March 2024 Whale Sightings

March 31
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 31 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T30Bs & T117Bs) - T117B - T30B Lyra & T30B3 - These were taken just south of Race rocks. Present are T117Bs and T30Bs! Whoa! Two new matrilines for me. The T117Bs are just T117B (b. 2005) and her little, T117B1 (b. 2023). The T30Bs are T30B (Lyra, b. 1993) and her kiddos, T30B1 (Vega, b. 2012), T30B2 (Capella, b. 2017) and little T30B3 (b. 2024). Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 31, 2024
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Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #26: “Mark, Joe and Fin were working their way home from a relatively fruitless spring survey of the western Juan de Fuca Strait when they received word of a small group of presumed Bigg’s killer whales travelling east, near Race Rocks. They picked up their pace as they made their way along the southwest coast of Vancouver Island, and arrived with the animals at 1620.The group of four whales had been making good way east in the building flood current, and the Mike 1 team were quickly able to identify them as the T030Bs! The T030Bs are not overly common visitors to the Salish Sea, though Mark did encounter them in late January when CWR first observed the newest addition to the family, T030B3 (see Encounter #09). They have now been observed in the area in March in five of the last six years. Typically present in encounters with the T030Bs are the T117Bs, an adult female and her two-year-old offspring. The duo soon made themselves known, appearing just under a quarter mile to the southwest…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #26.
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Sun, Mar 31 - Puget Sound (T65As & T99s) - T65A3 Amira - Twenty minutes into our trip on the Victoria Clipper. Link to more photos. -photos by LeAnne Watts Beardsley, March 31, 2024 
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T65A2 Ooxjaa - It ended up being an incredible day on Vashon Island, catching the transient orcas from Point Robinson and the Point Defiance ferry! Link to more photos. -photos by Kyle Anderson, March 31, 2024
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T-s again! Link to more photos. -photos by Craig Killer, March 31, 2024
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Portrait of Mount Stone in the Olympics with an interesting foreground taken from Fauntleroy ferry terminal, along with three other photos from Vashon Island today. Link to more photos. -photos by Hongming Zheng, March 31, 2024
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Second Easter in a row with orcas. Started at Des Moines pier with Point Robinson, followed by Browns Point & then Olalla. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, March 31, 2024
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Tracey Carrillo thanks so much for your earlier post. We were able to catch them in Olalla!! -Lisa Lynne
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19:30 - Three off Olalla closer to Vashon side northbound. -Cynthia Swensøn
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19:21 - We see a couple from Olalla. -Lisa Lynne
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19:10 - Heading up Colvos Passage toward Ollala. I think we counted six spread across the passage. -Kathryn McMillan
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18:53 - I have at least three at Point Richmond close to shore, possibly one more mid channel from them. Haven't seen any others.
18:47 - Coming up on Point Richmond close to shore, Northbound.
18:40 - Have at least three north of Sunrise Beach close to Gig Harbor side trending north. Not seeing anything in the Narrows. From 5 Mile Drive. -Melissa Bird
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18:40 - Trending north.
18:30 - Viewed from Anthony's. Near Sunrise Beach. Milling. -Paul Davis
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18:26 - At least four of them are in Colvos right now. -April Koller
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18:19 - They’re heading south towards Narrows. -Brianna Aratin
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18:15 - Three headed up Colvos, sighted from Dalco on Vashon. -Sarah Bradford Honeywell
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18:15 - My mom called again. Said they are hugging Vashon and headed northbound. -Brianna Schroeder
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18:15 - It [pass on the ferry] was awesome!! -Sandy Hassell
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18:14 - I was there [on the ferry]! What a pass.
18:10 - Seen from Point Defiance ferry heading west past ferry lanes. -Kyle Anderson
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18:10 - They already passed Tahlequah ferry dock closer to Vashon, quick westbound travel. -Fusako Nozaka
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18:10 - My mom is viewing from Gig Harbor. “Just rounded the tip of Vashon headed towards the ferry”. -Brianna Schroeder
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18:07 - They’ve passed the Tahlequah ferry dock, close to Vashon shore heading west. -David Michael
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18:02 - Well, people on the ferry are gonna have a good time. -David Bennett
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17:58 - Coming into the view heading towards us (westbound), viewing from the 18:00 Tahlequah to Point Defiance ferry! Ferry is aware of them. -Fusako Nozaka
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17:58 - Leaders are headed towards Tahlequah ferry dock at a quick pace. As viewed Brown's Point Lighthouse. -Candace Gavin
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17:50 - T65As and T99s are now out of my sight rounding south end Maury heading southwesterly toward Dalco Passage, Vashon side. Very lovely seeing their illuminated exhalations as they travel on loosely grouped. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:52 - Just viewed from Ruston Way. Close to Northilla Beach. -Chloe Giday
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17:51 - Viewing from Dune. Approaching southeast tip of Maury traveling west. -Alisa Miller
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17:47 - Leaders are in the middle of entrance of Quartermaster, continuing west and closer to island side.
17:50 - Picked up speed, they are moving quickly! -Mollie Segall
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17:42 - Westbound south tip of Maury.  -Ed Rickert
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17:41 - At the tip of Maury, directly across from Browns Point. Continuing west. -Mollie Segall
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17:41 - Four seen - island side but visible from Browns Point Lighthouse. -Sara Cook
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17:32 - Ts continue southbound travels. Generally transect sightline Gold Beach and Browns Point. Vashon/Maury side of mid channel [approx. 47.341572, -122.441385]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:30 - Seen them from Old Town Tacoma Northern Fish. -photo by Jerry Hughes, March 31, 2024
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17:18 - General location of the Ts is between Gold Beach and Dumas Bay steady southbound [approx. 47.360868, -122.430537]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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17:08 - Viewing with binoculars from above Point Ruston. Lots of surfacing well east of main channel buoy in Commencement in line with Des Moines.  -Ed Rickert
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17:05 - From friend's place southern Gold Beach Ts are now in view still island side of channel. Grouped steady pace southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Christian Schormann
Date of Sighting: March 31, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Off Discovery Park
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Looked like traveling
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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16:52 - They went past Point Robinson and heading towards Dash Point. Moving fast. -Gina Coheley
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16:50 - All in a beautiful loose group, leisurely southbound past Point Robinson now, island side of mid channel with long downtimes. Note: Glancing through pics, do believe T65A5 is with them. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:48 - South of Robinson now. -Jamie Smugeresky
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16:41 - We can see them in binoculars from Redondo now. They are right off Point Robinson. -Melissa Spradley
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16:35 - Group of six to eight mid channel headed south. -Tray N Jen
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16:41 - Heading south.
16:30 - Now slowly heading east. Big dorsal fins.
16:23 - Seen slowly heading northeast from Point Robinson. -Kyle Anderson
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16:33 - Just turned again! Now slowly heading southbound toward mid channel - almost between Des Moines and Point Robinson.
16:23 - Just turned heading toward mid channel and north. Very visible spouts and dorsal fin. Heading away from Point Robinson. -photos by Sandy Hassell, March 31, 2024
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16:15 - Approaching Point Robinson still island side, southbound in a loose group. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:06 - Approaching Des Moines. -Scott Hill
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16:06 - Still off KVI point slightly south.
15:51 - Seeing spouts between last two boats in front of KVI Beach/Vashon. -Sandy Hassell
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15:49 - Seeing spouts island side of channel from my vantage looking like they are just south of KVI headed southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:36 - Southbound visible from southside of Three Tree Point. Mid channel closer to Vashon. Four boats near by watching them. -Sandhya Ballal
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15:34 - Getting closer to Vashon now.
15:31 - Counting six. Playful spy hop and some tail action. Heading south midchannel. Even with Normandy Park - The Cove Normandy Park Community Club.
15:21 - Mid channel by Three Tree Point southbound.
15:16 - And now there’s a whole pod! Mid channel slightly closer to West Seattle heading south. -photo by Jamie Smugeresky, March 31, 2024
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15:18 - From my neighbor on northside of Three Tree Point - southbound estimated eight whales (three bulls) viewable from north side of Three Tree Point. Slow pace headed closer to Vashon side. Sailboat near them. -Sandhya Ballal
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14:52 - They are now southbound passing Dilworth towers.
14:43 - Still milling slightly north of Dilworth closer to Vashon side of channel. Slowly moving south in close group. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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14:45 - Still at here [Seahurst]. Trending SLOOOOOOOW south.
14:26 - Flipped now. Northbound at now of the white vessel. [update] I think they’re just milling around in circles.
14:24 - Passing Seahurst now. Slow south, Vashon side. -Jeffrey Stander
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14:19 - Nearing Dilworth… mid channel. -Steve Fogard
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13:50 - 14:00 - Lots of activity, south of Brace Point, midchannel, southbound - cluster of four to five together midchannel seems maybe to have either had a small kill or stopped to frolick. Lots of breaching... a few stragglers behind, and one closer to mainland side of channel. Absolutely spectacular show! -Megan McNally
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13:52 - T65As and T99s continue southbound travels mid channel probably one and a half to two miles south of Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry traffic lanes. Such a beautiful day backdropped by Tahoma. So many passengers enjoying the crossing and orcas in the distance.
13:36 - Pods are being super active while they continue southbound about half mile south of Fauntleroy lanes at leisurely pace. Spyhops, breaches, inverted rolls, etc. so fun and beautiful.
13:19 - Group is now just south of ferry traffic lanes loosely grouped.
13:15 - Orcas are east of mid channel transect Fauntleroy dock and Vashon dock. Tail lobs, headstand. Southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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13:16 - Update did not go into Colvos! Appear to maybe be in the ferry lane close to Vashon.
13:12 - Spotted them from Lincoln Park looks like they are headed more towards Colvos Passage. Close to the Vashon ferry dock. -Mandy Michelle
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12:28 - Just passed the left side of Blake Island southbound. -Zach Ward
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12:07 - Surface activity between Alki lighthouse and Blake Island southbound. Viewing from Myrtle Edwards. Definitely closer to Blake. -Taylor Seyl
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12:04 - Probably five plus orcas southbound east side of Blake and by the sail boat. -Fei Cheng
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11:50 - Orcas were announced on our Bremerton ferry crossing. They were seen heading towards Vashon Island [approx. 47.584978, -122.432437]. -Michelle Kuhns
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11:34 - Saw blows in front of Clipper with binoculars from Myrtle Edwards Park. -Taylor Seyl
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11:28 - SJC has spotted this group of whales southbound off Restoration Point. Confirmed T65A3 and A4 for sure, but looks like 65As and 99s. Confirmed 99s as well. -Alli Montgomery
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11:23 - Restoration Point, southbound leisurely. Lots of tail lobs and surface activity. -David Scott
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10:42 - From the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry! Headed south towards Blakley Rock closer to Kitsap side. -Emma Vasilj
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10:39 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:40 to report: TACOMA Captain reports 6-8 Orca SB, East of Tyee Shoal.
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Sun, Mar 31 - Colvos Passage (T65A5 Indy) - 08:00 - Woke a lone orca traveling northbound west side Colvos Passage. Approaching Southworth ferry terminal. -photo by Tim Ferris, March 31, 2024
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Mar 31 - Haro Strait - 19:30 - Humpback breach at Lime Kiln! About three meters from shore. -Allison Herkey [WSSJI]
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15:11 - Lime Kiln, Humpback last surfaced about 14:58, moving fairly fast northbound. Surfaced about five to ten meter offshore, with barely any fluke action. May have fully passed Lime Kiln and may be past my view point.
14:20 - Humpback dove at 14:15, about 0.3mi off of Land Bank to the south. -Katie Onthesalishsea [WSSJI]
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14:07 - The humpback is trending up island, staying down for five to six minutes at a time, adjacent to the backside (down island side) of Edwards Point. Viewing from one mile south of Landbank.
13:35 - Humpback milling just south of Edwards Point. 400 yds from shore, not surfacing often. -Michelline Halliday [WSSJI]
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13:15 - Humpback milling near Land Bank. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 31 - Upper Saratoga Passage
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Wendi Hale
Date of Sighting: March 31, 2023
Time:
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Utsalady Bay West of Browns Point
Direction of travel : West to East
Behaviors observed: spouting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: seen from our home We haven't been seeing them this year.
Photos available?: No
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Sun, Mar 31 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 15:00 - 16:00 - Three grays spread out. CRC56 Stardust & CRC2249 Hattie at left yellow square [approx. 48.238450, -122.567720]. CRC2441 at right yellow square [approx. 48.228696, -122.545088]. When we left they were spread out by a couple miles. -Sam Wallace
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12:15 - Just an update on the earlier Mariners’ Cove gray report: it snacked slowly back and forth along the beach, but very gradually worked its way south and is now heading toward Polnell at a faster pace. 
11:30 - Watching a gray feeding just off the beach at Mariners’ Cove. Unclear which direction it’s going, but I’ll keep and eye on it. Looks like it may have been headed south but pulled a u-turn. -Marianne Parry
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Sun, Mar 31 - Central Saratoga Passage - 13:53 - One gray here milling, saw a fluke but from very far away [approx. 48.117536, -122.552688]. -Rose Caitlin
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10:36 - Lone gray is continuing to head north of Hidden Beach mid-channel, but was very close to shore earlier.
10:25 - A lone gray is heading mid channel northbound to Hidden Beach. Maybe it’s the one from Langley earlier today. -Janet Moody
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10:11 - Headed south now. Haven't seen them in a minute. -Mel Nasby
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10:10 - Starting to head south of Hidden Beach again. -Janet Moody
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10:05 - Still here at Hidden Beach. Having a blast feeding.
09:48 - They just flipped back towards Hidden Beach. Bluff just south and above Hidden Beach. Thank you Rachel Haight for posting this morning. It was my little sister's first time seeing these amazing creatures. -photos by Mel Nasby, March 31, 2024
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09:35 - The two grays are now south of Hidden Beach headed south, about out of sight here.
09:15 - Bluff above Hidden Beach, incredible seeing them from up here, so close together.
08:40 - Friend reports two grays very close to shore in the cove just north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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08:09 - Starting to make their way south towards Hidden Beach.
07:35 - Two gray whales off Whidbey shore, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 31, 2024
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Sun, Mar 31 - Central Saratoga Passage - 19:14 - Two gray whales headed towards Langley [approx. 48.096011, -122.486723]. -Stephanie Geissler Reid
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16:12 - I do think they did. We are not following anymore, but saw blows on the far side of Baby Island, from East Point.
15:37 - Drifting slowly toward Baby Island.
15:26 - Seeing two at dropped pin [approx. 48.109004, -122.541814].  -Amy Smith Norris
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16:11 - The two grays have entered Holmes Harbor.
14:13 - Two grays here, not sure if it’s the same one I saw [approx. 48.099171, -122.485892]. -Rose Caitlin
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13:40 - At least one gray traveling south off the Whidbey shore between Baby Island and Fox Spit. Potentially a second feeding on the shore just north of Fox Spit, but viewing from a distance at Hidden Beach so tough to tell. -Emily Wandres
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Sun, Mar 31 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 10:18 - We have one, possibly two, just north of Langley Whale Bell, about halfway between Whidbey and Camano. -Amanda Nehring
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09:24 - More towards Langley Marina area and possibly a little closer in. Northbound.
08:30 - 09:00 - Easter grey. Sandy Point and who has now traveled back north and mid Sandy Point and Langley Marina quarter mid channel out. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, March 31, 2024
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It spouted and dove for us at the sunrise Easter service at Langley Marina. -Amanda Nehring
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07:03 - [gray whale feeding] Watching from Inn at Langley [Whidbey] just now. -JoAnn A. W.
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Sun, Mar 31 - Possession Sound - 10:23 - Gray out side the marina [Hat Island]. -Shawn Potter [HIWS]
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Sun, Mar 31 - Possession Sound
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sun Mar 31 19:09 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.03626,-122.24959 [Snohomish Delta] 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Rob Howie
Whale Alert App

March 30
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 30 - Hood Canal/Admiralty Inlet - 19:25 - Between Bush Point and Shore Meadow, Mid channel. They have been at the buffet for about 30 minutes. Stalled. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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19:05 - Pretty sure it's at least four [sightings from Labella Vista - south of Bush Point].
18:55 - We see two for sure. -Carla Bradshaw
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19:00 - They are north or yellow buoy on Kitsap side. Very far, as I’m between Mutiny Bay and Bush Point on Whidbey side. Direction not for sure. -Heidi Bruns Shank
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18:14 - Viewing from Shore Meadow. Orca are mid channel maybe just east of mid. Still northbound at a steady pace. I’ll drop a map [approx. 47.96547, -122.570158]. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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17:58 - Looks like four, one male and three others. Watching via scope from Hansville Market. Very far north. -Kimberly Sylvester
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17:53 - They are kind of around that red dot [approx. 47.966031, -122.557932].
17:22 - Just saw six to seven orca off of Hansville Grocery heading north. This was taken off of Twin Spits in Hansville at 15:53 as they were exiting the Hood Canal. Looks to be three to five orca maybe? But at least three. The male came up right in front of me offshore super duper close. I wasn’t expecting him to show up right in front of me so this is the best I got after that. It got really windy. 
15:28 - I just saw one male headed north towards Foulweather Bluff Preserve. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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15:00 - Hood Canal Bridge sighting. -Hannah Johnson
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14:43 - We spotted three while driving across the bridge. By the time we pulled over, only saw the one. -Tracy Sivilay
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tracy Sivilay
Date of Sighting: March 30, 2024
Time: 2:43 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Hood Canal Bridge
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: Males
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?:
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Hannah Johnson
Date of Sighting: March 30, 2024
Time: 2:40 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Hood Canal Bridge - south side
Direction of travel : NE slow
Behaviors observed:
If orcas, any males?: Seemed large as I could clearly see it while driving on the bridge
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Saw two orcas while crossing the Hood Canal bridge westbound - pulled over at the boat ramp on the west side and caught another glimpse. They seemed to be traveling back and forth along the bridge
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Sat, Mar 30 - Possession Sound (T99s & T124Ds) - T99E - T99C Barakat - Caught up with the T99s at Mukilteo Lighthouse. T99E was having an absolute ball and breaching everywhere. As the whales passed by the park, T99E and her big sister T99B briefly started to play. It was incredible to see their dynamic together. Taken from shore at Mukilteo Lighthouse. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, March 30, 2024
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T99B Holly & T124D1 Salish - T124D3 & T124D Field - T99's near Hat Island and Mukilteo. Link to more photos.  -photos by Janine Harles, March 30, 2024
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13:00 - 14:00 - Six to eight orcas including at least one, possibly two males, in Admiralty Inlet close to Whidbey, north of Point No Point traveling southeast.   -Rod Lundberg
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16:00 - They were southbound but just disappeared with conditions. Brief sightings. -Ashley Johnson
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14:51 - I still see them off Eglon, looks like they are milling and moved a little bit closer to Kitsap side.
14:33 - I can see them from Eglon Beach, mid channel and still southbound.  -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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14:00 - Pod has continued south from Picnic Point. Mid channel to mainland side. -Candace Gavin
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13:58 - T124D pod and T99 pod are westbound at my map spot [approx. 47.890948, -122.388461]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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13:56 - Just saw a pod of five orca whales at Possession Beach. Going through the channel. -Scott Hagel
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13:51 - From Picnic point they appear to be southbound at this time. -April Janice Basham
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13:38 - They’re drifting towards Whidbey side. