton boat launch right now, headed towards Dyes inlet!! -Michele Nusz
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From foot ferry Port Orchard to Bremerton this morning. I was on the 0730 from Port Orchard. (Orcas) Headed out of the area, but had been here for a while. The local ferry captain said they had seen them on the way over earlier. -Photo by Roger Gay, February 20, 2018
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7:12 a.m - Just saw 2 adults and 2 baby orca outside Bremerton from the ferry (which is running late). -Photo by Nicole Andrews, February 20, 2018
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7:10 a.m. - 2 orcas heading S off Point Herron, opposite Bremerton. -Mike at WS Ferry
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Coastal killer whales - February 20 - Oregon - I saw a single male orca in Port Orford, OR Feb 20. Will be looking again today. Tail slaps, playing? Looking for the pod? There was kelp it was swimming through and it breached once. -Cynthia Stetson

February 19
Admiralty Inlet - Approx. 5:20 p.m. - We had a glimpse of some blows and a fin, about one mile south of Bush Pt. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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4:00 p.m. - Viewed from Admiralty Inlet from our house on Keystone Avenue. Sighted whales Southeast side of Marrowstone Island. Heading South around South point of island. Saw numerous spouts small and large as well as two breaches. Estimate large group possibly ten-fifteen based on continuous spouting simultaneously and the length of time viewable as they headed South. -Leslie Warren
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3:35 p.m. - 5-6 orca heading south past Fort Casey just now, close to Whidbey side. No binocs or camera, so no idea on who they might be. -Jill Hein
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2:30 p.m. - Orca sighting report called in from Nadja Baker from the Ft. Ebey State Park bluff trail, NW Whidbey Island: Two orcas, tight together in Admiralty Inlet, feeding in a rip line in front of me, about a mile off Whidbey in line with Discovery Island...WoW!!! What a Whale of a Whidbey Island day!!! Went to Fort Ebey State Park to picnic on the bluff trail and was rewarded for braving the arctic cold winds with a super surprise transient orca whales sighting in the Strait of Juan de Fuca!! Their bursting blows glistening in the gales and winter cold air temps caught my eye as they were traveling closely together southbound about a mile offshore. - Nadja Baker

February 18


February 17
Bigg's/Transient killer whales - San Juan Channel - I went! The whales were milling between Shaw and Lopez till dark. -Alison Engle
(ID notes: After reviewing photos, Sara Hysong-Shimazu reports the T124A2s, T124C, plus T87 were present.)
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4:13 p.m - Just saw whales from the inner Island ferry coming into Friday Harbor about 6 to 8 of them. They were milling and there were lots of gulls around. The ferry was booking it because it's running late so I didn't really get a direction. I would say they were probably close to the labs so heading out from Friday Harbor. -Peggy Mauro
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February 17 - Puget Sound - 9:42 am. - Point No Point at least 4 orca headed west at a good pace...up Admiralty Inlet. -Photo by Cathy Baker, February 17, 2018
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Sperm whale - February 17 - Happy world whale day! While the famous sperm whale (named Yukusam after the Kwak'wala name for the island near where we first saw him) continues to transit Johnstone Strait...-Photo by Jared Towers, DFO

February 16
February 16 - Strait of Georgia - 8 Orcas going up Lambert channell, Horby Island, this morning 02/16/2018. Northbound going fast. I could only get one shot. What a week! -Photo by Louis Jobidon, February 16, 2018
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February 16 - At about 1230, Mark Malleson reported a small group of transients passing through Oak Bay. Melisa, Jane, and Tom headed to Snug Harbor and left aboard "Morning Star" at 1330. At 1445, "Morning Star" arrived on scene with the T60s about a mile southeast of Albert Head in the Strait of Juan De Fuca....About ten minutes later, the whales were back on the move, with T60D and T60E goofing off and lagging behind the rest of the family. "Morning Star" left the T60s aiming for Race Rocks off the entrance to Pedder Bay at 1630. -Full encounter summary and photos at Center for Whale Research Encounter 8.

