January 2020 Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of January 2020 whale sightings.

January 31


January 30


January 29


January 28
Tue Jan 28 - 09:20 - Humpback whale off of Yeomalt Point. Mid channel. Milling. Too far for ID. -Stefanie Hawks-Johnson
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11:15 - Resighted [note map indicates NW movement in Elliott Bay -gs]
09:41 - Last direction of travel appeared north. Species confirmed Humpback.
0915 animal has moved out of Elliott Bay and is now mid channel headed towards Yeomalt. Traveling at a good pace west.
08:45 - Small baleen whale milling just west of Colman Dock ~2 km. Possibly juvenile Humpback. -Michelle Savoie
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Humpback off of Yeomalt Point/mid channel, Bainbridge Island (taken from Magnolia). Photo by David Ness ~ January 28, 2020

January 27
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Mon Jan 27 - 14:00 (approx.) - We had a big orca pod (6 or 7 whales) visiting the Strait of Georgia today. I took the picture off Mayne Island. They were traveling southeast toward Saturna [Island], quite far into the Strait. Close bunch. I think I saw a baby. It was just before 2pm today. -Yves Tiberghien
["It looks like the T124As, T124C, and maybe the T2Cs." Melisa Pinnow, CWR]

January 26
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - JANUARY 26, 2020 - South near Lynnwood to north in Admiralty Inlet (T124A & T87 IDd)
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15:36 - They went by Bush Point without a sound! ["That's Transients for you. Stealthy." -Howard Garrett, ON] -Jim Pasola
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15:28 - Moving at a rapid pace.
15:20 - Northbound, south end of Lagoon Point. Whidbey side. -Margaret Marshall
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14:45 - 4-5 northbound at steady pace, north of Mutiny Bay, Whidbey side. At least one male. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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14:28 - Past Port Ludlow
14:26 - Mid channel, still north, fast.
14:24 - Northbound past buoy.
14:22 - Off Mutiny Bay right now! "...a few Ts, taken from Mutiny Bay, Frank D. Robinson Park, at about 2:15pm. Was happy just to see these stealthy guys." -David Haeckel
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13:58 - Far, far N of PNP Lighthouse. Double Bluff area. -BryAnn Bingham
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13:45 - 3 orcas spotted trending north at Point No Point. One male and 2 females. Left of the yellow buoy. -Becky Newell Woolworth
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13:36 - Closer now. Big group NW of PNP. Northbound.
13:19 - Spouting and large dorsal spotted ESE of Point No Point, 1:19 pm. Very far out. Saw 4-5 spouts. Using telescope. Pretty sure there were two males. Dorsal sightings were pretty far apart. -Thomas Buell, Jr.
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12:30 - Lots of surface activity out from Rose Pt. to Eglon.
12:20 - Now northbound, steady approaching Eglon. Just saw a breach off Rose Pt. and two more splashes side by side.
12:13 - Milling north side of Apple Tree Pt., generally northbound, I think. Next stop Eglon. Only sighted 2 dorsals, briefly hugging Kitsap shore.
12:00 - Right here at Apple Tree Point. Male dorsal. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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10:47 - Blows and fins seem closer to Whidbey toward Useless Bay. -Kendall Holmes Berry
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09:54 - Currently off Sunset Ave. in Edmonds towards Whidbey. -Tony Kliment
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09:55 - Ferry approaching Edmonds seems to have slowed, but I can't see anything scanning from Apple Tree Pt.
09:35-9:40 - From Ariel Yseth they passed Haines Wharf about 9:35-9:40 swimming towards Edmonds, hugging shore, long down time. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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10:26 - Still milling.
10:14 - Still milling/on a kill north of dive park, Edmonds. Drifting NE with the current.
10:02 - Pretty active. Same spot. On a kill?
09:52 - Viewing from Sunset Ave. North, and west of dive park. Southbound.
09:37 - Already south of Haines wharf. On track for Edmonds. 5 in the group. -Ariel Yseth
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09:09 - Passing Picnic Point, quickly. Porpoising, heading south. T124A -Dawn Fujino Redmond
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08:44 - Just saw them pass our house at Chennault Beach (across from the tip of Whidbey), and there looked like at least 5. -Hilary Exon Hager
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08:40 - We saw 5 just swim by, southbound, past Mukilteo towards Edmonds. Mukilteo side. They were moving quickly. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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08:10 - Just south of the Mukilteo ferry, about 3 orcas headed south close to the beach. Due to the wind and waves, can't be more accurate about how many or what they were. Could see at least one male. -Melissa Simmons, WSF
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08:00 - Orca pod spotted off of Boulevard Bluffs area in Everett headed west towards Mukilteo ferry at 8am. -Jason R. Bourne
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Sun Jan 26 - A far north sighting of beloved gray-colored baby killer whale T46B1B (T'luk):
14:30 - Bigg's killer whale T46B1B and two regularly-pigmented orcas seen in Granville Channel near Prince Rupert, BC.
[IDd by Jared Towers, Marine Education & Research Society from video by Dan Zhukov.]

