February 2020 Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of February 2020 whale sightings.

February 29
J31 and J56. IDs and photo by Monika Wieland Shields - February 29, 2020
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Sat, Feb 29 - Leap Day whales! After a short shore-based encounter with J-Pod on the west side of San Juan Island this morning, we were fortunate enough to get to ride along with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching to collect more behavioral data on the Southern Residents. We spent most of our afternoon on the Canadian side of Haro Strait as the very spread out whales made their way north. While we only saw about 2/3 of the pod ourselves, all members were accounted for. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Oh my, what an amazing day yesterday with Island Adventures on their second trip of the year. Great job by Sam and the crew of finding and identifying the various members of the J Pod. It was a little wild at first as they were all over the place, very spread out. We encountered them near Stuart Island while heading North and spent all our time in the area around and past the lighthouse. J42, J37, J38, J51 and J41, J42, J16 For sure Cookie [J38] and Echo [J42] were there, and I think Tsuchi [J31] and J56 (Tofino??) Might be that Slick [J16] was there too, among others. Did not see Onyx though. -David Haeckel
IDs by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research
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10:35 - Just spotted 2 (or3?) Orcas (at least one male) headed north in Haro Strait by Mitchell Bay and past Henry Island. -Mae Cannon
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09:11 - J pod whales very spread out offshore passing Lime Kiln. Going up island. -Jeanne Hyde
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10:00 - When I saw them they were super spread and all northbound - last had eyes on them at 10:00 with leaders nearing Kellett [Bluff].
09:40 - Northbound 1/2 mile off County Park - J37 and J27 so far.
09:18 - Yes, hearing echolocation for sure. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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09:08 - Starting around 09:08 I was hearing what sounds like SRKW calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone (last one J call in particular). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sat, Feb 29 - 16:00 - Solo gray along west side of Hat, on the move northbound. -Lori Christopher
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08:00 - Sean Nolan reports to Langley Whale Center, gray whale feeding at 8:00 am this morning, south of Sandy Point.

February 28
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Fri, Feb 28 - 09:29 - Just passed a pair of Orca off Admiralty Head, westbound in the traffic lane. On the Clipper5. Possibly the Ts that we're around yesterday. -Jason Mihok, Victoria Clipper
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Fri, Feb 28 - 17:00 - I'm watching 2 Gray whales milling mid channel between Maple Grove/Utsalady on the Camano Isl. side, and Mariners Cove/Strawberry Point on the Whidbey Isl. side... 2/28/20 @ 5pm. -Rob Plaza, Maple Grove, Camano Island, WA
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15:28 - [gray] Reports on Vashon pages that he's back in Tramp Harbor now. 3:28pm. -Sarah Bradford Honeywell

February 27
North Puget Sound gray whales ("The Sounders") returned this week! taken from Pebble Beach, SW Camano Island. -photo by Peg Boley - February 27, 2020
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Thur, Feb 27 - 16:39 - That was intense! Seal tried for shore, they gave the smackdown and came inside the buoys here. It was amazing!!! Actually, seal did make it to shore.
16:30 - Hunting a seal.
16:25 - Huge breach so cool!!!
16:20 - [orca] Circling off Shangri-La.
With my corgi buddy Poppy by my side, we set off looking for whales. We caught some distant glimpses as the two males, T77A & T124C passed Fox Spit heading north, so I decided to head to Shangri-La and hope for the best. I waited and waited and waited before spotting them. They slowly made their way north, mid channel and further away. I was getting ready to leave when all of a sudden they turned and started porpoising back towards me. They spent a lot of time circling off the pier at Shangri-La Shores, and then I could see the harbor seal they were hunting. The seal swam towards the shore trying to escape, bringing the orcas in closer and closer. The seal actually managed to get away! It was so exciting to watch this seal fight for his life as the two big boys circled close and tail smacked him. Poppy is officially my good luck whale charm. It's always been a dream of mine to see orcas hunt seals off Shangri-La so I could hardly believe it was happening today. -Rachel Haight
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16:15 - [orca] They appear to have turned back south now, at least from my perspective. "What a treat - T77A and T124C (both males) were in Saratoga Passage today - they were very far away - visible for a while, then did the disappearing act" -photo by Jill Hein - February 27, 2020
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16:35 - My husband reports tail slapping and lots of splashes!
16:00 - They took a 10 min downtime, then stopped to hunt it seems, still mid channel but much closer to Whidbey now, and they spread apart also. Straight across from Eagle Crest and under the Growler practicing take-offs and landing in Coupeville. I've got a few very distant photos to process.
15:43 - [orca] They're straight out in front of us at Eagle Crest, mid-channel heading north. -Kristina Trowbridge
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15:09 - I just spotted them again heading north mid channel into Eagle Crest area.
14:37 - [orca] Spotted two males off Indian Beach, mid channel, still heading north. -John Smith
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14:20 - [orca] From our perspective at Hidden Beach they are south of us under Mt Pilchuck, still northbound Camano side. Two males. Perfect viewing conditions for whale watching today, with flat calm seas and spring sunshine heralding reports of returning gray whales (the Sounders) and visiting orcas - what a combination of stealth, power and grace. Our sojourn at Hidden Beach, Whidbey, was rewarded by spotting two male orcas in Saratoga Passage as they passed Mt Pilchuck on their way north. T77A is one lucky whale! He has a somewhat checkered history having been caught up in fishing gear on two previous occasions, November 2015 and June 2018. Happy hunting boys, and stay out of trouble on your travels! -Sandra Pollard
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14:00 - [orca] Camano side, mid channel, Camano State Park. Viewing from Fox Spit, steady northbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
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12:55 - [orca] 2 males T124C & T77A still out from Seawall Park. Lots of splashing earlier. Miliing around. Very slowly trending north. -Donna George
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12:07 - 2 orcas heading west up the Saratoga Passage. Going slow heading toward Langley Harbor. Just now. -Luanne Seymour
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12:14 - Now a bit closer to Camano side, viewing from Boy and Dog Park in Langley.
12:07 - [orca] Two males have surfaced in Saratoga, midchannel, closer to Whidbey side. In front of Langley marina, heading northbound. -Kat Johnson
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11:40 - Volunteers David and Meliss Haeckel emailed to report they are watching orcas, at least 2 males, between Whidbey and Hat Island heading northbound into Saratoga Passage...hugging the coast on Whidbey side, south of Langley. Viewed from Bluff above Witter Beach.
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Feb 27 - 12:56 - Now slowly heading east. Very close to Whidbey where the high bluffs are east of Polnell Point.
12:25 - [gray] Spouts near Whidbey between Polnell Point and Utsalady. -Pat Sebelsky
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11:43 - [gray] I am seeing whale spouts off the northern side of Camano Island in the Saratoga Passage, near Skagit Bay. -Greg Parham
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11:38 - [gray] Two whales at this location. There are two distinct blows. [pin drop on map indicates area off Maple Grove Beach, north end Camano -alb]. -Terra Parham
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07:30 - "Spouting News" Annual returning guests. Last night one gray for dinner, 7:30am this morning 2 grays for breakfast. Slowly, feeding their way towards Polnell Pt., with snowcap Olympics background. Close in with sulfur (rotten eggs) smell when coming up for air. This is good medicine to start the day and hope to have refills. -Robert Stonefelt, Oak Harbor
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Thu, Feb 27 - Here are some pics of the Grey that came into Tramp Harbor at sunset. He/she came into the shallows as the evening progressed, and we watched him forage until the light gave way. No fluke shots unfortunately, but some of that beautiful barnacled dorsal ridge and blowhole. Pretty darn sweet! -Marla Smith
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17:00-1730 (approx.) - Gray whale, Tramp Harbor, from Portage bus stop. 5-5:30ish today. -Caroline Matter Martin
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07:00 - Joanne Ryan reported observing a whale [looks to be gray] milling for 45 minutes in Tramp Harbor, Vashon, then leaving the harbor. She was uncertain if whale headed north or south after leaving the bay.
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Pertaining to the above February 27, 2020 gray whale Tramp Harbor (Vashon) sightings: "This is the same animal that was seen by the Edmonds pier on Wednesday by Gregg Thompson." - Alie Perez, Cascadia Research Collective

