March 2023 Whale Sightings

March 31
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 31 - North Puget Sound/Possession Sound (J Pod) - What a way to end the month of March. After a 4-hour wait during which time J pod was reported to be milling off Mukilteo, we finally spotted the elusive group traveling south mid-channel toward Glendale just as a squall hit. By this time they had picked up the pace heading into choppy seas and continuing on to Possession. It was well worth persevering to see these charismatic creatures once again. -Sandy Pollard -photo by Sandy Pollard, March 31, 2023 -photo by RJ Snowberger, March 31, 2023
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17:49 - We were also watching as they swam south away from Possession State Park. Hard to see without binoculars but still cool! -Jenn Pratt Turner
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17:41 - Viewing from a private location. They appear to be headed south off of Possession Point aiming towards Edmonds currently. Waters are very choppy. -April Basham
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17:15 - They’ve passed Possession Point. I think the whole group is all huddled together it was a huge pod. Three to four big males and few others that look like males because the fins stood up tall but not quite as tall as the big guys. And the many other smaller fins. They’ve picked up speed and heading southwest into the triangle. They’re pretty in sync coming up for breaths and taking long dives. So fun to watch. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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17:06 - We just saw them pass Possession Beach Waterfront Park. -Jenn Pratt Turner
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16:54 - Passing Chennault Beach southbound slow. I think I see three to four big males, the whole group is huddled together. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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16:20 - Large group of orcas (about a dozen) has passed Glendale steady southbound mid channel. Weather conditions deteriorating rapidly. -Sandy Pollard
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16:13 - Midchannel in front of Glendale heading south. -Teresa Bara
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16:00 - Ghostly glimpse of group of six or seven orcas off Glendale Beach mid channel. Difficult to determine travel pattern. -Sandy Pollard
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15:50 - From the Mukilteo Lighthouse appears most of J pod has passed through the ferry lanes, continued southbound travel, spread east to west of mid channel. Can confirm matrilines: J11s, J17s, J16s present and others. Viewing conditions are deteriorating. -Brittany Noelle
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15:42 - Mukilteo now more on Clinton side headed toward Glendale. Two side by side.
15:28 - Seeing at least two by the ferry terminal. -Amy Craig
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15:27 - See them from Ivars in Mukilteo. Due north of the ferry terminal. -Sarah Gorton
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15:13 - A few groups nearing the ferry going to Mukilteo. -Corri Heiss
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15:07 - Flipped southbound, midchannel, north of Clinton-Mukilteo ferry lanes. -Brittany Noelle
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15:00 - I was watching two different groups of orca from Harborview Park near Everett. There was a group of two closer to the Everett/Mukilteo side and I think two or three more in the middle - all going south slowly. At least one was a male with a big dorsal fin. -Sue Monroe
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14:55 - I'm at Edgewater and just saw two going west. Closer to Hat Island. -Corri Heiss
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14:13 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: The MV KITSAP W/H reports via 800MHz, a couple of orca just of Elliott Pt. near Mukilteo, heading NB.
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13:50 - They [are] heading toward Langley. -Teresa Bara
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13:30 - Saw two fins spread out just south of ferry from Mukilteo. Looked to be moving west. Visibility getting harder with waves. -Lindsay Davis
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13:19 - Some whales in front of park. Toward ferry again.  -Teresa Bara
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13:15 - I'm seeing some Clinton side north of ferry dock. -Jim McKinlock
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13:14 - Watching from passenger drop off Clinton Ferry dock. Whales are spread out, directional changes. Some are closer to Whidbey, some closer to Mukilteo. They are even with the ferry lanes. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:13 - Heading toward Clinton. North of ferry terminal. -Teresa Bara
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13:11 - Hard to see with choppy waves. Viewing from lighthouse in Mukilteo. -Alec Sills-Trausch
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12:59 - In ferry lanes now. -Teresa Bara
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12:52 - MV Swiftsure is shut down with approximately seven individuals northbound here [Southern Possession Sound - approx: 47.945788, -122.312363]. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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12:48 - Coming toward Mukilteo closer to Clinton. Will be in ferry lanes soon. North of sailboat. -Teresa Bara
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12:40 - Viewing from Glendale, they are very spread out, mid channel, traveling northbound, quickly. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:35 - Just saw close to Mukilteo shore passing Chennault Beach. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:33 - We spotted three fins up at one time and a couple breaches. Looks like they are still grouped up.
12:03 - Good viewing from Possession Point Lane. Heading north toward Mukilteo. -Robert Edgar
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10:45 - I saw a distant breach and a few dorsals spread out and apparently foraging in the Possession Bar area. Pin on map approximately where I saw the breach [Possession triangle - approx. 47.871883, -122.421578]! -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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10:30 - I saw three breaches in front of the tugboat, have lost them now.  -Maureen Talbott
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10:28 - Lots of breaches in front of tugboat. Still out from Edmonds Beach.
10:02 - Can see them from sunset closer to Kingston side. -Danica Templeton
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09:55 - Pod is now transect Edmonds Marina Beach and south end Apple Tree Point east of mid channel grouped still slow northbound.
09:30 - Pod has closed the spread, have gathered more closely together and are loosely grouped east of mid channel. Barely see fins mostly, several males. Still in resting mode slow steady northbound about out from Point Wells now. Seas choppy, white caps and is biting cold out here. Is beautiful.
09:20 - Pod is in total resting mode, super sleepy slow travel and shallow surfacing. Spread across mid to east side, at least those I am seeing so far. Fins of all sizes, at least 12-15. Still just south of Point Wells, Woodway (tank farm). Steady northbound. WSF and shipping have been alerted. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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09:08 - Staff member Alisa called to say she was seeing about a dozen fins, heading generally northbound, with directional changes. She was viewing from Kayu Kayu Ac Park (between Edmonds and Richmond Beach) and the ones she was seeing were spread midchannel to east of. Very slow travel and shallow surfacing. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 31 - US/Canada Border (T18s, T34s, T37, T37Bs, T36As, T99s, and T123s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Shaina Cohen
Date of Sighting: 3/31/2023
Time: 14:30
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 33
Where seen: Salish Sea near US/Canada border
Direction of travel : Northward
Behaviors observed: Spyhopping, tail slaps
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was out with the catamaran group on Island Adventures - we were one of two boats out that day including a zodiac. Apparently the only time they had seen more was on the same day last year (with a total of 35). Biologist speculates some kind of mating event possibly? Identified groups: T18, T34, T37 & T37B, T36A, T99, and T123 pods. Have many photos, am emailing them to you with permission to use.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - T19B Galiano -photos by Shaina Cohen, March 31, 2023
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 31 - Guemes Channel - 14:39 - [Gray] whale in the Guemes Channel headed to the Anacortes ferry stop - way cool. Watched for about 30 minutes - going from east to west. -Marion HW 

March 30
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 30 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod) - So many whales. Slow but sure, steady as a rock, J pod filtered into Admiralty Inlet in the morning, languidly passing Bush Point in the early afternoon. Seeing them tightly grouped is a heart-warming sight to behold, when so often they are widely spread out as they forage for food. For those of us watching from shore wondering if they had already passed by, this was both a surprise and an unexpected bonus in addition to the exciting news about a member of their extended family, Lolita/Tokitae, who now has a chance to once again share the same waters from whence she came so many years ago. J pod passing Bush Point in leisurely fashion, southbound. They must have heard the good news of a member of their extended family's potential release back to her home waters (Tokitae), and come by to show their support - thanks for stopping by. -Sandy Pollard -photos by Sandy Pollard, March 30, 2023 -photo by RJ Snowberger, March 30, 2023
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J Pod decided to mosey down Admiralty today. They were moving slower than molasses in January, and that was just fine with me. Nice to see so many friends on the whale trail! Find lots of salmon, Jpod! -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 30, 2023
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So many fins. -photos by Donna George, March 30, 2023
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J pod making their leisurely way down south from Admiralty. Caught up with them as they approached Bush Point, on the Whidbey side, not super super close but lovely, so many surfacings of a lot of beautiful fins and faces! The water was smooth so we got good looks at them! It took almost an hour for them to pass Bush Point, which was wonderful! Great to see a lot of fellow orca lovers. -photos by Bonnie Gretz, March 30, 2023
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19:59 - Too dark, wondering if they’re aiming for triangle.
19:33 - Eyes on! Sightline Apple Tree Point to Scatchet Head, south of Eglon, Kitsap side of midchannel - far out there still. Male dorsal. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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19:27 - They were moving super slow but looks like at least some of them are starting to pick up some speed and porpoising south about midway between Eglon and Apple Tree. West side of triangle from my perspective.
19:24 - I can [see] them maybe midway between Eglon and Apple Tree. 
18:50 - Near Eglon heading south. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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19:20 - Most are deep in the triangle, but I’m still seeing a few fins and distant breaches between Scatchet Head and Eglon. From my perspective, everyone is mid channel.
18:57 - Seeing a few fins from Scatchet Head - north of Eglon, slowly heading southbound. -Dori Dace
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18:15 - Just got to Point No Point lighthouse. Still moving southbound slowly, but look to be more spread out. Maybe Whidbey side of mid channel. -Emily Wandres
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17:30 - Just saw them again - looks like they are off Double Bluff now, closer to the Whidbey side, still heading southeast or possibly milling headed toward the triangle. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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16:24 - Susan Berta reports seeing J pod continue southbound from their place which is between Bush Point and north end of Mutiny Bay, so believe somewhere to the south.
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15:15 - J pod is now south of Bush Point, continuing in that direction at a leisurely pace more inclined toward mid channel. -Sandy Pollard
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Elsa Leavitt
Date of Sighting: 3/30/2023
Time: 3:15 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 9
Where seen: off Bush Point
Direction of travel : south
Behaviors observed: traveling slowly, all submerge and then back up; then whole group submerges for long minutes
If orcas, any males?: at least one
Any unusual markings?: not close enough to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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15:14 - Spotted seven to eight fins at one point south of Bush Point, heading south! I hadn't seen any orcas yet since moving here 7+ years ago, so it was a thrill to see them in a big group. -Jen Wuest
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15:10 - J pod has moved more mid channel and just slowly south of Bush Point. So amazing to see them all together! I didn't count but there were a lot, including probably J59! -Bonnie Gretz
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J38 Cookie - J27 Blackberry & J47 Notch
14:55 - Just WOW [J pod grouped up slow moving].
14:37 - Moving very slow southbound. -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, March 30, 2023
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14:40 - Slowly moving closer to Whidbey - viewing from Bush Point public beach facing north and they are moving more east than south.
14:20 - Just north of Bush Point, viewing from dock. Whidbey side of midchannel, slowly southbound - all grouped up tight and surfacing around the same time. Looks to be everyone! -Emily Wandres
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14:28 - Big group approaching Bush Point Whidbey side! -Bonnie Gretz
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14:20 - Bonnie Gretz called to report she is seeing blows just barely north of Bush Point. Appear to be Whidbey side, heading southbound. Not sure if leaders or trailers.
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12:10 - WSF ferry worker Kellie posted and shared photographs of Js earlier off Port Townsend to the KOMO photog group. They are likely at least to south of Lagoon Point or Bush Point by now if they continued.  
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 30 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T109As) - 20:00 - Per comments on the Olympic Peninsula Whale Sightings page, (presumably the same pod) returned to the Port Angeles harbor around 8pm last night! Two visits in one day! -Rachel Rodell
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Can confirm T109As! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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15:00 - Lost sight. They're closer to Dungeness now. 
14:40 - Six to seven orca heading east from Port Angeles. Only see one big dorsal. Too far away for ID.  -Jill Irene Freidberg
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Mar 30 - Rosario Strait
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jennifer Barrett
Date of Sighting: 3/30/2023
Time: 5:45 PM
Species seen: Humpback spouting (?)
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Off Washington Park, Anacortes, WA
Direction of travel : Seemed to be milling around, no direction
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Mar 30 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - 12:45 - Gray whale blows south of West Beach at Deception - not far from shore, but it’s pretty choppy so tough to tell direction. Heading north. -Emily Wandres
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Thu, Mar 30 - Port Susan
09:00 - The other four passed by [northbound].
17:50 - The solo whale passed by [southbound]. - Ended the day with five grays in Port Susan! One was solo heading southbound from Warm Beach and the other four were headed northbound making a close pass right in front of the dock at Kayak Point! -photos by Lisa Moody, March 30, 2023
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11:00 - My wife and I kayaked near two grays off of Port Susan Terrace. They were feeding and drifting slowly south towards Tillicum. -Thomas McKane
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07:30 - There’s whales off of Beach 2! [Port Susan]. -Korie Ferriola [CWW]
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Thu, Mar 30 - Saratoga Passage - 08:52 - Karen Smith called Orca Network to report three gray whales heading eastbound in Saratoga Passage out from Baby Island Heights, Whidbey side mid-channel.
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COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Thu, Mar 30 - Oregon
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Mar 30 22:34 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 44.98669,-124.00722 [Lincoln City] 
Number Sighted: 20
Reported Animal Status: Live
Submitter Name: Bradly, Karrie 
Whale Alert App

March 29
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 29 - San Juans (J Pod) - 17:00 - Sounded like they were heading into Eastsound! -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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16:28 - Several orcas passing Lopez ferry landing, eastbound. -Chad Coffey [WSSJI]
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15:35 - J26 passing Friday Harbor fast southbound.
15:25 - There is still one trailing off Point Caution, looks like leaders are probably near Turn Island.
14:50 - Leaders abeam Friday Harbor spread from San Juan side to Shaw side.
14:35 - We believe they’re nearing Point Caution still southbound.
13:35 - J-Pod southbound mid San Juan Channel off Reuben Tarte. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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01:28 - 02:04 - SRKW J pod calls, including S01, S04, S07, S10, S16, S22 on the Orcasound - Listen for Whales hydrophone at Orcasound Lab (5 km north of Lime Kiln). Single human detection at 1:28; 3 OrcaHello detections 1:40-2:04. OrcaHello AI candidates confirmed as SRKW by David Bain can be reviewed here. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 29 - Strait of Georgia (T65A5 & T124C) - With the return of the T65As to the Salish Sea, lots of folks have been wondering about the whereabouts of the wandering T65A5 Indy, a now 9 year-old male who has been traveling apart from his family for several years now. We had heard a couple of reports that he may be traveling with T124C, but thanks to pictures Patricia Rose snapped and shared from Neck Point and Piper's Lagoon near Nanaimo this morning, we got our first photographic documentation of him in the Salish Sea for 2023! This is one of her photos from this morning showing the two whales together. You may remember that last year, T65A5 was seen traveling with lone bull T87 Harbeson. How interesting that he's traveling with another lone bull this year in T124C Cooper! These type of social interactions are so fascinating, and are only possible to track at the level we do thanks to the region-wide open sharing of sightings and photographs from community scientists like Patricia! -Orca Behavior Institute
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Wed, Mar 29 - San Juans (T65As minus T65A5) - 17:55 - Heading southwest near Battleship Island. - 16:30 - T65As milling and killing near Green Point on Spieden Island. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Wed, Mar 29 - San Juan Channel - 15:00 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Captain reports via 800MHz broadcast a pod of about 25 Southern Resident orca SB between Neck Pt. & FHBR. 
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 29 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca
14:04 - Based on how the tail looked and the head, I think it’s a gray. Still out here and making direction changes frequently.
13:43 - Now south. And when going east, it was north of [approx. 48.398028, -122.6683020].
13:33 - Gray, Deception Pass headed east. -Emily Peterson
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13:53 - Gray whale feeding near West Beach at Deception Pass Park. Initially popped up very close to shore, seems to be going back and forth. -Silver Hubble
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Wed, Mar 29 - Admiralty Inlet - 18:25 - Gray whale close to shore northbound Lagoon Point. -Bill Setter
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17:28 - Ana Sing Des and Pip Gordon, Bush Point, Whidbey called to report they are seeing one large humpback [photo confirmed as gray later up island] traveling northbound very close to shore.
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15:01 - But it appeared to be heading north, farther into the bay.
14:53 - Spotted a gray whale in Useless Bay, Whidbey Island! Down for a long time. Feeding on ghost shrimp? -Ellen Molbak Welsch
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Wed, Mar 29 - Saratoga Passage - 18:00 - 18:15 - Three grays moving north towards Summerland. -Peg Boley [CWW]
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16:18 - Headed fast south towards Bells.
16:10 - Near Fox Spit headed towards the Camano side. -Jessica Hutchings
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15:06 - Second gray heading south close to Camano side. Saratoga Passage just south of Onamac. They are just messing with me today.
14:50 - Saratoga Passage. Now seeing traveling south, mid channel. Do not know if same gray or new going south just past Onamac Point.
14:23 - Saratoga Passage, gray heading north, mid channel just south of Onamac Point. Long down times. -Marie Heil
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Wed, Mar 29 - Port Susan (CRC21, CRC22, CRC56, CRC383) - 09:59 - Cindy Hansen (Education/Advocacy Coordinator) & Jill Hein (board member) report three grays south of Kayak Point but on Camano side of Port Susan, circling. One is CRC22 Earhart.
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An amazing day on the water with Cindy Hansen. We found FIVE Sounders, the sun was out, the lighting ‘mostly’ good, and the water calm. We saw CRC #21, CRC #22, CRC #56 and CRC #383. The 5th one we didn't get a good enough look at to try to ID.  -photo by Jill Hein, March 29, 2023
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07:45 - Thought to be 3 grays northbound off Tyee (southern end). -John Cavanaugh [CWW]
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07:30 - One to two being reported between Beach 2 and 3 at Country Club (that’s across from between Warm Beach and Kayak Pt) no discernible direction.  -Thomas McKane & Greg Mann [CWW]
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 29 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (CRC2506) - Confirmed by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research as newbie who in March was assigned ID designation CRC2506. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network - CRC2506 -ID by Alie Perez, Cascadia Research Collective
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We were lucky to see gray whales off Deception Park Beach! -photos by Noelle Morris, March 29, 2023
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Wed, Mar 29 - Admiralty Inlet - 18:25 - Northbound slow, single gray, off Lagoon Point. -photos by Bill Setter, March 29, 2023
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Wed, Mar 29 - Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jeff Dean
Date of Sighting: 3/29/2023
Time: 7:00 PM
Species seen: Grey
Number of animals seen: Three
Where seen: Mabana Beach
Direction of travel : South then north
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

March 28
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 28 - Satellite Channel (J Pod) - 13:15 - J-Pod eastbound in Satellite Channel, BC. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 28 - BC (T34s, T37, T37Bs, & T65As) - Bigg's finally moving on after a morning feed off of South Pender Island. The T034's, T037, 037B's and the T065A's were off the entrance to Bedwell Harbour on the morning of March 28th finishing off what look like a substantial prey, perhaps one of the numerous steller sea lions in the area of late. -Mark Malleson
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Mar 28 - Semiahmoo Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Elissa Potvin
Date of Sighting: 3/28/2023
Time: 5:30 PM
Species seen: Gray?
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Semiahmoo
Direction of travel : Northeast
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Tue, Mar 28 - Saratoga Passage - 18:57 - Baleen whale slowly heading up Saratoga Passage. Looks like a gray. It’s just past Sandy Point heading toward Langley harbor direction. -Luanne Seymour
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16:40 - Two grays Camano State Park heading north. -Natalie Herald
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16:27 - Gray passing Camano State Park, northbound. Not staying up very long, so hard to get shots. Now past boat launch.  -Krista Paulino
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Tue, Mar 28 - Port Susan - 08:20 - Four gray whales off of Pirate Cove. -John C Storbeck [PSWS]
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09:10 - Just saw three gray whales right off of Tyee Beach headed south. -Wendy Johnson [CWW]
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07:28 - Gray just off shore heading south from Country Club just past Port Susan Terrace/Cameron Rd.  -Fern Lee [PSWS]
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Tue, Mar 28 - Possession Sound - 08:20 - A solo gray is traveling from southwest Hat Island towards Saratoga Passage. About 400 yards offshore. -Lori Christopher

March 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 27 - Admiralty Inlet (T65As minus T65A5) - 14:30 - There’s four whale watch boats far off Dungeness Spit watching Ts [approx. 48.284154, -123.071022]. -Noelle Morris
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12:32 - Continuing west.
12:15 - Hunting a harbor seal, still in that general location.
12:03 - About here for location! No real direction [approx. 48.151144, -122.860933]. -Brooke Casanova
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11:26 - Heading west, now west of Partridge Bank.  -Cyrilla Cook
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10:41 - Orcas passing Port Townsend right now. Northbound. -Erin Merklein
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10:49 - Well out in front of the Red Head now still steadily northbound.
10:47 - Tug boat with barge passing them in opposite direction.
10:42 - Seeing several passing northbound nearer to ferry landing of Port Townsend (viewing from far away on Whidbey). -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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10:30 - Spotted from Marrowstone Point headed north on the border of Port Townsend Bay and Admiralty Inlet, trending east towards Whidbey. 4+ individuals. -Sam Kaviar
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10:24 - They found the T65As at Marrowstone Point, moving north pretty quickly. West side of channel.  -Christopher Lewman, Puget Sound Express
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Mar 27 - Port Susan - 17:40 - 17:50 - Took some pictures of a gray whale spotted at Kayak Point. -photos by Xanth Moen, March 27, 2023
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17:50 - Gray continued northbound travels towards Warm Beach. Hopefully images taken by others on the pier can help us ID. Beautiful night pass and new term by youngster I was viewing with: “a grayle”
17:42 - Just passed by Kayak Point pier northbound swift pace. Surfaces couple times then shallow dive repeat then deep dive.
17:18 - Gray whale off point at McKees Beach few hundred yards offshore heading northbound toward Kayak Point [approx. 48.126200, -122.367020].
15:55 - At least one gray remains in Port Susan. Mid channel southwest of Kayak Point (south side) milling back and forth. Sun is blazing and sitting in little rain squall overhead from the east, bit surreal.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:33 - Blows being seen from Mission Beach, Tulalip. -Hannah Blake
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14:18 - Viewing two gray whales across from Tillicum Beach on Stanwood side. Have passed Kayak Point. Southbound. -Linda Aitkins
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13:00 - Port Susan, three grays in the Pirates Cove/Tillicum Beach area of Camano Island. Report of two more coming on from the south near Camano Head. -John C Storbeck
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11:20 - From View Street at Country Club, Beach #1. -Thomas McKane
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10:25 - I just saw a single spout in Port Susan between Mountain View and Port Susan Terrace. Appears to be heading south.
10:20 - I saw one blow from Kayak about twenty minutes ago, when that gray boat was heading south.  -Linda Raines Tyner
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10:58 - I’m still seeing the three from CC2, two are closer to Stanwood and one is heading more mid channel now. All still heading slowly south.
09:26 - There are three grays closer to the Stanwood side across from CC2. They were spread out a little while ago but are now grouped up. Slow trend southward. -Charvet Drucker
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09:44 - There’s two now near each other.
08:46 - South of Warm Beach. Pretty large spout. -photo by Thomas McKane, March 27, 2023
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08:13 - Spout in front of Country Club area near Kayak Point. Moving quickly south so should be at Beach 3 and Tillicum shortly. Much closer to mainland than Camano. -Thomas McKane [CWW]
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Mon, Mar 27 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca - 12:57 - Gray at Moran’s Beach County Park. -Sarah Geist
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Mon, Mar 27 - North Saratoga Passage - 10:04 - Moving fairly fast now west of Mariner’s Cove.
09:52 - Gray whale off Mariner’s Cove heading west, mid way out. -Paul E. Belanger

March 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 26 - BC (T34s, T37, T37Bs, T123s) - 15:30 - From Saturna Island. Small pod of transients motoring eastward towards East Point. A sea lion was nearby but not a target. Can orcas be identified? I could ID the female as T34. Melisa Pinnow confirmed and ID'd the male as T123A and the pair as maybe T37B and T37Bs. -James McLarnon, Vancouver
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Sun, Mar 26 - Haro Strait (T49As) - Late afternoon, the T49As were seen heading southbound in northern Haro Strait, and could be visible from the west side of San Juan before sunset. -Orca Behavior Institute
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Sun, Mar 26 - Discovery Bay - Today was amazing and then THIS happened! Discovery Bay in front of World Mark’s Discovery Bay property - we all watched from our deck yesterday for about an hour. There was one or two babies but they were definitely circling/feeding then headed north. Link to FB video. -Cathy Faulkner
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Sun, Mar 26 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A5) - We are nearing Happy Birthday time for T65A6 Callisto who was first seen/documented by sightings volunteer Sara Frey on April 10th, 2018 who spotted and photographed her as brand new itty bitty calf powering southbound through some chop with mom T65A off Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Puget Sound is definitely T65A6's natal waters, her first day's beautifully documented, here's rough summary:
- T65As spent April 10-14, 2018 traveling through out all of Puget Sound to south and north. They left on the 14/15th where they documented Rosario Strait on 15th.
- T65As returned to inland waters and stayed continuous in Hood Canal from April 18 - May 1st (at least). May 4th they spent the day around Puget Sound proper.
- May 5th inland Puget Sound with a trip into in Liberty Bay, Poulsbo! They exited Puget Sound later that day, May 5, 2018. Per our Orca Network Whale Sighting Network archives. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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20:00 - Last seen headed southbound out of the bay.
19:31 - Milling across from Whitney Point.
19:19 - Finally seeing them from Whitney Point again. Headed southbound slowly on east side of the bay.
16:18 - Still heading north into the bay. Close to shore on the east side.
16:08 - Seeing them from Whitney Point. -Bre Oakley
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16:30 - Last saw them heading north into the far reach of Dabob Bay. -Brad Holm
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14:50 - Saw them in the far distance headed north towards Dabob Bay. -Melissa McCourt
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14:42 - Can see them to the right of Dosewallips Park. Northbound, long down times. Looks like they are headed into Dabob Bay. -Bre Oakley
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14:40 - 2-3 across from Misery Point boat launch, far on the other side by Brinnon. Looks like they may be going into Dabob Bay. -Briana Wever
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14:05 - Two orcas right off Black Point and mouth off Pleasant Harbor, about a quarter mile out. -Brad Holm
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14:24 - Seeing a few of them from Scenic Beach State Park, on the opposite side of the channel. -Ashley Warner
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13:39 - They’re mid canal off the mouth of the Duckabush currently. Tons of seals/seabirds out there. Headed north. -Jeff Anderson
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12:10 - Whales are across Triton Cove, look like they were going north. -Danielle Cagey [PSWS]
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11:55 - They just passed Camp Robinswold heading north. -Heather McVey
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11:55 - Three transients seen heading north [in] Hood Canal - spotted north of Eldon heading towards Dosewallips area more on the east side of the canal. -Elizabeth Storm [PSWS]
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10:49 - Lilliwaup. -photo by Stephani Cook, March 26, 2023
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10:25 - [Headed] north, currently past Ayock Point.
10:15 - A friend just called, orcas at his place on Hood Canal located north of Eagle Creek and south of Hama Hama.  -Debbera Coker
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 26 - E Strait of Juan de Fuca - 16:00 - I probably saw the same whale this afternoon. I started seeing the spout around 4 pm. Deception Pass State Park. -Marion HW
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Carol Kruse
Date of Sighting: 3/26/2023
Time: 11:26 AM
Species seen: Gray, I think
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Deception State Park West Beach
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Very limited view of the body of the whale, but repeated sightings of spout/blow
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Carol Kruse, March 26, 2023
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09:21 - Freesia Krogstad called Orca Network to report a gray whale off West Beach at Deception Pass State Park. The whale is milling back and forth ~400 yards offshore. Whale is sounding, they saw the fluke.
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Sun, Mar 26 - Possession Sound - 17:12-17:16 - Likely first gray whale I reported (16:40) now off Jetty Island close in moving southbound, towering illuminated blows hang suspended. Whale barely surfaces [approx. 48.005366, -122.238832].
18:40 - This whale continues steady travel same course toward Camano Head.
18:18 - This gray has steadily been traveling angling northwest toward Camano Head.
17:40 - 17:48 - Gray whale, first spotted 17:40, few surfaces then sounded, under 7 minutes, 3 surfaces and sounded. Westbound. Beautiful illuminated tall blows [approx. 48.023527, -122.315243]. Side note: tide super low and can see feeding pits off very north end Jetty Island/Snohomish Delta.
16:40 - Seeing blows of at least one gray whale west Jetty Island out from south entrance to Everett Marina. Whale is milling. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sun, Mar 26 - Saratoga Passage (CRC21, CRC22, CRC383, CRC2356) - 18:32 - Three spouts and tails heading south through Saratoga. Seeing them off yacht club but hugging Whidbey side. -Dma Work
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16:40 - Last saw blows at the north side of Penn Cove (from my perspective. They were likely still pretty mid channel). They seem committed to continuing south closer to whidbey side, but might swing into the cove -Sam Wallace
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16:15 - They looped behind Polnell Point and turned south/southwest. From our perspective at the Maple Grove boat launch they are directly in front of the Navy Exchange, but are still a ways off shore. Trending south/southwest.
15:30 - They crossed the channel to Polnell Point, and turned around. They’ve now rounded the south edge of the point and are pointed towards Oak Harbor/Whidbey.
14:36 - With Sam Wallace at Maple Grove Boat Launch. They are still grouped together, still a bit south of the boat launch. Might be crossing the channel towards Crescent Harbor/Polnell Point. -Linda Aitkins
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13:55 - Continuing north now passing Rockaway Beach (from my line of sight on Whidbey), heading towards Madrona on Camano Island. -Jill Hein, Orca Network
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13:16 - They are just about to pass the Yacht Club. -Sam Wallace
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13:09 - San Juan Clipper is with 4 grays northbound at Onomac Point. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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12:27 - Looks like they’re at Onomac now. Heading to the Yacht club to see if they pass there. -Sam Wallace
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12:08 - Now halfway between Camano and Whidbey, hanging out north of Cama Beach. -photo by Andrew Spitznas, March 26, 2023
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CRC22 Earhart -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network - 12:05 - One of the two (or three). -photos by Thomas McKane, March 26, 2023
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11:45 - Map for CRC 21, 22, 383, and 2356 northbound [approx. 48.154272, -122.524752]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:45 - At least 3 grey whales heading north in Saratoga Passage. About a mile north from Cama Beach. -Jennifer Johnson-Fong
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11:41 - Awesome! Viewing southbound from Camano City! -Patricia Phillips
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11:38 - Shackleton (CRC 21) raised his tail flukes too! He rarely ever raises his flukes up, but he’s done it twice so far today. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:37 - Viewing from Cama State Park. Seeing 4 spouts, flukes, and a nice tail dive. Northbound. Appears to be heading towards Coupeville. So amazing. -Linda Aitkins
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11:35 - Can finally confirm there are three. Took a while to get them to all come up together. Continuing north. -Kevin Doar
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11:30 - MV Swiftsure has four here! (21, 22, 383, and 2356) [approx. 48.147324, -122.522736]. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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11:21 - Viewing from Cama State Park. Whales heading northbound with deep dives.
11:15 - Seeing two, possibly three, blows north of Hidden Beach closer to Whidbey. -Linda Aitkins
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11:00 - Dead on in front of the Cama Park cabins.
10:46 - Two to three heading north. Seeing lots of dives with tails [approx. 48.129897, -122.540985]. -Kevin Doar
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10:59 - Adult and suspected juvenile or baby hunting off of Cama Beach, moving slow and diving. -Stephanie Hellekson
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10:31 - I am a complete novice, but I believe we just saw them at Camano Island State park. heading roughly north. -Pablo Trejo
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09:35 - Allie Hudec called Orca Network to relay report from her neighbor who reports watching three grays off Fox Spit, feeding then heading south towards Bells Beach [both private communities]. Grays then turned back around so maybe socializing. She’ll be heading over soon to take a peek and report back what they are up to.
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Sun, Mar 26 - Puget Sound - 16:15 - Spotted a whale headed south near Restoration Point on Bainbridge Island. Somewhat confident it was a grey whale. -Mary Dombrowski
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08:13 - Gray whale just passing behind the ferry coming into Kingston. Southbound. -Casey Bizelli
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Sun, Mar 26 - Puget Sound - 10:30 - Ethan Allen called Orca Network at 11:05 to report baleen whale, not sure species, looks like humpback (seen quite a few) but this one appeared to have irregular dorsal some deformity, strangely flattened. Just inside Blake Island, between there and old harbor pier Port Orchard. Traveling very fast southward toward Southworth and Colvos Passage.

March 25
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 25 - Haro Strait & Active Pass (J Pod) - Sublime video by Salish Sea Orca Squad of lovely J pod (endangered Southern Residents) grouped up heading eastbound in Active Pass, BC. -video by Salish Sea Orca Squad, March 25, 2023
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12:32 - Love hearing them. Shared a nice cup of tea whilst listening. -Christina Mullee
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10:46 - So cool! I heard them just a few minutes ago - thanks for sharing! -Juleen O'Dell
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10:30 - Northbound at Kellett and went out of my view. -John Boyd
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10:33 - Seems J pod is continuing northbound with trailers now having passed the Orcasound Lab hydrophone.
10:27 - Repeated calls, including S16s, on the Orcasound Lab hydrophone.
10:00 - Still hearing SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls, whistles, and clicks! Thanks everyone for doing such a great job annotating the Orcasound - Listen for Whales live stream this morning.  -Scott Veirs, Orcasound 
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09:59 - This is so cool. -Katie Melton
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09:36 - Sweet sound. It’s amazing the magnificent size of our orcas but their voices are like a sweet little bird. Can’t get enough of it. -Dianna Cowden Root
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09:32 - Lots going on. -George Doe
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09:25 - Hearing J Pod calls and clicks on Orcasound hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
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09:23 - Calls are loud. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:41 - Listen live and let us know if you hear J pod who is currently in Haro Strait heading up San Juan Island. Val Veirs saw and reported (via Whale Alert App) a few off his place. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 25 - Strait of Georgia - 08:15 - This large group of Biggs orcas (presumably T049s) were in the Strait of Georgia off Mayne Island, heading south/southeast. They were moving fast! About 7 to 10 of them all together. -photos by Yves Tiberghuin, March 25, 2023
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Sat, Mar 25 - Haro Strait (T49A2 & T49C) - 16:50 - Approaching O’Neal Island headed north slowly.  -Barbara Howitt [WSSJI]
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15:41 - T49A2 and T49C just spent 15 minutes literally dragging crab pots around Friday Harbor. They’re now northbound on the San Juan side of San Juan Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sat, Mar 25 - San Juans - 17:00 - Just wanted to let you know we saw T49C and A2 in San Juan Channel yesterday (25th) going north about 1700 off Reuben Tarte Park.  -Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC
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14:20 - Two orcas between Lopez and Shaw. Just north Canoe Island. Headed southbound. -Kevin Lemme [PSWS]
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Sat, Mar 25 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A5) - Sent via form submission from Orca Network Name: Suzy Large
Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023
Time: 4:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Hood Canal between Lilliwaup and Eldon.
Direction of travel : Traveling N.
Behaviors observed: Traveling & frolicking
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I’ll email photos- they’re from cell phone and far away but we’d love to know if you think they’re Orcas.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Suzy Large, March 25, 2023
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Hey Jason Cook! My friend Mel and I met you today. You were kind enough to let us borrow your binoculars [to watch the orca]. I just wanted to say thank you again for your generosity. It made our day. -Ryan DjRyo Mayer
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This was yesterday across from alderbrook [video of T65As]. -Dustin Nabors
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Some images of T65As enjoying their swim in the southern Hood Canal. -photos by Jason Cook, March 25, 2023
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T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A6 Callisto, T65A Artemis, T65A4 Ellifrit -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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They were scattered a lot today, only came together a few times. The light was in my face all day! -photos by Jim Pasola, March 25, 2023
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I think there are two juveniles [video of T65As]. -Dana Adams
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18:30 - We saw them at Holly at two different locations but didn’t have cell service. It looked like there were two juveniles, 2 males and a female.  -Jennifer Backen Matchem
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18:22 - Just passed across from Triton Cove Tidelands. -Jeannie Majercin
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18:05 - Trending north.
18:00 - T65As [approx. 47.557797, -123.009190]. -Tammy Ash 
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17:55 - East side of channel by Camp Robbinswold. -Heather McVey
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17:47 - Looks like a hunt is on, west side across from Anderson Cove.
17:07 - Can see spouts from Anderson Cove. -Tammy Ash
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17:03 - Far channel (east side) heading north, past Eldon now. -Megan Murphy
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16:59 - They are heading north still, in front of Eldon. -Keley Brewster
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16:46 - They are on the east side of Hood Canal across from Hama Hama fire station. -Trudy Johnson
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Pete Pettit
Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023
Time: 4:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Hood canal. Jorstad to Hama Hama.
Direction of travel : North, medium fast.
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?: None seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looked as if large males were in pod together?
Photos available?: No
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16:16 - The northbound swim continues [approx. 47.532171, -123.029968]. -Jason Cook
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15:53 - At Eagle Creek right now. -Keley Brewster
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15:36 - Spotted across from Eagle Creek. -Carly Kaiser
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15:35 - They passed Dewatto split into two groups: one mid channel, one little west of it. Northbound. -Jim Pasola
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15:18 - Same general area but hugging far shoreline. -Jason Cook
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15:15 - Straight across from Lilliwaup, northbound. -Carly Kaiser
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14:57 - Slowly northbound. Viewing from Lilliwaup tidelands [approx. 47.454824, -123.090576]. -Jason Cook
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14:20 - Passing the Hoodsport pier, east side of canal, northbound steady pace. -David Michael
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14:00 - They are have rounded the Great Bend and are moving north towards Rensland Creek, east of midchannel but heading westerly. -Jim Pasola
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13:57 - Heading north towards Rensland Creek.
13:54 - They are right in front of our house now! -Kimberly Smith
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13:38 - Made it to Union and now appear to have turned around. -Teri Gage
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13:38 - Heading east towards Alderbrook Resort but easily seen from the marina in Union. -Theresa McCarthy Sayer
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13:35 - They have flipped and are now heading back towards Potlatch. -Jim Pasola
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13:28 - You can still see them from Union. -Theresa McCarthy Sayer
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13:25 - In the Great Bend. -photo by Cathy Preimsberger Warner, March 25, 2023
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13:20 - Just passing Union heading toward Alderbrook. -photo by Dawn DeLuna, March 25, 2023
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13:19 - Almost to Alderbrook. -Laura Lamb Stradling
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13:17 - Just off Union marina. Eastbound. -photos by Steve Illman, March 25, 2023
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13:15 - They have moved closer to the Union side and are continuing slowly towards Belfair. -Jim Pasola
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13:10 - Off Tahuya shore. -Laura Lamb Stradling
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13:01 - We are leaving Potlatch State Park heading to Union. They are still on the other side of the shore but continuing south. -Theresa McCarthy Sayer
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Pete PETTIT
Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Holiday Beach to Hoodsport
Direction of travel : South, medium pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 2
Any unusual markings?: None seen\
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Largest male stayed far from others. 1 mile or more ahead of others. Was told it was pod T65A
Photos available?: No
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13:16 - On south shore in front of Union right now.
12:58 - They are at the Great Bend right now. -Kimberly Smith
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12:50 - They were right off Ayers Point till the boat showed up. They're now heading southwest out into the Great Bend. -Jim Pasola
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12:42 - We are at Potlach State Park. They are on the opposite shore. At least two of them. -Theresa McCarthy Sayer
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12:15 - Just south of Hoodsport dock - further towards the other side than they've been.
11:53 - Just passed Glen Ayr, still going south. -Carrie Thomas
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11:15 - Southbound, Rest-a-While.
11:05 - Southbound, Octopus Hole.
10:40 - They turned back north, out of my view, probably west side, near Lilliwaup to Eagle Creek. Southbound.
10:35 - Four, one small, 200 yards west of Dewatto bay, circling and breaching.
10:20 - Saw two or more, just south of Dewatto Bay, southbound, east shore. One large one very close to shore. -Steve Illman
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sat, Mar 25 - Samish Bay
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Foster
Date of Sighting: 3/25/2023
Time: 18:42 
Species seen: I THINK it’s orcas
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Looking out on the Samish Bay by oyster/clam nets
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Hunting? Unsure
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: My photos are bad. They are far away.
Photos available?: No
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Mar 25 - Port Susan - 18:12 - Seeing two, possibly three blows in Port Susan across from Kayak Point dock, between Cavalero Boat Ramp and Barnum Point. Slowly going south. Also seeing porpoises. -Linda Raines Tyner
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09:04 - Possible gray whale off Country Club Beach 2 [Port Susan] heading north. -Erik Brzozowski [PSWS]
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Sat, Mar 25 - Possession Sound (CRC185, CRC383, CRC2356)
12:30 - Gray whale CRC-2356 is back! Westbound from my mark on the map at Camano Head [approx. 48.050506, -122.358717]! 
11:45 - Crc 383 northbound [approx. 48.062495, -122.337153].
11:15 - Crc 185 milling [approx. 48.012223, -122.262965]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

March 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 24 - Hood Canal (T65As minus T65A5) - 19:34 - My friend texted me saying that she saw two orcas off their bank in Hood Canal around 18:00, east side of the fjord across from Thorndyke Bay, circling a school of fish, accompanied by many birds but no pinnipeds visible. Southbound. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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18:03 - Saw some 10 minutes ago in the canal mid-channel north of Bangor (probably off Lofall, I'm looking north from Vinland) heading south, but haven't seen them in the last couple of minutes. -Keith Kriebel
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15:30 - Four to five orcas deep in Port Ludlow, swimming back and forth, then grouped up and left, haven't seen them since. -Debbie Ayers
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 24 - Saratoga Passage - 16:20 - Grey headed slowly south mid channel off Onamac point, making a few dives. -Steve Boskovich [CWW]
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12:16 - Tracked a fast moving grey from Mabana to Summerland and out at Pebble Beach a little before noon. Three big blows along the way and gone. -Thomas McKane [PSWS]
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10:14 - Gray whale in Saratoga Passage off Onamac Point, no direction noted.  -Marianne Crawford [PSWS]
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Fri, Mar 24 - Possession Sound (CRC22, CRC383, CRC2259, CRC2441)
11:50 - CRC 2259 milling at the blue mark in my map [approx. 48.004525, -122.298097].
11:15 - Crc 22, 383, and 2441 eastbound from my map [approx. 48.014656, -122.310789]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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Fri, Mar 24 - Port Susan - 18:02 - Reports of two grays northbound at McKees Beach in Port Susan. -Linda Raines Tyner
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09:13 - Spouts in Port Susan, off North Tillicum. Heading north.  -Tudi Bohn [CWW]
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Fri, Mar 24 - Hood Canal - 10:00 - My son and I both saw a humpback or grey whale just 100 feet north of the Hood Canal bridge. Heading west. -Ryan Dicks

March 23
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 23 - San Juans (T19, T19B, T34s, T37, T37Bs, & T49As) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #12: “We got on scene at 1255 north of the east end of Johns Island. Mark had reported that T19, T19B, the T34s, T37, the T37Bs, and the T49As (minus T49A2) were present and they were in three groups when we got there. The T34s and T37s were in the lead in a tight group heading southeast into what used to be relatively calm seas but was now a 1-2 ft. lump that could get cameras wet…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #12.
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Nothing says "springtime in the Salish Sea" like a T party, and we had our second one of the month this afternoon in San Juan Channel! T19 and T19B (who have split off again from the other two T18s); the T34s, T37, and T37Bs; and the T49As were all present - a total of 15 whales. Around the corner from our viewing spot they reportedly took a sea lion in Spieden Channel, but the party continued into San Juan Channel with a lot of feasting and socializing over the next two hours. 22 year-old male T49A1 Noah, pictured here, was on the periphery of the group for most of the afternoon. He switches between traveling with or separate from his family, and often spends most of the winter traveling with his younger brother T49A2 Jude who has more permanently dispersed from the family. It was nice to see Noah back with mom and younger siblings again today. For those who may be wondering, "T party" is an unofficial regional term for a large gathering of Bigg's killer whales, since the word "superpod" doesn't really apply to them the way it does to resident killer whales. There is no formal definition, but our OBI just-for-fun definition is it has to be more than a dozen whales from three or more families to qualify as a true "party". -Orca Behavior Institute - T49A1 Noah -photo & ID by Monika Wieland Shields, March 23, 2023
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A group of 15 Bigg's killer whales was heading our way, but then veered off in the other direction. It turns out they were just snagging a sea lion for dinner. We caught up with the T34s, T37, T37Bs, T49As, and T19 and T19B in San Juan Channel where thankfully both the wind and seas had died down by early evening. Here is Jason's highlight video of the encounter, capturing the whales' lazy socializing that followed the post-hunt feast. -Orca Behavior Institute -video by Jason Shields, March 23, 2023
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17:25 - All 15 whales now slowly southbound mid channel between Jones and Yellow.
16:20 - Trending south in San Juan Channel - T34s and T37s near O’Neal, T19 and T19B and T49As spread out but also around.
15:17 - Spread and milling between Limestone Point and Jones.
13:55 - Bigg’s killer whales Green Point, Spieden Island. Milling. T19 and T19B here as well as the T34s/T37s, maybe others. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Thu, Mar 23 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5) - Another beautiful but cold/windy day for whale watching! Two photos of T65A2 Ooxjaa, first from just south of Brownsville marina, and second as he passed Point White Pier, BI. The other T65A members were way on the Bremerton side. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, March 23, 2023
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Dyes Inlet - Ooxjaa is beautiful!  -photo by Noelle Morris, March 23, 2023
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All things considering, yesterday was a pretty darn good day! After spending the morning with my grandma, I decided to go find me some whales. Hehe. I started in Bremerton and got a close pass at Bachman park, then hurried to the Manette Bridge to watch them below. I got out of my car and started to run to get to my spot on the bridge in time. Well…I fell so hard that I stressed my brain out and I legitimately almost passed out. (I mean it was bad I’ve been sleeping all day) I couldn’t drive after that because I was so disoriented, so I rode with my friend Mike. We continued down towards Lions Park area and saw that they stalled out and began hunting by the Bremerton yacht club. We decide to take a chance and go see if we could find a spot over there. Lucky for us our friend Noelle has connections and not only able to get in the club, but a nice fellow named Jim let us ride on his boat. We saw the pod at least a mile away and slowed the boat down to approach to a respectable distance without disturbing them. All of a sudden T65A2 appeared out of nowhere and we quickly turned the engine off. Our pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; oh how I’ve missed the T65As.  -Jami Cantrell - T65A2 Ooxjaa -photos by Jami Cantrell, March 23, 2023
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19:59 - Heading out. Too dark to track them. They're still going east. -David Bennett
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19:56 - Mid channel passing Lions Park, heading south toward Warren Ave Bridge. -Katie Bradshaw
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19:52 - They are circling mid channel. -Linda Bancroft Weinacker
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19:51 - Heading back out towards Warren Ave Bridge. -Debbie Dunn Gonzalez
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T65A6 Callisto, T65A2 Ooxjaa, & T65A Artemis - T65A2 Ooxjaa -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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19:40 - Just passed Pat Carey overlook approaching Lions Park losing light, good night. -photos by Jim Pasola, March 23, 2023
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19:31 - Got eyes on them again. Looks like they're getting closer to us here at the park. About mid-channel. -David Bennett
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19:30 - Still moving very slowly just made it back to the mouth of Phinney Bay. -Jim Pasola
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18:45 - Heading into the Narrows out of Dyes inlet. Thank you for the visit! They were fighting the current so moving slow. -Teresa Walton
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18:45 - They're continuing east very slowly. Right off of Rocky Point.
18:15 - They have turned east moving slowly off of Erland's Point. -Jim Pasola
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18:00 - Hanging out near Silverdale. Not surfacing too often. Can see them pretty good with binoculars from Chico boat ramp. -Carillon BeCraft
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17:51 - Got eyes on them seem to be going northerly. Maybe milling action in the water. -David Bennett
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17:14 - We just left Tracyton, they looked to be headed towards Chico. -Hayley Widhalm
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17:04 - Stalled at Rocky Point and went east. They came back out just as we left, heading north! -Kenna Huff
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16:59 - Spotted by Rocky Point. -Elizabeth Williams
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16:53 - They moved out of Phinney Bay heading for Silverdale. -Jim Pasola
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16:47 - Still by yacht club. -Sarah Payne
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16:12 - Orcas in Bremerton right off the yacht club right now! -Matt Leach
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16:06 - They seem to be hunting by the Bremerton yacht club area. -Jami Cantrell
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16:02 - They have gone under the Warren Avenue Bridge past the Bremerton Marina and at the moment into Phinney Bay. -Jim Pasola
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15:50 - They are going into Dyes Inlet, just went under the bridge. -Crystal Thompson
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15:48 - Heading into Chico under the Manette Bridge. -Traci Siasat
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15:27 - Approaching Bachman Park heading towards the shipyard. -Jami Cantrell
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T65A3 Amira - 15:00 - Illahee public dock. -back of camera photo by Noelle Morris, March 23, 2023
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15:01 - They just passed the port of Illahee dock. -Tammy Ash
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2:56 - Just passed Illahee dock southbound. Amira on Bremerton side, Ooxjaa (I’m assuming) Bainbridge side and the others midchannel.
14:20 - Whales passed Brownsville, Bainbridge side southbound. Long down times. -Jami Cantrell
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14:01 - Whales passed Liberty Bay southbound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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13:47 - At the mouth of Liberty Bay! -Amy Douglas Ramos
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13:28 - Between Old Man Park and Agate Pass Bridge about 15 mins ago. -Lee Mello
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13:23 - They just passed, going south. -Tammy Ash
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13:!3 - Southbound now in Agate Pass, nearly to the bridge.
12:59 - Likely heading for Agate Pass, motivating to the SW in front of downtown Suquamish.
12:48 - About a half mile out in front of Suquamish, throwing some large prey around with their tails. Maybe three adults and a baby. -Ben Blankenship
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08:58 - Orca headed south, just past Kingston, mid channel. One for sure and maybe others. -Trish Moylan Davis
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Mar 23 - Admiralty Inlet - 13:42 - Looks like a gray whale just north of [Point] Wilson breaching like crazy [confirmed humpback]. -Ryan Johnson
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tom Silliman
Date of Sighting: 3/23/2023
Time: 12:20 PM
Species seen: humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Near old Keystone wharf
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: cruising, surfaced twice then disappeared
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: ID'd by dorsal fin. Brief appearance and 20+mph wind precluded photo opp.
Photos available?: No