January 25
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - JANUARY 25, 2020 - Sat Jan 25 - T124As with T87, T97 and T124C (East of Vashon).
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Sat Jan 25 - Some of my great colleague's [David Ness] photos from Magnolia Bluff. -Stefanie Hawks-Johnson - UW-photos by David Ness ~ January 25, 2020 [The two males have been IDd as T87 and T124C -gs]
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From the west end of Owens Beach at 13:30, facing Colvos Passage. -photos by Cherie St.Ours ~ January 25, 2020
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17:30 - Saw a group incl. 2 large males pass West Point around 5:30 heading north. It was so awesome. I'm hooked!!! -Lauren Adam
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17:05 - 7 KW with 3 males and one calf. 2 km off Magnolia traveling north quickly. -Michelle Savoie
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17:00 - A gentleman at Alki sighted the 4 to 5 group at Magnolia Bluffs trending to West Point Lighthouse. -Ron Sorrell
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16:35 - Group heading east in Elliot Bay, viewed from the Bremerton Ferry at 4:35pm. 3, possibly a female and 2 young? -Sarah Griffin Rizer
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16:41 - We spotted group still heading into Elliott Bay while on ferry. -Dianne Dee Iverson
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16:39 - Passing Alki Point. They are in the bay proper. "T124As with T87 and T124C checking things out before they head into the bay" -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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16:38 - Still in Elliott Bay near the Duwamish Head Light. Seem to be milling about. -Greg Snyder
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16:26 - Saw a big fin on the edge of Elliot Bay. Viewing from Four Seasons Hotel, downtown Seattle. -Alexander Simenstad
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16:22 - Group heading into Elliott Bay. -Greg Snyder
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16:20 (approx.) - Group of 4-5. One with epic dorsal. Gone dark now. -Ron Sorrell
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16:20 - Kathleen Fife Just saw one individual mid channel between Alki and Bainbridge, northward movement. Directly north from Alki obelisk, near ferry channel. Probable male given dorsal height. -Kathleen Fife
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16:10 - From Constellation, they just rounded Alki Point, still heading north. Two males, two females, one juvenile. -Barbara Bonner
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16:02 - Seeing a few off of Constellation Park heading north. -Greg Snyder
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16:00 - 4 pm from Me Kwa Mooks with baby calf. T124C (L) taken from Me Kwa Mooks Park in West Seattle. -Monica Zaborac
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15:54 - 1 nm south of Alki Point heading north. 2 males and 4-5 females/juveniles. -Mac Sawicki
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16:10 - They are heading towards Alki now. We watched them from Me Kwa Mooks since about 3:30pm. -Aaron Berg
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15:31 - Sighting next to the Fauntleroy ferry dock heading north!! -Leslie Ann Sugiura
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15:28 - Just passed the Fauntleroy ferry dock, still northbound. -Mike Yov
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"Gotta love my commute!! T87 West Seattle Ferry, Vashon-Fauntleroy" -photo by Noelle Morris, January 25, 2020
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15:25 - Just coming up on Brace Point -Jim Nunn
[includes photo of T87 "Just south of Brace Point" - gs]
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15:24 - Now viewing from Me Kwa Mooks. Just off Lincoln Park. -Aaron Berg
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15:33 - They are now approaching Blake Island heading northbound, further out in the channel now. Small group with a calf. -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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15:10 - Oh my goodness I'm in the Arroyos They just passed me super close, group of five to six I think. 3:10 p.m. northbound slowly with two large males, I think. I'm too excited to think but just know they're northbound close to West Seattle shore on my way to the next spot. A peaceful moment for me, as I stood alone on shore in the Arroyos. T-87 was the first to appear out of the fog. My heart simultaneously stopped and raced. The group slowly came together and moved northwest toward Fauntleroy. T87 & T124C -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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14:55 - No longer visible, still heading north.
14:54 - At least 5 heading north. Mid channel between Seahurst and Vashon. -Barbara Bonner
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14:07 - Briefly saw a few blows and fins about 7 min ago from Des Moines Marina. -Bridget Gallagher
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13:58 - I can see them!!! North end of Maury Island!! Heading north. -Wendy Fosberg
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13:38 - Pod approaching Point Robinson from the south on the Vashon side, straight out from Maury Marine Park right now. -Janna Ignatow
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13:47 - This group has passed away from Point Robinson already, heading north quickly, staying down for long periods.
13:26 - Visible with the naked eye from Point Robinson and heading this way can't tell how many yet but several. T124C, T124A) & T87, T97. -Jim Pasola
(T97 ID confirmed by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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13:48 - Pretty sure I saw three big males, maybe four or five others I couldn't count. Too busy taking pictures.
13:46 - Just passed lighthouse heading north. They were close to Vashon/Point Robinson when they passed by.
13:27 - Approaching Point Robinson fast. 8-10 orcas.
13:06 - Dorsals visible through binocs from Point Robinson. They are off Browns Point. -Shelby Middling
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12:11 - Denise with WS Ferries Marine Ops called to report: 5 orcas in the vicinity of Dalco Passage (between S Vashon & Pt. Defiance) heading eastbound. Reported by MV Chetzemoka
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11:15 - Intense clip of the day. After getting text from Peter Altmann, we debated to take the paddleboards or skiff out in front of Salmon Beach this morning. Took the skiff. Cut the motor to just float and watch the Orcas pass (northbound). They head straight for us. Yesterday and today more than 20 Transient Orca were again present near us. Awesome! -Zeno Martin
(T90s and T101s, IDs via video posted by Zeno Martin, IDs by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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10:15 - Pod of orcas heading south in Carr Inlet between Fox and McNeil Island. Closer to the Fox Island side. -Lance Loyd
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17:30 (approx.) - I saw them off of Manchester as the light was fading on the west side of Blake Island. My husband witnessed three rows of seals when the orcas came out of Colvos, and he thought he was seeing porpoises flying out of the water but it was seals swimming for their lives!!! Lots of kills. They are eating good!! -Noelle Morris
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16:50 - The group is past Blake island heading in towards Bremerton. Looks like they made a kill. Don't know if they will continue on towards Bremerton or back out. They were between Bainbridge and the fuel facility. Close to the ferry lane. They stayed there for quite a while. It looked like they made multiple kills. -Jim Pasola
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16:17 - Still on WEST side of Blake Island.
16:15 - They went west side of Blake.
16:07 - Heading over by Blake Island now, past Southworth Ferry Terminal.
16:04 (approx.) - Maybe 5(?) from Southworth ferry terminal. At least 2 big males, 2 females or juveniles. -Stacy Gordon
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16:21 - Brad with WS Ferries Marine Ops called to report: We have report of 10 orcas right of Pt. Southworth, exiting Colvos Passage heading north.
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16:00 - The group that came up Colvos just passed by the Southworth ferry dock, still northbound. -Mike Yov
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15:50 - Sylvan Beach. Can see 3-4 on the Kitsap side heading toward Southworth. -Kari Dean
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15:50 - 4 or 5 orcas northbound at north end Colvos Passage at 1550, center channel. -Tim Ferris
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15:45 - Saw maybe 3-4 orca heading north, past south end of Bainbridge. They were mid-channel, more on the Bainbridge side. I didn't see them for maybe 15 minutes after that before I had to leave. -Trileigh Tucker
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15:38 - Group of about 6 mid channel Colvos coming up on Southworth ferry lane. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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15:35 - There is a group bunched up in the middle of Colvos Passage, just south of Fern Cove and Driftwood Cove. Heading north. There's definitely one male at least in the group. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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15:25 (approx.) - Orca seen at Anderson Point. -Sabrina Ludwig
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15:25 - Just passed us in Colvos Passage on west side of Vashon. Looked like 3 of them. They're going north. Looked pretty small. Vashon side. -Lyla Morris
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15:20 - Just passed us. We spotted them from Vashon. They are approximately around Fragaria. -Jeffrey Brown
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14:39 - Large group just passed Al's market grouped tightly, at least 5-6. -Vaughan Dill
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14:41 - Al's in Olalla, about 6, 2 males. Slowly headed north. -Keith Fischer
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14:28 - Passing Lisabuela on Vashon. Now looks like 5-10 but hard to tell, as they stay down for long periods. -Anna Tucker Sander
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14:27 - Large group passing Lisabuela beach headed northbound up Colvos mid channel, grouped up, long down times. -Marla Smith
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15:00 - Approaching Southworth Ferry Terminal (from Colvos).
14:27 - Approaching Al's in Olalla.
13:36 - And the 2nd group are HEADING UP COLVOS PASSAGE on Vashon side, just passing Sunrise Beach.
13:21 - Mid channel passing Point Defiance/Vashon ferry line.
13:16 - Hugging Tacoma shore, headed straight to Owen Beach, as viewing from Sunrise Beach/Dalco Passage. "The lead group had already passed on and was near Point Robinson at that time. The 2nd group that I was observing appeared from my vantage point on the Gig Harbor side at Sunrise Beach to be headed towards Dune Peninsula, mid channel, and following the trajectory of the 1st group. Then, they disappeared for maybe 5-10 min and popped up in Colvos which was super surprising. Visibility was poor, so it's possible I missed them resurfacing in those 5-10 min." -Anika Blake
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Taken off Point Defiance (per Durand Dace). -photo by Randy Macomber, January 25, 2020
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13:15 - Spotted from Owen headed north. On the Gig Harbor side. -Amber Stanfill
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13:00-13:15 - I didn't see them pass Owen and there were reports at around 3:25 of seeing the pod in Colvos. Last I had eyes on them was when they were milling. I saw about 3 of them turn Southwest. I would have stayed, but visibility was getting poor and with all the rain we've had I was uneasy about the huge wall of land behind me. The blue dot is roughly the furthest east I saw them and the green dot is about when I last had eyes on them. -Ashley Whitman
(map noted: off Point Dalco, Vashon - gs)
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13:33 - Dalco group appears to have committed to Colvos Passage, northbound. Lost them in the incoming fog.
13:24 - Still have a group of 5+ milling at entrance to Colvos Passage. Lots of slow surface dives, then long downtime.
13:15 - Still in Dalco Passage, milling, trending towards Colvos.
13:09 - From Dalco Viewpoint, can see them traveling NE off Point Defiance proper. 5+ including 3 adult males. -Melissa Bird
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13:11 - Heading north towards west side of Vashon.
13:04 - Got 'em off Owen Beach. -Laura Addessio
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13:29 - I haven't seen them for a while now (from Old Ferry Landing). Last I saw they were at the entrance to Colvos. Looked like there were 2 huge males, 2 smaller males, and 4-5 females/juveniles in the group. (Group #2)
13:04 - Past the point. Still heading north.
13:02 - Now they're just about to the point on Point Defiance. Must be doing long dives. -Heidi Armstrong
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12:30 (aprox.) - Here's a clip of the second group of seven transient orcas passing northbound in the Tacoma Narrows. Decent audio too of breathing. This was taken from our skiff with motor off, floating and watching. We observed this group of seven and the hour earlier group of seven both pass nearby harbor seals that were floating very still. Neither group seemed to be doing any feeding, just travelling. -Zeno Martin
[T90s and T101s, IDs by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research, from Zeno's video -alb]
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11:35 - Saw the same group (as Zeno Martin, above) make their way towards Owen's Beach. From the Narrows at ~12:00 p.m. -Gaby Kinner
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11:11 - They are past Titlow. They are currently north of the Narrows bridge. Last I saw they were headed north. I can't see them anymore from Narrows Park.
10:47 - Watching at least four individuals, maybe as many as eight from Narrows Marina. They were mid-channel. -Allison Stewart Bishins
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10:57 - Near Narrows bridge heading north, mid channel. -Lane Sample
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10:53 - Pod under the Narrows Bridge headed northbound for Salmon Beach. Several males. See video clip here
10:47 - I took this video from Day Island at 10:47. What a thrill! Northbound. Went under the bridge mid span. -Karen Caldwell
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09:35 - I have a report of transients from a reliable source in one of our Anderson Island FB groups - "Orcas just went through Balch Passage heading east at 9:35. They were closer to McNeil Island. In travel mode...they didn't hang around."...The person who posted lives on the northern top of Anderson Island at Yoman Point, and she had them traveling east closer to McNeil. -Belen Schneider
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09:00 - Saw 2 or 3 headed north off Fox Island at 9 a.m. Saturday. -Andrea Wineke
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sat Jan 25 - Exiting Admiraly Inlet - 08:32 - Approaching Hein Bank. Were too far out to differentiate sex, but three groups totaling about 10. They were in the nav channel close to Whidbey. Too far away from North Beach for me to feel confident about dorsal fin shape.
08:24 - 10 now west of [Point] Partridge, 3 large.
07:58 - 3 orcas going west at Ebey's Landing nav. marker. -Cyrilla Cook