February 26
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Wed, Feb 26 - We [Center for Whale Research] have been out on the water quite a bit in the last few days and, as a result, are busy preparing our photos and encounter summaries. We don't usually share our Encounters out of order, but this one is particularly interesting. Encounter #10 - Feb 26, 2020 - J Pod: "A few minutes later, we had a pair of harbor porpoise come directly over to our boat and then disappeared. Looking at our pictures later, one porpoise had fresh killer whale teeth marks on it (photo: harbor porpoise with tooth marks). Jeanne got photos from shore of this group and her photos clearly show at least one adult porpoise in the midst of the J pod whales. Some of the whales involved with the porpoise harassment were J31, J56, J36, J47, and J49 ..." See CWR Encounter #10 for full summary and more photos. -photo by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research - February 26, 2020
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09:15 - 7-8 orca, maybe a few more, traveling tight, to my south near Hannah Hts area. They were far out and moving southward.
08:50 - I heard them but by the time I got to a vantage point they had passed. I saw 2 individuals far to my south, moving S/SE in Hannah Hts. area. Just wonderful! -Michelline Halliday
"J47 on the right, maybe J51 on the left" - Melisa Pinnow
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08:45 - J Pod heading down island (SE) from Land Bank [Westside Preserve, San Juan Island]. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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08:27 - Intermittent distant J calls still audible. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:35 - I just saw fins on the webcam (haven't been watching consistently). Looked southbound when I saw them. Two fins close together.
08:08 - Orcas clear on the Lime Kiln Hydrophone and visible on the webcam! Been going on for a while. -Meg Sellers
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07:28 - Hearing orcas on Lime Kiln this morning! -T.L. Stokes
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Wed, Feb 26 - Out on the water from Anacortes and came across the two males between the southern end of Lopez Island and Smith somewhere around 10:50; watched for a bit as they made their way southeast toward Whidbey Island but were still well offshore. They were moving at about 5 knots consistently but were then sluggish as they surfaced for succession of breaths. Down times were clocked anywhere between 6-11 minutes, with the average being about 8 minutes. I can confirm by the dorsals that this is T77A and T124C. -Amanda Marie Colbert, Orca Network
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09:40 - Just saw two male killer whales go through Cattle Pass. They were doing long dive times and traveling a fair distance with each dive. It appeared they were heading west. [Sounds like it was T77A and T124C. Monika Wieland Shields, OBI]. -Alissa Elderkin
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08:30 - Two male Bigg's killer whales heading south outside Friday Harbor. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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08:20 - Brad w/WS Ferries Marine Ops reported two sightings to Orca Network which included the 2 males off Friday Harbor [reported above] and this other group:
08:20 - Couple of orcas off west side Blakely Island heading north.
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08:05 (approx.) - Saw the transients from the 8:05 am ferry. Heading for Turn Point. -Roberta Kent
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed, Feb 26 - 14:48 - [orca] A pod just went by Camp Orkila [NW Orcas Island] headed south! I'm pretty sure there were four. One male, three female. Didn't have binocs so couldn't say for sure. -Catalina Burch
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed, Feb 26 - 10:45-11:15 - Place: sighting from Ledgewood Beach to Fort Flagler direction. Activity: 5 Orcas circling around between Admiralty Cove and shipping channel, heading to north, later. -Thomas Chau
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Wed, Feb 26 - "Spouting News" While, not as well known as early spring prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil; when Saratoga gray whales in these parts visit, we are encouraged spring is nearing. Single gray spouted by this afternoon on a gorgeous calm day near Mariners' Cove, Whidbey Island. Returned, for evening meal after 6PM feeding on ghost shrimp as it slowly meandered towards Polnell Pt. -Robert Stonefelt, Oak Harbor
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17:07 - At least 2 grays side feeding in front of Mabana Beach. -Krista Paulino
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16:30 - Hi- My first Gray Whale of the season! About 4:30 PM spotted the familiar blow, just south of Mabana. Must have been tasty Ghost Shrimp as it stayed around quite a while, feeding on its side, swimming in circles. No ID as out a ways and looking directly into the sun. A flock of Scoter were also in the area. Add a pair of eagles talking in the big Firs down the bluff, a Bewicks Wren singing his heart out, a pair of Flicker chasing each other around the trees - it must be Spring! -Barbara Brock
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16:00 (approx.) - Good afternoon. At about 4:00 pm today, two gray whales motored by Pebble Beach on the west side of Camano Island, and stopped about a quarter mile north to feed, south of Summerland. Was such a joy to see them back! -Peg Boley, Pebble Beach
[IDd by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, and confirmed as NPS gray whale #56 by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research Collective]
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15:30 - It's off Blake [Island] now.
15:23 - Resight half way between Bainbridge and Blake Island. About 2 to 3 km out into the channel. Still southbound. Low bushy blows ... Didn't get a great view of the body. It's moving relatively fast and inconspicuously.
15:17 - I'm viewing from Magnolia and lost it in the glare.
14:43 - *probable* gray whale traveling southbound. 2km off Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge. -Michelle Savoie
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13:50 - There is a single gray whale [updated to two grays] feeding off SE corner of Hat Island. They were both feeding in the same area - they were taking long dives so at first it was difficult to detect that it was 2 individuals. It wasn't until they came up on opposite sides of the boat one after the other that I realized I had two and not one.
FYI - they were very consistently staying up on what I would call the Hat Island Bar. They where crusing back and forth right about the 50ft depth mark and right along the edge of the Bar where it drops off into deeper water. -John Judy
[IDd by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, as NPS gray whales #49 "Patch" and #53 "Little Patch"]
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14:38 - It's still hanging out between Mariners Cove and Polnell Shores.
13:48 - Just spotted a gray off Mariners Cove, (between Saratoga Passage and Skagit Bay, north of Camano Is.) Heading west. Mid channel. -Terra Parham
[IDd by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, as NPS gray whale #44 "Dubknuck"]
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12:45 - Spouts off Tyee Beach about 400 yds right now. Deep diving...think it was a gray and it was heading southwest towards Tulalip from Tyee Beach. Deep diving so it was several minutes between seeing the spouts. I was out walking the beach so didn't have my drone to go see.
Another person saw a gray off Tillicum Beach this morning heading toward Kayak. -John C. Storbeck
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12:22 - Fast moving, long dives.
12:00 - Assuming gray whale, west side of Hat [Island], close to shore, northbound. May be trending towards Langley. Hearing blows and caught a glimpse. Following to try for pics. -Lori Christopher
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09:59 - Gray just off shore between Rocky Point and Maple Grove. Heading toward Maple Grove. -Regan Montano
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Wed, Feb 26 - 16:00 (approx.) - Good afternoon. At about 4:00 pm today, two gray whales motored by Pebble Beach on the west side of Camano Island, and stopped about a quarter mile north to feed, south of Summerland. Was such a joy to see them back! [Sighting was in prior ON WS Report, but we are including again to add photos and ID of second whale--ID'd as PCFG gray whale CRC-185 by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network -gs] -Peg Boley
ID'd as PCFG gray whale CRC-185 by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network