March 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 22 - Admiralty Inlet (J Pod)
21:05 - Was hearing clear calls until about this time.
20:55 - Lots of audible calls under ferry noise. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
20:25 - Hearing them on the Port Townsend hydrophone now. -Austin Jarnagin
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20:18 - Starting to hear calls on Port Townsend. -Linda Aitkins
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20:13 - Hearing them now. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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19:34 - Saw 5 or so fins maybe mid channel. All were headed north. May have been too late for the lead whales.
19:24 - Distant fins at Bush Point. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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19:00 - They are just rounding the corner from us (one mile south of Bush Point), closer in, and leaders should be at or very close to Bush Point now or very soon. Porpoising and one breach before they left us. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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19:00 - The last of the pod is about at Bush Point. Still spread out, but some are heading more to the Whidbey side. They were going very slowly but seem to have sped up in the last 10 minutes. Going north. -Mike Meyer
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18:30 - They are headed closer to the Whidbey side, more mid-channel. We're watching from about one mile south of Bush Point, should be great views from Bush and Lagoon Points in a bit! 
18:15 - Watching J pod pass by from Foulweather spread across the entrance to Hood Canal, way across the Inlet, but saw a great cartwheel! -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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18:12 - Steady northward travel, spread out between Foulweather Bluff and south end of Marrowstone Island. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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18:08 - Spread out almost from the southern point of Marrowstone to Foulweather bluff - lots of blows and surface activity. Short down times.
18:02 - Viewing from Shore Meadow on Whidbey - they seem to be traveling north right off of Foulweather bluff, but tough to see they are far on the other side.
16:50 - Seeing lots of splashing and activity in the same area as before - off the Point No Point lighthouse. -Emily Wandres
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16:40 - I just saw 7-8 of them heading northbound north of Hansville. Maybe they flipped again? -Sarah Chen
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15:35 - Spoke with Cindi who also reported J pod flipped southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:30 - They have now traveled about 6 nautical miles south, and quite spread out. We are on a boat south heading from Port Townsend to Kingston so we’ve had the joy of seeing them quite a bit (from a very respectful distance of course!).
15:00 - We spotted four orca, enjoying the currents, heading south from Point No Point beach in Hansville. -Ciara Huntington
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15:22 - Seeing blows between Point No Point and Double Bluff mid channel. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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15:15 - They haven’t made much progress north but we are still seeing them in the same location - a good amount of surface activity.
14:30 - Looking south from Limpet Lane at Mutiny Bay and the whales are midchannel, east of the big ship, between midchannel and Whidbey - out from Point No Point/Hansville/Double Bluff. Slowly northbound. -Emily Wandres
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13:15 - Seems all north of the yellow buoy now. Northbound.
13:00 - Leaders out from Point No Point, northbound travel mid channel.
12:40 - Seeing blows from Point No Point, to the south, mid channel. -photo by Sara Frey, March 22, 2023
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12:26 - They are leaving my view and heading up the west side of Whidbey passing Possession Point. About a dozen of them. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:20 - Caught peek at few whales well northwest out in middle of Possession triangle (Edmonds/South Whidbey/north Kitsap) northbound travels.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:07 - They are showing me no signs of turning into Possession. I think they are committed to west side of Whidbey Island. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:45 - Js have continued northbound travels, most pushing northwest, with 1-2 including male due south of Possession Point facing northeast about ten minutes ago. May have trended more west to. Pod has been super spread.
11:45 - Brad Hanson, NOAA/NWFSC messaged to confirm what we presumed this is J pod. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:30 - Now noting at least one male heading to Admiralty/Point No Point direction. Steady travel [approx 47.885760, -122.447703]. -Sara Frey
*
11:27 - Dang, wouldn't you just know it, while watching orcas from east side through my binoculars they are off Eglon Kitsap side breaches and a tail slap but then this big ol’ bald eagle flies right through my field of view to block out the orca. Oh and that's not all, snow capped Olympics as a backdrop, blue sky and the sun is out. I just don't know where to turn. -John Carroll
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11:20 - Northbound line of sight from Apple Tree Point, Kingston. Spread from gap between Whidbey to Edmonds ferry. Several males and others. Appear headed for the triangle again. Not committed. -Sara Frey
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11:19 - Definitely some still in Edmonds side. About mile offshore steady northbound this side.
11:15 - One group in general here. Others spread west and still several east side who may have shifted more offshore, all steady northbound. Too soon to say which way they’ll go around Whidbey. Research skiff arriving on scene off Edmonds [approx. 47.814641, -122.434515]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:08 - Watching from north Edmonds 6-7 individual orcas seen north of Apple Tree, mid channel but closer to Kitsap steady northbound direction. Nearby tug moving very slowly. -Christina Lee
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11:04 - Watching pod spread across the Sound with several on the Edmonds side just outside the dive park north of ferry traffic lanes steady northbound. Seeing orcas spread across to west side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:00 - Several orcas northbound approaching the Edmonds ferry terminal. -Sherman Page
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10:35 - A lot of orcas all size spread mid channel to either side of, in and nearing ferry traffic lanes. All northbound steady pace.
10:30 - Just pulled up to Kayu Kayu Ac Park Richmond Beach and see fins northbound mid channel south of ferry traffic lanes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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06:48 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:54 to report: 1535hrs: 0648hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 8 orcas just east of the traffic lanes heading in a southwest direction. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 22 - Victoria waterfront (T49A2 & T49C) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #11: “Upon rounding the marker at Shoal Point, Mark and Brendon spotted the dorsal fin of a large bull abeam of McLoughlin Point, and the encounter began at 0812. The first whale to surface was T049C, a 25-year-old bull with a history of visiting Victoria's harbour. Moments later, a sprouter surfaced nearby, and Brendon identified him as T049A2, the 16-year-old nephew of T049C. This pair has been observed traveling together on several occasions in the past and had recently been sighted the day before heading west in the San Juan Islands…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #11.
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Wed, Mar 22 - San Juans (T99s) - This was the T99s. -Clinton Duckworth
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16:49 - Secondhand update that these whales (or others) might have been seen heading southwest down Upright Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Suzette Lamb
Date of Sighting: 3/22/2023
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: on the north side of the middle Peapod Island in between Sea Acres and Doe Bay
Direction of travel : West, very slowly
Behaviors observed: tightly bunched group, moving very slowly and staying underwater for minutes at a
time before surfacing only briefly
If orcas, any males?: not sure
Any unusual markings?: too far to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Wed, Mar 22 - Puget Sound (T65As minus T65A5) - WOW! What a gloriously gorgeous evening to be kayaking to Agate Pass Bridge at sunset. I heard from a friend that the T65As were done with a kill up in Suquamish and had gone into stealth mode. I turned toward home (back to Manzanita Bay) and shot some amazing shots of the sunset. I just couldn't bring myself to keep paddling toward home, even though the sun was setting. I am soooo glad I turned around and saw this incredible family under the bridge. Several blows right below the bridge (from my view point anyway) and it seemed that they were going to turn around and head east. But they didn't. I paddled out into the middle of the channel. And here they came. They swam past me at a good distance. But it was just me and them. Such a powerful experience to witness their peacefulness on their level. After they passed me, I reached for the shore. Still had about an hour to paddle home as the sun had set and darkness was deepening. The water and air was still. And I continued to hear their blows, along with those of sea lions and seals, my entire paddle home into the dark. PURE MAGIC! Enjoy! -Kimberly Sylvester  -video by Kimberly Sylvester, March 22, 2023
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This was an amazing encounter at Agate Pass Bridge. The tide was going out and the orcas seemed to struggle a bit. They actually went under the bridge multiple times. After looking at the photos there are five orcas. -photos by Tammy Ash, March 22, 2023
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Out from Suquamish dock earlier. -photo by Scott Gethers, March 22, 2023
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T65A6 Callisto & T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A Artemis & T65A4 Ellifrit - T65A2 Ooxjaa & T65A6 Callisto - Watched the T65As from Suquamish Dock to a little beyond the Agate Pass Bridge. Beautiful evening. This last light capture from Agate Pass Bridge. Whales were southbound. All five came up together. -photos by Sue Surowiec Larkin, March 22, 2023
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T65As seen from the beach at Old Man House Park. -photo by Peggy Mauro, March 22, 2023
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19:39 - Agate Bridge. They went under going south; was a struggle for them. -Tammy Ash
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19:06 - Heading towards the Agate Pass Bridge now. -Jennifer Backen Matchem
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18:50 - Peggy Mauro messaged she is with Jen Matchem watching from Suquamish dock, T65As are straight out from the dock due east about a mile heading south.
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18:34 - Have been watching them straight out from Indianola sandspit close to Bainbridge side. All the sea lions, porpoises and harbor seals headed in towards shore. Three harbor seals are 10 feet away from me off the beach! Bet a nice view from Suquamish dock (I have scope)! -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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18:22 - Hunting at Suquamish dock. -Tammy Ash
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18:23 - They’re hunting in the bay between Suquamish and Indianola docks.
18:12 - Straight out from Suquamish dock heading this way. -Jennifer Backen Matchem
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18:17 - Jen Matchem also called to report on the four orcas (female, two males, one juvenile) who have made some directional changes and now appear to be hunting in Port Madison between Indianola dock and directly out from Suquamish dock.
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17:47 - Looks like they are headed towards Agate Pass. -Tammy Ash
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T65A2 Ooxjaa -ID by Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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16:05 - Two orca just passed Apple Tree Point, Kingston, west side of shipping lanes southbound. Male and female. -photos by Sara Frey, March 22, 2023
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16:00 - Sara Frey had called to report seeing two orcas, female and male, off Apple Tree Point heading southbound on the Kitsap side. She got photos and posted in other thread when we didn't know if Js or these Bigg's. Ariel Yseth was able to ID male as T65A2. We'll see who all else from the family is here!
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13:30 - Cindi Crowder Rausch just called, from the north side of Bush Point she caught a glimpse of one orca heading southbound off Bush Point, Whidbey side for sure.
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13:06 - One, maybe two, headed south straight out from Lagoon Point South Beach. -Cheryl Connor
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12:17 - Lone orca southbound off Lagoon Point, Whidbey.  -photo by Bill Setter, March 22, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed, Mar 22 - Haro Strait - 00:25 - Orca blows heard one mile south of Landbank. The orcas are traveling northbound/up-island very close to shore, hearing inhalation and exhalation. Estimate 4-5 orcas, with intermittent long dives of silence. 
00:38 - The orcas are at Point Edwards now (just south of Landbank. If vocalizing, they could be heard on LK hydrophone in 15 minutes or so. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 22 - Possession Sound - 17:34 - Tom & Judy Nowak called from Mission Beach to report 8-10 baleen whale sightings traveling different directions throughout the day, presume grays going north. Three in channel right now (reports as probably humpbacks, but we’ve had no humpbacks confirmed. -alb).
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Wed, Mar 22 - Possession Sound
(Reported as humpback but grays in area)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Mar 22 11:36:21 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.00669,-122.29386 [SE Hat Island] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Lana Miller
Whale Alert App
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Wed, Mar 22 - South Puget Sound - I watched a whale in Case Inlet, on the northwest side of Herron Island. While I usually post my sightings, I wasn’t sure what kind of whale it was so I held back. I first spotted it north of the island, between Harstine and Key Peninsula. It appeared to be heading north slightly. Then I spotted it primarily closer to Herron, at the north end and on the west side. I never observed strong blows, just uneventful surfaces. The whale appeared to have a flatter back and smaller dorsal fin than the humpbacks I usually see visit the area. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I live on the Case Inlet side of Harstine Island, directly across the north tip of Herron Island.  -Jerilyn Evans

March 21
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 21 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - A story of survival, competition, co-existence, and persistence: endangered SRKWs swim and forage near the Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry, earlier today. -photos by Steve Smith, March 21, 2023
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This guy did a mugshot series when he popped up right in front of me. Showed me his left side, his front side, his right side. I have never been so close to an orca before. It was so amazing! -photos by Alice Thuy Talbot, March 21, 2023
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J26 Mike cutting through the water along the Mukilteo shoreline. Taken from Lighthouse Park. -photo by Ariel Yseth, March 21, 2023
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18:56 - Seen from Fox Spit. -O'Lee Miyagi
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18:06 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Vessel KITSAP reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 2 orca just off the MUK terminal. No particular direction of travel.  
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Donna Neilson
Date of Sighting: 3/21/2023
Time: 5:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Inn of the Sea
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Traveling,
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They went down fairly quickly and didn't see them again.
Photos available?: No
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16:58 - Seeing at least one from Langley mid channel toward Camano northbound. -Bonnie Gretz
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16:45 - Teeny, tiny, nugget breach. This was off Sandy Point. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 21, 2023
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16:43 - Final group north of Sandy Point. Almost an hour spread. Across channel and to the north, northbound.
16:37 - Some more Camano side. Group still south of Sandy Point.
16:25 - J pod heading northbound into Saratoga Passage still very spread out. Some approaching Langley, some south of Sandy Point still. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:09 - A few heading towards Sandy Point closer to Whidbey side. Moving back to the hill from the bluff.
15:52 - Just saw one from high bluff Sandy Point on west side of Hat Island, northbound. -Bonnie Gretz
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14:50 - Hopped on 2:35 ferry out of Clinton. When we were nearly to Mukilteo, a group of about four whales were near the shoreline between us and the dock. Captain stopped the vessel, gave them plenty of space, and waited until he visually saw them all past the vessel before resuming travel. Group included what looks like Mike and a calf. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:45 - Big guy right next to the lighthouse!  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Don Graham
Date of Sighting: 3/21/2023
Time: 2:45 PM
Species seen:
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Mukilteo
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?: 2 males
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Beautiful afternoon
Photos available?: No
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14:30 - Melissa Berry called at 14:48 to report an orca sighting, at least 6 including several males. Observed from Whidbey Island ferry. Breaching and feeding.
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14:25 - Large tight group rounding Mukilteo Lighthouse heading northeast. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:15 - Approaching Mukilteo ferry dock. Viewing from Glendale. -Jeanne Hamilton
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14:02 - Passing by Mukilteo at the moment heading northbound. -photo by Corbin Reiff, March 21, 2023
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14:00 - Lead J orcas, lead by J19 (thanks Ariel) off Mukilteo Lighthouse beach heading north east side of channel. Others coming 1-2 trailing beautiful in calm seas. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:58 - One more big guy just swam by Chennault Beach close to Mukilteo side. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:40 - Lead Js are milling mid channel mile south of Mukilteo/Clinton ferry traffic lanes. Slow northerly progress. Others spread in all directions to the south foraging while making forward progress. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:38 - Just saw one from Mukilteo Lighthouse, seemed pretty big with tall-ish fin. -Austin Jarnagin
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13:22 - They’re on the move, last ones are making their way north to lighthouse. Spread out from Mukilteo side all the way across the sound to Glendale side. Love when they are close enough to hear them breathing. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:19 - Two just went by (Mukilteo, Chennault beach area), heading north. -Jodi Krause Poissant
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13:15 - J pod very spread out across channel northbound passing Glendale. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:57 - Many have stopped and milling around right in front of Chennault Beach. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:46 - Can see them from Mukilteo. Midchannel heading up towards Possession Sound. Still back towards Picnic Point/Big Gulch. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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12:46 - A small northbound group just passed Swiftsure on it’s starboard side as it headed south. -Steve Smith
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12:34 - They are currently in Possession triangle, spread out, all going north towards Mukilteo/Clinton. It's 3 miles to Whidbey from me, I'd say they are mid channel, maybe towards the Whidbey side. Males and females both. Leisure pace. -Mark Gronau
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12:26 - Entering Possession Sound.
11:52 - They’re spread all over the triangle. All seem to be trending east. Lots of porpoising and moving fast east in the triangle I saw 7-8? Looks like they are heading right at me in Mukilteo and then they stopped and disappeared.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:44 - Breach fest on Possession Triangle, southwest of Double Bluff. Trending towards Possession, but breaching and porpoising along the way. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:20 - Sara Montour Lewis saw salmon jumping in that area. She saw some earlier as well further south. Yay go J pod.
11:25 - Several have stalled and appear to be foraging, Mike north of Sunset Ave. Others continue northbound.
11:15 - At least half or more of the pod is keeping well to east side of the Sound. Steady northbound and if continue are on track for Possession Sound. From Sunset Ave, Edmonds. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:01 - Seeing J's mid channel northbound from north of ferry dock. -photos by Janine Harles, March 21, 2023
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11:00 - One large male and a female more towards the Kitsap side of shipping lane, mostly steady northbound. Appear to be heading towards the triangle and not committed at this time to Admiralty. Now well past the ferry line. Many more off in the distance mid-channel to east of mid channel. -Sara Frey
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10:50 - Eastbound ferry has been seriously delayed. Captain doing beautiful job with spread out pod. They’ve had to stop multiple times to let subgroups pass by as they are doing now as several groups move north off Edmonds waterfront.
10:40 - Many friends and happy humans enjoying J pod pass by Edmonds Marina Beach, some for first time. Js are still spread wide across and north south with some about mile offshore our side all steady northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:22 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point. Leaders northbound mid channel, line of sight just south of the Edmonds ferry. -Sara Frey
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10:21 - I saw one breach and am looking for more whales.
10:10 - I see them approaching the Edmonds ferry. -Joni Barnes Pollino
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10:05 - Lovely J pod spread wide. Leaders approaching ferry traffic lanes Edmonds/Kingston. Some were wake skimming, not quite surfing. Was super cool. Everyone spread across channel and north south. All have picked up speed. Trailers just north of mid channel yellow buoy. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:01 - I just saw them from Richmond Beach neighborhood, they are getting close, but not quite to Kingston. -Theresa Holman Williams
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10:01 - Looking from Kayu Kayu in Richmond Beach. Spread out in front of Kingston ferry dock. Heading north. Very spread out, some still moving up from President Point, mid channel. -Katie Jackson McNeil
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10:00 - Leaders that I see are almost to Point Wells, line of sight from above Kingston ferry. Mid channel to east of. -Jim Pasola
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09:45 - Spotted one whale spout but not seen again [approx. 47.774113, -122.415568]. -Shawn Chapman
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09:45 - J pod widely spread. Leaders in line with yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach and President Point northbound with some directional changes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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09:45 - Seeing fins approaching the yellow buoy off of Kingston a few in the distance appear to be farther north of that close to the east side. Viewing from the hill above the ferry. -Jim Pasola
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09:20 - Js are widely spread. Small group off Richmond Beach includes males and female(s) loosely grouped. Others to west and southwest. Maintaining steady northbound travels. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
09:18 - Looks like two large, east side, north bound, almost to President Point. -Trish Moylan Davis
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09:12 - Viewing from Carkeek, seeing a group near a couple boats on west side of channel - looks like they are approaching Indianola - too far to know exactly. -Larry Benesh
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09:14 - Seeing 2 males from Richmond Beach, midchannel, northbound. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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09:05 - Just got eyes in the water from high perch Richmond Beach Saltwater Park seeing Js spread wide. Furthest north I’ve seen is male out from south end Richmond Beach mid channel. Seen others southwest of him. All steady northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:55 - Seeing many exhales now in same areas, Fay Bainbridge to Richmond Beach.
08:53 - Seeing lots of single whales from Fay Bainbridge, slowly northbound, mid to east of channel. Weather deteriorating with fog rolling in.
08:15 - Long-time volunteer Sue Larkin called to report seeing at least four orcas from her place (Bainbridge) heading northbound across from Shilshole on the west side of the Sound. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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J38 Cookie - 08:05 - All of Jpod has passed West Point northbound, midchannel. Loosely grouped, some surface activity (baby breeches, cuddling, spy hood, pec and tail slaps). Visibility to the north looks tough for viewing, good luck!
08:00 - Confirmed Jpod steady northbound travel, midchannel. J38. -back of camera photo by Brittany Noelle, March 21, 2023
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06:39 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 06:46 to report: 0639hrs: Vessel WENATCHEE reports via 800MHz they've spotted 3 orcas traveling North in the northbound traffic lanes.
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 21 - Haro Strait (T99s) - 03-21-23 T099s, Haro Strait, SJI - 15:18 - 15:25, 4-5 orcas appeared suddenly to my left as I was at the shore trying to photograph horned grebes. Viewed from 1 mile south of Landbank's Westside Preserve, initially two pairs quickly traveling north/up island about 1/4 mile from shore. The first pair doubled back to join the second pair and then they continued together up-island. I thought I counted 5 orcas although the T99 family has 4 members and I only saw 4 together at any time, so 4 orcas for sure, T99; T99B; T99C and T99D. T99C is huge with an impressive girth. In one of the photos his bite mark scar can be clearly seen. What a lovely surprise on a lovely almost-spring day! -Michelline Halliday, SJI - T99D Puck & T99C Barakat - T99C Barakat & T99 Bella - T99B Holly -photos & IDs by Michelline Halliday, March 21, 2023
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Tue, Mar 21 - Sidney Channel (T87 & T124A2s) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #10: “Dave was working in CWR’s photo-ID office when he heard over the radio that Mark Malleson had found a small group of transients (T87 and the T124A2s) heading north off Gordon Head on his way home from a PoW trip. Dave ran down to Snug Harbor and left in the boat at 1245. Mark stuck around long enough for “Orcinus” to arrive on scene off the southwest corner of D’Arcy Island and the encounter started at 1306…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #10.
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Tue, Mar 21 - San Juans (T49A2 & T49C) - 17:17 - We’re leaving but they’re heading west towards Griffin Bay. More towards the top of the bay. - 17:15 - Heading south in San Juan Channel. East of mid channel. Spread a bit and long dives. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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16:25 - T49C and T49A2 were at the bottom of Upright Channel, unsure of direction from there. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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15:35 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 18:06 to report: 1535hrs: Vessel TILLIKUM reports via 800MHz they have slowed on their approach to LPZ, as 2 orcas surfaced between the vessel and the slip. Direction of travel is west. 
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Saw this guy heading eastbound as I approached the Lopez terminal today on the 3:40 ferry. A second, a female, came very close to ferry but missed the shot, then it looked like a seal kill occurred from a far off the stern. -Fred Felleman
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Hi Alisa, My spouse was on the Friday Harbor to Anacortes run yesterday [21st] and at about 4 they saw a 2 kws - sounds like maybe north end of Upright Channel - One was a big male with not so good looking fin… -Brad Hanson, NOAA- NWSFC
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Mar 21 - Port Susan - 12:20 - Viewing from Kayak Point Park: Two grays were in Port Susan, one was at the southern tip of Camano Island, between Tyee and Camano Head. Just saw the blows. The other was traveling steadily north, mid-channel. Saw the tail several times, and finally got a pic, though it’s far away, and way zoomed in. Mid-channel between Cavalero Boat Ramp and Barnum Point. Also saw porpoises. -back of camera photos by Linda Raines Tyner, March 21, 2023
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Tue, Mar 21 - Possession Sound - CRC531 - 12:21 - Leaving #531 and #2440 between Hat Island and delta. -photos & ID by Janine Harles, March 21, 2023
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Tue, Mar 21 - Penn Cove - 11:34 - Just saw a single grey whale breaching in Penn Cove less than 20 minutes ago. Headed towards mussel beds. Visible from Monroe Landing. -Natalie Brown
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Tue, Mar 21 - Holmes Harbor - 08:59 - Amy Reynolds called to report seeing a whale they thought likely a gray, in Holmes Harbor off Harbor Sands (south of Beverly Beach) 50-70 feet offshore. Watched several surfacings and some splashing and could smell the whales breath!  

March 20
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 20 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - Spring equinox came flooding in with some Jpod love! Today had it all, sunshine, microburst downpours, big dark fluffy storm clouds, and black and white bodies that moved through the Salish like waves of ribbons as they traveled south. The leaders hit the north end of Vashon with some multi-directional foraging, giving me a little scare as they cut east, psyching me out there was an impending flip. But soon, in came the other groups, with less foraging and more playful surface activity as they picked up speed and pushed southbound. On approach to Point Robinson, the leaders led with some breaching, and soon they were popping up like popcorn as they got close to the point. Their energy fed so many smiles and happy sounds of laughter and excitement, watching them travel by with breaches and tails slaps. It was one of those passes where you don't know where to look, as things are happening all at once, and you can't quite gather all of their amazingness in one eyeful. I followed them south, finally ending my work day as the sun hit the horizon, watching blows in the distance, and fins disappear into the gathering dusk as they cut back east after passing through the south end ferry lane. Wanted to share a little whale love before bedtime and gaze a little longer at the wonderful whales of Jpod, and as always, so grateful for any time spent with them. -Marla Smith, Orca Network -photos by Marla Smith, March 20, 2023
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Baby orca breach from between Vashon and Dune peninsula. -Corey Bartlett
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I also spotted at Point Defiance in Tacoma between the Vashon ferry and Owen Beach. Mostly headed the Owen Beach direction. My guess would be at least 4 or 5. -Loren Halstrom
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Video compilation from today! My first time ever seeing them this close, what a gift it is to live here! -Amber Johnson
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19:45 - East of ferry lanes and moving slowly eastbound as darkness falls. They were east of Dune headed east. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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19:40 - Just left Dune, could still see them heading east on the south end of Vashon.
19:23 - They're back on the east side of Vashon. Some are trending north. Stragglers to the southeast of Vashon. Viewing from Owen. -Cherie StOurs
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19:19 - They’re heading east and some are back in the ferry lanes. -Jami Cantrell
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19:11 - Holy moly! That was spectacular! I went hoping to see three, what’s the actual count? They were spread out all over. -Chrystal Lampman
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Mon, Mar 20 - These are my photos from our last visit with JPOD! What an amazing day! I had the day off so I followed them from the Fauntleroy ferry to Vashon where we were blessed with a close pass, to the northern tip of Vashon and all the way to Point Defiance. They were quite literally breaching the whole way! We had the most incredible pass at Point Robinson. There were so many breaches I didn't know where to look! When we went to the southern part of Vashon and hopped on the ferry, my friend Hongming pointed out the faint rainbow that Jpod was passing through. Without him, I would have completely missed the shot. Once the ferry docked and unloaded we decided to park, hop out of our cars and walk on the ferry over and over until the sun was gone. Each time was magical, from orcas swimming through a sunset's reflection to a big male waving us goodbye as the last bit of light faded away. I will never forget this beautiful surprise visit from such a special pod. -Jami Cantrell -photos by Jami Cantrell, March 20, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Linda Cohan
Date of Sighting: 3/20/2023
Time: 7:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: All along the South Shore of Vashon Island. Crossed behind Tahlequah ferry terminal.
Direction of travel : Groups were seen going both east and west all along the south shore of Vashon
Island
Behaviors observed: Traveling and some were milling
If orcas, any males?: Yes, several large dorsal fins
Any unusual markings?: Too far to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw several groups of 3+ animals spread out along the shore. Other Point Defiance Park visitors said they had observed them for a couple hours prior to our observation
Photos available?: No
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18:58 - Orcas foraging off southwest corner of Vashon at Colvos/Dalco spread to mid channel. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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18:50 - Foraging just west of the ferry lanes. Some by Vashon side of mid channel and some more close to Owen side of the channel. -Jami Cantrell
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18:52 - They are milling about in front of Owen beach, mid channel between the beach and Vashon.
18:41 - Off Owen Beach westbound. -Callie Deegan
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18:10 - Whales just approaching the south end Vashon ferry lanes headed west. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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18:08 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Salish Master reports a small pod of orca 5-6 whales 1/4 mile off PT DEF.  
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From Point Robinson earlier. - Orca and faint rainbow! -back of camera photos by Jami Cantrell, March 20, 2023
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17:44 - On the Point Defiance ferry. See them southwest of Tango [buoy].  -Anna Panasiuk Simmons
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17:38 - Still seeing multiple blows from Dune Peninsula, no direction. -Cherie StOurs
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17:30 - Very spread out at the channel buoy off of southern tip of Maury, still southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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17:30 - A pod just passed Dash Point. Heading south quickly towards Dalco Passage. -Eric Elgar
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17:23 - Past Northilla Beach and still heading south. -Carly Kaiser
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17:07 - See them breaching between Browns Point Lighthouse and island. Island side. -Traci Wuchter
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17:04 - Seeing multiple splashes from Dune near Des Moines. -Cherie StOurs
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17:02 - Groups still spread, now south of Gold Beach, approaching Sandy Shores, island side of mid channel, southbound, still breaching as they go. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:48 - See them jumping directly across from Dash Point! -Carly Kaiser
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16:37 - Across the water at Saltwater State Park and was able to catch their splashes at that pass.  -Katie Chevalier
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16:24 - Beautiful pass at Point Robinson, spread out groups, southbound travel, some foraging, island side to mid channel, breaching playful gorgeous Jpod. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:02 - Just north of Point Robinson heading south with lots of breaches. -Dan Hyde
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15:57 - Just south of marina now. Point Robinson on deck.
15:50 - Now at Des Moines Marina. 
15:44 - Approaching Des Moines waterfront. -Scott Hill
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15:49 - From Des Moines marina, still steady southbound spread out. Looking from marina to just south of KVI. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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15:42 - Approaching Point Robinson, southbound, island side of channel, spread out. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:33 - Between Normandy Park and Vashon. -Scott Hill
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15:27 - Seeing blows in line with KVI, island side of channel, southbound, research vessel present. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:02 - Leaders passing yellow channel marker at Three Tree Point. Steady southbound pace. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:55 - Still heading south, kind of spread out, between research boat and sailboat - north of channel marker. 
14:37 - Just saw group near Vashon side from Seahurst. -Susan Plecko
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14:33 - Seeing a few slowly southbound just north of Three Tree Point. East of midchannel. Research boat with them. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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14:32 - All south of Glen Acres now, steady southbound, some mainland side of mid channel very spread out.
14:17 - Seeing group just east side of mid channel now, still southbound in line with Glen Acres, very spread. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:10 - Approaching Dilworth headed south! -Jami Cantrell
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14:02 - Seeing some directional changes, heading east, and now south again.
13:51 - Can see fins in line with Dolphin Point, mid channel to island side of, southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:51 - [approx. 47.491082, -122.441422]. -Jessica Crockett 
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13:50 - Beautiful pass on the ferry! Seems like all have passed the Dolphin Point area headed south! Some close in to Vashon. -Jami Cantrell
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13:49 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: ISSAQUAH Captain reports 6 Orca S of Dolphin Point.
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13:45 - Southbound. Getting closer to the northern tip of Vashon Island. Lots of breaching and tail slapping.
13:38 - Leaders now past southern tip of Blake Island, southbound.
13:34 - Slowly trending southbound. Small research boat now in view. Leaders are almost to the southern tip of Blake Island.
13:21 - Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound. Leader(s) are in front of Blake Island southbound. -Shari Tarantino
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13:24 - Viewing from SW Ida street W Seattle. Mid channel. All spread out. Southbound. Past Blake Island now. Wow this high vantage point is awesome. -Jessica Crockett
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13:21 - Somewhere around here [approx. 47.534560, -122.440342], southbound.
13:19 - Viewing from the Fauntleroy ferry. Still southbound approaching Blake Island/ferry lanes. -Jami Cantrell
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13:19 - Viewing from Lincoln Park. Just passing Blake Island southbound. At least 4. -Cari Brumfield
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13:11 - Group (6) is trending on the east side of the north end of Vashon. Viewing from Constellation Park.
12:55 - Now trending on the east side of Vashon. Viewing from Constellation Park Alki.
12:40 - Group of 6 (?) trending south on the east side of Blake breaching and tail slapping. Followed by research skiff. -Patti Waterfall
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12:46 - Off Constellation Park in West Seattle. Manchester State Park in background. -photo by Robin Sinner, March 20, 2023
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12:37 - We just spotted two from the ferry close to Bainbridge. One was a male. -Caitlin Robinson Nilsen
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12:37 - Leaders appear to be south of the cargo ship heading south. From Constellation Park. -Greg Snyder
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12:22 - From Alki Point Lighthouse (vantage point to Restoration Point Bainbridge Island) leaders passing far west channel, continued southbound travel, very leisurely. -Brittany Noelle
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12:01 - Whales moving through ferry lanes southbound, spread out. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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11:40 - Viewing from Alki, southbound [approx. 47.593777, -122.470897]. -Jami Cantrell
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11:37 - 2-3 orcas outside Elliott Bay breaching, spyhopping southbound midchannel. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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11:32 - Most Jpod trailers have passed West Point Lighthouse continued southbound travel, loosely spread out in groups of 2-5 all the way across the channel. -Brittany Noelle
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11:22 - Viewing from end of Valley Road, BI. Currently 8-10 whales passing West Point Lighthouse, southbound, east of midchannel.
10:55 - Two orcas southbound Kitsap side, sight line Bainbridge across to Golden Gardens. -Sue Surowiec Larkin
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11:02 - Moving with a purpose. 4 breaches.
10:56 - Picking up about 6 more. Same as Ariel maybe? One male. I think a baby with their momma. Southbound east of mid channel. -Gnar McKnee
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10:44 - Just watched the whales go by in front of Blue Ridge beach, heading towards Golden Gardens. -Lauren Rowland
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10:40 - Seeing blows from Richmond Beach for the last 10 minutes. One big male. Milling. Likely off Carkeek, east of midchannel. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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10:28 - 5 or 6 spread out steady southbound. Viewing from Sunset Hill toward Fay Bainbridge. -Gnar McKnee
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10:25 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Just got a call. Off Restoration, SB, group of 15. Walla Walla stopped for them.
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J45 Se-Yi'-Chn -ID by Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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09:20 - We saw at least two orca pods this morning traveling south. One pod near the oil docks at Edmonds and one near Kingston. -photo by Logan Baker, March 20, 2023
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08:55 - Maybe this will help ID. Taken from nearby WDFW boat. -April Bosley
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08:52 - Still just south of the ferry crossing, saw several individuals spread out. Somewhat southbound and on the Kingston side. -Trevor Tillman
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08:51 - Kingston fast ferry - saw 3 between ferry and fast ferry lane. They are still east of Kingston. They were swimming east, toward mid-channel when I spotted them [approx. 47.780204, -122.460448]. -Jenny Klis
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08:22 - WSN volunteer Sara Frey just called to report seeing at least 5 orcas off Apple Tree Cove heading southbound. Male and female in lead and female and male trailing, now south of the ferry traffic lanes. Long down times. Orcas are too far off for great photos and conditions somewhat foggy so getting IDs will be tough but she'll try. She is leaning residents but cannot confirm.
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08:17 - 3-5 mid channel on Kingston/Edmonds ferry. Slowly moving southish. -Casey Bizell
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07:39 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:46 to report: Log entry 0739hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz spotting a small pod of orca, approximately 3 in number, located East of Apple Tree Cove, heading in a southbound direction. 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 20 - SJIs (T49As) - 17:00 - Watched a small pod of six orcas pass Doe Bay on Orcas Island. Swimming with them were two very small calves. Quite a sight seeing them so young swim in unison. It was my birthday, too. Anyone know which pod has 2 calves right now? Transients probably? The pod was headed east by Doe Bay, Rosario Strait, males and females together, about 5-6 adults and two very small calves together. -EJ Jacobs - [PSWS] w/follow up by Alisa - Per Monika: I think the two males [T49A2 & T49C] met up with the rest of the T49As (the Thatcher whales) and ended up over there.
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15:45 - Long-time volunteer Dick Snowberger called at 16:43 to report orcas off Lopez ferry dock probably 1/2 mile to mile off ferry dock about an hour ago. Appeared to be transients 3-5 animals, believes one male and one youngster in the group traveling together easterly direction. As seen from ferry Kaleetan pulling into ferry dock.
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SJIs (T49A2 & T49C) - 13:55 - T49A2 and T49C eastbound through the Wasp Islands. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Mon, Mar 20 - Puget Sound  - 13:49 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: PUYALLUP- Captain reports 3 Orca off of Apple Cove.
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12:50 - Traveling northbound in the southbound traffic lanes off Point Jefferson. Saw probably 8, two very large, some medium, and a couple pups. -Bob Kruger
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Mar 20 11:25 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.62680,-122.41002
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Michael Costigliola
Whale Alert App
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11:10 - Saw distant dorsal just east of the West Point lighthouse off Magnolia, westbound. View from Duwamish Head. -Mary Hartmann
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10:36 - Four whales in the middle of Elliott Bay slowly northbound. Viewing from Pier 57. -Casey Dean
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10:13 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:21 to report: Log entry 1013hrs: Vessel WALLA WALLA reports via 800MHz spotting three orca at their location, off Duwamish Head, heading eastbound into Elliott Bay. 
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09:05 - Eyes on whales from West Point viewing towards Duwamish Head. Appear off Magnolia bluffs. Unclear direction of travel. -Brittany Noelle
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08:30 - I saw orcas (3?) from the BI-Sea 7:55 ferry, in Elliot Bay, north of the ferry lanes just south of the marina. Heading northwest. -Heather Parr
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Mar 20 - Possession Sound (CRC383, CRC2440, CRC2441) - 12:45 - One gray whale, between Hat Island and Tulalip. M.V. Red Head was also in area, left now. -Valerie Rapp
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13:36 - They looked like they had staked out Tulalip as their feeding spot and were waiting on the tide. They hardly moved from that spot while we were that and just circled.
11:55 - MV Swiftsure is with gray whales CRC383 and CRC2441 circling off Tulalip.
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11:21 - MV Swiftsure is with gray whale CRC2440 circling just northwest of Everett. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Mon, Mar 20 - Admiralty Inlet - 07:45 - Northbound 200 yards from Lagoon Point near our boat launch I saw what I think was a fin whale? It breached slowly twice and disappeared. It breached flat to the surface and what showed above water was about 16-20' in length with a small dorsal fin. -Bill Setter