February 15
Puget Sound - 5:30 p.m. - They have traveled south/east, still not too far from the Vashon terminal, but have stayed in the same area for 20 min. -Pia VanHanen
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5:00 p.m. - east of Vashon ferry dock. -Kelly Keenan
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4:55 p.m. - North of Vashon ferry dock, appears like at least one male and one juvenile. Too far for me to say with certainty whether Transients or Residents...
4:44 p.m. - SB, between Blake and Vashon, looks like foraging behavior. At least 2 - 4 of them.
4:30 p.m. - traveling quickly SB, now half a way of Blake. Not much surface activity.
4:25 p.m. - Two fins popped up shortly at the northern tip of Blake, appears to be close to shore from my vantage point. All the way in the west of channel. -Pia VanHanen
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16:05 - (Orcas) between Bainbridge and Blake as seen from Vashon. -Shannon Kachel
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Around 1530 - Seen on the left side of the ferry going from Bremerton to Seattle. Maybe at least 4 or 5. Traveling SW. Facebook video HERE. -Kels Oh
(Video shows 2 males, 1 calf, 1 female and another young. ID note by Melisa Pinnow: "If the video is the one with the two males, my guess is that it was T124C, T87, and the T124A2s." )
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1:50 p.m. - at least 2 orcas in Puget Sound, off Faye Bainbridge Park, heading south, west of mid-channel. Reported by Susan Andersson.
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We saw about 5 orcas (15th) morning as well....We probably saw these same orcas, just earlier. They appeared to be diving deep, I usually just see them continuosly on the surface. 8ish am, headed south Hansville side of Possession. -Whitney Gabrielle
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February 15 - San Juans - I had the 137's today in the San Juans - sounds like they've done some moving the last couple days! (In reply to them being in Johnstone Strait on 12th per Jared Towers report). -Tyler McKeen
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February 15 - Strait of Georgia - 10 Orcas spotted at Ford's Cove, Hornby Island, BC early this morning 2/15/2018, the Orcas went up the Lambert channel and back down south,the same way they came. Multiple kills during the day. Another amazing day kayaking Hornby Island. T100's? T124A1 and someone else, Ford's Cove Hornby Island. T100C. -Louis Jobidon
(ID notes by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research: "...So I would say the T100s and T124As for sure.")

February 14
Facebook video of a large group of Bigg's off Gallows Point in Nanaimo Harbor. By Jim MacQuarrie.
(I see the T100s and some T124As for sure. I think the T124Ds could be there too. Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)

February 13
Southern Residents - Below is a short summary of an encounter we had yesterday with some members of L pod that I thought you might be interested in. On February 13th, researchers from Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research, in collaboration with Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Cascadia Research Collective and the US Navy, conducted a small boat survey out of Westport, WA for Southern Resident killer whales. Weather conditions were excellent, and members of L pod were encountered north of Grays Harbor, WA during the latter part of a 91 nautical mile survey effort. Identification photos were collected of the whales encountered, and foot print follows to facilitate collection of prey remains and fecal matter were conducted, though no samples were observed. Additional surveys will be conducted throughout the winter and spring, weather and logistical constraints allowing. "This little man is L115" -Greg Schorr, Research Biologist, Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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February 13 - ...Ken and I left Victoria Harbour at 1139 and at 1202 came across T087 with the T124A2's and T124C traveling north east west of Constance Bank...-Full encounter summary & photos at Center for Whale Research Encounter 7.

February 12
The sperm whale Yukusam of Johnstone Strait! - Photo by Jared Towers, February 12, 2018
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T137A in Johnstone Strait. -Photo by Jared Towers, February 12, 2018 (see Sperm whale report)
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February 12 - Today Lisa C Larsson and I spotted a sperm whale in Johnstone Strait. Lisa had been listening to and recording this whale from Orcalab for several days. The first and last acoustic recording of a sperm whale in Johnstone Strait was made by John Ford in February 1984, but I am not aware of any confirmed sightings of this species in waters anywhere along the inner coast of BC until today! We managed to get some decent shots of it and the T137s as they swam past. Thanks to Paul Spng and Helena Symonds for tracking this whale acoustically and John for helping to verify that yesterday's acoustic recording was indeed of a sperm whale. -Jared Towers
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Humpback whales - February 12 - Humpback BCY0584, or "Pillar" as we have christened her, heads down on a dive (in the back) accompanied by an unidentified young whale. The two whales have been together now for weeks off Pillar Point on the Olympic Peninsula -Photo by Clint Rivers, February 12, 2018