February 25
Today with J Pod off Sooke, B.C. from 1 to 4 from Race Rocks to Otter Point - Vancouver Island - J11s, J14s, J16s, J17s, J19s, & J22s (Id by Mark Malleson). -Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal Explorations. J36 - J19 - J46 (ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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13:59 - I think I've heard a few S16s...
13:46 - Hearing them now at Orcasound Lab (5km north of Lime Kiln). -Scott Veirs
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13:13-13:45 - Heard on the Lime Kiln hydrophone what sounded like some intermittent J pod calls and clicking similar to echolocation, in between several series of anthropogenic tones of varying frequencies. -Gayle Swigart, Orca Network
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08:34 - Hearing faint orca calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone. -Dawn Theiss
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04:15 - Here's what I heard/saw today...so far (it's only 10:15a.m. ) 04:15 very distant J Pod calls off Lime Kiln HPs...07:00 echolocation clicks off Lime Kiln...saw only 1 orca about 1/3 mile from shore - going slowly down island...I too 'went down island' a short distance and saw that same whale still going in the same direction. I looked for others but none...thought I saw one miles across Haro Strait, but could not confirm...then I heard a few brief J Pod calls off Lime Kiln...I could never locate who was 'attached' to those calls. What a fun morning. -Jeanne Hyde
See Jeanne's Whale of a Purpose blog for her very interesting acoustical observations on this day.
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Tue, Feb 25 - 15:10 (approx.) - Whale appeared to be heading south.
14:29 - Whale has moved much closer to Mabana now. Long diving.
13:55 - Gray whale blows in Bells Beach area (appx), observing from Mabana Beach, Camano. Can't tell direction yet. -Krista Paulino
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DOLPHINS - Tue, Feb 25 - 07:44 - Good Morning! No whale sightings to report, but Rebekah and I were at Sunrise Beach this morning and saw a pair of bottlenose dolphins traveling north up Colvos Passage around 7:44am. Figured we'd let you know! Have a great day. -Zachary Sokolik

February 24
Mon, Feb - Center for Whale Research encounter with the T18s, (T18 & T19C) plus T60D and T60E by Speiden Island. See Center for Whale Research - February 24, 2020 Encounter #8 for full summary and more photos.
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Mon, Feb 24 - 14:10 - The gray whale is still milling Port Susan per earlier location description, though is drifting SW as s/he does. Long dives and distance make resighting her/him somewhat difficult.
13:15 - Caught very quick glimpse of gray whale who surfaced in Port Susan, north of Kayak Point, aimed southbound. Just now re-sighted...Gray is now toward mid channel milling NW of Kayak Point, sadly now too far for photos or ID at this time. Water glassy calm. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:33 - Just sighted again mid channel between south end of Hat Island and the river delta.
09:30 - Good morning, husband and riders saw spouts from boat while heading to Everett from Hat [Island], sounds like a gray, north end of river delta near Marysville heading north, I'm looking but can't confirm yet. -Lori Christopher
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UNCONFIRMED BALEEN WHALES - Mon, Feb 24 - 17:39 - Just the one, and it is still just north of the second ferry dock. Long down times. And I really can't discern if it really is a minke the more I see it.
17:30 - I have eyes on it just north of the second ferry dock, and they may be right. Appears possibly minke, moving NW. Hard to tell with the lighting. -Durand Dace
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16:55 - Donna Sanders, WS Ferries Marine Ops called to relay report from MV Tokitae: 1 gray south of Clinton dock heading north...Donna then called back, Tokitae crew changed their report to 3 minkes.

February 23


February 22
Sat, Feb 22 - Gray Whale, Kayak Point 6:10PM. -Christine Domian Lingenfelter

February 21


February 20
Thur, Feb 20 - Center for Whale Research Encounter with J Pod in the Strait of Georgia ... The first whale seen was J19 and then she was followed by a loose pair of J16 and J36. J16 and J36 were foraging and milled a little before continuing south. ... See CWR Encounter #7 for complete encounter summary and more photos. -photo by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research - February 20, 2020

February 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Wed Feb 19 - 21:45 - Southern Resident J and K pod calls could be heard on the Lime Kiln hydrophone (Haro Strait) starting at about 9:45 p.m., initially reported by Jeanne Hyde.
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Wed, Feb 19 - Center for Whale Research's Mark Malleson was on the water with members of J and K Pod, K34. See CWR Encounter #6 for full encounter summary and more photos.