March 19
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 19 - Holmes Harbor (J Pod) - 18:58 - Just saw a pod of orcas heading south to the head of Holmes Harbor. Counted at least four. -Jan Emerson Dodge
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18:08 - A bunch of spyhops.
17:39 - Slowly making their way south from Saratoga Beach, mid channel. Coming into view again from Rainbow Lane. -Emily Wandres
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17:15 - Right out from Beverly Beach. -Fell Cheston
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17:05 - Just saw them at Wonn Road. A huge thank you to the person who let us use their binoculars. Seeing orcas in the wild fulfilled my friend's birthday wish! -Sarah Silverman Pucci
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17:01 - Viewing from Wonn Road, some have turned south again! Saw one sweet spyhop. They're way across on the east side. -Bonnie Gretz
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16:58 - Some flipped south. -Yanwei Cai
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16:58 - They flipped again. Got near to the north end and now seeing south facing pod. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:47 - Looks like they might have flipped? Heading southeast in the harbor closer to Baby Island side. -Emily Wandres
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16:51 - Just passing Baby Island now. One small spyhop too! -Fell Cheston
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16:48 - J pod loosely group mid channel nearing north end Holmes Harbor. Too soon to say which direction they’ll choose [approx. 48.085765, -122.533200]. We can hear their exhalations from across. Sweet spyhops along the way. So yummy. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:46 - Heading slowly north towards Greenbank/Hidden Beach. Hard to determine exact location from our view point.
16:36 - We see them from Camano State Park just north of Baby Island. -Charvet Drucker
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16:41 - Headed out of the harbor and appear to be headed toward Greenbank/Hidden Beach direction.
14:16 - Grouped up tight and headed north. Mid harbor approaching Saratoga Beach. -Dan Gulden
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15:49 - Be still our hearts. J pod tightly grouped steady northbound just north Honeymoon Bay. We can hear the collective power of their exhalations. Today is a beautiful and good day with lots of lovely friends both human and orca. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network and others.
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15:40 - Northbound from Honeymoon Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:30 - On Swiftsure, they are heading out (again!) from Holmes Harbor on the west side. -Bonnie Gretz
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15:27 - They are approaching Honeymoon Bay, northbound. -Mark Osikowicz
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Bill SchaferDate of Sighting: 3/19/2023
Time: 3:20 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Holmes Harbor, about 1 mi north of Honeymoon Bay
Direction of travel : northwest
Behaviors observed: surfacing once every 5 minute or so. (hunting?)
If orcas, any males?: I think so
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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15:00 - Js have flipped back north again. In line and groups appear to be moving north and have moved offshore a bit from west side of the harbor.
14:45 - Not sure if entire lot but there’s a large group down approaching Freeland. Freeland Park offers lots of public viewing options. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:48 - Jpod DEEP into Holmes Harbor. -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 19, 2023
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photos by Rachel Haight, March 19, 2023
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photos by Dori Dace, March 19, 2023
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14:58 - It looks like they turned north again.
14:46 - Moving south fast, just passed the golf course.
14:35 - Still in Holmes Harbor near Honeymoon Bay. They surface and mill around then disappear, they have moved south on the west side. It looks like about 10 of them. -Cindi Bowen
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14:10 - They have moved further south. Back near Honeymoon/Beverly and still appears to be moving south at this time but viewing from distance. Wild & lovely. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:09 - Seen from Honeymoon Bay. Southbound probably 10 or so. -Neil Hathi
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13:40 - Js have stalled again and are facing southbound at the moment in resting line, but probably not committed. In the meantime 9 swans just flew north skimming just above waters surface, river otter swam by underwater, and the sea lions have all rafted up and look pretty cozy with their flippers up and bodies all cuddled together, and lots of eagles and sea birds still.
13:23 - J pod milling, making directional changes still as they making slow progress north between Saratoga Beach and Dines Point generally. Spied a spyhop bit ago. So incredibly peaceful out here. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:50 - In Honeymoon Bay. Reminds me of when we used to refer to them as ”J Pod Group B”’. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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13:09 - Just coming up to Dines Point. Gorgeous. Lot of spyhopping a bit ago, was wild. -Dan Gulden
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12:57 - All trending north for the last 15 minutes now. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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12:57 - Js now northbound generally in two loose groups.
12:50 - Because it’s so lovely, within my binos view lined up: seabirds, relaxed resting sea lions, harbor porpoise and J pod in the distance. Same place (generally Honeymoon Bay/South of Beverly Beach) same milling with directional changes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:35 - Looks like milling viewing from Rainbow Lane. -Rebecca Berger
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12:20 - Flipped back south. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:53 - From Honeymoon Bay on west side of channel. Staying under about five minutes. -Forrest Wendt
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11:45 - All of Js in one group steady northbound about abeam of Beverly Beach. Can confirm J26, J27, J38, J39, J45. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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11:40 - Last saw a dozen milling between Honeymoon Bay and Holmes Harbor golf course! -Missy Main
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11:20 - They have changed directions south but pretty much have been milling in the same general area south and north of Honeymoon Bay. Southbound now. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:15 - From the community center they have flipped again and heading south really slowly. -Fell Cheston
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11:15 - They’ve been in same [spot] milling, went under for long time and now surfacing again facing south again, but not sure committed. Same place as my 10:55 update. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:00 - They are heading back north and now between Beverly Beach and Honeymoon Bay. -Marilyn Armbruster
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10:55 - J pod has flipped. They are northbound at about between Honeymoon Bay and southern Beverly Beach. Still grouped. Mid channel.
10:20 - Is stunning. J pod is grouped up tight in resting moving deeper into the harbor. Perfectly peaceful and stunning vision.
10:15 - Confirmed Js. Just saw our favorite Cookie! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:05 - Approaching Honeymoon Bay southbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:02 - From Baby Island area, we see them about 2 miles in the harbor, we think heading deeper. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network and Marilyn Armbruster
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10:01 - I saw them too! -Nicole Vanderhoop
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10:00 - Watching them from S Honeymoon Bay Road - they are closer to Greenbank side mid channel and heading south slowly, about to be out from the Honeymoon Lake dock. -Emily Wandres
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09:20 - Greenbank, Whidbey Island. Appeared to be ten or more orcas. First spotted west of Baby Island, about 1/4 mile from Greenbank shoreline. Heading steadily south into Holmes Harbor. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
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Sun, Mar 19 - In recent days, J-Pod has been in Puget Sound, and on Sunday they spent the entire day hanging out in Holmes Harbor, not a place they visit very often. We were lucky enough to catch up with them while they were in two tight groups, engaged more in resting or relaxed socializing rather than foraging. It's always such a beautiful site to see that many dorsal fins surfacing side by side. Link to FB video by Jason Shields. -Orca Behavior Institute
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 19 - Puget Sound (T46s) - Note: After days of traveling together, the T46s split up from T87 & T124A2s. Both groups were northbound through Puget Sound with the T46s leading by about an hour or two.
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18:20 - 4-6 orca northbound off Lagoon Point mid channel. Moving fast and long dives. -Bill Setter
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16:18 - Ones by Eglon just now passed Point No Point. Headed northbound towards Mutiny Bay. -Sarah Hallberg
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-photo by Stan Gunter, March 19, 2023 - T46D Strider
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12:32 - I have photos of two males at least one Strider, the other I can't tell for sure, I think it's Thor. -photo by Jim Pasola, March 19, 2023
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12:25 - T46s northbound [approx. 47.713057, -122.489654]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:23 - Viewing from Sunset Hill, can see them north of the whale watching boat, off Fay.  -Elise Snoey
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12:22 - There's at least three whales moving off to the north, difficult for me to see at this point.
12:17 - Directly off of Fay Bainbridge, lone male looked like possibly Strider, PSE boat on the scene also. I just arrived and that's all I've seen, was drifting northbound now down for a long time. -Jim Pasola
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12:16 - Northbound just north of Faye Bainbridge. -Kelly Johnson
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12:00 - South of Fay Bainbridge, still northbound. -Tammy Ash
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11:52 - We were at Skiff Point. They headed more mid channel, but should be off Fay Bainbridge by now.
11:33 - Off Skiff Point right now. -Sean Osborn
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10:45 - North of Yeomalt Point as seen from 64th Alki. Three orcas. -Steve Rice
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10:33 - Straight out to the stadiums from the Bainbridge ferry. I want to say closer to the east side.
10:25 - About where the pin is [approx. 47.600817, -122.480454]. Northbound. -Tammy Ash
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10:21 - Viewing from 64th Pl on Alki. Saw a couple females, one male. Mid channel, heading northbound off Eagle Harbor fast. -Izzy Edwards
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10:15 - Just north of Blakely Rocks northbound view from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle.
09:50 - Fast northbound mid channel approaching south Bainbridge.
09:40 - Three orcas northbound between Blake and Manchester west of mid channel view from Emma Schmitz. -Mary Hartmann
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09:57 - Just passed yellow buoy as viewed from Constellation. I was only seeing one male.  -Steve Rice
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09:11 - Just came up again. They are off the southeast tip of Blake Island.
09:04 - We are on the ferry docked at Southworth and they are off the north tip of Vashon now. Looks like 2 maybe 3. -photo by Leah Jacobsen, March 19, 2023
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08:30 - Per Jen R, orcas were northbound Colvos Passage and at 08:45 were about to pass by Fern Cove, Vashon.  -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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Sun, Mar 19 - Puget Sound (T87 & T124A2s) - 17:12 - Seeing the southern group from Eglon now. -Jeffrey Stander
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16:38 - Right before they vanished.
16:37 - Another angle as old man T87 Harbeson headed north past Apple Tree Point.
16:30 - The family passing Apple Tree Point cut over within a few hundred yards of shore northbound, then totally disappeared.
16:25 - Some foraging-style directional changes. T87 "Harbeson".
16:20 - Ferry. -photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, March 19, 2023
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16:30 - 4-5 passing Apple Tree Point Kitsap side of shipping lanes.
16:15 - At the ferry line, steady northbound. Not sure about the ones by Eglon but some still south of Apple Tree Point, Kingston. -Sara Frey
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14:25 - Second group. I see 3. Closely grouped. Kitsap side. Right off of Fay Bainbridge now. Trending north. Brief hunting behavior. -Kimberly Sylvester
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T124A2A Agafia - T87 Harbeson, T124A2 Elkugu, T124A2B Litton
14:25 - They've moved offshore continuing north.
14:15 - They're doing some incredibly long down times. They just popped up in front of a big white boat that's sitting there with their engine off, as they should. Whales slowly moving north, a bit further off the west side now.
14:05 - Harbeson and it looks like the 124A2s also approaching Fay Bainbridge, fairly close to this side. -photos & IDs by Jim Pasola, March 19, 2023
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14:25 - Four orca passing Fay Bainbridge. Northbound mid channel.
13:53 - Four south of Fay Bainbridge. Northbound. Can see with binos. -Tammy Ash
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13:42 - I have what I think is Harbeson and a few others, just coming into view, I'm up the beach to the south from Faye Bainbridge. -Jim Pasola
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12:20 - Doug B called to report at least two smaller orcas (no males) off Eagle Harbor slowly traveling northbound close to shore, shallow surfaces. Seas smooth, less than foot wave.
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11:06 - One male, three female/juveniles.
10:51 - Seeing four on the south of Blake Island milling about. -Robyn Dally
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10:49 - 2-3 orca just passed Southworth dock heading north. -Denise Brooks
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10:40 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:41 to report: 5 Orca NB in EHBR traffic lanes - spotted by SUQUAMISH.
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 19 - Port Susan - 14:30 - My daughter saw a gray heading north off McKees Beach. It surfaced, then went under. Came up heading south. She said it was too choppy to see well. She sent me cell photos of her camera photos, so not primo quality. -back of camera photo by daughter of Linda Raines Tyner, March 19, 2023
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Sun, Mar 19 - Possession Sound - 15:30 - 16:10 - Watched a gray at Priest Point. He was still fishing when we took off. -Nicole Damron
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13:00 - San Juan Clipper has a single gray slowly southbound from the southeast side of Hat Island. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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08:48 - Traveling together pretty steadily northbound up the west side of Hat Island.
08:41 - Seeing three grays off the southeast side of Hat Island, between Hat and the channel marker. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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Sun, Mar 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC2259 & others) - 15:24 - Gray whale traveling north through Saratoga Passage just passing Cama Beach State Park - blows and dives with flukes, a little closer to Camano side. -Katie Remine
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15:20 - Gray passed north end of Camano Island State Park heading northbound. Guessing it's on approach to Cama by now. -Krista Paulino
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14:30 - Crc2259 is at the edge of Elger Bay. Watching from the Orca Network gray whale trip on the MV Swiftsure [approx. 48.116912, -122.477884]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