January 24
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - JANUARY 24, 2020 - Members of J, K, & L pods (south from Yeomalt Point, Bainbridge Is. to Pt. Robinson, Vashon/Maury Is.) and CWR L pod encounter in Haro Strait.
IDs on the SRKWs who were in Puget Sound last week, January 2020, per Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research, from many photos forwarded and reviewed by CWR staff: "It was J pod, K pod, and the 18 Ls (L pod minus the L12s and L54s."
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Hope this finds you doing well and enjoying the recent SRKW activity! Here are some pics from their evening pass by Point Robinson on Friday. The encounter was magnificent! They all came in so close to shore, it was like they were just pouring out of the northern fog bank headed straight for the beach, so magical indeed! I tried to get as many saddles as I could. Hoping they stick around before they head out for the season, crossing fingers they swing down to the south sound at least one more time! K20, L72, L105. Thanks again for your awesome updating, All the best. -Marla Smith
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17:15 (approx.) - I saw members from all J and K pod matrilines as well as the L55s from Pt. Robinson tonight. Ariel Yseth
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17:15 - Pt. Robinson. They just kept coming. Estimated count at 30? You guys. Best day ever. Saw them on the ferry on the way here, friend Jennifer got us to the lighthouse. What a blast!!! -Julie Penezic
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"My favorite moment of tonight! These three power porpoising past Point Robinson this evening!" -photo by Kelly Burns Keenan, January 24, 2020
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17:12 - At Point Robinson now. Southbound. Close to shore. -Matt Hahn
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16:45 - Here are the whales that I believe were present on January 24, 2020 as they made a close pass of Point Robinson, Vashon Island, WA.
J-pod: J16, J26, J27, J31, J35, J37, J39, J41, J49, J51.
K-pod: K26, K27, K33, K34, K35.
L-pod: L54, L55, L82, L83, L86, L91, L106, L109, L116, L118, L122, L123.
It also appears that L72 and L105 were also present based on photographs taken the same day by someone else at Point Robinson (Marla Smith). I would be very interested to know if my ID match the experts. -photos by Brittany Philbin, January 24, 2020 [Brittany's photos have been forwarded to the Center for Whale Research for ID confirmation. -gs]
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16:08 - Lead whales nearing 3 Tree Point and trailers just passing Dilworth on Vashon. -Amy Carey
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16:06 - Watching with a telescope, Vashon side across from Three Tree Point. There are at least a dozen spread out. -Sarah Kassik
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16:03 - 8 passing Dilworth, large male and smaller orca trailing close behind 4:03. Southbound. -Shelby Middling
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15:34 - At least 3-4 (maybe faster front group?) steady southbound between Vashon and West Seattle, closer to Vashon. Approaching Dilworth (I'm viewing from Seola Beach in West Seattle). -Lindsey Clark
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15:30 - From Lincoln Park south bluff, saw a blow and then a dorsal north of Pt. Robinson, close to the Vashon side. Hard to see well with rain showers. -Trileigh Tucker
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15:00 - Brad w/WS Ferries called: Captain reports at least 10 orcas southbound off the north end of Vashon main channel about 10 minutes ago.
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15:00 - So cool! Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon. 8-12 orcas traveling south. Spread out. Lots of breaching and tumbles. 4 males at least. That was a ferry ride of a lifetime! -Julie Penezic
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15:00 - Ferry to Vashon from Fauntleroy, 3:00. Six orcas heading East. -Anita Peebles
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14:58 - From Fauntleroy- Vashon Ferry at 2:58 pm. About 15-20 Orcas spread out about 1/4 to half mile heading southbound and passed Vashon Ferry dock about 1000 yards offshore heading toward Tacoma. Ferries had to stop. Lots of breaching. Carl Wassilie
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13:36 - Just picked up quite a few east of the ships moored off Manchester. Heading south. -Amanda Gilbert
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13:00 - Bainbridge Island just outside Eagle Harbor. 10-12 individuals. One male seen with pink fleshy prey, ferry stopped for them. -Alicia Pereyra Widmer
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14:45 - Just about to north end of Vashon near ferry terminal. still spread into 3-4 groups. Slow travel.
14:45 - They are hitting north ferry lanes [Vashon/Fauntleroy] now.
14:25 - Trailers passing south end of Blake island. They have picked up pace south and are broken into 4 tight groups. Numbers closer to 15.... Nap time is over!
14:08 - The trailing group is still very slowly traveling between S. Bainbridge and Blake Island. On the west side of channel. Very tight ~10 with 2 males. Some direction changes, tail slaps, cartwheels, but mostly just very slow travel generally south.
13:38 - Actually at least 6. Looks like 2 males. Still just south of Bainbridge, close to shore. Moving slow and some sharking. Seen from just south of Alki.
13:25 - ~3 individuals (1 male) passing Restoration Point. Tight to shore. Slow travel south.
12:54 - Leaders (~5 with large male) nearing south end of Blake Island. Southbound, regular pace.
12:30 - About 15 animals passing south end of Bainbridge. Traveling fast. Observed from just south of Alki. Lost visibility due to low clouds.
12:10 - Passing Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge headed south. At least eight. -Michelle Savoie
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12:40 - Saw 4-5 by Blakely Rocks, no male visible. -Charles E. Barbour
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12:30 (approx.) - About 15 went in front of the Bainbridge ferry en route to Seattle. -Shannon Pringle photo by Shannon Pringle, January 24, 2020
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12:26 - See them from the Bainbridge ferry!!!!! SB just leaving the bay. Were around 12 with at least 2 males. SB with lots of tail lobs, foraging activity. Not in any hurry. Ferry had to stop for a bit. -Sara Frey
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11:40 - Carol Myers just wrote: A whole pod is passing Yeomalt Point right now--spread across the sound and close in, too. Heading south. -Susan Marie Andersson
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11:38 - 55 seconds of webcam from Yeomalt Point (Bainbridge). -David G. Myers
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Fri Jan 24 - Center for Whale Research Encounter #2 (L22s, L94s, L77s, L12s) in Haro Strait.
13:40 - A group of five whales were moving southwest in a tight group. They were backlit and the male was coming up at a slight angle so the whales were putting on a bit of an exotic look and Dave briefly dared to hope that he might have northern residents. But the male mostly looked like L89 which is who he turned out to be and the whales were the L22s and the L94s. Not long after getting on the L22s and L94s, more whales showed up ahead of them pointed south. This was the L77s plus L25 and L85 and they soon joined the L22s and L94s in one tight group of ten whales heading south-southwest. The whales were a bit un-cooperative at the beginning of the encounter and had lengthy long dives but got friendlier as the encounter went on. Last year's calf, L124, looked good and has a rather unique looking left saddle. Please see the Center for Whale Research website for the full Encounter #2 summary and photos.
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - JANUARY 24, 2020 - Fri - T124As (Commencement Bay to South of Tacoma Narrows)
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14:23 - Heading south toward Steilacoom, almost to ferry path, mid channel.
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14:17 - Just passing south end of Fox Island. -Teri Fields Mattsen
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13:57 - Damn. They're moving fast southbound, Titlow. -Amanda Langan
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13:50 - Titlow Park moving south fast. -Bill Clogston
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13:50 - Tacoma group just passed under the west end of the Narrows Bridge, southbound. -Karen Caldwell
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13:32 - Tacoma group passing Salmon Beach, southbound. Here's a short Facebook clip of the six orcas southbound in Tacoma Narrows around 1:30pm today. -Zeno Martin
(T124As and T124C IDd by Melissa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research, from Zeno's video. -alb)
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13:19 - Saw at least 4 head north from Owen's Beach toward Vashon ferry terminal at 1:19pm. Did not see them resurface. -Gaby Kinner
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13:16 - Pt. Defiance... spotted three...lost them in the white caps... might have turned into the Narrows...Steve Fogard
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13:15 - About 3 orcas sighted off of Owen's Beach, headed towards Vashon Island. -Kimberly Lutey
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13:00 - We saw at least six Orcas this afternoon at 1pm at Point Ruston in Tacoma. They were heading south toward Point Defiance. -Roger Goodwin
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12:50 - They're moving fast toward Pt. Defiance. Currently close to shore at easternmost end of Point Ruston. -Steph Parke
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12:07 - Viewing from south tip of Vashon....seeing 3-4 deep in Commencement Bay by the freighter cranes. Can't tell sex from here. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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13:09 - Crossing in front of Owen Beach, look to be headed for Narrows.
13:04 - Hitting Pt. Defiance ferry terminal now westbound fast.
12:58 - Maybe teaching calf to hunt. Milling in same spot, off entrance to Dune Peninsula, tail slaps. CLOSE TO SHORE.
12:54 off Point Ruston, approaching Dune Peninsula, westbound.
12:49 - Have them off Ruston, approaching Point Ruston.
12:07 - From the Cliff House Restaurant, I can see the Commencement Bay group up against Schuster Parkway, just northwest of the Grainery, possibly on a kill. Lots of activity & birds visible.
11:15 - The group I saw, including adult male, are RIGHT off shore, just around the corner from Browns Point Lighthouse, heading into Commencement.
11:11 - I HAVE 4 ADULTS 1 CALF ENTERING COMMENCEMENT BAY JUST OFF BROWNS POINT LIGHTHOUSE.
11:01 - From Browns Point Lighthouse can see at least 3 porpoising my way, southbound, this side. Hyundai Container Ship Northbound. -Melissa Bird
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10:47 - 3 or 4 just off south Maury Island, southbound. -Karen Widrig Pickett
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10:38 - Another group passing Gold Beach. -Kelly Burns Keenan
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10:30 - Looking from Swallow's Nest Viewpoint, five or six moving southbound very quickly. -Laurie Hare
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10:40 - Blows seen mid-channel just north of Pt. Robinson. Sea state is getting pretty angry.
10:25 - At least one animal southbound 1km off Normandy. Possible 2-3 others mid-channel slightly further south. Seen from Three Tree. Visibility limited due to rain and low clouds. -Michelle Savoie
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10:21 - Dorsals and blows seem from Saltwater State Park. 3-4 orcas heading south. Rain rolling in stopped our visibility. -Hannah Dickinson
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10:10 - At least 5 more passed Pt. Robinson about 10:10 (after everyone left). Might have included baby, but not certain. -Karen Boyle
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Fri Jan 24 - T90s, T101s, southbound from Dilworth to Tacoma Narrows
(IDs by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research, from many photos by Karen Caldwell)
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15:35 (approx.) - Just spotted a large pod of orca swimming in Drayton Passage [between Key Peninsula & Anderson Island]. About 7 or 8 of them. First southbound and then back north toward Pit Island. -Wanda Buhl
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14:40 - Just saw small group heading towards Anderson Island, southbound, Steilacoom. -Sharon Myers Andersen
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14:38 - I just saw 2-3, one male, headed south between Steilacoom and McNeil [Island]. -Lisa Wiksten
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13:53 - We just saw 3-4 under the Narrows and heading to Steilacoom near Day Island. -Kristin Boone
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12:55 - They were moving at a good clip! saw them at 12:55 from end of Point Fosdick but can't see them now. -Chris Doles
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12:53 - Just past the Fox Island Pier. Moving fast, grouped up heading South. At least 6, could be up to 10. A male and a baby in the group. 2 more males about to pass pier. Behind the other group. The 2 males behind the group were speeding along. They were pretty close to the pier (west side) the larger group was more mid-channel. Passed the pier in a dive unfortunately, so missed my chance at a good photo. -Heidi Armstrong
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12:46 - Clearly Southbound towards Chambers Bay, at least 2 males 3 or 4 more.
12:43 - They are near the Fox Island Pier now. Uncertain of direction.
12:35 - At least 2 males and a few others headed towards Fox Island on west side of channel below Narrows Airport.
12:25 - Southbound south of Narrows Bridge on West side of channel. Saw maybe 3? Watching from Day Island. -Karen Caldwell
(IDd as T90s & 101s from multiple images viewed by Melisa Pinnow, CWR)
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12:30 (approx.) - Watched this group for a while from Titlow (about 12:30). Not a great shot but the only one that shows the saddle patch. -Kala Escobar
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12:21 - Past the Narrows bridge heading south.
12:14 - Narrow Bridge. 4-5.
12:07 - I am at the Narrows bridge and see them north about 1 mile, heading south to bridge. -Andrea Reubel Walker
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11:57 - 4-6, viewing from Narrows Viewpoint on 5 Mile. -Bailey Doughty
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11:55 - Here's some zoom video from our deck of the 7 or so orcas that passed southbound in Tacoma Narrows today at around noon (2-3 males in group). Most of the action is more than 1 mile away, so small, but looks like predation/feeding may have occurred under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from all the surface activity. -Zeno Martin
(Presumably includes T90s based on earlier photo IDs. Alb)
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11:24 - Just passing Owen Beach, viewing from ferry landing on Vashon. Looks like they may go into the Narrows but can't tell. Three males present. Seeing at least 6-7. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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11:10 - Heading west towards Vashon ferry landing. -Sammy Salmon
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10:57 - They are now outside of Quartermaster Harbor Inlet, headed west, moving at a good clip. -Jen Burke
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10:56 - from the ferry which is about to cross to south Vashon, seeing at least five coming around the south tip angling toward the ferry landing on Vashon. -Amy Bliss-Miller
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10:15 - Very grainy pic from Gold Beach, as they were very far from shore about 45 minutes ago, two groups at least, first group about 8-10, plus two males. -Marla Smith
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10:15 - Leaders passed Gold Beach, group of about 8, about 10:15, we see the group that is trailing behind now passing Gold Beach. -Shelby Middling
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09:47 - Passing Point Robinson. when the first groupings went by Point Robinson @9:45ish, they were spread out but by the time they went past gold beach they were mostly grouped up, about 8-10, then the second group of 5 or so with what looked like a baby with them. -Shelby Middling
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09:07 - Got another report of orcas at Dilworth, Vashon. 3-4 reported heading south. -Kelly Keenan
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09:09 - Good morning - orcas reported southbound at Dilworth. -Amy Carey
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09:17 - Just passed Dilworth Point a few minutes ago. Heading south.
08:54 - Orcas just passed Dilworth Point heading south again this morning, closer to the Vashon side today, lots of breaches...I saw a group near Vashon side of 2 or 3 and there were splashes mid channel as well. Then 2 more after I grabbed my camera. -Rey Hansen

January 23
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - JANUARY 23, 2020 - Members of J, K, & L pods (southbound from Dilworth, Vashon Is. to Commencement Bay, then back north) 15:56 - Laurie Greengo called to report seeing a number of orcas (including females & males) off Alki Point swimming northbound, some close to the Alki Lighthouse, others a mile or so out. Some so close they could see whites of eye patches and tail slaps.
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SRKW southbound off of Point Robinson on the evening of January 23, 2020. -photo by Marla Smith
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15:55 - Saw 2 small orcas off of Alki Point by the Lighthouse traveling northbound. -Barb Wong
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16:15 - 10 others should be passing about 2-3 km west of Magnolia right about now.
15:50 - 4-5 stopped to mill off Restoration Point. -Michelle Savoie
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15:38 - [Viewing] from Constellation Park in West Seattle. -Robin Sinner
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15:35 - Should be good viewing from Alki right now. I think the last stragglers just passed the south end of Bainbridge Island. Still heading north slowly. Spread out so hard to count, but 8-12 is my conservative estimate. They were mid channel, although several were closer to the West Seattle side than I normally see. -Sarah May
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15:28 - Moving north and coming closer to West Seattle side of channel. Maybe 10. Should be off Constellation Park soon.
15:22 - Viewing from above 60th and Spokane. Headed north mid channel. Just about at south end of Blake Island when seen from my vantage to the north of the island. -Douglas B. Greenswag
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14:57 - Crossing ferry lane at Fauntleroy! -Stephanie Harlan
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15:02 - They're heading north, hugging the West Seattle side of the channel. About 5-6 orcas, that I was able to count.
14:55 - Seeing them now between Vashon and West Seattle - I'm on a WSF boat headed home to the island. Very spread out, swimming slowly. On the Issaquah at
2:55 PM (2:30 sailing Fauntleroy to Vashon), mid channel. -Cheryl Richmond
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14:48 - A lot of commotion in the water... (Viewing from Brace Point.) -Jim Nunn
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15:14 - I just left Lowman Beach. They are heading north very slowly and very spread out in a long line. Leaders past Blake Island, trailers at the end of Blake Island.
14:55 - WOW. I got such a close pass. Now I'm racing to Lowman [Beach Park] to intercept them. They are moving east in the channel, very slow, lots of playing, lots of surface activity, belly flopping, 2:55. Still heading north.
14:44 - Omg watching from 98th Street. They're resting and playing and lollygagging east in the channel, 2:44 pm. I'm watching from the West Seattle side. They are totally visible with the naked eye and then some. L87 (R) from West Seattle -Kersti Elisabeth Muul
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14:43 - And there were still more to follow... maybe a dozen. That was my closest sighting yet since I took up residence near the water, so exciting!
14:39 - There are a lot of them! I'm just south of Brace Point and they've just passed by, heading north. Yay! -Gwen Williams
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14:56 - Looks like the folks on the Fauntleroy ferry got a good look. They've slowed down to watch the orcas pass behind them.
14:36 - The leaders look like they are heading to Alki.
14:11 - 6-7 orcas passing Burien heading north, mid channel. Moving at a leisurely pace apart from each other. One bull. Viewing from Seahurst Park. -Margery Spears
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13:57 - Seeing orcas approach Three Tree still heading north.
13:06 - Passed Point Robinson at 1:06PM. Still heading north. "Baby!" You know we all squeal it every time we see Tofino (J56) and Tsuchi (J31) pass on by. It does not matter if you are the only one at the beach either. Look how tiny she is next to her Momma." -Kelly Burns Keenan
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12:55 - So many whales, so close to the Vashon side, just passed south of the Point Robinson, heading north... here they come!
12:46 - Just south of Pt. Robinson on this side of the channel will be a close pass at the Point very soon, I predict... many whales. -Janna Ignatow
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12:51 - The last stragglers are now out of my sight and heading north toward Point Robinson.
12:26 - They are mid channel off Gold Beach, or barely north! -Barbara Weber
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11:51 - Have trailing male & female approaching southern Buoy off Maury Island/Browns Point, northbound.
11:45 - Trailing adult male passing Browns Point Lighthouse, northbound now. Think he's the last one.
11:39 - Counting 10+ at Browns Point Lighthouse, northbound.
11:25 - Seeing breaching mid channel, entrance to Commencement.
11:15 - From Browns Point Lighthouse, can make out blows heading into Commencement. Unknown number. -Melissa Bird
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11:10 - They're heading into Commencement Bay. -Karen Widrig Pickett
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10:50 - Saw one by grey vessel south of Maury. Also, one near Browns Point, in line with Point Ruston. Viewing from above Point Ruston. -Ed Rickert
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11:45 - They seem to be headed north back to Point Robinson. We're counting at least 12.
10:43 - We've counted 7 and that includes a baby, we think.
10:35 - Several off the south end of Maury. -Melissa Malott, Citizens for a Healthy Bay
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11:06 - Spotted. Heading towards Port of Tacoma.
10:42 - Heading towards Browns Point.
10:26 - Two spotted mid-way between Dash Point and Maury Island. -Diana Devine Morrow
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10:57 - I believe they were northbound.
10:15 - At least 2 individuals north of Yeomalt [Point] (Bainbridge Island) about 1-2 km offshore. Direction unknown at this time. -Michelle Savoie
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09:47 - Passing Maury Island Marine Park. -Shelby Middling
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J27 and other members of J, K, and L pods southbound off Pt. Robinson. -photo by Kelly Burns Keenan, January 23, 2020
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09:54 - a few more just passed point Robinson poor visibility to the north so hard to tell if more coming.
09:44 - Just found some just south of Point Robinson. Moving slowly. -Amy Carey
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09:32 - Visible from south of Pt Robinson. I only saw three fins moving fast south. -Janna Ignatow
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08:35 - Watching orcas heading south towards Pt. Robinson from Three Tree Point (south beach, looking directly across to Tramp Harbor). They were about mid channel, passing Tramp Harbor at a steady pace. [Amy Carey commented that whales were at Dilworth at the same time]. -Kim Baumgartner
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08:15 - Orcas mid channel passing Dilworth Point south Vashon Island. I saw 5-6. -Rey Hansen
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08:15 - Kelly Keenan and Amy Carey, both of Vashon Island, both relayed reports that there are whales (at least 12) in front of Dilworth right now, heading south. More are coming.
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - JANUARY 23, 2020 - Center for Whale Research Encounter #1 (T124s, T124C, T090s, T101s): Thur Jan 23 - At 1412 they spotted fins and blows just south of Trial Island and began Encounter #01 for 2020 at 48 22.5/123 18.5. The first whales observed were T124C and T124A3 with her first calf, T124A3A. This trio was travelling quickly east in pursuit of a larger group approximately a half mile on. After quick proof of presence photos, the Mike 1 crew forged ahead to find the T090s and T124As travelling in two mixed groups. T090C was a few hundred meters to the north of his family travelling alongside T124A and her youngest, T124A6, while T124A4 travelled with the rest of the T090s. These whales were moving swiftly ESE into building southeast seas, but as they reached Middle Bank at 1520 the sea calmed and the group came together to stealthily snag a meal at 48° 24.5 N / 123° 07.9 W. The predation was quick; though no prey item was observed, the smell was faintly noticeable, a slick formed as some gulls picked up a few scraps and a short prey-share followed. The T124A3s and T124C did not join the predation, instead continuing ESE roughly .75 nm south of the group.
Meanwhile, a whale-watch vessel was departing a third group of killer whales, the T101's, approximately 2.5 nm north west of the lead animals. Please see Center for Whale Research website for full encounter and photos.
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Thur Jan 23 - Mukilteo/Clinton - 16:35 - Working at the construction for new ferry terminal in Mukilteo as a marine mammal observer and just saw one, potentially two, cross the operating ferry lanes between Mukilteo and Clinton, heading NW. -Anna Hixson
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16:33 - Sue Ehler called, one of the monitors for the Mukilteo ferry project reported seeing one male orca heading northbound crossing the Mukilteo/Clinton lanes. Pile driving had already stopped.
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16:19 - Donna with WS Ferries Marine Ops called to report: Currently there are orcas up towards Clinton. (unidentified group - alb)
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08:26 - I've got a second group at the north end of Colvos [Passage] (east side of the channel). Heading north at a leisurely pace, at least 9 animals. Hugging the Vashon side. Seen from Sylvan Beach. -Shannon Kachel
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Thu Jan 23 - CA - 15:00 - Got 9 to 10 orcas going by the Point Arena lighthouse, Mendocino CA. In two groups. A big male in each but the groups have merged now. A cow/calf in the bunch. Trying to get photos. Arrived from 300 deg. Now milling around, and slow moving to the WSW. -Scott Mercer, Mendonoma Whale and Seal Study
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Here is one photo I zoomed in on. I will go through the Point Arena photos tomorrow and get as much ID information to send...I'll cc him (Howard Garrett) and sent this to Jodi. So exciting what an amazing day. It was wonderful to share this rare and amazing moment with you. CA36. -Sara Bogard
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"Pt Arena today, photo with the 3 females.: The 2 females on the bottom of the pic that has 3 females. CA26 is on the left, CA180 on the right." -photos by Sara Bogard ID notes by Alisa Schulman-Janiger
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Hello, Those 2 whales we agree CA26 and CA180....CA26 is one of our oldest females and she lost her son many years ago so now often travels with other older females - "the golden girls" from one of our last sightings as she with 2 other older females and travel with no offspring. She has been with 180 and does mix around with other whales too since her son died as the 2 of them were always together....Thanks, Nancy Black, California Killer Whale Project (now official 501c3)

January 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS Wed Jan 22 - 16:53 - Just tuned in to Port Townsend hydrophone and thought I heard two faint J pod calls. Posting for the record in case some stalled or have turned. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:52 - Just saw two? I think splashing southbound between south Whidbey and Kitsap side. Viewing through telescope from Mukilteo. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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15:35 (approx.) - They are either being super stealthy or just lost in the swells and white caps, last view they were still headed south and closer to Whidbey side (3:35 ish) 1 mi south of Bush Pt. So far have only seen about 7 - 8 total from both groups, but we know more are out there!
15:30 - Just saw three more, really porpoising/splashing - possibly chasing salmon (we hope!) or just playing in the swells, but looked like pretty focused behavior so hopefully catching a big salmon! Direction still southbound. Last sighting of the earlier pod further south was SE of Point No Point Lighthouse.
15:20 - Saw one fin heading south, 1 mile so. of Bush Pt. at 3:20 pm, but nothing else yet - rough waters out there today. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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14:50 - Fleeting glimpse of disappearing dorsal passing Bush Point southbound at speed in choppy seas. -Sandra Pollard
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14:46 - Yes hearing Js and Ks nice and loud! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:45 - Sounds like Kpod kitties. -Michelle Savoie
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14:43 - They are on [Bush Point hydrophone]!! -Christy Avery
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14:44 - Also, still hearing orcas on Bush Point hydrophones.
14:40 - Visual sighting of orcas just north of Point No Point, heading south. Thanks to neighbors Sim and Kate for the headsup. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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14:00 - Sounds like K's, too. -Gayle Swigart, Orca Network
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13:50 - Just heard what sounds like Jpod on Bush Point hydrophones. -Michelle Savoie

January 21
Tue Jan 21 - 18:00 - Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research, relayed a report from Mark Malleson, of J and K pods traveling slowly east in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, between Race Rocks and Port Angeles, against a tide.

January 20
GRAY WHALES - Mon Jan 20 - 16:30 - Flukes don't look humpback so I am thinking a Grey? Just off Point Jefferson, Kingston heading north very close to shore. Just traveling I think....long distances between surfacing while in front of our house. -Chris Beamer Otterson
(Gray Whale identified as CRC 2246 by Alisa Lemire Brooks - GS)

January 19
Sun Jan 19 - J pod Identified by Eagle Wing tours Sunday afternoon near Race Rocks. J31 and probably J56, J41-Diane Selkirk
(IDs by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sun Jan 19 - 13:01- Hi! I'd like to report an orca sighting off the Ediz Hook in Port Angeles!...Yes it's currently happening! Apparently they've been around for a few hours now. There's a couple of them--probably more than 3. They started in the harbor side of the Hook and went around it, they're currently headed west out towards the ocean. -Shelagh Sweeney

January 18
Sat Jan 18 - 14:59 - Possible Orca sighting in Salish Sea in between Eldridge Ave. and Portage Island! Saw from Eldridge Ave. It looked to be 3 females. 2 bigger and 1 smaller. I did not see the tell-tale big fin of a male. They were about 2/3 of the way to Portage Island/Lummi Peninsula as seen from Eldridge Ave....sort of by a marker buoy. There was a boat about 300-400 yards away from them, (they moved away) and that's when I was more sure about what I saw and contacted you. I say probable because even with a telescope I'm not 100% sure. Still damned exciting! I mean, I can see whales from my window! -Jeremy Larsen
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat Jan 18 - 16:25 - Three or four humpback whales milling around off the east side of Galiano Island, B.C. 425 pm. -Mitchell Nevi

January 17
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - T065A2 north of Port Angeles on the morning of January 17th. - Photo by Mark Malleson
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Fri Jan 17 - I got word of an orca in Disco [Discovery] Bay today. -Fred Felleman, WAVE Consulting, Commissioner, Port of Seattle

January 16


January 15


January 14
COASTAL KILLER WHALES (MEXICO) - Tue Jan 14 - 19:00 - Hola, Our friends from Alberta Canada saw a pod of Orcas at 7pm January 14, 2020. They are staying at Vivo Resorts a few miles north of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca Mexico. This appears to be an annual event as they have been seen in previous years....I saw them 2 years ago and others saw them last year. The may be following the humpbacks as they migrate to Panama....Im waiting to hear back from the fellow who was more knowledgable regarding the orcas. He flew back to Canada last night, has a boat near Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and is very familar with them. They were heading south and according to Bruno one was a male with a large fin. I will pass on photos if available. -Cheers, Bob Brown

January 13


January 12


January 11


January 10
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS - Fri Jan 10 - 2nd Hand report - Js were seen northbound off Nanaimo today. -Monika Wieland Shields
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Fri Jan 10 - 13:11 - Denise with WS Ferry Ops called: MV Tillikum reported 3 orcas (male & 2 juveniles) north of Shaw ferry dock heading west to Wasp Passage.
(This same whale was photographed by Paul on August 15th, 2019 in Strait of Juan de Fuca - alb)

January 9
Thu Jan 9 - 11:00 - Salish sea sightings Moresby to Portland island 48'42.375N.123'19.97? W - Prevost Passage. Two orcas travelling west mostly cruising on surface. One very large no distinguishing marking, tall erect dorsal fin -all dark colour while travelling. Smaller orca trailing about 200 metres with white batch showing when it surfaced front forward left side. Only observed clearly with binoculars for about 15 min. When they were within 500 or so metres of ferry traffic they where no long visible on the surface. -Ray Andrews, North Saanich, BC
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu Jan 9 - Great to still see Humpback whales around...in January! Just east of Race Rocks, just off Pedder Bay. -Paul Pudwell

January 8
Wed Jan 8 - Yesterday (8th) at about 10 am, I saw a large orca with a baby in PA harbor. Please excuse my iPhone photos. I also loved the harbor seal staying close to shore-I guess he saw the orcas too! (Posted Jan 9th on Port Angeles, WA FB group). -Kelsey Julander
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed Jan 8 - 09:53 - Saw a humpback off of the Anacortes to Friday Harbor ferry this morning. Several blows. Off of Lopez. Traveling from East to West in chill manner. -Kevin H Doar
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Wed Jan 8 - Humpback: Vocalization heard by Val Veirs from ~18:00-18:32. Location: 48.55778,-123.17591 (west side of San Juan Island).

January 7
BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Tue Jan 7 - Hello! I live up in Juneau, Alaska and had a pod come through our channel yesterday (Jan 7) and was able to ID the bull as T077A! Thought it was pretty interesting and was searching for more info on him, then found your post and thought of sharing! -Nathan Kelley
(Shared with permission. Posted as comment on Jared Towers FB post - alb)
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT KILLER WHALES - Tue Jan 7 - 16:35 - From Olympic Sculpture Park, orcas continue westbound, should be passing Smith Cove Waterway. -Brittany Noelle
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15:21 - Transient orcas. On a kill near downtown ferry terminal. They moved shop when a tug pushed right through them. Viewing from Don Armeni in West Seattle. -Kersti Muul
(~ 6 reported, T124A2 confirmed so likely T124s. We will update if we get more images to confirm who all was present -alb)
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T124A2 off West Seattle heading east towards downtown Seattle waterfront. -Original photo taken by Eileen Hutchinson, Seal Sitters, Jan 7, 2019
(ID by Melisa Pinnow, Center for Whale Research)
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15:18 - A protected species monitor saw 4 (including one calf) at 14:35 near Jack Block park moving toward port. Now at 15:18 they may be on a kill as there has been tail slapping and numerous gulls around. Both teams monitoring projects at the Port and Colman Dock are aware and pile driving is shut down. -Glenn Johnson
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15:17 - Saw one of them from my office above Smith Tower. They were moving North along the waterfront. -Rebecca Benson
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15:04 - A group of orca, at least 3 and one calf, currently in Elliott Bay, aprox 2-3 km from Colman Dock ferry terminal toward Port/Jack Block park. Perhaps T's on a kill. Monitors for the Port and WSF pile driving projects are aware. -Glenn Johnson
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15:02 - We have four Orcas in Elliott Bay. Three females and a calf. By Jack Block Park. I have not got a visual of them, one of our observers is watching them. I assume transients, which pod has three females and a calf? -Stefanie Hawks-Johnson
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14:45 - Just spotted approximately 6 Orcas just north of Harbor Island in Elliott Bay...they all looked small. Probably females and juveniles. Traveling East and close to shore. Heading toward the East waterway. -Bob Kruger
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At 1423 on Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020 monitors at Colman Dock reported at least 4 Orca in Elliott Bay about 1 km from Colman Dock to the southwest. Project pile driving is on hold. We suspect Ts but have no positive ID. -Burt Miller, WSF
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Tue Jan 7 - Haro Strait - If you missed the humpback concert this evening on the west side of San Juan Island, HERE IS THE RECORDING from the Orcasound Lab hydrophones hosted by Val and Leslie Veirs of Beam Reach. -Scott Veirs
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23:00-23:11 - Thanks to Katie McDermott's email I tuned back in to Lime Kiln and could hear humpbacks, not as loud as earlier in the evening, but they were still out there singing so beautiful. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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21:25-22:30 - Hi, My name Katie McDermott and I'm back with another sighting (hearing?) report. I'm not sure if this counts as a sighting or if you want to know what is heard over a hydrophone, but I'm going to report it anyways. I was listening to the Lime Kiln Hydrophone tonight and from about 9:25 PM to 9:30 PM and heard, quite faintly, whales. I am not sure of what species the calls were from, but I thought that It was cool and should probably be reported. (unlike last time, I am not going to jump to conclusions about what type of whales I heard.) It went silent (except for the water noise) for a few minutes, but I heard them again at 9:36 PM as well as at 9:38 PM and then again from 9:41 PM to 10:30. After 10:30, I had to turn it off because I have school in the morning, so I don't know how long it lasted for after that. The whole time I was listening (9:25 PM- 10: 30 PM) the calls were off and on and were quiet, although not as faint as they were initially. I hope you have a great rest of your week! -Katie McDermott
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19:00-19:50 - Humpback whales singing again in Haro Strait. Can be heard on Lime Kiln Hydrophone! (Tanker came through ~ 19:50). -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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18:24 - Great humpback sounds are currently audible on the Orcasound Lab hydrophones hosted by Beam Reach on the west side of San Juan Island in Haro Strait! -Scott Veirs, Beam Reach & Orcasound
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Tue Jan 7 - 16:05 - Two humpbacks around 2pm just outside of Active Pass (from the Swartz Bay ferry to Vancouver). -Linz McCray

January 6


January 5
Sun Jan 5 - Haro Strait - 4:10 Three humpbacks inside the mouth of Eagle Cove southbound towards Granny's Cove. Flukes up: two very white undersides of flukes and one dark with white patches towards the tips. 4:20 South of Granny's headed towards South Beach. Love seeing their grand exhales being carried in the wind! -Lodie Gilbert Budwill

January 4


January 3


January 2


January 1
NORTHERN RESIDENTS - A42 and A23 Northern Resident Orca Jan 01 2020 - What a way to start 2020. Wanted to just get a few edits up I still need to make dinner! But Yukon and I lucked out with some help from our friends here locally and managed to spend time with the A42s and A23s Northern Resident killer whales today off the south end of Quadra Island! This is the first time personally I have been able to document the A23s here in the Winter. As you can see they were all quite a social bunch! Thankful for the day as it looks like the rest of the week will be spent hunkered down from the weather!... More edits from our amazing encounter with the Northern Residents on Jan 1st. Cant help but to hope that these guys are down here for a good reason and that they are finding Chinook in these old fishing areas for them. A clan Northerns tend to spend more time than other Northerns in the upper Gulf of Georgia. I have heard through the grapevine that the local winter Chinook fishing is very good off places like Shelter Point and The Hump off Cape Mudge. Right on the path of the NR's as the travelled from the South tip of Quadra in a big loop past both of these grounds. Let's hope that these guys and their Southern counterparts are finding what they need for a winters feast. A42 Sonora spyhopping, A79 Current with her first calf A119 (2018), Look at all those faces - A79 Current and others, A109 Eliot A60 Fife A43 Ripple A79 Current and her first calf A119, A69 Midsummer and A60 Fife.-Nick Templeman, Campbell River Whale & Bear Excursions
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Wed Jan 1 - 16:30 - Orca(s?) in Port Angeles harbor. Very quick views and then gone. Please credit photos to Lindsey Schromen-Wawrin. -Carolyn Wilcox
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Wed Jan 1 - 12:45 - Chilkat Express found the T137 pod again just southwest of Partridge Bank, westbound and very spread out. -Bart Rulon
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11:53 - Single orca Admiralty Inlet going north - soon approaching partridge point. Vessel following. -Cyrilla Cook
(possibly T137s - alb)