February 18
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - T69 (born ~1974) and her family were observed traveling with the T41s in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, west of Sooke B.C. -photo by Paul Pudwell - February 18, 2020
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With early reports of inbound Orca west of Sooke from a good friend, we headed out for a search and we were glad Mark Malleson was out to help find and ID the T069's and T041's, T69F, T69C, T41A3, T41 & T41A2! -Paul Pudwell, Sooke Coastal Explorations
Individual IDs by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research
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Tue Feb 18 - It was this kind of a day. They, the T137s, took two sea lions. -James Mead Maya, Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
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13:20 - 3 Orcas, one big male, in Friday Harbor, swimming by Marina, Spring Street Landing and then on the inside of Brown [Island] going towards Jensen Shipyard. -Carmen Wolflisberg
[per Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute: "It sounds like these were the T99s and T137s, two of several groups that have been in the region over the last 10 days!"]

February 17
Mon Feb 17 - Center for Whale Research encounter #5: ... The whales, who ended up being the T99s and T137s, had traveled to the lower entrance of Plumper Sound when Dave arrived on scene at 1405. The whales had been reported to have been doing a lot of milling and direction changes prior to arrival. About twenty minutes after Dave arrived the whales split into two groups with T99, T99C, T99D, T137, and T137B moving on ahead while T99B, T137A, and T137D stopped to attack a harbor seal. -photo by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research - January 17, 2020
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The weather was too nice today not to get on the water, so we headed out with Maya's Legacy Whale Watching. Despite having no whale reports when we left the dock, Sara spotted the T99s and T137s heading down Boundary Pass. While we've heard whales on the hydrophones several times this year, this was our first behavioral encounter of 2020! It was great to catch up with T137A Jack, who late last summer was seen with a fairly severe peduncle injury causing him to swim slowly and awkwardly, often trailing well behind the rest of his family. From a behavior standpoint he seems to be back to normal, as not only was he right in with the group, but we saw him swimming at high speeds and also participate in a successful kill. T137A Jack, T137B Tempest, T99 Bella, and T137 Loon." -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

February 16


February 15
Sat Feb 15 - Great first day out with Island Adventures, Captain Tyler and Tyson. We had to go up to Vancouver area to see our first Orcas. It was T-Day (Bigg's) with T137A (My Favorite), T46s, T60s and T2B. We also went by Spieden Island and saw a ton of Mouflon Sheep and Sika Deer, plus a few eagles. -David Haeckel

February 14


February 13


February 12
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed Feb 12 - At least three Orcas seen today from Fort Ebey bluffs, late morning. Including one large male. (secondhand) -Kersti Elisabeth Muul

February 11
Tue Feb 11 - 18:00 hours - John Miller WS Ferries called to relay report from the MV Puyallup, crossing to the west [Sea/Bainbridge], who reported seeing one orca 1-1/2 mile north of Alki Point headed in southbound direction.
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17:48 - [orca] See them far out in the distance going towards Vashon. From Lincoln Park. -Erin Ayala
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17:25 - They are mid Blake Island now. Westside of channel. 4 to 5, with one in the rear by Blakely Rock, still southbound. First group is mid Blake.
17:16 - [orca] T46E Southbound passing mid-channel marker at Bainbridge. -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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17:27 - From Charles Richey [Sr. Viewpoint], steady southbound, west of mid channel, long down times. 4-5 with two males, looks like maybe the T46s again.
17:11 - [orca] They're coming up on Restoration Point, still southbound. Not on Alki side. -Brittany Philbin
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17:03 - [orca] Closer to Alki side than mid channel. Viewing from Bonair. -Nicole Tobin Morris
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16:56 - [orca] Mid channel southbound. Three to four, maybe one male. Viewing from Alki. -Mitchell Nevi
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16:08 - Just north of lighthouse, mid channel. Was SB but appears to be milling.
15:43 - [orca] Male southbound, mid channel between Shilshole and Bainbridge. Appeared to be alone...? Viewing from Golden Gardens. -Mike Ferdinandi
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14:25 - Donna with WS Ferries called to relay report from MV Spokane who observed pod of 5 orcas south of Edmonds marina heading southbound.