March 18
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 18 - Monterey Bay, Calif. (K & L Pod) - What an absolutely fantastic and once in a lifetime opportunity for our passengers, crew, and biologists alike yesterday on 3/18/23. We spent a brief time with the Southern Resident Killer Whales, an endangered population from the Pacific Northwest. This group is different from our Bigg's (transient) killer whales in some physical characteristics, culture, and also the prey that they go after. SRKWs primarily eat salmon, which we are happy to report they found yesterday! We documented some of the whales foraging, and even wearing "salmon hats (coming up with salmon on their rostrum/head)!" We have identified members of both L and K pods, with the help of various research organizations in the PNW. The last time parts of these groups were in Monterey was March 31, 2019. These whales are endangered largely due to running out of their favorite food source in their main range - chinook salmon. We are so humbled to know that we were able to document them feeding and provide an opportunity for so many people to experience the presence of these whales. This population has inspired so many people, including many of our crew, and we are still in awe of yesterday. -Monterey Bay Whale Watch
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13:00 - Monterey Bay. I know that you have most likely already received photos from most of the Moss Landing and Monterey whale watching companies that witnessed this encounter also, but figured I would send in our photos also in case any individuals were missed. We were the first boat to come across the pod, hence why the coordinates from my report are much further north than others. All photos taken by passenger Samuel Boyce; heavily cropped from a distance. I might have more photos to submit later as I am still waiting on some passengers to email me their shots. I was not on the boat for this encounter but am the main Naturalist that deals with [&] submits all reports. Please let me know if you have any questions! Thanks. -Sydney Minges, Santa Cruz Whale Watching - L72 Racer - L105 Fluke - L118 Jade - L109 Takoda - L106 Pooka - L103 Lapis - L90 Ballena - Males are - L110 Midnight & L87 Onyx - L82 Kasatka -IDs by Sydney Minges -photos by Samuel Boyce, March 18, 2023
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Sat, Mar 18 - Puget Sound (J Pod) - 23:59 - Final update as I do have an hour drive home: at midnight, we had heard no further blows. The ones from a half hour prior didn't continue beyond the first cluster we heard. So they did NOT pass by back south at that point. Really hoping they'll be around Whidbey in daylight tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
23:32 - Blows stopped around 23:05, hearing some again now. Still to our north. They love flipping back south in the ferry lanes so we're going to stay a bit longer to see if they come back by.
22:58 - Still hearing blows north of Glendale. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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22:37 - Staffmate Rachel Haight just called Alisa at 22:37 to share: ...after a long adventure off island with buddy Dori Dace to visit with J pod down south, they decided once off the ferry back to Whidbey they would prolong their adventure and head to Glendale in hopes they might hear J pod in the dark if J pod decided to head up into Possession Sound. After 40 minutes of waiting in the dark it happened: the sounds of orca exhalations spread across Possession and still trailing by while on the phone. 
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19:20 - They are super far over on Kitsap side of the triangle. I am only able to see one male, but it’s a bit hazy, so more than likely he’s the only one I can see because of the large dorsal, but he’s about midway between ferry and Eglon. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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19:05 - About 15 minutes ago we saw a few stragglers from the Edmonds marina. Still northbound on the Kitsap side. But we got distracted with all the escaping dogs at low tide from the dog beach and lost them. Should all be north of ferry line now! -Ashley Johnson
18:50 - Many orcas spread north to south west of midchannel steadily traveling northbound. Babies and mamas, at least three males and many others, sightline Apple Tree Cove to Edmonds and north to Possession Point drifting off towards the triangle.
18:39 - From Apple Tree Point, dramatically zoomed and cropped. Pardon the blurry bird... blurd.  -photo by Donna Green Van Renselaar, March 18, 2023
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18:41 - Viewing from bench on Sunset Ave! Just north of ferry terminal! -Melissa Foss
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18:40 - More coming from the south of Apple Tree Point. Kitsap side. Baby porpoising!
18:20 - Eyes on from Apple Tree Point. Leaders just south of the ferry, Kitsap side of shipping lanes. Tail lobs. Steady northbound. -photo by Sara Frey, March 18, 2023
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18:26 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: whales 3/18 SPOKANE Master reports pod of orca 6~ headed NB in the traffic lanes between EDM/KING.
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18:15 - In ferry lanes now. Still northbound mid channel. Viewing from Kingston. -Candace Gavin
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17:55 - Watching from Marine Beach Park. Closer to Kingston side. Will be in the ferry traffic lanes soon. Going north. -Teresa Bara
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17:48 - Directly west of Kayu Kayu AC Park. Heading northbound but spread out still. -Kristin Mackenzie
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17:45 - Northbound past Richmond Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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17:45 - Viewing from Apple Tree Cove looking south east, I see two small groups midchannel, about 8 total. One is by a little orange boat and the other is slightly behind. Trending northbound but they are diving in all sorts of directions. -Jenny Klis
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17:21 - Seeing them right where you circled from Richmond Beach! -Melissa Foss
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17:05 - We just saw a group of ~7 orcas from the lookout point near the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Discovery Park. Seemed to be due west of Golden Gardens on the other side of the channel, close to Fay Bainbridge Park. Heading north!  -Monica Naef-Sheffer
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17:07 - [approx. 47.754407, -122.459157].
16:42 - Viewing straight west from Carkeek! Mid channel, north bound. -Brian Hoffman
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16:16 - I'm pretty sure it's all of J pod tightly grouped heading north off Shilshole east of mid channel. -Joe Olson
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16:02 - Midhannel heading north from Golden Gardens. -Nicole Damron
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16:01 - Still northbound all grouped up on east side of channel. Off Shilshole. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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15:57 - Kimberly called back to report Js still steady northbound her point of view north of Shilshole mid channel.
15:37 - Kimberly Sylvester called to report J pod grouped up heading northbound east of mid channel near tug & barge West Point area.
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15:50 - Straight out from Golden Gardens closer to other side headed north. -Jeanette Dorner
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15:26 - Viewing from Sunset Hill! Seeing lots of splashes/activity near West Point. -Marlena Skrobe
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15:48 - They are heading north in a tight pod. Straight out from Shilshole, mid channel.
15:21 - Heading towards Shilsole now. I can see them from Sunset Hill Park. -Vanessa Egerdahl
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15:20 - All grouped up northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photo by Rachel Haight, March 18, 2023
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-photos by Dori Dace, March 18, 2023
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15:05 - Blows visible from West Point. Looks like they've moved a little west of midchannel but still northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:39 - At least three bulls in the lead and others. But viewing from my porch with binoculars.
14:34 - Maybe pod I was seeing mid sound, between Yeomalt Point and 4 Mile Rock now. Trending north. -Matt McCulloch
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14:18 - Agreed! Lots of activity in the area still! 
14:05 - They seem to be stalled out right in front of the beach. Some breaching and tail slapping.
13:57 - Viewing from Alki Beach, 63rd Ave. Northbound! -Chris Ramirez
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14:00 - Donna Sandstrom called to report all of J pod have cleared Alki Point, quite wonderful. Slowly going north, spread out with some groups. Nice viewing conditions.
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13:35 - Cute little fluke off Constellation Park. -photos by Mary Hartmann, March 18, 2023
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13:30 - Just got off phone with Rachel Haight, Orca Network who reports Js are spread, almost to Alki point with some on mainland side which is what ended our call . All northbound.
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12:50 - Out of view from Brace Point, headed north. -Steve Rice
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12:38 - Fins that were in view have now moved out of view, looking like possible flip north. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:37 - From Lincoln Park. Looks like most are headed north now. -John Guthrie
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12:41 - At least two look like they’re going north now. Passing Vashon ferry lane.
12:25 - Lots of splashing closer to Vashon, just south of the ferry route. -Katie Parker
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12:13 - From Dilworth looking toward Fauntleroy terminal, looks like possible surf activity in midchannel. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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12:05 - Looking well southwest of Brace Point. -Steve Rice
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12:00 - 12:25 - From our vantage point south of Brace Point, we watched ~7 pass by slowly south, spread out across the channel. Very slow dolphin rolls. Then as a ship headed north up the channel at least one turned and followed in its wake a while splashing occasionally. Then the others also turned and headed north but hung out for a while presumably fishing. A few big leaps and splashes. At least one very big male.  -Megan McNally
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11:54 - Seeing fins just past ferry lanes now, directional changes with foraging activity, spread out. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:48 - Seeing the large male from northeast Vashon park, and other following [approx. 47.497573, -122.422765]. -Samuel Gorman
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J27 Blackberry - From the 11:15 Fauntleroy to Vashon sailing. +IDs for J26, J27, J39, and J44. Whales spread all across the channel with J44 and many others on east side, J26 in midchannel, J27 and J39 with few others on east side. All southbound. -photo and ID by Ariel Yseth, March 18, 2023
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11:42 - Message from Ariel has J26 Mike and J27 Blackberry present. J11s on Vashon side, Mike is mid channel.
11:07 - Ariel Yseth had called to report seeing orcas from Lincoln Park/Fauntleroy area. Still north of the lanes.
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11:38 - They are spread out, 3-4 still north of Fauntleroy and Vashon ferry lane. Going slowly south. -Brian Hollomon
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11:10 - Can anyone identify this one? -photo by Greg Snyder, March 18, 2023
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11:07 - 7-8 orcas trending south on the east side of Vashon. Just passed the ferry terminal. 2 large males(?) leading with 2 much smaller following. The rest bringing up the rear. What a great day for viewing. -Patti Waterfall
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10:55 - Definitely multiple pods, they split up at Vashon Island north end terminal. All southbound. -Liza Deras
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10:45 - I’m seeing some by Constellation Park.  -Carolynn Howsley
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10:46 - Taken from here about 5 min ago [approx. 47.585046, -122.457444].  -photo by Mitch Boyer, March 18, 2023
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10:35 - Possibly 7 to 10 orcas spread from Restoration Point to Blake southbound can see without binoculars from Constellation Park. -Mary Hartmann
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jerry Harter
Date of Sighting: 3/18/2023
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Crossed the Walla Walla 10:00am ferry route to Bremerton while east of Bainbridge
Direction of travel : Moving southeast at steady pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Don’t know
Any unusual markings?: Didn’t see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Ferry stopped for about 15 minutes while they passed. Water was very calm. I have three photos but they’re not very good.
There were 6-8 orcas that passed in two sets of 3-4
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
10:30 - I just reported sighting about 6-8 orcas that crossed the route of the WALLA WALLA 10:00 ferry run at about 10:30 this morning. The ferry stopped while they crossed. They crossed in 2 sets.  -photo by Jerry Harter, March 18, 2023
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J38 Cookie - 10:33 - Just spotted from ferry [J38]. -back of camera photo by Sue Surowiec Larkin, March 18, 2023
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We saw them on our way to Seattle on the ferry. North side of the ferry. -Amy Noel
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10:15 - At least 5 traveling south just outside Eagle Harbor along Bainbridge side. Seen from the ferry. -Hawley Wallace
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At least 5 came southbound and passed behind the late 09:45 Bainbridge to Seattle ferry. -Mike Hogan
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10:04 - Kimberly Sylvester called back, she is seeing spread out large number of orcas, including at least 3 males, spread from at least Eagle Harbor to Rockaway, Bainbridge (that's her current view range). Southbound slowly. Behavior is more resident like but due to distance she still cannot confirm.
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10:04 - Spread from Eagle Harbor to Restoration Point, view from 64th and Alki, west in channel. -Mary Hartmann
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09:40 - Kimberly called back to report she found few more to the south of the others south of the ferry traffic lanes. All southbound.
09:37 - Kimberly Sylvester called to report seeing at least 3 (including male and one spirited one) about 1/2 mile apart north of Elliott Bay on Kitsap side mid-channel, leisurely southbound. Too far away to see saddles. They are approaching ferry traffic lanes.
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09:31 - Just saw two or three dorsal fins closer to the Seattle side from the Bainbridge Ferry. Very distant, but exciting! -Whitney Stapleton
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08:45 - Orcas (At least 6 including a male) mid channel moving south directly out from Discovery Park [North Seattle]. I thought I might have on the first big male [seen open saddle patch] but everything after that was closed, seemed like at least 3 family groups lots of whales, probably 15-20 came by. -Alex Meilleur 
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 18 - South Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s) - I had a brief pass around 13:40 as they headed northbound past me on Horsehead Bay. Around 17:08, I spotted four together and one male following behind them, heading towards me coming southbound from Kopachuck, before they disappeared and seemed to head back northbound again. Not sure where they had gone I was about to go back inside when suddenly at around 17:50, one group of approx. 3-4 orcas headed directly towards us along Horsehead Bay heading south; then another group of 4-5 a little behind them, and finally, the large male appeared alone at the back end! With no boats around, water as clear as glass, I can honestly say this truly was a moving, emotional experience, standing with my husband just watching and listening to the powerful sounds as each broke the surface and slowly passed us by barely a few hundred feet away. The photos are a token reminder of their beauty and power but the feelings I got watching them will last forever. So truly blessed to call this place home. -Jennifer Swenson - T87 Harbeson - T46E Thor - T46 Wake -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Jennifer Swenson, March 18, 2023
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I just wanted to give a huge shoutout to such an awesome group of people. We cruised around trying to make it to Fox Island in time and ended up down at Kopachuck. Everyone was so friendly! Kind! And helpful! Jason Cook, I believe it was you who was so amazing and informative to us on the beach! Thank you for helping my family and I, giving me the experience of FINALLY being able to see them! Even if it was from far away and through binoculars, I’m still riding on the high of such an incredible experience! -Jen Goodwin
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T124A2 Elkugu & T124A2B Litton -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:00 - Henderson Bay. I see a lot of folks got shots of these beauties. -photos by Randy Witter, March 18, 2023
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From the shore of Kopachuck State Park. -photos by Jason Cook, March 18, 2023
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T46D Strider & T87 Harbeson - T124A2B Litton & T46E Thor - T46E Thor -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Great weather for watching orcas in Henderson Bay! -photos by Noelle Morris, March 18, 2023 -videos by Noelle Morris, March 18, 2023
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Here we have T87 Harbeson taking the lead, T46D Strider closely following, and T46E Thor trailing. They’re in order of age. Harbeson is the oldest transient orca born in 1962, Strider born in 2000 and Thor in 2003! Strider and Thor are brothers and are lucky to even be here today! In 1976 their mother, T46 Wake, was captured in Budd Inlet (along with 5 other orcas). Thankfully due to public outcry she was released and has went on to have many children and even great grandchildren! -photo by Amber Stanfill, March 18, 2023
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T46D Strider - T87 Harbeson -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:23 - I was just at Bella Bella Beach on Fox Island when the transients made a very close pass! Got these photos and figured that Orca Network would want to ID them. Quite a surreal moment! -photos by Matthew Pfab, March 18, 2023
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Went to the Fox Island spit today to relax and let my grand daughter relax in the sand. We got so much more. -video by Mike Bales, March 18, 2023
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We got to see a pod of about 9 orcas out between Gig Harbor and Fox Island this morning. Last they were swimming towards Purdy. Link to FB video. -Mamta Shankar
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Passing Point Defiance. -video by Melissa Bird, March 18, 2023
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19:18 - In front of dock by prison on McNeil. Changing directions. 
19:15 - I am still seeing them, now closer to McNeil. 
18:55 - In front of McNeil but now they appear to be turning towards Steilacoom to the east.
18:50 - Traveling south towards Anderson in front of McNeil. -Lane Sample
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18:45 - Hugging east side of McNeil Island, seeing five still, viewing from Chambers Bay. They’re traveling south still.
18:22 - Trending south toward McNeil, five so far. Viewing from Chambers Bay golf course.
18:19 - Can see at least three mid channel between Fox Island and McNeil heading east. -Cherie StOurs
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18:12 - Looks like they're trending east between McNeil and Fox Island.
18:02 - Got eyes on them. They're heading south. I'm watching from Demolay. -David Bennett
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18:07 - Just saw them pass our spot. East between Fox and McNeil. -Brittany Jurgens
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17:51 - Last place I saw them [approx. 47.292858, -122.698920] at Kopachuck 20-25 minutes ago heading fast into Carr Inlet. -Hope Beam
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17:26 - Started to come towards me at Horsehead Bay then seemed to turn back towards Kopachuck heading northbound again. Last seen approx. 13 minutes ago on Horsehead Bay side of Carr Inlet. -Jennifer Swenson
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17:04 - Changing direction.
16:55 - In view from Kopachuck [approx. 47.323064, -122.680495]. -Jason Cook
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16:45 - Starting to head south towards Raft Island. Hugging the east side of Henderson Bay. Kopachuck State Park is the next best place to be from shore. -Randy Witter
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16:37 - Still at least one adult male off Allen Point, milling around. Maybe chasing porpoise, lots of them out here.  -Melissa Bird
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16:15 - Three orcas leaving the Purdy Spit. One very large bull headed towards Raft Island and Dead Man’s. -Mark Stolz
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16:17 - They all look to be milling right off Allen Point [approx. 47.345688, -122.672521].
16:15 - Two adult males right off Allen Point, kind of milling but look to be more southbound.
16:11 - At least four individuals mid channel at Allen Point, look to be heading back out of Henderson. -Melissa Bird
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16:09 - They're trending south back towards Raft & Cutts Island. -David Bennett
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15:50 - Just saw them! Three fins! -Amanda Brenna
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15:49 - Two adult males off Allen Point heading into Henderson/Purdy Bay, & two more individuals mid channel across from the boys [approx. 47.346393, -122.677070]. -Melissa Bird
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15:47 - In Purdy. Still 6500' from the launch toward Minter. -Ryan Campbell
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15:44 - Just spotted two big males come around Allen Point. -Dawn Foidel Fischer
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15:30 - The last time I saw the pod there were maybe seven, they were just across from Minter toward the east side. That was 25 minutes ago. I am viewing by kayak on the west side across from Raft Island for reference. I've only seen one surface since and it was way up by Minter/Purdy mid-channel. -Delaney Clark
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15:21 - Single male almost to Purdy Bridge. -Cora Reuter Foster
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15:17 - Front of Minter Creek heading towards Purdy Spit. -Randy Witter
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15:05 - From Purdy Spit they look to be near the Minter area, mid channelish but closer to Peninsula side, Northbound towards Purdy. -Melissa Bird
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15:00 - Headed north toward Purdy Bridge, east side. -Delaney Clark
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14:03 - We only see one now, pretty close to Kopachuck on west side. 
14:00 - Into Carr Inlet, heading north not yet at Kopachuck at a medium pace. -Sarah Richey Guenther
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13:47 - From Bella Bella, looks like they have chosen northbound towards Kopachuck, approaching Green Point mid channel.
13:39 - They are still traveling westbound towards the Peninsula shoreline. Haven't made a direction change towards either Kopachuck or Narrows. -Melissa Bird
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13:28 - Passing Fox Island sandspit. Directionally headed towards Horsehead Bay. -Candace Gavin
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13:29 - Just passed Bella Bella Beach, angling towards Kopachuck. -Melissa Bird
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13:22 - Almost to the DeMolay sandspit on Fox Island. -Cora Reuter Foster
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13:17 - Just passed under Fox Island Bridge heading west. -Matt Bingham
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13:15 - Fox Island Bridge. -April Basham
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13:15 - From the Fox Island Bridge. -Candace Gavin
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13:14 - Headed straight toward Fox Island Bridge. -Deanna Sparks Kjorlien
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13:11 - They’re heading west toward the Fox Island Bridge, just went out of sight for us around Ketners Point. -Annie Hilen
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13:06 - Definitely going west towards the Fox Island Bridge. Stayed quite a while at the mouth of Wollochet Bay!
13:02 - Four orcas in Hale Passage heading west! -John Milligiard
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T87 Harbeson - 13:04 - They’re mostly heading from Wollochet towards the Fox Island Bridge. -photos by Billy Watson, March 18, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mamta Shankar
Date of Sighting: 3/18/2023
Time: 1:00 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 9
Where seen: Between Gig Harbor and Fox Island
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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12:58 - They keep changing directions just to the west of Cromwell. Viewing from south Fox Island.
12:36 - They’re milling just off Cromwell on the Gig Harbor side. -Annie Hilen
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T124A2 Elkugu & T46E Thor -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:17 - Group still near Hales Passage closer to Fox Island side trending slightly west. Viewing from Hidden Beach. -photos by Cherie StOurs, March 18, 2023
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12:16 - Single orca mid channel between Fox Island and Day Island headed south. -Debbie Bingham
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12:00 - Approaching Point Fosdick heading south at a fast pace, four at least. -Cherie StOurs
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11:55 - There is one in the middle channel and a few on the Gig Harbor side. -Andrea Reubel Walker
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11:55 - Viewing from Hidden Beach one has passed under the Narrows Bridge. Still heading south near Gig Harbor side.
11:45 - Viewing from Hidden Beach heading south still north of Narrows Bridge. At least three. -Cherie StOurs
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11:38 - Approaching Point Evans, some on Gig Harbor side, some mid channel, southbound.
11:27 - Southbound again, mid channel, approaching Salmon Beach.
11:21 - Off Point Defiance [video]. A fun crossing of paths.
11:19 - Milling off Gig Harbor Viewpoint/Point Defiance proper. Lots of direction changes.
11:10 - Have adult male & female milling off Point Defiance Gig Harbor viewpoint.
11:09 - Two adult males trailing lead group, just passing Gig Harbor Viewpoint Point Defiance southbound.
11:03 - Passing Gig Harbor viewpoint in Point Defiance southbound into Narrows, leisurely pace, mid channel. Saw one adult male & 4 others. On a long downtime currently. -Melissa Bird
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11:04 - Maybe hunting and may have merged. Midway between Gig Harbor and Point Defiance heading toward Narrows. Lots of sailboats still and observing.
11:00 - Group of three ahead and two trailing.
10:54 - Moving south in Dalco. -Charlene Engelland
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10:57 - Only saw two [T87 & T46D]. Missed the others. Taken as they were exiting Colvos at 10:45. Southbound. -Ashley S Whitman
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10:50 - They are mid channel between south end of Vashon and Gig Harbor. Seeing them from a very messed up sailing race. -Melissa Malott
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10:50 - Viewing from Dune, passing by Gig Harbor very close to Gig Harbor side, really only viewable through binoculars. -Caro Lew
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jessie Ryan
Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023
Time: 10:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Gig Harbor
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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10:30 - Five Mile Drive Tacoma, Narrows View Point. -photo by Steve Broussard, March 18, 2023
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10:13 - Got to beach too late, but see one male in distance headed southbound nearing area of Camp Sealth mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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10:04 - Just passed Reddings Beach Road on Vashon. Reported 8 or so headed south. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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09:44 - Southbound in Colvos Passage.
09:20 - 09:30 - Passing Olalla, southbound! Lots of orcas central and closer to Kitsap side, milling a bit but had trended south. -Amanda Herberger
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08:45 - 09:20 - Whale soup day! Sound Action just received multiple community reports. Whales headed south in Colvos from area near Driftwood Cove on Kitsap side (Fern Cove on Vashon side) around 8:45. Then one of male headed north at Ollala around 09:20.  -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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Sat, Mar 18 - SJIs (T100s & T101) - 17:00 - Confirmed they are taking San Juan Channel northbound.
15:30 - Report of orcas northbound Goose Island in San Juan Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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T100C - This is arguably my favorite photo I’ve taken so far of any whale. -photo & ID by Wallace Woods Photography, March 18, 2023
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T100C - I could write a whole short story about the magnificent adventure I had yesterday with my Bigg's Research class. Alas, we think Jpod stayed in overnight, and I should get out and help spot. I'll try to come back and tell the tale a bit later. For now, these are the T100s sans T100E and plus T101. I know this is a lot of pics, but even if you just look at one, go to the end and take a look at T100C. Laurel b. 2002. He is a big boy! I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to Ryan, the husband of one of our classmates who was our Des Ex Machina and found whales from shore! -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 18, 2023
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Mar 18 - E Strait Juan de Fuca - 16:21 - Humpback whale headed northwest! Seen off of West Beach on Whidbey Island about 2 1/2 miles offshore! Several surfaces, and several deep dives, seems like a juvenile. Seen just now, just went for a deep dive. -Caitlyn Blair [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Mar 18 - Possession Sound (CRC22, CRC53, CRC383, CRC2259)
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 18 10:21 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.01493,-122.30544
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Webley
Whale Alert App
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Took the Sea Panda up to Everett today to watch Gray whales! #22 Earhart, #383 and #2259 and #53 off in the distance. Earhart and 383 spent all their time together. Great day on the water! All photos taken with a long telephoto lens and heavily zoomed and cropped to show details. -photos by Janine Harles, March 18, 2023
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15:26 - Leaving 22, 383 and 2259 southeast Hat Island, heading north. There was a fourth one in the distance that I thought I saw a little patch on the side at one point, it had been on the northwest side of Hat most of the time, then made its way over. -Janine Harles
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12:54 - San Juan Clipper is with grays 53 [corrected to 2259], 22 and 383 southeast of Hat Island. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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11:15 - CRC 2259, 383, and 22 are milling where my map [approx. 47.998475, -122.287634] shows. 22 and 383 are moving northwest and 2259 stayed behind. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography

March 17
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 17 - Bellingham Bay/Rosario Strait (J Pod) - J26 Mike - A day for the books for sure! Lovely moments with J pod this evening. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and serene this was today. Luck of the Irish onboard today maybe? I am Irish, after all! - Taken with a 600mm lens and heavily cropped. -photos by Kat Martin, March 17, 2023
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18:30 - A surprising pass by Washington Park. This was around 18:30 and then they went out of sight around Burrows Island heading south. -photo by Sara Montour Lewis, March 17, 2023
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18:26 - From Washington Park [video]. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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18:39 - Kevin called back to update Js are still hovering, are more spread out, hard to determine which way they will go (out west or down towards Whidbey) but appear to be moving south/southwest down Rosario. Saw one breach.
18:24 - Volunteer Kevin Chambers called at 18:24 to report seeing at least 5-6 (including little one) south of the ferry lanes off Green Point, Washington Park, Anacortes heading southbound. They are a bit distant but at the time seemed to be keeping more to that side as they continued on.
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18:24 - J’s southbound in Rosario. Watching from Washington Park in Anacortes. -Erin Johns Gless, PWWA
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18:18 - Southwest of the ferry terminal.
18:16 - Orcas heading south of Anacortes. -Melanie Moonstone
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16:30 - When they went out of view, it was around 4:30 and it looks like they went in between Guemes and Cypress [Islands]. -Silver Hubble
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15:32 - At least 8 - 10 blows in line with Sinclair Island and appear to be moving west. Viewing from Larrabee State Park. These blows appear to be beyond Vendovi from my vantage point. -Amanda Marie, The Salish Sea School
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14:09 - Per Cindi Crowder Rausch it is J pod in the bay! -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 17, 2023
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12:47 - A friend saw 5 orca off Taylor Dock in Bellingham! Don't know the direction.  -Kendra Nicole 
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Male is J27 Blackberry - 11:00 - We left Squalicum Harbor in our boat, and we saw the pod around 11:05am on our way towards the south end of Portage Island. Here are a few photos (500mm lens/cropped/all guidelines followed). What a great surprise. We saw them move through Bellingham Bay from west to east, more or less. They dove as a group for 1-3 minutes at a time and surfaced together. They were moving pretty slowly, around 3 knots. -photos by Adam Resnick, March 17, 2023
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 17 - Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s) - T122 Centeki - T87 Harbeson - T46E Thor - T46D Strider - T122 Centeki, T124A2 Elkugu, T46 Wake, & T46E Thor - Some whale magic was afoot today, three times a charm. Morning reports had a pod of orcas exiting Colvos passage northbound, and an hour or so later, they were on the opposite side of Vashon, heading south down East Passage. It was a drop everything and run kind of day, following them along the shorelines as they circumnavigated Vashon Island, admiring their wild beauty in the soft spring sunshine. Together, it was the T46's, the T124A2s, and T87 again, keeping company with each other, mixing up groupings as they traveled. Their travel this time mirrored the last two times, leisurely but purposeful, not much if any hunting, and keeping good steady pace. We'll see where they end up in the morning, but today was a pretty awesome day, with some pretty amazing matrilines! -photos & IDs by Marla Smith, March 17, 2023
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T46D Strider & T87 Harbeson - Two on the right are T124A2 Elkugu & T46E Thor -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - The three on right are T46 Wake, T124A2 Elkugu, & T124A2B Litton -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - From Manchester. -photos by Jim Pasola, March 17, 2023
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18:50 - Five orcas just south of Blakely Rocks northbound view from Constellation Park in West Seattle.
18:45 - Northbound quickly off Restoration Point red buoy. -Mary Hartmann
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T46E Thor - 18:40 - Heading north, southeast end of Bainbridge. -photo by Brian Hollomon, March 17, 2023
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18:39 - Viewing from Pomeroy Park with line of sight the Space Needle. Lots of surface activity out by the yellow channel marker. Multiple breaches and tail slaps. -Candace Gavin
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18:30 - Off Manchester south of fuel depot west in channel view from Constellation Park in West Seattle. -Mary Hartmann
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18:17 - They are just northeast of Blake [Island], eating in the same spot. About 5 of them. -Brian Hollomon
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18:05 - Moved a little farther south around the point, I can see them now, I'm looking right over the net pens; they look like they're hunting pretty far out. -Jim Pasola
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17:57 - Lost sight from Pomeroy Park with line of sight Space Needle. From my view they were continuing up the east side of Bainbridge. -Candace Gavin
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17:40 - Continuing north, too soon to tell which way they'll go, whether Rich or east of Bainbridge.
17:27 - They finished their meal and now heading back north again.
17:10 - I may have jumped the gun for heading towards Southworth, they are still about mid Blake Island. They clearly just made a kill, there's gulls hovering everywhere. I've seen at least four breaches, lots of tail slaps.
17:05 - They appear to be heading back towards Southworth.
16:55 - They're still just round and round between Blake and Manchester. -Jim Pasola
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16:30 - Still headed north on the west side of Blake. Looked like they were trending towards Rich, but too early to tell. -Ashley S Whitman
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16:20 - Passing Southworth ferry terminal headed north. -photo by Laurel Johns Kingsbury, March 17, 2023
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16:20 - Four tightly grouped viewing from north Vashon ferry dock. -T.L. Stokes
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16:24 - Spoke too soon, now trending westbound around the south end of Blake Island.
16:18 - Passed Point Southworth, northbound, likely headed up the east side of Blake Island. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
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16:17 - Approaching ferry lanes.
16:11 - Just south of the Southworth ferry dock. Still moving northbound. Mid channel. -Candace Gavin
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16:04 - Another small group orcas northbound Colvos approaching the ferry lane close to Vashon side. What wonderful whale weather. -Tim and Moby
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15:48 - Just passed Peter Point.
15:35 - Appear closer to Vashon side now. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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15:30 - Just passed Fragaria, continued steady northbound travel, mid-channel. -Brittany Noelle
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15:28 - Viewing from Driftwood Cove. Closer to Kitsap side, coming up to Peter Point. -Roxane Jackson Johnson
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15:20 - Viewing from Southworth, seeing blows in the distance. I think off of Prospect Point. -Jim Pasola
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15:04 - I’ve got T46D with the group. -Brittany Noelle
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14:31 - Nice pass as they approach Lisabuela, core group mid channel, T87 much closer to island side, have not seen T46d yet, seems to be traveling apart from Harbeson now, T46E in middle of core group still, loosely grouped northbound travels. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:44 - There's a group just on Kitsap side of mid channel just north of Point Richmond & an adult male right about mid channel, from Gig Harbor Viewpoint Point Defiance.
14:27 - Just north of Point Richmond channel marker, still drifting towards Kitsap side.
14:19 - Mid channel between Point Richmond & Sanford Point, still milling but heading for Kitsap side. -Melissa Bird
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14:17 - Group on the move northbound just south of Lisabuela now, mid channel, very long down times.
14:04 - Coming into view headed northbound here [approx. 47.370637, -122.527579]. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:10 - Close to Vashon shore, just south of Lisabulela Park, hunting off a channel marker at Sandford Point. Milling. -Melissa Bird
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13:46 - Up Colvos. -Ryan Dicks
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13:45 - Losing sight from Dune. Line of sight entrance of Colvos still moving north. -Candace Gavin
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13:35 - From Owens Beach. Whales appear through ferry lanes rounding southern tip of Vashon, possibly heading up Colvos. Moving positions so can’t say committed for sure. -Brittany Noelle
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13:14 - In front of Tahlequah ferry dock now still moving west. Mid channel to Vashon side.
13:09 - Moving west pass the south tip of Vashon headed towards the Point Defiance ferry lanes.
12:56 - Seeing fins and blows through binos. Viewing from Dune line of sight south east tip of Maury. Still moving south. -Candace Gavin
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12:51 - Looks like there's seven of them. They are passing in front of Quartermaster Harbor. -Melissa Malott
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12:47 - Westbound southern tip of Maury [approx. 47.336935, -122.451124]. -Ed Rickert
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12:20 - Marla Smith called again to say the group has now passed by Gold Beach and heading toward Sandy Shores. She does have images of members of the T46s, T87, and T124A2s. Along with earlier IDs, she adds T46 Wake for sure and T124A2B Little Litton. Cannot yet confirm all members, but looking like all them at least. Thor is still traveling in the middle of everyone who are loosely grouped on Vashon side, not super close in but closer that usual off Gold Beach anyhow, with Strider and Harbeson still mid channel. All leisurely heading southbound.
11:48 - Marla just called. Orcas have passed by Point Robinson spread out all heading southbound. For sure T46D Strider, T46E Thor & T87 Harbeson present. Strider and Harbeson are traveling together on the mainland side of mid channel. Thor was with group of at least 4 females/juveniles, hard to get head count due to spread. She is moving south to try for another peek and IDs.
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11:29 - Orcas are approaching Point Robinson, Vashon. Island side southbound.
10:35 - Just heard from friend Kelly Keenan, orcas just south of Glen Acres traveling south, leisurely pace, Island side of mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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09:13 - Pod of orcas northbound north end Colvos spread across channel cruising quickly. Sorry no pics, but saw a couple large males close to shore Kitsap side with several others spread toward Vashon. -Tim & Moby
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Fri, Mar 17 - Puget Sound (T137s minus T137D) - T137 Loon & T137B Tempest - 18:18 - T137A "Jack," Apple Tree Point. -photos by Donna Green Van Renselaar, March 17, 2023
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T137A Jack - 18:10 - Passed Apple Tree Point, close to the Kitsap side. Slow northbound travel. -photo by Sara Frey, March 17, 2023
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17:45 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:54 to report: 1745hrs: Vessel reports via 800MHz, 4 orca on the western edge of the SB shipping lanes, one mile east of KING. Direction of travel is north.
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17:23 - I got eyes on them south of Apple Tree Point. No clear direction, but got some spy hopping.  -Jenny Klis
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lori McKenna
Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023
Time: 3:50 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Indianola/Suquamish
Direction of travel : Swimming northeast away from Agate Pass bridge heading towards Jefferson Point
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least one
Any unusual markings?: Couldn’t see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Large numbers of sea lions have been in Indianola for about two weeks now. Guessing mating season.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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16:05 - Eastbound. Probably out even with Indianola dock now, middle of Port Madison. The sea lions all grouped together in one long raft as they passed by! Two orcas.
15:25 - Viewing from Indianola Waterfront Preserve beach. Can see dorsal fins and blows just past Suquamish dock. Close to Bainbridge side. -Deanna Deery-Schmitt
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Fri, Mar 17 - Puget Sound (T137s minus T137D) - 15:10 - Two orcas appeared, to us, just southeast of our house which is in Suquamish, dead center in Port Madison Bay facing Seattle. The orcas were probably directly east of the Suquamish dock. Orca sightings are rare in our bay. They arrived after a few days of sea lion riots, scores of the barking creatures that were apparently attracted to the bay by a fish run. During those few days prior to the orca arrival, the sea lions fed in swarms with massive numbers of birds diving for scraps. On St. Patrick’s Day, the two orcas appeared and traveled north and then east across the bay, toward Indianola, exiting the bay, probably, at Jefferson Head. They sometimes circled, but mostly traveled. They occasionally dove and stayed down for brief periods. They weren’t in the bay very long, as near as we could tell. The remaining sea lions kept their distance, barking occasionally. -Eric Nalder
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Eric Nalder
Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023
Time: 3:10 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Port Madison Bay at Suquamish
Direction of travel : North, slightly east, toward Indianola
Behaviors observed: Hunting. Following a fish run that also attracted sea lions and numerous birds.
If orcas, any males?: Yes, possibly one.
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org - T137A Jack - T137 Loon -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Eric Nalder, March 17, 2023
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10:30 - Three orcas between Battle Point and NUWC Keyport. -Tom Parks
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15:07 - I just got a beautiful view of them going under Agate Pass bridge. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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14:30 - Kimberly updates they are now heading northbound in direction of Agate Pass Bridge.
14:20 - Kimberly Sylvester called to report pod has exited Liberty Bay and are south of Keyport. They are at a point cannot tell what direction they might head. Will update once they are committed.
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Not a great photo, but I had been kayaking along the west side of Bainbridge with about 30 sea lions when I got news there were orca headed to Agate Pass Bridge. As I searched, I saw them approx. at Suquamish fish pens, headed southwest. I continued to paddle toward Keyport. The sea lions were VERY vocal as the orca passed but did not witness any interaction or hunting. About an hour later, as I continued to paddle into Liberty Bay, I heard VERY LOUD EXHALATIONS RIGHT BEHIND ME! This was the result photo. My excited cell phone photo skills tanked but it was a super cool encounter. They went south for a bit and then made a left to the Agate Pass Bridge. Glorious day on the water with these guys! There were 3. -photo by Kimberly Sylvester, March 17, 2023
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14:23 - Not good video, but this was just south of Keyport. -Christy Stepper-Coulter
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13:53 - They look to be heading into Poulsbo. 
13:44 - They are just south of Keyport. Very close to Keyport side.  -Dorothy Rosenbladt
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13:10 - Volunteer Kimberly Sylvester called she sees the T137s by the fish pens south of Agate Pass Bridge, pod is now by the channel marker, Kitsap side. They are flipped and are at this time facing southbound. Kimberly had been out kayaking watching a lot of Steller sea lions, so might get interesting. 
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13:00 - The two adults and calf herded up seals and chased them ashore. I believe that they caught one seal. Sighted by Big Eye spotting scope looking north. Seals escaped on beach by large bare area (maybe a rock slide) with 2-300 foot of rock retaining wall just to the west of Kiana Lodge. -Tom Parks
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12:50 - They just passed Brownsville marina on Kitsap side heading north. Meandering. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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09:30 - For the record, we just got an email saying 3 KWs were spotted in Port Orchard at 09:30 between Keyport and Brownsville. "Definitely orcas with tall dorsal fins, 2 adults and a calf. They seemed to be hunting together with lots of diving and rolling. They hung out for about 3 hours and stayed in the deeper water of the midchannel". -Our Wild Puget Sound
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09:25 - Actually looks like they are feeding out in the middle of the channel.
09:24 - Just saw 3 pass the Southworth ferry terminal headed north. -Nicole Waffle-Martinez
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T137s without T137D - Heather’s friend Lynn's beautiful picture of her encounter this morning. -photo by Lynn, March 17, 2023
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07:46 - Orcas spotted at Bachmann Park in Bremerton in Sinclair inlet about thirty minutes ago. -Heather Jamesson
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07:42 - Just saw two orcas in Bremerton Manette area five minutes ago, they were so close to shore, it was amazing. -Mary Youmans [PSWS]
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 17 - Saratoga Passage (CRC22 and others)
17:25 - Gray just under the bluffs at Baby Island Heights, little bit of circling then flipped back westbound toward Baby Island hugging shoreline.
17:10 - Gray now eastbound just east of Baby Island.
17:00 - Gray had flipped back out of Holmes Harbor and rounded Baby Island back eastbound.
16:45 - Whale had left westbound. I spotted it west side Baby Island southbound.
16:15 - Marilyn Armbruster received message gray whale feeding off East Point. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:41 - Viewing just north of Mabana and seeing blows but see just one. -Kayla Zabecki
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13:36 - About 20 minutes ago, the pair of grey whales at Mabana Beach were slowly heading north. -Lucy Gao
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12:18 - I’m viewing one possibly two grays, from Boy and Dog park in Langley, over on the Camano side slightly seem to be trending north slowly. Swiftsure is with them. -Jeanne Hamilton/
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12:15 - 2 gray whales northbound from my map. One is CRC22 and the other didn’t show enough back to get an ID on [approx. 48.078942, -122.396593]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:59 - Maybe same or second gray off Mabana.  -Nancy Hearn [CWW]
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11:55 - Gray whale south of Summerland. -Diana Guild [CWW]
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10:10 - Gull way, southwest end of Camano. Two grays heading northwest, 100 feet off the beach. Pebble Beach, Mabana folks, they're coming your way! Busy! spy hopping, feeding. -Mike Moberly [CWW]
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Fri, Mar 17 - Possession Sound
11:05 - Two feeding together now!
10:57 - We are watching one gray feeding just past the jetty in Everett! -Stephanie Brenaman
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UNIDENTIFIED ORCA - Fri, Mar 17 - Puget Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 17 13:33 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.33879,-122.53385 [SW Vashon]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Mike Spranger 
Whale Alert App
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Fri, Mar 17 - Holmes Harbor
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Toni Cooper
Date of Sighting: 3/17/2023
Time: 12:34 PM
Species seen: I think humpbacks [likely harbor porpoise]
Number of animals seen: 12
Where seen: Holmes Harbor
Direction of travel : South I think. Headed out of inlet
Behaviors observed: Looks like feeding
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?: 0
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

March 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 16 - SJIs (T34s, T37s, T49A1, T49A2, & T99s)
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15:34 - A friend on the water has identified this group as the T34s, T37s, T99s, T49A1, and T49A2.
14:00 - Group of Bigg's on the northeast side of Orcas Island heading southeast towards Point Lawrence. -Orca Behavior Institute
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Thu, Mar 16 - Puget Sound (T137s minus T137D alone in the evening) - T137 Loon & T137A Jack - Taken this evening from the Illahee dock as they were going southbound after a hunt. -photo by Tammy Ash, March 16, 2023
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T137A Jack & T137 Loon - T137B Tempest - 19:37 - They passed Manette underwater again, and then a little ways down the beach they chased a couple of sea lions up on the beach and then continued on their way. It's getting dark.
19:28 - They are heading out approaching Manette.
19:14 - They're still in the same spot, lots of twisting and turning, it looks like they're playing, it's possible they made a kill but it looks more like fun.
19:05 - They're in front of the shipyard closer to the Port Orchard side. Port Orchard/Bremerton fast ferry slowed and stopped for them, looks like they're heading back out north.
18:55 - They passed Manette underwater continuing into Bremerton harbor last seen at the mouth of Dyes Inlet, mid channel, another long down. -photos by Jim Pasola, March 16, 2023
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19:00 - My 2 year old was stoked to see them.- photo by Tatum Sears, March 16, 2023
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19:00 - From Manette. -Terri Sue Samuels
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18:10 - Passing Illahee State Park. Might be trending toward Bremerton. -Tammy Ash
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18:09 - They finished their meal and have turned back towards Bremerton. -Jim Pasola
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Mar 16 18:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.62217,-122.59478 [North of Illahee]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Faryn Seal
Whale Alert App
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18:04 - Passing Illahee dock southbound.
18:01 - Trending south.
17:54 - Still in the same area.
17:36 - At least 3 hunting north of Illahee dock. -Tammy Ash
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Martin Holladay
Date of Sighting: 3/16/2023
Time: 5:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: 47.618070 : -122.595150
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling, Hunting
If orcas, any males?: Unknown
Any unusual markings?: Not seen
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They were in Port Orchard Bay heading south toward Sinclair Inlet/Rich Passage.
Photos were hard to catch as they came up then went down quickly.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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17:37 - From the Illahee park dock, they're making a kill it looks like, just north of the Illahee Community Pier. I don't know how they got by me, I've been here for 45 minutes. -Jim Pasola
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17:32 - Northbound, north of Illahee dock. From my friend Tammy Ash. -Crystal Thompson
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Mar 16 16:30 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.59090,-122.56781
Number Sighted: 3
Submitted Comments: Heading towards Bremerton 
Submitter Name: Victoria Blythe
Whale Alert App
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Thu Mar 16 16:30 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.59094,-122.56768 [Point White, Bainbridge]
Number Sighted: 3
Submitter Name: Victoria
Whale Alert App
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16:29 - I saw them again in Rich Passage, at the fish farm closer to the Port Orchard side, across from Fort Ward. I haven’t seen them again and it’s been 10 minutes. So they may have gone back out again.
16:00 - Just saw two orcas. Seen from South Beach, Bainbridge Island close to shore. They are heading into Rich Passage moving toward Fort Ward on Bainbridge. I haven’t been paying attention today so this was a delightful surprise. -Aviva Weiss Grele
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Thu, Mar 16 (T46s, T124A2s, T87 [T137s minus T137D present with this group in the morning, but not in the evening]) - 19:18 - A few orcas in path of Mukilteo ferry. Mid channel.  -Teresa Bara
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18:40 - Lead male has flipped and is heading southbound fast, he’s just exiting the passage now. Imagine to meet with the others who have not come around the point. He just cut in close off Sandy Point.
18:28 - Lead male north west bound [approx. 48.044913, -122.376550].
18:24 - Male is committed to Saratoga. Haven’t seen the others yet.
18:10 - See lead male at Sandy Point. He’s just east of the point heading towards Saratoga Passage. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:45 - Saw one slightly south of Sandy Point public access beach, mid channel between Hat Island. -Emily Wandres
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17:29 - Watching from Hat! Lovely backlit blows! -Lori Christopher
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17:20 - Pod of ~ 8 close to Whidbey now north of Brighton Beach heading northbound towards Sandy Point. Bull is trailing east of the group. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:13 - Magnificently close pass at the Clinton Ferry Dock. Bravo to the captain for stopping dead in the water and waiting until all whales were clear. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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17:06 - CLOSE in to Clinton Beach after passing north ferry slip. Leisure travel mode. -Debbie Stewart
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17:00 - Just saw a male and a few others near Clinton ferry. Ferry stopped and is now backing up.  -Joe Dreimiller
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16:59 - Pod is passing now in front of Clinton terminal, bit more spread out now. Steady northbound Whidbey side. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:59 - At least four orca in ferry lanes.  -Debbie Stewart
*
16:40 - Quick pass! Long dive and popped up way north of Glendale. Steady northbound toward Clinton. ~ 8 including 2 bulls likely 137A and 46E (EDIT: not Jack, was going off morning configurations).
16:34 - Big beautiful right group off Glendale right now. Northbound west of mid channel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
16:26 - Almost to Glendale.
16:23 - I think they finalized their decision to go north. 
16:20 - I think they caught something bunch of birds starting to hover and dive down.
16:13 - They just turned around going south now. Nope, I don’t know what they’re doing just kind of parading back and forth now.
16:11 - There’s a pod swimming north past Chennault beach midchannel. At least one really big guy with a little curve on the top.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
T46E Thor - 15:10 - 15:20 - Orcas spotted northbound in Saratoga Passage headed to Glendale. We are at Possession Beach Waterfront Park. So excited! -photos by Lauren Brendel, March 16, 2023
*
13:15 - I'm contacting you to report that I saw a pod of transient orcas at Richmond Beach at and they were facing northwards probably on their way back through the Salish Sea. So that's my report and I hope you'll add this to your database on where all orcas are sighted in Washington State. -Benjamin Wright
*
11:50 - They’ve stalled and are milling around with lots of directional changes middle of Possession triangle [approx. 47.857355, -122.426196].  -Alice Thuy Talbot
*
11:14 - We’ve got an interesting mix passing the Possession buoy now. T46, T46F, T137, and T137A. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
*
11:05 - I think T46E and others southbound past Possession Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:02 - Just about to the very south tip of Whidbey now! -Stephanie Brenamant
*
10:45 - They are southbound past Glendale now. We see 3 from a boat. -Mark Osikowicz
*
10:27 - Seem to be stalled out just north of Glendale, south of Clinton ferry. Very close to Whidbey. Maybe stopped for a snack? Lots of splashing. -Suzanne McKetta
*
10:03 - They are down by Glendale now.
09:48 - One male and a couple female orcas at Clinton/Mukilteo ferry crossing closer to Clinton side headed south. Could be more but group was split up.  -Melissa Simmons, WSF
*
Thu, Mar 16 - Elliot Bay (T46D, T87, T124A2s) - 11:51 -T046D and T087 present with others. -Brittany Noelle
*
11:27 - Group of 4 Bigg’s westbound here via whalealert.org [approx. 47.628475, -122.393637] -  mobile app. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
*
11:20 - A distant view toward Magnolia from Duwamish Head. -photo by Steve Rice, March 16, 2023
*
11:02 - Northwest bound from TV towers, just moved behind freighter. Viewed from Duwamish Head.
10:39 - From Don Armeni.  -photo by Mary Hartmann, March 16, 2023
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Luanda Arai
Date of Sighting: 3/16/2023
Time: 11:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Elliot Bay, along the side of a tanker that is anchored near the grain terminal
Direction of travel : North, then West, fairly fast moving.
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: too far away to see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was on land, in my condo in Belltown. Spotted them with the naked eye near the Edgewater Hotel then watched with binoculars as they moved north. It looked like one adult male, two smaller adults and on even smaller whale (maybe a baby?).
Photos available?: No
*
10:58 - Just saw one 10 minutes ago viewing from Pier 69! -Sara Roolf
*
10:28 - So awesome to see a pod of orca in Elliott Bay! -photo by Andrew Johnson, March 16, 2023
*
10:33 - Smack dab in the middle of Elliott Bay. Not as close to us near Pier 70 as I thought. Honestly, they’re just hanging out. Not really going in any direction. Maybe feeding?
10:24 - They are north west bound middle of Elliott Bay viewing from Pier 57. -Casey Dean
*
10:19 - Some just spotted by the Sculpture Park in Seattle. -Scottie Houghton
*
09:40 - [video] From the 9:40am Bainbridge ferry! -Kirsten Owens
*
GRAY WHALES - Thu, Mar 16 - Puget Sound - 08:30 - This morning at Browns Point Marina. -Christine Stepper-Coulter
*
Thu, Mar 16 - Possession Sound (CRC22, CRC383 & others) - 12:04 - MV Swiftsure is with 4 gray whales including CRC22 and CRC383 southeast of Hat Island but closer to the Snohomish River Delta. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express - CRC383 -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
12:30 - Two groups of grays in Possession Sound directly west of Everett marina [approx. 47.998625, -122.277528]. -photo by Smith Siromoskul, March 16, 2023

March 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 15 - BC (T34s, T37s, & T99s) - Followed T34s, T37s and T99s to Cowichan Bay and Sansum Narrows on a perfect March 15th day. -George Holland [WSSJI]
*
Wed, Mar 15 - Saratoga Passage (T46s, T87, T124A2s, T137s minus T137D) - 18:50 - Visible from Long Point still heading north closer to the Camano side. -Silver Hubble
*
18:05 - Passed right by Shangri-la on the Whidbey side, headed northbound, but kept changing directions. Unclear if they were headed towards Oak Harbor or Penn Cove. -Emily Wandres
*
17:44 - Found them! Right below me, still headed north. I am just south of Mussel Beach Road.
17:35 - I’m 2 miles north of Hidden Beach and they are approaching. Close to Whidbey side. Northbound. -Mary Ellen O'Connor
*
17:35 - Heather Anson, approx. 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, called to report orcas, including one big male. Whidbey side about 2 miles north of Hidden Beach, meandering and is lovely. 
*
17:30 - At least 5 passed Hidden Beach, Whidbey, headed north. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
*
17:33 - Everyone is past Hidden Beach and continuing in travel mode heading north.
17:11 - About to get a beautiful close pass by all of them heading north at Hidden Beach.
17:02 - Super active south of Camano State Park in front of the bluffs.
16:45 - Confirmed at least one male spotted from Hidden Beach south of Camano State Park, mid channel. -Silver Hubble
*
16:15 - Just found a group of four trailing behind, northbound.
16:10 - Closer to Camano side mid channel right east of Fox Spit. Spy hops and milling but generally heading north. -Emily Wandres
*
14:55 - These lovely beings are non directional. Spread out circling making directional changes. Whidbey side of mid channel, maybe they are hunting. Our view is limited so only seeing part of the group at a time still out from Bells Beach or just south of… ”under the mountain”.
14:35 - Group has turned back and is stalled south of Bells Beach. Whidbey side mid channel. They are just having a good day with each other moving about the passage. Love that they will do what they do and that is just be free swimming socializing whales. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
14:35 - They're suddenly back in view! Milling in the area out of Bells Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
14:03 - Boys definitely committed now picking up speed to catch up to main group who are likely at Bells Beach by now.
13:56 - Main group are circling south of Bells Beach and now are facing north. Uncertain at this time if committed, but making progress. The two boys who were lead have also flipped northbound as well. Now trailing 1/2+ mile. No one in any hurry.
13:50 - Those lead boys made some progress and circling trend southbound on their way to Langley (we hope). But others are stalled slow southbound, 1/2 mile north.
13:39 - T46D Strider and T87 Harbeson are traveling together leading the group who is spread trailing. Super slow southbound movement just now south of Bells Beach. Very close in to Whidbey. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
13:26 - They’re in front of Bells Beach, still heading south, very slowly. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:35 - Larger part of the pod was tightly grouped and logging off north side East Point then went on long dive then surfaced but more offshore loosely grouped with Jack further south. They all surfaced making directional changes very slowly, seals and sea lions in the mix seemed unconcerned which was interesting. Power of their breaths and their size immeasurable, but fills the soul. They’ve continued on and are Whidbey side of mid channel about out from Bells Beach (private neighborhood).  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
T46D Strider - T46E Thor - T137A Jack -photos by Kat Martin, March 15, 2023
*
T137 Loon & T46E Thor - T87 Harbeson - T46E Thor - Male is T46 Thor - The four on the right are T137 Loon, T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu, & T124A2B Litton -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, March 15, 2023
*
12:20 - It looks like the rest of them have rounded East Point. Can see a lot of skinny fins heading south. Viewing from Hidden Beach.
12:10 - Saw at least one large male heading south, but there are still at least a few in between East Point and Baby Island. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
12:05 - Now southbound from East Point/Fox Spit all grouped up closer to the Whidbey shore. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
*
11:35 - Very distant glimpses of them from Hidden Beach. They’re milling in between East Point & Baby Island. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
*
11:20 - T46D now just behind T46E and others.
11:05 - Milling in roughly same area east/northeast of Baby Island. T46E still with 6+ fins, 137s a little further north, T46D & T87 somewhere.
10:30 - East of Baby Island possibly hunting. 124A2s definitely here, and saw T46D too. T87 here! Wanted better photos to confirm my suspicions but lead male is 137A!
09:30 - Definitely T46E traveling with what looks like at least 5 other smaller fins, too far for positive ID but resembles 124A2s so maybe all still together. Only have seen one other male ahead of the group, can't tell who he is. Northbound midchannel as viewed from area of Saratoga Woods. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
T87 Harbeson - T137A Jack - Male is T46E Thor - 10:00 - Beautiful close pass today. -photos by Donna George, March 15, 2023
*
09:14 - Seeing at least 3, including 2 males I believe, northbound in Saratoga Passage, midchannel, north of Langley. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
08:17 - Getting reports in Port Susan group of five orcas southbound at Tyee, currently at Tulalip Shores, southbound. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
08:23 - Reported near Camano Head southbound.
08:15 - Port Susan Whale Watchers tracked a pod of transient orca southbound from Pirates Cove, Tillicum Beach, Tyee Beach and last reported off Tulalip Shores heading southbound. -John C Storbeck
*
GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 15 - North Saratoga Passage - We had two gray whales in our neighborhood (Polnell Point in Oak Harbor WA) this morning! They hung out out and appeared to be feeding quite awhile. -Greg & Terra Parham -photos by Greg & Terra Parham, March 15, 2023
*
08:30 - This morning a gray whale is 50 feet offshore on the east side of Polnell Point. I saw one gray whale, neighbors report two gray whales are present. -Steve Rothboeck
*
Wed, Mar 15 - Saratoga Passage
16:10 - I can confirm it is at least three of them traveling together, there might be a fourth.
16:05 - Definitely two grays traveling together just passed the cabins at Cama Beach. Still heading south mid channel still visible from Hidden Beach.
15:56 - Heading south in Saratoga across from Hidden Beach, visible with the naked eye mid channel. There might be a second one close by.
15:50 - Gray whale heading towards Camano Island. I can post a picture with the link to location [approx. 48.211803, -122.544815]. -Silver Hubble
*
Wed, Mar 15 - Possession Sound (CRC53, CRC2440 & others) - 15:50 - Gray whale northbound just east of this location, seen from the ferry. Looks like 2440 [approx. 47.989638, -122.339743]. -Alexandra Vanderzee
*
13:15 - CRC53 southbound south of Clinton aiming toward Possession Point. -Justine Buckmaster
*
10:25 - We are at Legion Park in Everett and are watching (we think) three gray whales just beyond the jetty, feeding! -Stephanie Brenaman
*
Wed, Mar 15 - South Puget Sound - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Gary Wilson
Date of Sighting: 3/15/2023
Time: 4:12 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Between Eagle Island and Anderson Island
Direction of travel : West, straight line, est 4-5 kts
Behaviors observed: Travelling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Brown and white deposits on back
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 15 - Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Mar 15 18:27 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.09954,-122.41902 [N of Mabana]
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: DE
Whale Alert App

March 14
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 14 - Haro Strait (T60s) - The T60s were eastbound from Discovery Island earlier this morning, heading into Haro Strait. Keep your eyes peeled on the west side this afternoon! -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Mar 14 - Saratoga Passage (T137, T137A, T137B) - 17:38 - Seeing blows from Camano Yacht club closer to Whidbey at the mouth of Penn Cove. -Linda Raines Tyner
*
17:15 - Distant looks at Jack from a bit south of Long Point, heading away from us. -Bonnie Gretz
*
17:00 - 10 minute down times. Slow travel north [approx. 48.243497, -122.585066].
16:10 - Spread, still northbound near Race Lagoon. T137 close to Whidbey shore, other 2 further out.
15:50 - Still northbound Whidbey side well north of Hidden Beach now. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: David Belfor
Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023
Time: 3:45 PM
Species seen: Two young orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Saratoga Passage off North Bluff
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
*
15:34 - Trailing the boat north of Hidden Beach.  -Mitch Lee
*
Saw them heading to Baby Island. -Kanoi Ivory
*
15:00 - It sounds like they are northbound in Saratoga Passage in the area of Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
13:57 - From Wonn Road. Saw them at the mouth of Holmes Harbor. Surfaced once, southbound. Have no idea if they continued into Holmes Harbor or flipped.
13:50 - They are mid channel to Whidbey side continuing southbound. Quick pace. Viewing from Hidden Beach. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
*
12:35 - They’re moving fast scuba’d right by me about a mile and a half north of Hidden Beach. Just a quick glimpse.
12:20 - Saw them briefly hard to tell exact location I would guess off Shangri-La, Whidbey side couldn’t tell direction. -Aaron Gill
*
11:50 - Update southbound [48.199959, -122.588337]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
11:50 - Here as of now off of Race Lagoon, heading south [approx. 48.201591, -122.585039]. -photo by Mike Fox, March 14, 2023
*
11:30 - T137s southbound [approx. 48.211393, -122.60 458]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
*
11:30 - North of Race Lagoon Whidbey side, southbound in Saratoga Passage.
10:54 - East of Long Point angled southeast.
10:24 - Continuing east after a hunt. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
10:12 - They are down around Monroe Landing. -Melissa Gardner
*
10:12 - Cindi Crowder Rausch called to report she is at Long Point, Whidbey and has eyes on the T137s who are on other side near Monroe Landing heading east. Looks like made kill (lots of birds circling), but they are continuing eastbound out of Penn Cove at this time north side of the cove.
*
T137A Jack & other
10:05 - Off Monroe Landing.
09:45 - Still eastbound, stealthy. -photos & ID by Rachel Haight, March 14, 2023
*