February 11
Bigg's/Transient killer whales - Orcas hunting sea lions all afternoon. It's the beginning of herring season around Hornby Island, so much Life! Orcas last seen heading south. T102 off Hornby Island. T102 and likely T101A. Could be a T124A matriline member. Photo by Louis Jobidon, February 11, 2017
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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February 11 - BCY0584 "Pillar" shows us the unique markings on the underside of her tail that help us identify her. We don't know for sure that she's a female; we're just making that assumption because she's travelling with a juvenile that may be hers. -Photo by Valerie Shore , February 11, 2018

February 10
Puget Sound - T124A2s & T87 - 4:13 p.m. - I'm also at Edmonds. Just caught a glimpse through my spotting scope of a big dorsal and big splash in the direction of Useless Bay from my view point. Appeared to be heading east....They were way out there, I would guess 6 miles or so, appeared to be heading towards Possession Sound....Couldn't see them with binos, only the scope. They were way out. Saw them a couple more times before we left at about 4:45 pm. -Justine Buckmaster
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1:55 p.m. - 4 orcas on west side of Possession Bar (South Whidbey Island). Milling around looks like hunting perhaps....last saw them south of Scatchet Head a half mile or so. Matriarch T124A2 (born 2001) today while off South Whidbey with her offspring and lone male T87. T124A2 - right side. T124A2's oldest offspring T124A2A (born 2013) T124A2 and her youngest T124A2B (1st seen December 2016). Lone male T87 while traveling with the T124A2As. (see Feb 3rd also) -Toby Black
(ID'd as T124A2s with T87 by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research.)
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T010C east bound on Victoria's waterfront on the morning of February 10th. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2018
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T124A2B (1st seen December 2016), youngest offspring of T124A2, traveling along with family and lone male T87 in North Puget Sound on what of late has been a rare blue-sky sunny day. -Photo by Toby Black, February 10, 2018
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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Humpback whales - February 10 - A humpback calf gives up its anonymity on February 9th in the Juan de Fuca Strait. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2018
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Pacific white-sided dolphins - February 10 - 1:08 p.m. - There is a pod of at least 5 Pacific white-sided dolphins heading northbound of Lime Kiln State Park. -London Fletcher
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Gray whale - February 10 - 9 am Saturday 2/10/18 - One gray whale, 20 feet in length. Gray, dark in color. Height of blow medium to high. No dorsal fin. Location: straight out at intersection of Water/Ocean St, 75-100 yards out. Traveling North but possibly circling. No fluke. Hope this helps. -Karen Prater
(ID notes by John Calambokidis, Cascadia Research collective: "Sure looks like a gray whale but hard to tell much more than that. We do not have any other information I am aware of any early arrivals into the NPS area.)

February 9
5 Orcas spotted at Norris rocks, Hornby Island, (feb 9) they spent most of the afternoon in the area and were seen leaving southbound at sunset. Photos taken from shore. -Louis Jobidon, West Coast Wildlife
(Those could be the T101s. - Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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February 9 - A humpback calf gives up its anonymity on February 9th in the Juan de Fuca Strait. -Photo by Mark Malleson, 2018
(The above photo& report by Mark were included in our last Whale Report. Mark confirms his photo above is of the same calf who has been sticking close to BCY0584 off Pillar Point as reported by Clint and Val of Eagle Wing. We became aware of this duo after publishing our February 12th report- alb)

February 8


February 7


February 6


February 5


February 4
Unidentified killer whales - Admiralty Inlet -Visitors to our Langley Whale Center today reported a sighting of orcas from the Pt. Townsend/Coupeville ferry at 11:30 am. They said they were swimming in circles, no direction of travel. They were pretty sure they were orcas, not porpoise.
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Dall's porpoise - February 4 - A friend on the Clipper today reported seeing a group of Dall's porpoise about midway between Pt. Wilson and Victoria around 9:30 this morning....didn't mention a direction...-Stephanie Raymond

February 3
T124A2s & T87 - (Since publishing, supplemental photos & video were sent to us after inclusion of Jacqueline's original report (included again below) in our Whale Sighting Report dated 2/5. T87 was ID'd, these photos tell us he was with T124A2s, the same family he was traveling with on the 10th in Puget Sound. ID notes from photos below by Melisa Pinnow, CWR: "I see T124A2 in there! So it was the same group..." - ALB) (Original report previously included in our Whale Report dated February 5th) 1300 - Hello, Today at 1pm from our boat we saw a pod of five killer whales west of Dungeness Spit near Sequim. They were heading west and had a very young calf. I believe there was an adult female and male and two smaller whales. The two smaller ones seemed closer in size to the adult female. -Jacqueline Laverdure, NOAA, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary Education and Outreach Coordinator.
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Bigg's/Transient killer whales -1300 - Hello, Today at 1pm from our boat we saw a pod of five killer whales west of Dungeness Spit near Sequim. They were heading west and had a very young calf. I believe there was an adult female and male and two smaller whales. The two smaller ones seemed closer in size to the adult female. Adult Male (looks like T87) and young westbound off Dungeness Spit.-Jacqueline Laverdure
("I do believe this is T87." - Melisa Pinnow)

February 2
Southern Residents - Center for Whale Research encounter with J pod: "...At about 1210, a few killer whales were reported in San Juan Channel. Dave and Melisa hurried to Snug Harbor and left aboard "Orcinus" at 1250. With help from Jeanne Hyde, "Orcinus" located the first group of whales a mile northwest of Yellow Island at 1316. The first group was made up of J16, J41, J42, J50, and J51 and they were slowly traveling northwest. Trailing few hundred yards behind them was another group that contained J22, J36, J37, J38, J40, J45, and J49. J26 appeared further inshore toward the San Juan Island shoreline and paralleled the two groups while J19 and J39 surfaced a few hundred yards ahead of everyone. J27 and J31 also trailed behind the groups..." See full report and photos at Center for Whale Research Encounter 5.
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J17 with her youngest, J53! Spieden Channel. -Photo by Alison Engle, February 2, 2018
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Southern Residents - Wonderful to see J-Pod today! Several of us waited patiently at Reuben Tarte County Park today as J-pod plus L87 slowly made their way up San Juan Channel. They formed a big resting group as they passed Jones Island before turning towards Spieden Channel. It is the first time in a long time that I have seen them travel in a big tight group. We were all so focused on the big group that it was when we turned to leave Braunti spotted the J17's and L87 heading strait for the park. All pictures taken from shore with 150-600mm lens and cropped! Enjoy! J27 - Blackberry on the right. Spieden Island in the background. J35 Tahlequah and J46 Star. J46 Star with J47-Notch! -Alison Engle
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We got to see J-Pod today! J-Pod turned up in San Juan Channel this afternoon! As they turned into Spieden Channel they were nice and close to the San Juan Island shoreline.Seeing the whales is always a gift, but especially today after a week of gray rainy weather and not feeling well. The sun even came out for a few minutes as we waited for their approach to Reuben Tarte County Park! At first they were spread out and moving very slowly north, but as they neared they grouped up into what looked like a resting line with the dramatic landscape of Orcas Island behind them. On their last surfacing as they passed us, they made a distinct turn west towards Spieden Channel, so we re-located to a friend's property further north - good decision! The whales were still moving slowly and took their time getting there. While this wasn't my best photo of the day, I love it because it shows just how big J38 Cookie (right) has gotten, with J27 Blackberry for comparison on the left... Photo by Monika Wieland Shields, February 2, 2018
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Jeanne Hyde's encounter with J pod as shared through photos and words on her blog post at Whale of a Porpoise: 2-2-18 An Afternoon With J Pod
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J pod! Video by Center for Whale Research, February 2, 2018 From Encounter 5.
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Orca pod 5-7 mixed. From 12:15 to 1:00 pm Friday Feb 2nd, Friday Harbor, north side San Juan channel. 48.563084 -123.032801: Feeding--5-7 individuals-one large male-2-3 younger males or females one young juvenile male...not a calf but young.. Stayed in area -breached-spyhopped-too far to get any kind of photo with my cameras to identify them with. Started traveling North west not rapidly but no longer lingering in the area. -Carolyn Spence

February 1