February 10


February 9
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Sunday, Feb 9 - (T99s, T36s, T46s) - 18:19 - Denise with WSF Marine Ops called to report approx. 15 orcas north of Vashon heading eastbound.
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18:00 - Looks like a pod of 5 between Vashon and Southworth. -Nick Weitzel
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Lucky porpoise swimming along orca at Wilson Creek, orca made a few circles but didn't chase it. - Noelle Morris - February 9, 2020
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17:20 - And some trailers close to the Kitsap side just South of Wilson Creek. Spread Out. They were off Driftwood Cove, milling back and forth and long dives. Lost them in the dark.
17:19 - Straight off of Wilson Creek mid channel heading north.
17:12 - [orcas] Heading north still, south of Wilson Creek. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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16:35 - [orcas] From Olalla looking towards Vashon heading north. -Rebecca Austin
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16:30 - They are middle of the channel spread out. -Wendy Huntington Spaulding
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16:26 - Viewing from Al's. Wine, snacks and whales. Kitsap side. -Kari Hartkorn
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16:21 - At Al's Market headed northbound, 5-6 with one male.
16:09 - [orcas] February 9, 2020. Looking south from Al's Market about a mile south, currently looks to be about 5 animals. -Robyn Dally
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15:50 - They are now north of the barge carrying dirt which is also going north.
15:40 - [orcas] 2 By Point Richmond milling about. Observing from Point Defiance north overlook. The ship "Island Venture" has been staying near for at least an hour. -Ron Sorrell
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15:17 - Heading north. Now there are more midway between Owen Beach & Vashon. Also going north towards Colvos.
15:01 - [orcas] I've got eyes on a group heading north towards Colvos. Viewing from Gig Harbor. -Heidi Armstrong
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15:01 - [orcas] Lagging group off Owen Beach now. -Kyle O'Malley
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15:01 - [orcas] Standing at Vashon Viewpoint in Point Defiance Park. They're milling around in between Vashon and Point Defiance and Gig Harbor. -Alex Fazekas-Boone
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14:46 - Denise with WSF called to report 6-8 orcas near Pt. Defiance heading westbound.
At same time we, Orca Network, have eyes on 2nd sizeable group off Ruston Way, east of Point Ruston, at entrance to Commencement Bay, making directional changes.
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14:43 - [orcas] Right in front of Lobster Shop now - heading towards Pt. Ruston. -Kyle O'Malley
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14:37 - Swimming back towards Point Ruston.
14:35 - In front of Duke's, single orca leisurely swimming. -Jennifer Ann - February 9, 2020
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T46E (R) "milling off Point Defiance" at 14:32 -photo by Scott Brazinski - February 9, 2020
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14:19 - [orcas] Ruston. 4 of them, 1 big one leading. -Mariska Blankenbijl - February 9, 2020
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14:17 - [orcas] Just saw three from Point Ruston, headed east into Commencement Bay. -Rick Stafford
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14:10 - [orcas] In front of the Dunes [Dune Peninsula Park], Pt. Defiance. Milling about. -Bill Clogston
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14:06 - [orcas] Out next to Anthony's Restaurant at Owen Beach, 2 orcas heading northeast. -Cherie StOurs T36B3 & T36B1 (R), T46D, T99, T99C (confirmed by Melisa Pinnow, CWR) (IDd by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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14:05 - Four Orca's at Point Ruston. Looked like one male and three females. -Lori Cason
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15:23 - Watching possibly the second group at Dalco Viewpoint. Milling off Point Defiance.
15:00 - I can see second group coming towards Owen.
14:56 - They went south at the point.
14:53 - Leading group with male headed south towards Narrows.
14:03 - [orcas] They look to be headed back north. Passing Browns Point Lighthouse now. Viewing from Ruston. -Amber Stanfill
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14:01-14:06 - Attached are photos I took while I was at Owen Beach yesterday 2/9/20 at 2:00 pm. Right before this I saw two harbor porpoises while I was looking through my binoculars towards the entrance to Commencement Bay. I checked Orca Network and it said the orcas were visible near there, as well. Then this group popped up right at 2:01pm just to the right of me towards the boathouse (I had walked down the concrete walkway closer to where the boathouse and Anthony's are.), and not too far from shore. They hung around for a couple minutes, but by 2:06pm they disappeared back up Commencement Bay, I believe. There was also a second group of orcas that I saw around 2:25pm yesterday. While I was waiting in between seeing the two groups I also saw a male California sea lion hanging out right in front of the shore near me and several harbor seals, as well. -Sally Milligan-Smith T46E & T46D, T46E -photos by Sally Milligan-Smith - February 9, 2020 - Owen Beach
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14:00 - One of three groups of Orcas passing westbound in front of Owen Beach at Pt. Defiance in Tacoma, WA on Feb. 9, 2020 around 2pm before heading north up Colvos. VIDEO taken from stand-up paddleboard with 24x zoom so image stability is not perfect. -Zeno Martin
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14:00 - It was a great day to be at the park, sun was shining and the Orcas passed by. Viewing from Pt. Ruston around 2:00 pm, the pod of about 8 went into Commencement Bay, T36B1, T36B2 & T36B. They seemed to go slowly around the bay, lots of boats with them at this point. They seemed to get up to speed passing Pt. Ruston. The pod was all spread around and moving fast and not staying up long. -Desiree Sauve
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13:36 - Five spotted (2 larger further out + 3 smaller closer to shore) just off Browns Point heading south into Commencement Bay towards Port of Tacoma. FB vido link. -Annie Plutko
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T36B & T36B3, T36Bs taken from Browns Point. -photo by Jeannie Majercin - February 9, 2020
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13:54 - Watching from Cliff House parking lot, and it looks like they changed direction and are heading back towards Brown Point!
13:42 - Still moving quickly from Browns Point. Still southbound. Spread out in 2 groups.
13:23 - [orcas] They are now past Dash Point heading towards Browns Point. -Mollie Segall
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12:35 - Found them. Near a tugboat on the Maury island side near Dash Point, I believe. Still southbound.
12:33 - [orcas] Looks like they passed Dash Point now. Lost them mid channel. -Jayce Lemmer "One of the 3 heading from Duke's off Ruston back towards Point Defiance."
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12:10 - Just slightly north of Saltwater State Park, pod spotted. They staying pretty much in the middle of the sound. Lots of breaching. -Robin Raymond
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12:12 - [orcas] Seeing the group near Vashon, three travelling. -Jennifer Nagle
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12:10 - [orcas] South of Des Moines Marina. East of center channel buoy. -Curt Kanemasu
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I was able to get out in the sunshine and enjoy the company of the T's, T99s that passed through this morning, they sure were sneaky and hard to find! It was pretty cool watching them hunt as they passed by Point Robinson, so stealthy and quiet. At one point they had a seal trapped on a log boom out in the channel, but he somehow slipped away, lucky dude. Here are some pics as they briefly came near the shoreline. Such beauties! -Marla Smith
IDd by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:05 - [orcas] They're at Point Robinson Lighthouse 12:05. They are still heading south. -Lara Adams
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"Point Robinson around 12:00" -photo by Ashley Whitman - February 9, 2020
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12:00 (approx.) - Small pod just outside Des Moines Marina heading south in Poverty Bay. -Janine Mott
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11:55 - [orcas, T46E] Just south of Des Moines Marina. Milling. -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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11:52 - [orcas] Spotted north of Pt. Robinson, male and another? Heading south, moving slowly. -Jennifer Nichols
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14:00 - Pods went into Commencement Bay, with large group leading and few others trailing close behind. They are closer to Browns Point side but well offshore, heading NWerly.
13:23 - Group of at least 8 loosely grouped directly north of Browns Point, close to this side. Traveling South. Includes Large male who cut close at Dash Point when passing by.
12:50 - Large group between Dash Point and south end Maury Island, mid channel heading SW.
11:40 - Believe the two trailing groups are now joined or moving closer. They are between KVI and Point Robinson, appear to be moving closer to Vashon/Maury, maybe hunting? They are not moving north or south at this time, just away from our view at Three Tree Point. -Can still see the blows of lead easterly group off Des Moines, as updated by others. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:40 - Just outside of the Des Moines Marina and the group with the male is heading south....a little toward shore. May converge back with smaller group closer to shore. -Becky Whitlock
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11:52 - Oh shoot, 2 just passed RIGHT in front of me on Maury Island, Luana Beach, heading south.
11:48 - They just passed the marina still heading south along the shore directly across from Pt Robinson.
11:39 - Ok, I have my scope on them. There is one BIG male and looks like 2 smaller and 2 medium ones. Heading south very close to shore by Des Moines Marine [View] Park. Probably less than 5 minutes to the Des Moines Marina. -Lee Van Valkenburg
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11:37 - Close to pier on Des Moines Marina. 3 orcas.
11:35 - With binoculars can see from Des Moines Marina. -Ashley Couch
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11:27 - [orcas] North of Des Moines Marina. Moving slow, likely southbound, currently mid channel but have seen them in all parts of the channel. -Monica Little
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11:25 (approx.) - Just saw a pod of 5 orcas with a baby. We are on the water in Normandy Park. They were headed south toward the Vashon Lighthouse a few minutes ago. -Kay Newell Comsikey
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11:08 - [orcas] Several just popped up right off of Three Tree Point. -Lily Olivier Cohen
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11:07 - [orcas] 3-4 southbound off south side of Three Tree Point. Slow but steady pace. Closer to Three Tree side. Two groups. -Sandhya Ballal
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11:28 - Most easterly group continued south along the mainland side between Normandy Park heading towards Des Moines. Two groups between Three Tree and Vashon: one closer to Vashon, one mid closer to Burien. At least one group (still south if KVI) has flipped and traveling northbound, uncertain if committed at this time.
11:12 - Group directly south of Three Tree includes one of the males, they are making directional changes in smooth calm seas under sunny skies!
11:05 - Group has split up, spread out south of Three Tree Point, Burien, and North of Point Robinson. All traveling slowly southbound. One group close to Normandy Park Cove includes males. Another group due south of Three Tree. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:17 - There's a group in Commencement Bay.
13:10 - Just passed Dash Point, southbound.
11:05 - [orcas] Watching with binoculars from Federal Way. Seem to be at Pt Robinson. -Avon Missy Hansen
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10:55 - T46E passing Three Tree Point, southbound. -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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10:38 - Saw 3-4 orcas from Seahurst Park, including one spyhopping! Heading south, very close to Vashon. -Aaron J. Dickinson
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10:30 (approx.) - Between Dilworth and Burien. -Elston Hill
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10:27 - [orcas] Straight across from Seola Beach on Vashon side 5 minutes ago headed south. -Sue Spezza
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10:19 - [orcas] Viewing from SW 150th street in Seahurst. South of Eagle Landing Park. Southbound, boat following closely to the west of them. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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10:05 - [orcas] Visible from Seahurst Park, steady south on east bank of Vashon. There is a vessel following close behind. -Suzanne Johnson Hagan
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10:09 - [orcas] Looking from Dilworth Point, just south of Fauntleroy Ferry. About two miles north of Three Tree Point, looks close to the east side of the channel. West Seattle side. -Rey Hansen
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10:05 - 7 Orcas southbound between West Seattle and Vashon. Just passed Dilworth. Long down time right now. Milling, hunting-type behavior. -Lindsey Clark
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10:03 - [orcas] Bunched up east of mid-channel, appear committed to east channel (not Colvos). Hard to tell from my vantage point on Three Tree Point, but appear south of ferry lanes. -Christina Van Wolbeck Fenerty
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09:59 - [orcas] South of Fauntleroy hugging Vashon Island. -Constance Wood
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08:58 - [orcas] From Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle, with Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry in the background. -RSinn
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09:47 - [orcas] At least 2, from ferry walk on Fauntleroy side. Closer to east side. 2 large. -MaryJean Moretti Mariano
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08:45 - ~20 KW trending Southwest with lots of direction changes/milling. At least two large males. And a few calfs. T046E is in group. Looked like T046 and T036/T099 have joined up. -Michelle Savoie
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08:30 (approx.) - Around 8:30 at Emma Schmitz [Memorial Overlook] viewpoint. -Fei Cheng
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09:20 - Picked up the pace, steady southbound, approaching North end of Vashon.
08:47 - Still southbound but slowly. I can also confirm T36s and T99s.
08:28 - Confirmed transients from Me Kwa Mooks. T46D, T36B1 & T36B3, T46, T36 & T46E, T99C & T99B-Brittany Philbin
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08:28 - [orcas] Viewing from just south of Spokane [St.] and 60th [Ave.]. Looking southwest. 4-5 on west side of channel headed south. Probably off of Me Kwa Mooks. -Douglas B. Greenswag
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08:27 - [orcas] Currently on Beach Drive near Me Kwa Mooks Park. Confirmed traveling south in front of Blake Island. -Josh Menne
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08:26 - Slowed down. Milling mid channel. One spyhop. They are in no hurry this morning. Moving south slowly.
08:20 - [orcas] I see them from Me Kwa Mooks Park. Still headed southwest. I counted 5. -Sarah May
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07:45 - Confirmed! Spotted from Alki beach, Orcas off of Bainbridge traveling south around 7:45am, last sighting around the Alki Point around 8:00 of the largest male. 3 smaller orcas together leading the pod, 2 west of them, and large male trailing behind them. -Betsea Antonio
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07:38 - A pod of 8-10 orca have been reported just off the Duwamish Head light travelling SW. -Marie Waterman, WS Ferries Marine Operations
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07:05 - We received a 2nd hand report from Brian Whitlock of an observation from 07:05 Bainbridge to Seattle Ferry: 5-6 orcas near West Seattle heading west towards Bainbridge.