09:30 - Rachel Haight called to report they are in Penn Cove, just east of Three Sisters along the north shore, circling, possibly hunting, with possible trend eastbound. She thinks possibly T137s but unconfirmed at this time. 
*
Tue, Mar 14 - Central Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s) - T124A2 Elkugu, T46 Wake, & other - T124A2 Elkugu & T46E Thor - T46 Thor & T46 Wake -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
I missed them at Point Robinson by 10 minutes, but got a decent look from KVI of all but the two I most wanted to see, Harbeson & Strider. They blew by Manchester so I bypassed Bainbridge for Kingston, wrong move. Such a beautiful day! -photos by Jim Pasola, March 14, 2023
*
19:35 - Last sighting of the night: Pod was regrouping south of the yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach and President Point, Kitsap and moved over east side of the channel. We all moved to Kayu Kayu Ac park to catch them in the last specs of daylight. We arrived at Kayu at ~ 19:35 to see them directly off the park in tight group gliding along, surfacing in a dark water patch of glassy calm sea. Was serenely beautiful with low light and sundown colors. They continued north went on a dive and stayed under for many minutes. We did see some fins surface a bit north and still off the park facing north, now loosely grouped, but soon lost them to the dark of night. What a beautiful night.
19:20 - Orcas cut over after that interaction, group is split. Group of 4-5 including male mid channel just east of, between transect Richmond Beach and Jefferson ahead. Steady northbound with some logging. Two other males north of Jefferson Head Kitsap side.
19:15 - Kitsap fast ferry stopped and turned on a dime. Pod popped up right in front of them as they were going 30 knots. Impressive maneuver. Ferry stopped. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
19:13 - Shout out to whoever is driving the Kitsap fast ferry. Impressive “stop on a dime” maneuvering to give the whales space. Still northbound midchannel off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
18:58 - They are stalled out logging [approx. 47.725497, -122.445870]. Surfacing in same place all clumped cuddled up. Smidge of progress northbound.
18:50 - Spread out orcas. Some just west of mid channel, others spread to northwest. All slow northbound. In general out from mid Port Madison. Sublime day. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
18:47 - I've got the whole group straight off the Suquamish Pier probably west of mid channel. -Jim Pasola
*
18:38 - So they just booked it past Fay Bainbridge State Park northbound more towards Edmonds side of the channel. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
*
18:34 - Heading northeast out of Port Madison.
18:30 - Leaders heading north at a fast rate. In Port Madison north of Fay Bainbridge park. -Torrey Hall Volk
*
18:25 - The orcas have continued making their way north and have slowed/stalled for a time. Probably ~ 1 mile give/take south of Fay Bainbridge park. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
18:26 - From the Suquamish dock. They've just passed the northern point of Bainbridge. There are swarms of harbor purposes in this bay 50 to 100. -Jim Pasola
*
18:25 - They gave a great show northeast of Murden Cove and off Rolling Bay. I saw at least five, some close and some further off. Headed vaguely north, but kept looping back a bit. Lots of gulls and other water birds with them, too. I left about 40 minutes ago. -Victoria H. Irwin
*
18:00 - Northbound at least four, one big male, off water treatment plant, seen from Bainbridge Island. -Susie Cunningham Bavo
*
17:40 - Slowly heading north hugging Bainbridge Island side. -Torrey Hall Volk
*
17:44 - Right now meandering north [approx. 47.677008, -122.444110]. -Tammy Ash
*
17:40 - With Ariel Yseth who spotted blows across the Sound, way across the Sound south end Rolling Bay, Bainbridge heading northbound [approx. 47.669659, -122.484200]. I looked up and could see them too! Sitting in the sun looking over glassy sparkly seas from beautiful Richmond Beach Saltwater Park in Shoreline. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
*
16:40 - They are heading northeast out of Murden Cove. Lots of splashing! -Torrey Hall Volk
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lynn Brofsky
Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 7
Where seen: Off the east side of Bainbridge Island. I overlooking Murden Cove
Direction of travel : they were staying in the area for a long time, I watched for an hour before they slowly started north
Behaviors observed: Milling, tail lobbing, fin slapping, breaching, spy hopping, lots of activity, very vivacious--great to see.
If orcas, any males?: There were a few tall dorsals, maybe whales with babies or young ones too.
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: they were far enough from shore not to see any markings, but the dorsals were both tall and small.
Photos available?: No
*
15:51 - I'm seeing at least 4 still in Murden Cove. Lots of splashes, circling.  -Leslie Goodman
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Maria Mason
Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023
Time: 3:54 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Bainbridge Island - In front of our house, midway between Murden Cove and Yeomalt Point. 
Direction of travel : Very slow feeding in same area over an hour
Behaviors observed: Feeding
If orcas, any males?: 5 orcas, don’t know if there were males.
Any unusual markings?: Too far away
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They breached, did tail lobs and tail slaps. Swarms of seagulls hovering above the water.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photos by Maria Mason, March 14, 2023
*
15:50 - They all look to be in Murden Cove hunting. -Torrey Hall Volk
*
16:19 - Four just at south entrance of Murden on Bainbridge Island side! I put down my phone and just enjoyed the time! They were milling and eating and jumping and tail slapping for an hour and a half. A group of 4 stayed together and two were spread out.
15:11 - Mid channel, looks closer to Alki than Bainbridge Island but past ferry lane I can barely spot them from Murden Cove on Bainbridge Island. -Amy Douglas Ramos
*
14:52 - Just saw them north of Blakely Rocks. Viewing from Four Seasons downtown Seattle. -Alexander Simenstad
*
14:40 - Approaching Blakely Rocks Bainbridge side view from 64th and Alki northbound. -Mary Hartmann
*
14:25 - Viewing from the town of Manchester boat ramp they have passed Restoration Point heading north. -Jim Pasola
*
14:24 - Spotted them on the south side of Bainbridge from Constellation Park. The 2 Coast Guard boats are in the vicinity. -Greg Snyder
*
14:20 - Last male was probably the last one we saw about 10 minutes ago north of the Vashon's ferry terminal. After Kittitas pulled out. Orca was northbound. -David Bennett
*
14:17 - Trailing pair(?) seen in line with Manchester.
14:14 - Approaching the southern end of Bainbridge as seen from Emma Schmitz Overlook. -Steve Rice
*
14:05 - They are closer to Blake Island. Currently passing Tillikum Village. -Ricardo Aguayo
*
13:55 - Viewing from the Southworth ferry dock line of sight now is Alki Point they're moving. -Jim Pasola
*
13:38 - From Brace Point, I see them on the east side of Blake Island. -Steve Rice
*
13:35 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: 1335hrs: Vessel ISSAQUAH reports 5 orca NB just east of Blake Island. WALLA WALLA notified via 800MHz. 
*
13:34 - South of Southworth dock view from Lowman Beach. On west side. -Mary Hartmann
*
13:30 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Log entry 1330hrs: Vessel ISSAQUAH reports via 800MHz they've spotted a lone male orca off Dolphin Pt. heading North.
*
13:35 - The main group as well past the Fauntleroy ferry dock, the trailing two males just about there moving at a pretty good clip to the north.
13:25 - The group just came into view from the Southworth ferry dock looking at the Vashon ferry dock they are to the north and heading north. A long way from here probably mid-channel. -Jim Pasola
*
13:30 - They're passing through the ferry lane for Fauntleroy. -David Bennett
*
13:19 - Lead group just south of ferry dock (Vashon). -Jill Irene Freidberg
*
12:59 - Two boys (T46D and T87) still trailing, but on mainland side of channel.
12:54 - Group of around 7 passing Glen Acres right now, still very much on island side of channel, steady northbound, not in a hurry. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
12:53 - Seen near Point Beals looking from Brace Point. Seem to be on Vashon side. -Steve Rice
*
12:32 - North of Point Heyer/KVI now, still on island side of channel, headed north, some long down times. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
12:16 - Seen across from 3 Tree Point. -Anna Panasiuk Simmons
*
12:00 - Trailing group passing Des Moines now. -Scott Hill
*
T46E Thor - T46E Thor & T124A2B Litton - T124A2 Elkugu & T46 Wake
11:59 - Just got surprised by T87 and T46D trailing by a bit! Farther out in channel more closer to mid, but now I’m pretty sure T46s, T124A2s and T87 have all cleared the point now.
11:43 - Stunning close pass at Point Robinson. Headed northbound leisurely steady pace, one loose big group, male trailing a bit with one other, island side of channel. -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - photos by Marla Smith, March 14, 2023
*
11:43 - Draw a line from Browns Point to Dash Point and beyond, swimming west now of that line. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
11:42 - Just north of Point Robinson now. -Dan Hyde
*
11:35 - Eyes on whales from Des Moines Marina. Appear to be off Point Robinson. Will update when closer. -Brittany Noelle
*
11:35 - Visible south of Point Robinson. Milling. Maybe hunting. -Jill Irene Freidberg
*
11:28 - Just off Maury Marine Park, on the Maury side, long down times. -Janna Ignatow
*
11:28 - Hard to tell how far north (though near Point Robinson) and moving east.
11:24 - North. Very close to Point Robinson when last seen, at least two.
11:19 - Getting close [to Point Robinson].
11:09 - Still heading northeast towards Point Robinson. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
*
10:38 - Five heading up towards Maury's east side. -David Bennett
*
10:26 - Can see tight group between Vashon and Maury, east bound. -James Rempt
*
10:31 - Two to the east another four are trailing behind just passing Quartermaster.
10:27 - Moving east, still southern end of Maury.
10:15 - Between Point Ruston and southern tip of Maury Island closer to Maury. Just saw one large dorsal not moving. -Ed Rickert
*
10:14 - They're further out now in the ferry lane.
10:09 - They're hanging out in front of Dune Peninsula near the ferry lane. -David Bennett
*
09:55 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Vessel SALISH reports sighting 3 orcas milling about; located West of Point Defiance.
*
09:59 - The 4 are now moving towards Dune as the ferry crosses mid channel.
09:38 - Four right out in front of the Point Defiance Marina.
09:36 - Two headed up Colvos it looked like and four look to be passing Point Defiance Marina. -Robyn Dally
*
T46E Thor - From Point Defiance. -photos by Cherie StOUrs, March 14, 2023
*
09:05 - Just saw the group head through the [Tacoma] narrows and round Point Defiance. Headed towards Commencement Bay. One male. 5 or more females. Spread out and mid channel. Seen from across from Salmon Beach. -Stace Gordon
*
T46E Thor - T46D Strider - T87 Harbeson & T46D Strider -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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08:15 - A group of 6-7 orcas swam east at a leisurely pace close to shore (50 feet) at high tide at Point Fosdick in Gig Harbor [Lat 47.246 N Long. 122.588W]. There appeared to be 2-3 males, 2 females, and 2 juveniles. it was very calm; we could hear them blowing before we saw them. Amazing visit. -photos by David Estroff, March 14, 2023
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Mar 14 - Saratoga Passage - 18:23 - Seeing blows! I’m at the Camano Yacht Club looking straight across at the entrance to Penn Cove. From my viewpoint, the blows are between Long Point and the black channel marker and appeared to be heading slightly east. Definitely a gray. -Linda Raines Tyner
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17:36 - Gray due south of entrance to Oak Harbor. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:49 - At Mabana viewing and hearing blows of a gray over on Whidbey side north of Bells Beach. 
16:24 - Direction is northbound, now south of Fox Spit. -Krista Paulino
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Tue, Mar 14 - South Puget Sound - 18:30 - Case Inlet, Vaughn Bay heading south. -photo by Steve Powell  March 14, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED SPECIES - Tue, Mar 14 - Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: B Newnum
Date of Sighting: 3/14/2023
Time: 1:15 PM
Species seen: Uncertain. But I have photos for help identifying
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Not far offshore of Meadowdale Beach, tide going out
Direction of travel : Combing the area circling or back and forth
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: ?
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I was intrigued that it didn't seem to be moving north or south and that it was alone.
Unless of course it was mating....?
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org

March 13
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 13 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - 00:38 - SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls detected by humans and machines last night on the Orcasound Lab hydrophones! Humans tagged the live stream from 00:38-00:40 Pacific on Mon 3/13/23. The OrcaHello AI detected SRKW calls from 23:46 on 3/12 until 01:04 on 3/13.  -Orcasound [WSSJI]
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00:27 - 00:30 - Still going strong. -Brianna Webb
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 13 - Haro Strait (T49A1 & T49A2) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #9: “Subsequent reports put the whales through Baynes Channel and traveling north offshore of Ten Mile Point, where Mark and Joe arrived on scene with two bulls approaching the Johnstone Reef marker at 1750. They quickly confirmed the two were, in fact, brothers T049A1 and T049A2, who do not often travel with their mother and four younger siblings…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #9.
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Video of two Bigg's northbound off of Finnerty Cove in Haro Strait at 5:52 PM, Monday, March 13, 2023: Link to video -Gerald Graham
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Mon, Mar 13 - Saratoga Passage (T137s) - 18:35 - Saw 1 male and 2 female traveling north mid channel at Madrona Beach. The male circled, females joined. Just spotted at the rip line. -Michele Ashley Sarver
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16:43 - Getting too far away to see now. I think they’re out near Camano Island staircase [northbound].
16:38 - Much closer to Camano than Whidbey at this point. Flock of birds seems to be congregating over them.
16:29 - Two of them! One looks a bit smaller.
16:24 - Getting farther from the Whidbey shore, moving. Towards Camano. 
16:23 - Viewing orca right now. He’s off the coast near East Point between Baby Island Heights & Bells Beach. -photo by Tim Courtois, March 13, 2023
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Mon, Mar 13 - Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s) - Thor under the Narrows. -photo & ID by Ryan Dicks, March 13, 2023
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Super-cropped long-range shot. I'm more amused at capturing the blurred outline of watchers on Kopachuck State Park beach from 2.9 miles away. -photo by Randy Witter, March 13, 2023
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19:26 - I just left Kopachuck State Park, and they were heading northbound-ish milling around. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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18:45 - Kopachuck watchers are getting a show.
18:25 - Front of Kopachuck and a little closer to shore. No direction. -Randy Witter
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18:08 - Seeing blows and fins at Kopachuck. Still mid channel northbound. -Candace Gavin
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17:35 - Just turned the corner at Horsehead in Carr Inlet headed north. Blows in sight long range via binoculars from Minter Creek area. -Randy Witter
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T46D Strider -ID by Orca Network
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So happy to be out with the seasoned pros today at Fox Island Fishing Pier. -photo by Tina McKail, March 13, 2023
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17:12 - Still trending north up Carr Inlet.
16:48 - Trending north up Carr Inlet midchannel. -Candace Gavin
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16:53 - Seeing male with surface action and spy-hopping between McNeil and Fox Island trending up towards Carr. Been in same location about 10 minutes. -Jennifer Tebaldi
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16:41 - Two between McNeil & buoy [approx.47.187736, -122.651458]. 5 headed towards Carr [approx. 47.242102, -122.665369]. -Jason Cook
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16:30 - Viewing from Chambers walk bridge, one male heading north from south end on McNeil, lost others.
16:16 - Viewing from Chambers walk bridge still, two still out near buoy, other four were still behind heading south towards the two. -Cherie StOurs
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16:00 - See them from Steilacoom. -Amy Sloan Bryan
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15:44 - Viewing from Chambers walk bridge, four mid channel and three continued south on Fox Island side. -photos by Cherie StOurs, March 13, 2023
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15:27 - All have passed the Fox Island Pier still headed south.
15:08 - Just now at Fox Island Pier. Mid channel slowly moving south. Long down times. -Candace Gavin
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14:46 - Just saw them pass Narrows marina heading south. -Ben Bird
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14:22 - Looked like they were out in front of Titlow, headed south. -Kyle O'Block
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14:13 - They don't seem to be quite in line with Titlow, but they are getting to that point. They are still mid channel. -David Bennett
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14:00 - Under Narrows Bridge right now. -Haleigh Meacham
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13:54 - They're midchannel. South of the bridge.
13:52 - Saw them about 5 minutes ago. Just saw some blows. They haven't passed the bridge yet. Still north of them. -David Bennett
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13:48 - Approaching Narrows Bridge at least 6 viewing from Hidden Beach heading south. -photos by Cherie StOurs, March 13, 2023
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13:46 - Now south of bridge. Heading south. Viewing from Narrows Park. -Lane Sample
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13:37 - Still north of bridge. -Andrea Reubel Walker
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13:36 - They are milling right near bridge on the north side closer to Tacoma. -Scout Scoutie
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13:29 - 100-150 yds north of bridge. Slowly moving, went down and have not seen again. -Andrea Reubel Walker
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13:22 - They're pretty far out there. Closer to the Tacoma side fighting against the current. Southbound of course. -David Bennett
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13:15 - Still seeing them on the north side of Narrows Bridge. Looks like still heading south. -Cherie StOurs
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13:18 - Under bridge heading west.
13:01 - We are at the old toa ramp looking north. Two males, three females. Between East Tower and Salmon Beach.
12:57 - Fins just north of East Tower towards Salmon Beach. -Rich Kuras
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13:11 - Headed south now half mile north of bridge still mid to east side of Narrows. Small boat behind.
12:57 - Large male and two or more smaller orcas mid channel north of bridge going north with current right now.  -Susan White
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12:22 - Two males are following the group of 5 towards Narrows Park on the west side. Approaching the bridge. -Jack Sasser
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12:13 - Viewing from Narrows Park. Eyes on blows still north of the Narrows Bridge, headed southbound. Hard to tell east or west of mid channel at this point. -Brittany Noelle
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11:51 - Still slowly southbound Tacoma Narrows. Approaching Point Evans. Now a boat showed up also.
11:28 - Orcas southbound in Tacoma Narrows. -Zeno Martin
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11:06 - Still trending south slowly near the point of Point Defiance on Gig Harbor side viewing from the point marina. -Cherie StOurs
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11:02 - [approx. 47.321615, -122.529463].
10:58 - Lead group crossing over and trending towards Narrows [approx. 47.327445, -122.524025]. -Jami Cantrell
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10:50 - Trending southwest viewing from point marina. -photo by Cherie StOurs, March 13, 2023
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10:35 - Eyes on whales (with binos) from Dune Peninsula. Group still well north of Dune Peninsula, mid-channel. Another group approaching southern tip of Vashon, soon to be in the ferry lanes. -Brittany Noelle
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10:29 - Visible from Point Defiance marina, 3 looks like traveling west towards Maury. -Cherie StOurs
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10:29 - Appeared to be traveling southwest, though when spotted again a moment ago, was still quite close to buoy, so not a lot of movement.
10:22 - Just spotted near the yellow channel marker between Maury and Browns Point. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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09:21 - Moving at a fairly steady pace, south.
09:11 - Just passed Point Robinson on the way towards Gold Beach. -Mitzi Gligorea
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T124A2 Elkugu - T46E Thor - T124A2B Litton -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:15 - Three groups have cleared Point Robinson, one close in, one mid channel and one closer to mainland side. Very spread out groups. All steady southbound traveling at a good pace, pushing through the running sea in the wind and rain. 
09:00 - Approaching Point Robinson.
08:00 - South of Glen Acres now, two loose groups, hard to get a head count, long downtimes, steady southbound island side of channel, T46E in the mix. -photos by Marla Smith, March 13, 2023
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07:40 - Spotted 3 or 4, close to Glen Acres, heading south. Must have been the back of the pack, moving fast. -Emily Reitman
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07:12 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Vessel KITTITAS reports via 800MHz they've spotted a half-dozen orca at Dolphin Pt. heading southbound. 
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Mar 13 - Possession Sound (CRC53, CRC383, CRC531, CRC2440, CRC4221)
11:45 - We also saw CRC 53, 383, and 531 closer to the southeast corner of Hat island.
12:05 - Gray whale CRC 2441 is back! It’s hanging with 2440 [approx.47.995373, -122.269894].  -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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Mon, Mar 13 - South Puget Sound - 09:14 - Baleen whale northbound Pickering Passage. I believe a grey, cannot confirm but no dorsal. -Megan Gene Carlson

March 12
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 13 - Sun, Mar 12 - Haro Strait (J pod) - 23:46 - SRKWs = Southern Resident Killer Whales calls detected by humans and machines last night on the Orcasound Lab hydrophones!
Humans tagged the live stream from 00:38-00:40 Pacific on Mon 3/13/23.
The OrcaHello AI detected SRKW calls from 23:46 on 3/12 until 01:04 on 3/13.  -Orcasound [WSSJI]
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23:13 - Listening on live stream from Idaho, distant orca calls. -Brianna Webb
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21:13 - Still hearing calls. -Brooke Casanova
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16:33 - I heard vocalizations at 16:33-16:35 mark. Hard to hear over ship. -Brooke Cornell
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16:33 - Hearing more calls now! -Brooke Casanova
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16:30 - I heard clicks.  -Marcia Bakkom
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16:07 - Still getting clicks.  -EJ Evans
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15:30 - I’m hearing orcas on the Lime Kiln camera.  -Nick Sue
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 12 - Trincomali Channel (T99s) - It was a “wee bit” wet this afternoon and we had to go far, but we had the T099s in Trincomali channel with Eagle Wing Whale Watching Tours. -Selena Donker [WSSJI]
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Sun, Mar 12 - Admiralty Inlet (T137, T137A, T137B) - 14:30 - Two miles south of Point No Point. 3 orcas heading south. -Brian Livingston
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14:10 - Appear to be heading south once again slightly west of mid-channel line of sight from Point No Point Cultus Bay. It's raining I'm heading to the car.
14:04 - Continuing their erratic behavior they had headed out to the southeast, I thought for good, and then they pop up at the yellow buoy off of Scatchet Head where they are now.
13:46 - I just made a pretty close pass at Point No Point heading south; down again, who knows where they'll pop up.
13:33 - They are really doing some roundabouts I was just about to post that they were heading for Bush Point as they were getting distant and they pop up in line of sight of Double Bluff heading south again closer to this side.
13:20 - Just relocated them look to be between Double Bluff and Norwegian Point viewing from Point No Point lighthouse can't tell direction they seem to just be doing circles around this area.
12:45 - They are back to southbound roughly mid-channel now south of the green buoy off Double Bluff.
12:33 - They seem to have flipped back south again looks about mid-channel lots of directional changes
12:27 - Viewing from Hansville they are distant east of mid channel moving northeast. -Jim Pasola -
T137B Tempest - T137A Jack - T137 Loon -photos by Jim Pasola, March 12, 2023
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12:15 - Lunch time Hansville shoreline.
12:05 - At least a momentary flip north along the shoreline.
11:48 - Southbound [approx. 47.928756, -122.566571].
11:37 - Tugboat & container ship have passed by them. Southbound close to shore Hansville side.
11:28 - Picked up their pace. Still southbound.
11:20 - Saratoga moving on. Orcas are slowly southbound [approx. 47.949816, -122.578019]. Appear to be feeding. Viewing from Double Bluff. -photo by Jason Cook, March 12, 2023
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10:41 - Saratoga has the 137s southbound in the northbound [shipping] lane just north [of] Double Bluff. -Christopher Lewman, Puget Sound Express
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T137B Tempest - T137 Loon & T137A Jack - 10:38 - Still have Eyes. Saratoga is with them. They continue south.
10:02 - At least three, including male. Moving south. Whidbey side.
09:48 - At least one fin, likely a male, southbound passed Bush Point boat launch.  -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 12, 2023
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Sun, Mar 12 - Admiralty Inlet - 09:48 - Ana Sing-Dao and Pip Gordon, Bush Point, called to report orcas traveling south Whidbey Island side mid channel across from Bush Point dock, north of the Bush Point lighthouse. Seeing 1 bull and 3 others all traveling south. No other activity, just traveling, not very fast. Maybe moving more towards Whidbey side.
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Sun, Mar 12 - Puget Sound (T46s, T87, T124A2s) - This exact grouping of orcas was also in Possession Sound 3/5/21. -Debbie Stewart
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19:15 - Straight off 64th Alki. Headed south. At that time I was only seeing 2 males, or at least that’s all I was noticing. Earlier, when they were deeper in Elliott Bay, I was seeing at least 5 orcas including 2 males and 3 others. -photos by Steve Rice, March 12, 2023
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19:20 - They actually went south hugging Alki all the way to lighthouse. Saw a close pass off Constellation well after sunset.
19:00 - Leaving Elliott Bay fast going south west to Bainbridge Eagle Harbor seen from Duwamish Head. -Mary Hartmann
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T46D Strider - T87 Harbeson - 18:45 - From Don Armeni Park in West Seattle. -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Robin Sinner, March 12, 2023
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18:39 - iPhone image from Salty’s in West Seattle. Heading north. T46E. -photos & ID by Shari Tarantino, March 12, 2023
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18:13 - Cruising west along the outer edge of Harbor Island shipyard at the south end of Elliott Bay. Viewing from Pier 62. -Casey Dean
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18:11 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops emailed to report: Master on the Suquamish reports the pod has split into three different groups in Elliott Bay and Duwamish. 
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17:40 - At least one group of ~ 4-5 including male north end Elliott Bay. Close pass off Pier 91 terminal east of marina. [approx. 47.623461, -122.382297]. They went east deeper in towards Elliott Bay park and out of my sight.
17:30 - One group with one male and several female/juv continue into Elliott Bay while others continue southbound skirting outer Elliott Bay.
17:25 - Ts are south of Discovery park in two groups slow meandering southbound travel with some long dives. Just now 17:25 they’ve swung eastbound heading into northern end Elliott Bay just west of the marina. Others still little bit offshore. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:47 - Discovery Park, we can see them.
16:43 - Three off of Shilshole Marina heading south. -Tomoko Boerman
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16:35 - Orcas on long dives. Surfaced more grouped further south off south end Shilshole Marina close this side. Still slow southbound travels. Based on numbers and make up believe 46s, T87, T124A2s still all together.
16:25 - Orcas in groups off Golden Gardens slow southbound in 3 groups of single male to groups of 4s. So lovely in calm seas. 
16:18 - Two males right off green can at Meadow Point Golden Gardens southbound slowly. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:14 - Heading south from Carkeek. Slowly. -Mary Neifert
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16:08 - In front of Carkeek. -Teresa Bara
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jonathan Howe
Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023
Time: 4:00 PM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Richmond Beach/Carkeek Park
Direction of travel : south
Behaviors observed: travelling
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: saw 2 orcas, 1 large, off Richmond Beach heading south. They disappeared for a while then reappeared about 2 miles south near Carkeek Park, where they joined several (5-6? ) others. then I lost them as they headed further south around Golden Gardens.
Photos available?: No
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15:58 - They are just north of Carkeek. Just took dive down. -Wynne York-Jones
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15:20 - Still southbound of Richmond beach. T87 & T46D with super close pass off the beach. Others further off just inside the weather buoy (still close to east side). Golden Gardens up next. -photo by Ariel Yseth, March 12, 2023
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15:04 - [orca] Now Point Wells southbound.
14:54- 3 [orca] off Edmonds dog park south. -Barbara Gamrath
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15:00 - Leaders are approaching Point Wells.
14:48 - From the hill above the Kingston ferry there's a pretty tight group just south of the Edmonds Marina jetty, at least one male look to be pretty close to the east side. -Jim Pasola
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14:38 - Two males together off Edmonds north of dive park, with at least three others southwest of them but still east of mid channel steady southbound.
14:30 - Got one of the males 1/2-1 mile north of Edmonds ferry traffic lanes steady southbound about mile offshore. Rain isn’t helping the viewing cause! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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T46E Thor - T124A2A Agafia - T46E Thor & T124A2A Agafia -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Kat Martin, March 12, 2023
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Vanessa Lim
Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023
Time: 1:45 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: (47.8794012, -122.3413142)
Direction of travel : South
Behaviors observed: Slowly traveling and blowing
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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13:34 - I just spotted them from Picnic Point. It seems they snuck north and are now traveling southbound again from Whidbey but it’s very difficult to pinpoint where from my viewing point. -Grace Haaland
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13:50 - Just saw another one tail flap from my scope, close to the southern end of Hat Island, near the shore.
13:37 - I’ve spotted the other two mid way between Edmonds and Whidbey. They are heading south towards Edmonds.
13:28 - One is super close to Mukilteo shore, opposite of Island Explorer. Heading south towards Edmonds.
13:22 - Saw three pass me in Mukilteo, near Glendale but heading south on the Mukilteo side. Saw 2 together and one shortly behind.  -Jodi Krause Poissant
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T124A2A Agafia & T46E Thor - T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu, T124A2B Litton -photos & IDs by Rachel Haight, March 12, 2023
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T124A2A Agafia, T46E Thor, T124A2 Elkugu -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 12, 2023
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13:00 - T87 is keeping to this side continuing southbound few hundred yards offshore. Now just getting south of Mukilteo lighthouse park. Another male was mid channel trailing others. T46D male midchannel.
12:50 - Edited to clean up what I saw which was: one group of females and juveniles west of mid channel; another group of at least 3-4 with a male were close to Whidbey (one of the T46 male(s) with them), another male mid channel, and T87 just passed by Mukilteo lighthouse!! Kind of nicely close in off the beach. Unless eyes playing tricks there are more whales than T46s and T87. All were southbound.12:45 - They’ve moved way over to Whidbey side south of Clinton.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:51 - Appears to be one male, now south of the ferry lanes, mid channel.
12:43 - Viewing from Mukilteo fishing pier. Have binoculars but can see fins without them! -Kristin Kreifels
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12:35 - Orca cruised past Hat, south side, heading west toward Whidbey very quickly. -Lauren McManus
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Olivia Bennett
Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023
Time: 12:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 9
Where seen: Off the ferry between Whidbey and Mukilteo
Direction of travel : Traveling south
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least 2 of them were males
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Several younger orcas in the pack. I'd love to know if they were the local pod or the traveling ones!
Photos available?: No
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12:34 - Approaching ferry lanes, will cross paths with Kitsap soon.
12:10 - Viewing from high up in Clinton, they're continuing southbound. A gray is about 1/4 mile or less away. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:00 - Apparently, they’re split apart into what sounds like 3 clusters. Trailing group off of Tulalip, all heading towards Everett/Mukilteo. Couple in the lead group as they passed Hat Island marina, southbound. Pic by Kelly Brown Dukes. -Lori Christopher
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T124A2 Elkugu & T124A2B Litton - Male is T46E Thor -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Kelly Brown Dukes, March 12, 2023
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11:40 - Update starting to circumnavigate Hat Island eastbound [approx. 48.026078, -122.325996]. T46, T87, T46D trailing the rest. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:35 - They flipped/are milling. Still south of Sandy Point.
11:20 - Spotted south of Sandy Point heading north, Whidbey side. -Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:25 - T87 is with the T46 pod too!
11:00 - The T46 pod is northwest-bound from my map post [approx. 48.002074, -122.326343]! -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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10:50 - One male passing mid Hat Island, west side, about 200 yards out northbound. -Lori Christopher
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: 3/12/2023
Time: 10:40 AM
Species seen: 7 Orca and possibly 4 GRAY
Number of animals seen: 11
Where seen: Possession Sound
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Circling for approximately 15 minutes
If orcas, any males?: 2 possible males.
Any unusual markings?: One male had a dorsal fin that was slightly bent at the top. I will send videos.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: First between Hat Island and Jetty island 2 Gray Whales close to shore of Jettey Island. Then two more Gray halfway between Jetty and Hat Island. Then 7 ORCA’s came close to Clinton on Whidbey Island. What look like a group of four orcas close to shore, and three more at the same time very close to shore . Also they were here for quite some time until a whale watching boat came, and then they disappeared. The gray whales I’ve been seeing two of them every day between Hat Island and Jetty Island.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by John Shackman, March 12, 2023
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10:42 - Best ID guess on the Mukilteo group is the T46s. One of the dorsals looked very close to T046D.
10:11 - Spotted from the ferry. Currently in the ferry lanes heading north. 2 males are together and 3 females/juveniles are together. -Our Wild Puget Sound
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 12 - Possession Sound (CRC56, CRC383, CRC531) - 16:45 - On the Clinton to Mukilteo ferry and can see one grey through the rain & fog. In between Everett & Hat Island heading north towards Hat. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:10 - Crc383 and crc531 are milling west of the killer whales [approx. 48.001373, -122.297549]. CRC56 is back too! He was up in the same area as my post map for 383 and 531. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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09:39 - Seeing what looks like at least 3 or 4 distinct blows in Possession Sound on the southeast side of Hat Island. Viewing from the Mukilteo ferry terminal.  -Our Wild Puget Sound
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09:30 - Grey whale spotted in front of Priest Point, between Jetty and Hat Island. Appeared to be by himself. -Jaime Shields

March 11
GRAY WHALES - Sat, Mar 11 - Saratoga Passage [CRC22, CRC531 & other(s)] - 8:00 - Heading south Whidbey side, feeding along the way 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach. Not two whales, but three whales. That’s a first for me. Link to FB video
17:30 - Two grays mile and a half north of Hidden Beach feeding. -photos by Aaron Gill, March 11, 2023
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Sat, Mar 11 - Saratoga Passage - 17:58 - Heather Anson North Bluff Road, 1.5 miles north of Hidden Beach, called to report there are two gray whales close to shore, swirling around each, flippers moving around [Feeding]. Then would circle around and do same thing. 
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16:04 - Just saw them again a little east of where they last were.
15:25 - Two (possible) gray whales southwest of Cama Beach. -Whitney Valerio
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12:34 - Could be two [grays]. Off Pebble Beach [Camano Island] area now.
12:19 - Gray heading north closer to Langley [Whidbey Island] in the passage. -Mike Moberly [CWW]
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12:25 - Two grays feeding off south end of Summerland [Camano Island] just now. Don't know from which direction they came. -Peg Boley [CWW]
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Sat, Mar 11 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch, CRC185, CRC2240, CRC2249) - Thanks to Bart we know that there are two more new arrivals today, both first showed up during the early years of the Unusual Mortality Event officially designated by NOAA in 2019.
CRC185 is a Pacific Coast Feeding Group whale, previously known to Cascadia Research collective who showed up in the inland feeding areas in 2018 and has returned every year since! CRC2249 who is a 2019 newbie, previously unknown, who returns each year as well. (need to check records if has every year). This brings total arrivals to 7 as of this morning: 22, 53, 185, 383, 531, 2249, 2440
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17:30 - Gray whale was still same place, same behavior.
17:07 - 17:19 - Whale is on long dives and blows not super robust/visible. Seeing again who presume is same gray, making directional changes/circling in general at edge of the Snohomish Delta just west of navigation marker off the delta’s edge.
16:50 - I think whale moved northeast. Seeing blows about mile northeast from previous location, from either that whale or 2nd. But do no longer see blows in prior location
16:30 - Seeing blows of at least one gray whale off southeast Hat Island, think is milling, possibly feeding just west of green channel marker. From Edgewater Beach.  -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:00 - We saw 3 blows right off the beach at Mukilteo. It was moving north along the beach and the last blow we saw it was between the lighthouse and the new ferry dock. I am learning how to pilot a boat and this was only my 2nd time out on the water without the training captain. I was closer than 100 yards when we first saw it surface and blow but I stopped immediately to see which way it was headed and then maneuvered safely away from it. Pretty awesome for only my 2nd time out! -Mirs VonAschen-Cook
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12:10 - CRC 185 is also back! We are watching 185 where my map shows [approx. 48.002367, -122.259452].
11:45 - Gray whale CRC 2249 is back [approx. 48.002365, -122.296520]. 
11:25 - Two gray whales, CRC 53 and CRC 2440 milling south of Hat Island [approx. 47.986772, -122.303296]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography, Puget Sound Express

March 10
GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 10 - Saratoga Passage - 09:52 - Board member Fred Lundahl called to relay report from customer Deborah Eimers who reports seeing a single gray whale Camano State Park side of Saratoga Passage mostly milling around. She did see a spyhop. No ID since she was on the Whidbey side.
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Fri, Mar 10 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383, CRC531, & CRC2440) - 12:04 - Just saw a huge fluke from Harborview. I’ve spotted 3 so far, milling around in the same general area as Bart’s map above. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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11:40 - Gray whales 53, 22, 383, 531, and 2440 are off the southeast side of Hat Island [approx. 47.999817, -122.283953]. 53 is closer to Everett than the others. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography, Puget Sound Express
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Fri, Mar 10 - South Puget Sound - 14:00 - Off Stretch [Island] [approx. 47.324013, -122.817026]. - 11:35 - At northern end of Harstine Island [approx. 47.289856, -122.884386]. -screen grab from video by Rana Lewis, March 10, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Fri, Mar 10 - Possession Sound  - 08:00 - Tom and Judy Nowak, Mission Beach called to report on some baleen whales, message said they are seeing them almost everyday, and reported most of them as humpbacks now. A cow and calf have been swimming off their place. (only adult grays have been photo confirmed in this area, but we leave open possibility of humpback in the mix -alb)

March 9
GRAY WHALES - Thu, Mar 9 - Possession Sound (CRC531 & others) - 15:05 - Looks like two grays just north of Hat Island, milling about. -Mike Moberly [PSWS]
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: 3/9/2023
Time: 12:40 PM
Species seen: Uncertain
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Between Hat Island and Jetty Island
Direction of travel : Circling
Behaviors observed: Breaching and spy hopping
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -CRC531 -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:44 - Three total. 4 south of Hat Island being very active including surface action some.
12:33 - Gray whales east of Hat [Island]. -photo by Clinton Duckworth, March 9, 2023
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09:30 - Two grays were traveling southbound in Saratoga Passage, just north of Pebble Beach, Camano Island.  -Peg Boley [CWW]
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Thu, Mar 9 - South Puget Sound - 12:00 - Gray whale in Pickering Passage in the South Sound. Just north of the Harstine Island bridge. Looks like it's feeding, repeating dives in same area. Heart shaped spout, didn't get a video of the body but definitely a gray. -Ben Reynolds

March 8
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 8 - San Juans (T2Cs, T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, T123s, and T124C) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #8: “At 1339 Mark stopped for a binocular scan once he was northeast of Turn Point and spotted several blows and dorsal fins in the middle of Boundary Pass. There were many animals fairly spread out and nondirectional but seemed quite animated, especially the juveniles who were playing with each other and zig-zagging around as the rest of the animals could be seen in several groups making up what looked like well over 20 individuals in total…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #8.
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There were 23 Bigg's killer whales having a social get-together when we got on scene in Boundary Pass on the afternoon of March 8th: the T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, and T123s.Here is Jason's highlight video of what we call a true "T Party"! (Don't forget to switch video quality to 4K for the best viewing.) -video by Jason Shields, March 8, 2023
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Yesterday we had the honor of getting out on the water for the first real "T party" of the season (the informal regional name for a large congregation of Bigg's killer whales). North of Waldron Island we met up with the T34s, T36As, T37, T37Bs, T99s, T123s, and T124C - a total of 23 whales! With four calves under the age of two in the group, there was a lot of rolling around and play behavior. Then on the way home we were surprised to intercept the T2Cs in San Juan Channel, bringing our whale count for the day up to 27 orcas. We always expect Bigg's killer whale sightings to start picking up in March, but yesterday set the bar pretty high for what we hope is a whale-filled spring. -Orca Behavior Institute -photos by Monika Wieland Shields, March 8, 2023
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17:50 - [T2Cs] Just passed Point Caution close to shore.
17:40 - [T2Cs] Approaching Point Caution southbound on San Juan side. -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network [WSSJI]
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16:50 - O’Neal southbound on these guys now.
16:30 - Just picked up more, possibly T60s [corrected T2Cs], Green Point southbound towards Reuben Tarte.
16:15 - Trending south again - for the moment! Towards Flattop.
16:05 - Still milling northwest of Waldron [Island]. At least T34s/T37/T37Bs, T99s, T36As, T123s, and T124C - possibly more.
14:45 - T Party west side of Waldron southbound (20+ whales). -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 8 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383, CRC531, CRC2440 & one unidentified gray) - Saw six today on Puget Sound Express! -Cara Dana
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12:33 - Didn’t get a positive ID on the whale with 22 but the light flukes suggest either 44 or 723.
12:15 - 383 is back, he’s with 531.
12:08 - We have 4 more including 22 off the northeast side of Hat!
11:45 - We have 53 and 2440 circling southeast of Hat, apparently resting. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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11:27 - Two gray whales who appear to be southeastbound in Possession Sound off southeast Hat Island [approx. 47.996105, -122.287553].  -Marilyn Armbruster
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07:00 - [video of gray] Tulalip. -Jaime McBroom
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Wed, Mar 8 - Budd Inlet, South Puget Sound - 14:15 - Saw what appeared to be a lone whale in Budd Inlet at Cooper Point. I think it was a minke. -Catherine Forster [PSWS]
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Wed, Mar 8 - South Puget Sound
14:15 - Blow is clear, sun reflecting off head or such. Moving south now. Blows are longer between now, closer to tip of Herron Island.
14:12 - In Vaughn moving southwest. Blow every one and half minutes to around 2 minutes, moving slow.
14:00 - Large whale between Harstine Island and Vaughn. Long distance [away] but definitely larger whale. Heading possibly south center of channel. -Wayne McFarland

March 7
GRAY WHALES - Tue, Mar 7 - Possession Sound - 09:43 - Had several whales (presumably grays) off southeast side of Hat Island per Kim Vest Gleason [HIWS] who's husband caught sight while traveling across.

March 6
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Mar 6 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC531, CRC2440) - CRC531 - CRC2440 - CRC22 Earhart -IDs by Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express - Gray whale 531 is back! We managed to spot her yesterday, March 6, swimming with CRC53 (Little Patch) near the Snohomish River Delta from the M.V. Swiftsure, Puget Sound Express. It looked like the two veteran Sounders were probably getting reacquainted with each other during our visit. 531 showed her tail flukes before her deep dives. Earlier in the trip we watched CRC22, Earhart, and CRC2440 swimming side by side near Camano Head swimming towards Hat Island. On that trip we managed to spot all 4 of the Sounders that have been confirmed returning to Puget Sound so far this year. It's always fun to anticipate who might show up next each day. Enjoy some pictures from a beautiful day out on the water on Monday.-photos by Bart Rulon, March 6, 2023
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15:02 - I'm at Harborview Park tracking a whale heading towards the delta. Thought it was a grey whale but might be something else. -Jerald Russell
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12:15 - CRC531 is back and hanging out with CRC53 southeast of Hat Island [approx. 47.991518, -122.268451].
11:15 - Gray whales CRC22 and CRC2440 eastbound from Camano Head [approx. 48.044859, -122.360517].  -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Mon, Mar 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 15:24 - Humpback at West Beach on Whidbey Island - way cool. The whale was headed southbound towards the NAS base. It could have been a gray. -screen grab from video by Marion HW, March 6, 2023

March 5
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 5 - BC (J16s) - 17:09 - J16s off Musgrave Landing on Salt Spring Island. Northbound. Here is a link to my video clip of the blows from these four orcas. -Gerald Graham
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 5 - Northumberland Channel, Nanaimo, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
[Orca] Unspecified Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Mar 5 15:25 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.16641,-123.89230
Number Sighted: 5
Submitted Comments: Spotted next to ferry leaving Duke Point terminal near Nanaimo BC.
Submitter Name: Darrell MacIver 
Whale Alert App
Male is T60C Yelnats -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network - photo by Darrell MacIver, March 5, 2023
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Sun, Mar 5 - Active Pass (T99s) - Today we went out with our friends at Maya's Legacy Whale Watching and thanks to some sharp spotting from Salish Sea Orca Squad we were able to meet up with the T99s in Active Pass. Active Pass is such a beautiful place to see whales. Here, three siblings surface together. From left to right: T99C Barakat, T99D Puck, and T99B Holly.” -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Monika Wieland Shields, March 5, 2023 - T99s in Active Pass -video by Jason Shields, March 5, 2023
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Sun, Mar 5 - Possession Sound - 10:12 - Captain of the Kitsap Ferry reported a pod of orca in the ferry lane, closer to Mukilteo ferry dock during the 10:00am sailing. Was not able to see them from the ferry. No idea of numbers or direction. The captain reported the sighting right after we left the Mukilteo ferry dock on the stern of the ferry, so closer to Mukilteo side. -Erik Andersen
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 5 - Possession Sound 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Mar 5 14:30 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.00072,-122.29277
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: S end of Gedney/Hat island leisurely feeding 
Submitter Name: Webley
Whale Alert App
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12.50 - Grey whale surfaced near our sailboat (motor off/drifting). Possession Sound. Heading north/northwest, approximately here [47.984389, -122.248201]. -Erica Sutehall
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Sun, Mar 5 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch) - 12:00 - CRC53 eastbound from the mark on my map [approx. 48.050850, -122.326082]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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FIN WHALES - Sun, Mar 5 - South Puget Sound - 10:58 - I think we saw the fin whale today north of Harstine Island bridge in Pickering Passage [approx. 47.285677, -122.914268] traveling south. We were stopped watching some seals, and he came up right in front of us. -Andrea Simpson Donald
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11:00 - Someone was cruising the Pickering Passage today in Grapeview! Made my day! Southbound. The sound it made when it came up for air was so loud and magnificent! -photo by Steven Venetta, March 5, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALE - Sun, Mar 5 - South Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Karl Jones
Date of Sighting: 3/5/2023
Time: 2:10 PM
Species seen: Gray whale or humpback, 75-80% certain 
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 47.165, -122.89
Direction of travel : E toward Dana Passage
Behaviors observed: Spouting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: I heard a big animal spouting behind me, and was able to turn around enough to see what looks most like a gray whale, maybe humpback, ~50-75 feet away, and a large shadow, like sedan size, under the surface.
Photos available?: No
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Savanna Nagorski
Date of Sighting: 3/5/2023
Time: 07:50 AM
Species seen: Humpback
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Between Fox Island and Wollochet
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Breathing
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
FOLLOW UP: We assumed humpback because we didn’t see a fin (it was pretty far away), but after seeing more about the baleen whales suspect it also could have been a fin whale. Others in our party were certain it was not an orca. It came up about every few minutes to breathe, and then we lost sight of it was it kept going NW. We were on a little beach getaway off Point Fosdick and out enjoying our coffee when we saw it come up, it was blowing out and we only saw its back. It was heading away from Narrows and towards Hale Passage, here is a simple diagram to show where we approx. [47.246857, -122.593640] saw it and direction it was heading. 

March 4
UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Sat, Mar 4 - Strait of Juan de Fuca
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Emily Knudson-goerner
Date of Sighting: 3/4/2023
Time: 12:30 PM
Species seen: orca: spotted sharp black dorsal fin, black body with white spot near dorsal
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: East Sooke Regional Park, about 4km into the Coast trail (from main eastern parking lot)
Direction of travel: hard to tell, possibly southwest
Behaviors observed: seemed to be circling
If orcas, any males?: could not see
Any unusual markings?: could not see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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FIN WHALE - Sat, Mar 4 - South Puget Sound - Cascadia was able to follow up on reports from the public this morning of a whale sighted near Squaxin Park. Upon arrival, the whale was swimming close to shore in shallow water and may have briefly beached itself during the low tide. The whale was able to swim into deeper water as the tide came in, and was sighted afterward near Swantown, and again later heading out of Budd Inlet by Boston Harbor. Based on dorsal fin shape and the size of the individual, this animal is most likely a juvenile fin whale. Fin whales are considered a rare species to be seen in inland waters, so please reach out with any further sightings and photos of this animal so we can keep track of its occurrence and movement patterns while in the area! -Cascadia Research Collective
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14:00 - I saw this animal twice today (2:00ish 1st surface) mid-channel heading north out of Budd Inlet and between Eld Inlet shore and Boston Harbor. The second surface was about 20 minutes later (2:20ish) heading northwest toward Hunter Point/Squaxin Island area. Super poor viewing conditions but clear enough to see robust exhales, back and dorsal fin. This is the third fin whale I have seen from my home on Eld Inlet. Cascadia Research knows about these sightings today. -photo by Kim Merriman, March 4, 2023
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13:07 - The whale that Rhema is referring to was in danger of beaching for an hour, but luckily was able to get out of the shallows. Cascadia Research Collective was out there when our lead Aquarist just missed the action. They said she's either a small/young fin whale (40 ft) or a good-sized minke. She headed out of the Budd Inlet channel after escaping the current. -Puget Sound Estuarium
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12:32 - Eric Theusen (Marine BioGeoChem Professor from Evergreen State) reported a fin whale near the shoal of Squaxin Park in Olympia. -Rhema Neas-Gas
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12:06 - [Fin whale] Appears to have freed itself. Yaay!
11:30 - May be a fin whale. Marine Ecology Tel. has been forwarded pictures by Cascadia Research.
11:00 - Minke [Fin] whale at Squaxin Park near Olympia. Appears distressed because it hasn't moved in an hour. Possibly stuck in shallow water. Covered with water and breathing every 5 minutes. NOAA contacted. -Burt Miller
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALE -Sat, Mar 4 - Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Humpback Sighting: (as humpback, but gray(s) in the area - alb) 
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 4 12:07 PST
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.13256,-122.51066
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Lyndsey
Whale Alert App

March 3
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 3 - BC (T2Bs, T60s, T109Bs) - Excerpt from Center for Whale Research Encounter #7: “The encounter began at 1005 as the whales turned south and passed through the Chain Islets. They were quite animated at the surface, and at first glance it appeared that the bull was T060C and that he and family were travelling with at least one other matriline. Sure enough, photos quickly revealed T002B and the T109Bs! The T109Bs are rare visitors to the Salish Sea, though they are not uncommon in September in recent years. T002B is a wandering female who spends much of her time travelling with the T060 matriline, though she spent most of the ensuing encounter alongside T109B and her youngsters…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #7.
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Several Bigg's were spotted Friday, March 3, 2023 in Baynes Channel off Cadboro Point in the morning, and on Constance Bank in the Strait of Juan de Fuca in the afternoon. In this photo from the morning observation, T60C, aka "Yelnats", can be seen, with its distinctive notch on the dorsal fin. The image was taken at 9:15 AM from land by a neighbour, who has granted me permission to share it. This particular whale was observed in both groups. -Gerald Graham -photo by Michel Joffres, March 3, 2023
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Fri, Mar 3 - Admiralty Inlet (T36, T36Bs, & T99s) - March 3, 2023: Hooray! February might be a short month but without orcas it seemed a L-O-N-G one. After Bart Rulon reported seeing T36B, T36B2 and T36B3 on the Kitsap side of Admiralty Inlet in the morning, after which the line went 'dead' for a couple of hours, more in hope than expectation we braved the elements and spotted two whales south of Bush Point heading north at speed in choppy seas, close to Whidbey. Within a couple of minutes a group of three orcas surfaced in front of us and - in a brief but magical encounter - T99E popped up for air. -Sandy Pollard - T99C Barakat -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - T99E -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - T99D Puck left & T99B Holly middle -ID by Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute -photos by RJ Snowberger, March 3, 2023
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These were all within 100yds of the point [at Fort Flagler], likely the same four seen at Hansville. There were at least two more a bit further out that barely showed their dorsals when the surface to breathe. The wind & chop was getting strong. And there was another group close to Whidbey, probably who Sandy was seeing. It looked to me like at least one bull in that group but it was far away. -Jim Pasola
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T36B1 Bhotia -ID by Marla Smith, Orca Network - T36 Flapjack -ID by Marla Smith, Orca Network -photos by Jim Pasola, March 3, 2023
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15:25 - Out of my sight now, at least two were much closer to Whidbey than I’ve seen them before (with binoculars from my house). Driftwood Park and Ebey would be good places if they stay that course.
15:09 - About here [approx. 48.130360, -122.732230] northbound, spread out. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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15:20 - We saw a group of three right in front of Fort Casey, very close to Whidbey side. Could see without binoculars. Very quickly northbound. -photo by Tamara Kelley, March 3, 2023
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15:21 - Saw a bull and small fin but lost them. -Fusako Nozaka
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15:03 - Seeing them from the ferry! They were heading north. -Jann Pulfer Ledbetter
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14:45 - From Fort Flagler, I was following the group hugging Whidbey and got totally surprised by two more groups close to this side, four maybe five and then another 2 or 3 farther out. They're staying down long times, and some just coming up enough to breathe, wind is getting strong. All the whales I've seen have passed Fort Flagler and are heading for Port Townsend. -Jim Pasola
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13:55 - Orcas visible from south end of Lagoon Point steady northbound still in choppy seas, mid channel.
13:35 - Group of three orcas, including little one, have passed Bush Point northbound at speed.
13:30 - Two orcas south of Bush Point Whidbey side northbound. -Sandy Pollard
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11:21 - Northwest direction [approx. 47.925920, -122.544302].
11:20 - T36B in the group near Point No Point. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:17 - They are just off the park before Point No Point, Swiftsure is with them, there are four to six. I have yet to see an adult male. -Jim Pasola
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11:13 - They are past the point lighthouse [Point No Point] now heading north with Swiftsure on scene. I assume transients, but Bart will probably confirm.
10:59 - I’ve got a group of three or four killer whales, northbound between Point No Point [Hansville] and Scatchet Head [South Whidbey]! Swiftsure is coming from the south. -Colleen Farrell/
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11:10 - At Point No Point now northbound.
10:01 - Killer whales off Edmonds maybe a mile out and northbound. Saw once, looking out while now underway.  -Trevor Tillman
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 3 - Discovery Bay - 09:10 - [Gray] whale is still hanging out in Discovery Bay [between Port Townsend and Sequim]. Just saw several blows. -Vaughn Kline [PSWS]
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Fri, Mar 3 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch) - 16:01 - Gray whale feeding just off Jetty Island, blows at the surface every couple of minutes. -Sarah Sadid
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12:15 - Gray whale CRC53 is where my map shows [approx. 47.998438, -122.284991]. No direction. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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Fri, Mar 3 - Puget Sound - 11:20 - Saw 2 blows approx. 10 min apart. Viewing from Haines Wharf looking to Scatchet Head. If the same animal, it was heading east/northeast to Possession Sound. Assuming sleepy gray whale since I didn’t see any dorsal on the back. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALE - Fri, Mar 3 - Saratoga Passage - 09:19 - Viewing from Hidden Beach, blows of a single baleen whale, maybe 1/4 mile out from Onamac Point, Camano Island. Can't tell direction, possibly milling in area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network 

March 2
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 2 - Admiralty Inlet - 16:40 - 5+ milling, circling, possibly on hunt? Out from Sunlight Beach area. Long down times, some birds starting to gather. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:50 - Cindi Crowder Rausch also called our main line to follow up with Alisa. She reports seeing who look to be 15+ orcas, spread out in groups of 4-5 streaming southbound with more coming. Numbers usually would lean towards residents but all think dorsals look like Bigg's, many pointy dorsals. Others with her, including our lovely Jeanne Hamilton, are leaning Ts, but isn’t clear at this time and can’t say for sure which ecotype. Zero surface activity in the way of sounds, breaches... Orcas are traveling, spread just a bit Kitsap side of mid channel sightline Double Bluff, Whidbey to Hansville (Foulweather to Point No Point). All southbound.
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15:45 - Cindi reports some in same area. Still not sure on numbers, but think 8-10+? She feels confident they're Ts, but no confirmation on IDs.
14:45 - Cindi reports they are continuing southbound in the area of Foulweather Bluff. At least 5 including a small one.
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14:31 - I believe this is where we just saw them surface with naked eye [approx. 47.977584, -122.594139]. They counted 5. With binoculars, they believe 2 or 3 juveniles. Remember, we're amateurs.
14:22 - Still moving south. I just saw a fin. They saw three fins surface, as well. Three fins just surfaced as I typed this! Closer to Whidbey now.
14:15 - We saw a fin and blows just south of the orange buoy and then in line with radio tower across the way. Definitely mid channel. This is our first time seeing anything, so we have minimal language to describe things or proper viewing. I haven't seen it yet because we only have one set of binoculars. My husband and sister are the ones who have seen them. -Vanessa Cameron
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14:07 - They are just south of Bush Point, Whidbey side, traveling southbound. I’ll have to look at pics for numbers [approx. 48.016546, -122.618387]. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:05 - Spotting them is TOUGH. No clue on numbers nor guesses on IDs, too far out. Presumably still heading south per last sighting a few minutes ago.
12:45 - Seeing blows and fins straight out from Lagoon Point, midchannel.
12:25 - Ran into a scuba diver at Driftwood Beach. He saw the orcas half hour prior. Said they came south past ferry and angled towards Whidbey. Described as a juvenile, couple of females, and possible two adult males, one further off.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:30 - Orcas passing by Libbey Beach, west side of Whidbey, heading south, swimming fast close in, breaking on surface against rough seas & wind! Saw at least 3 females. Looking out our window together my partner saw 5 traveling very fast! Definitely swimming fast on the surface with exhalations, no long down times. -Tenley Martinez
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Mar 2 - Discovery Bay - Video posted on OPWS by Becky McFarland confirms whale in Discovery Bay is a gray whale. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:30 - I’ve been seeing a whale at the end of Discovery Bay since yesterday afternoon. I haven’t gotten a close look but I believe it’s a humpback [confirmed gray]. At the very end near the power lines. -Vaughn Kline [PSWS]

March 1
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 1 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - J26 Mike - ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - 18:00 - The magnificent J pod came just in early evening right in front of our home on Mayne Island. So playful and social, as always! Photos taken just before sunset. -photos by Yves Tiberghien, March 1, 2023
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UNIDENTIFIED KILLER WHALES - Wed, Mar 1 - Trincomali Channel - 15:00 - Received a secondhand report of an unspecified number of orcas who were seen by a BC Coastal Pilot northbound in Trincomali Channel between Wallace Island and Porlier Pass at 1500 hours on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALE - Wed, Mar 1 - Saratoga Passage - 14:24 - Gray/Humpback not sure which heading north in Saratoga Passage, Camano side close to Onamac Point. -Marie Heil