February 8
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Saturday, Feb 8 - North Puget Sound Group, T46s 14:07 - [orcas] Northbound Eagle Crest, they are booking it! At least three, possibly four. They were super stealthy and moving quite quickly about mid channel when we saw them. We are a bit South of Eagle Crest on the bluff between Onamac and Indian Beach, Camano Island. -Joan Smith
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13:42 - [orcas] Cama Beach, northbound. -Sabrina Shaw
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13:00 (approx.) - [orcas] From Bells Beach. -David Haeckel
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12:49 - [orcas] Northbound, Elger Bay. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:42 - [orcas] Watching 3 from Seawall Park, slowly northbound. -Donna George
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11:37 - Can confirm T046's. Just left Boy and Dog Park in Langley at 11:37am and had been taking photos; I have T46D, T46E, and T46F for sure. They were still trending north about mid channel but closer to Camano, longer down times. Saw a few Harbor porpoise out there so possible they were hunting. Just sent a group down from Langley Whale Center to see if they could find them! -Amanda Marie Colbert, Orca Network
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11:27 - Out in front of Langley Pizzeria, Whidbey side of mid-channel.
11:15 - [orcas] Slowly trending towards Langley. -Rachel Haight
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11:20 - I see 4 swimming by Village Pizzeria, Langley, northbound. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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10:52 - Milling between the Langley Marina and Camano Head. -Margaret Marshall
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10:43 - Viewing from above Sandy Point near Langley. At least 3 Orcas, Whidbey side, slowly heading north. Not much surface action. Could be in hunting mode. Glimpsed brief milling behavior before dorsals disappeared below surface.
"Yippee - orcas in north Puget Sound! The Orca call always gets the adrenaline rushing, but even more so when whales are round Whidbey Island. Following the Washington State ferry morning alert of orcas seen north of Clinton heading toward Saratoga Passage, we spotted three dorsal fins from the bluff above Sandy Point, Langley. The whales (later identified as T046s) were closer to the Whidbey side and appeared to be hunting. The initial sighting was brief as their dorsal fins rapidly disappeared below the surface, re-appearing a little further north later as they continued to circle and mill with the lead male logging for a while while the other two members of the pod caught up. The heavy showers didn't make for good photography conditions so apologies from Richard Snowberger for the fuzzy photos." -Sandra Pollard
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10:28 - [orcas] At least four passed between Whidbey and Hat [Islands], closer to Hat, moved quickly and milling around Camano Head, Whidbey side ... looks like trending towards Langley but slowly. One other was following the main group at least 500 yards behind. They seem to have been all around the south tip of Camano but resolving up towards Langley now...Sean Nolan
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09:18 - Karen Graham called to report ~ 4-6 orcas directly north of the Clinton ferry dock. They are just pulling into the dock and the pod is on their starboard side, maybe 1000 yards to the north heading northbound (directionally towards Saratoga Passage).
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Saturday, Feb 8 -South Puget Sound Group - (south group T36s, T99s)
17:45 - Just picked them up from Alki Point Lighthouse. It took all day, but finally sighted them, still northbound on Bainbridge side, off Restoration Point. Only seeing blows, but it counts. -Brittany Philbin
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17: 25 - Five maybe 4 Orcas passed in front of our house at 5:25. South end Bainbridge, close to shore, moving north at leisure pace. -Marcie Andrews Gwiazdon
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16:46 - [orcas] Just passed Illahee State Park and out of sight. -Stacey Crofoot
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15:40 - Pod of 5-6 orcas swimming past Brownsville Marina heading towards Illahee State Park. - Megan Hudson
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15:30 - [orcas] went past Illahee. -Heather Berry
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15:00 - [orcas] Reports have them heading south past Brownsville. -Susan Marie Andersson
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14:45 - Just saw an orca pod leaving Nesika Bay, heading east adjacent Keyport. -Jeff Steel
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"From Liberty Bay, Poulsbo, today around 2:30-3:00PM. Saturday February 8th. Taken from Virginia Point." -photo by Kari and Franklyn
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14:20 - Regarding those orcas, the sun's out now, and they've kind of come back into Liberty Bay, they are out in the middle now, north of Virginia Point, heading towards Poulsbo. Looks to be a juvenile in there, small dorsal. They are cruising up and down.
14:10 - Tom Nordley called to report some orcas out in the middle of Liberty Bay surfacing, big dorsal fins. Probably 1/2 dozen, 6-8 maybe, right between Virginia Point and Lemolo Point. Orcas look to be heading out of Liberty Bay right now heading south. Only one boat out there keeping a good distance, which is good. -Tom Nordley
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13:55 - Just turned, they're heading back toward the mouth of Liberty Bay now.
13:40 - [orcas] Viewing from Fjord Dr. Lots of playful behavior and tail flaps, 6-8 with the baby. They're about halfway between Poulsbo and Keyport. -Delaney Marie
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13:35 - Several orcas in southern Liberty Bay, milling just off Virginia Point. -Jim Reitz
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13:14 - [orcas] Saw them from the Keyport Base dock heading into Liberty Bay. At least 5 out there, possibly more. -Barb Bohman Fuller
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13:12 - [orcas] They just passed Keyport towards Poulsbo. Motoring at a good clip. -Dorothy Rosenbladt
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12:53 - Just went into Liberty Bay. -Brian Whitlock
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12:48 - I was just observing the group of whales off Battle Point. We observed 6 whales (no tall dorsal so don't know if any males). They appeared to be possibly feeding. They were going from Battle Point west to peninsula side, more towards Liberty Bay. Observed tail slaps. They look to be going up towards Keyport. I don't know if they will head into Liberty Bay but were heading that way. -Cynthia Parker
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14:32 - Lots of tail slaps. They came all the way back up to yacht club marina and now generally southbound at 2:32, approaching Keyport.
14:19 - Viewing from Fjord Drive, Poulsbo - milling and moving north, closer to us just S of yacht club
12:30 - [orcas] Barely in sight from Brownsville Marina at 12:30. Haven't seemed to have decided if they'll proceed to Agate Pass or Liberty Bay. Close to Bainbridge seeing blows in same spot for 10-15 mins. "Southbound in Liberty Bay" -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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12:42 - Just turned, heading towards mouth of Liberty Bay now.
12:19 - [orcas] Fins and blows off Battle Point channel marker, Bainbridge. -Julie Gerke Middleton
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12:14 - [orcas] Not far from Agate Pass now. 6 or 7 playing around. Spyhops, tail slaps, etc. -Kris Clark
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12:00 - [orcas] Beautiful view from Bainbridge as they passed by close to Brownsville. Still northbound. -Susan Marie Andersson
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11:01 - [orcas] 4-6 orcas right off Crystal Springs dock, west side Bainbridge Island. -Luke Tjemsland
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11:07 - They were milling for a while, now moving slowly north. From Crystal Springs Dock on Bainbridge as they were slowly heading north
10:55 - Several orcas in Port Orchard Passage (west side of Bainbridge) closer to Kitsap side. Coast Guard boat has stopped right next to them. -Jim Reitz
[per Melisa Pinnow, CWR: looks like T99C and T99]
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10:51 - [orcas] They are headed North up Port Orchard Passage. -Alan Myette
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12:16 - No directions at this point, just chilling and killing.
12:15 - I can see them from Brownsville but they're a long way off
12:10 - They turned back south toward Bainbridge side. Looks like they made another kill.
12:06 - Viewing from Brownsville Marina. They're halfway to Agate Pass Bridge circling looking like they made a kill.
11:40 - Past Illahee continuing North.
11:09 - In front of Illahee State Park heading north. Looks like four or five females and maybe a calf. T36s and T99s, T99B (L) & T36B1, T36B1, T99C, taken from Illahee State Park at 11:04
10:47 - [orcas] Saw them very briefly from the Manette Pier heading up the passage toward Illahee.
(Per Jim: upon review of his photos, it appears to him that there were 4 adult females and 2 calves.) -Jim Pasola
(confirmed by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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10:33 - They have turned around and are heading back out.
10:30 - Currently on Bremerton side across from Waterman Pier.
10:18 - [orcas] Entering Sinclair inlet...Amber Harrison
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10:16 - 4 orcas just swam through Rich Passage and are headed toward Bremerton. -Kevin Stroman
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10:15 - [orcas] There was a small group of 4-6 heading into Sinclair inlet, near Lighthouse Point...just west of Manchester. -Josh Oyler
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10:12 - Bremerton to Seattle ferry, 2 orca heading towards the bend by Manchester State Park. -Ashley Arciniega-Luu
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10:05 - [orcas] Directly in front of Fort Ward on Bainbridge. Not very good photos, they were clear across the bay from me. All I could tell is that they were heading north. -Jan Fuller
Melisa Pinnow IDs: "Looks like T36B1 on the far right. I almost want to say T99C in the middle."
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10:00 (approx.) - Reported heading north in Rich Passage at about 10:00 a.m.
09:40 (approx.) - [orcas] There was a report [secondhand] of whales in front of Manchester, heading towards Port Orchard about 25 minutes ago. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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07:30 - I got a report of a pod of orcas heading north from Dilworth." -Kelly Burns Keenan
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Sat Feb 8 - Center for Whale Research encounter with the T137s: Mark received a call at 0950 from George Hamilton who spotted a group of 4 killer whales while out fishing north of Baynes Channel, off Victoria. He could see them milling around on a kill near the Fulford Reef marker north of Chatham Island...See Center for Whale Research Encounter #4 for more photos and complete encounter summary.

February 7
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Friday, Feb 7 - 13:15 - 4 orcas still southbound, mid channel, west side of channel off Rockaway, Bainbridge. Too far from shore for ecotype id. Long down times, some foraging behavior-directional changes, cartwheels, tail slap, etc. 1 adult male, 1 young juvenile. Really long down times. -Susan Marie Andersson
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16:05 - Still milling just north of Wing Point, Bainbridge. Close to shore.
15:27 - Milling just south of Yeomalt, close to shore. 2+ males. Group size 8-10. Possible socializing...saw either pink 'sea snake' or flesh from a kill fly up in the air.
15:03 - "Looks like a feeding frenzy 1km north of Eagle Harbor within 500m of shore."
14:31 - Another observer saw some south of Eagle Harbor. Might be two groups, or they went back south...
14:20 - ~6 headed north off Yeomalt.
13:45 - At least 8 kw milling 2km East of Eagle Harbor. Launching, porpoising, cart wheels, direction changes. At least one calf.
12:43 - [orcas] About to pass Eagle Harbor headed south. -Michelle Savoie
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12:30 (approx.) - [orcas] 4 southbound, east of midchannel, passing Magnolia Bluff. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
[photo by Sue Larkin we forwarded to Melisa Pinnow, CWR, who confirms Bigg's Transients. alb]
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12:00 (approx.) - From Burt Miller, WSF: On Friday, February 7, 2020 at 12 noon, approximately 6 orca were spotted approximately 9 km from the Colman Dock Ferry Terminal in Seattle. They were closer to the Bainbridge Island side than to Seattle. They are traveling south. The in-water pile work has been stopped until the whales leave the 9 km shutdown zone observed for the Colman Project. As of 1243 the whales are still in the area, but are expected to continue south, leaving our shutdown zone soon.
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11:54 - Passing Skiff Point midchannel now. Still heading southbound.
11:38 - They are moving south fast midchannel.
11:28 - [orcas] 5 or 6 passing Fay [Bainbridge Park] right now! Looked like there was a calf with them. They are moving south. They came out of the cove north of Fay Bainbridge. I'd say 100 meters from shore before going mid channel. -Kris Clark
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08:57 - Sara Frey just called to report ~ 8-10 orcas (including 1 large male) southbound close in off Apple Tree Point, Kingston at 08:48. From her vantage she cannot see to south, but neighbor said pod turned in towards Kingston. Very foggy out there.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat Feb 8 - 09:30 - Reliable second-hand report: a humpback whale was observed traveling north past Discovery Park on Sat 02/08 at about 09:30 am. No other information was provided. -Michelle Savoie
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UNCONFIRMED BALEEN WHALES - Fri Feb 7 - 12:00 - Single whale observed travelling south in Tacoma Narrows at noon today from Salmon Beach. Close to western shore. Did not see whale close enough to ID type but suspect it was a Gray or Humpback based on the spout. -Zeno Martin

February 6
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Thu Feb 6 - 15:09 - Denise with WS Ferries called to report: MV Puyallup slowed during their Seattle to Bainbridge run for 3-4 orcas heading northbound in the northbound shipping lanes.
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14:30 (approx.) - I saw them [orcas] from Vashon, Maury Island Marine Park 2:30ish, heading north. -Pamela Wickard 07:50 - I was surprised to see them [orcas] go right by our house in Tramp Harbor near Pt. Robinson, this morning. They were heading north. There were at least 4. -Lee Van Valkenburg
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SPECIES UNCONFIRMED - Thu Feb 6 - 11:25 - Possible humpback observed traveling SW, 1KM north of Luna [Park]. Headed toward Alki. Visibility prevented positive ID. -Michelle Savoie

February 5
Wed Feb 5 - 16:10 - 3 orcas heading south, mid channel from Edmonds, should be nearing Richmond Beach. -Janine Harles
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16:07 - On Kingston to Edmonds ferry and we have orcas. -Kevin H. Doar
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SPECIES UNCONFIRMED - Wed Feb 5 - 14:33 - Large whale just reported to me in Nisqually Reach heading west, Thompson Cove area. -Ryan Johnson

February 4
HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue Feb 4 - 11:15 - [humpback] A galley worker aboard the Kittitas this morning around 11:15 said she saw similar to what you described just east of the Southworth ferry terminal around the entrance of Colvos Passage. Surfaced once. We looked for it on the trip to Vashon. -Wayne McFarland, WSF
[Wayne's report is in response to James's below. -gs]
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10:39 - Hello. I saw a whale this morning in Puget Sound west of Blake Island. I believe it was a Humpback. It was definitely not an orca. The color was brownish. My eye caught a water burst from the surface and a shape submerge and then re-emerge maybe 200 yards south. The brown body rose above the water as much as 4 feet and a large fin on the side of the whale was in view. Awesome! Did not see it surface again. The whale was heading southbound. (Viewed from Pritchard Rd E., Port Orchard). -James Cassani

February 3
Mon Feb 3 - 15:45 (approx.) - I saw the whale too, roughly around the same time, heading north. It was a humpback, tended to do one blow and then down for several minutes, moving quite fast! -Joan Smith
[Joan's report is in response to Tracy's below. -gs]
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15:44 - [humpback] Just saw two blows heading north in Saratoga Passage midway between Whidbey & Camano. We live 1 mile north of Cama State Beach. (So exciting!). -Tracy Mazuer
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13:06 - [humpback] Whale seen off Freeland Park in Holmes Harbor..!! -Raymond Bigelow
[secondhand report originating from Whidbey Community Group, per Raymond -gs]

February 2
Sun Feb 2 - 14:49 - Baleen whale, possibly a humpback, spotted traveling southbound in Saratoga Passage closer to the Whidbey side. Looks to be in travel mode, roughly three to four blows then the fluke goes up, and into a deep five-ish minute dive. We are located at Indian beach on Camano Island. After looking through binoculars we confirmed that it was a humpback. -Joan Smith

February 1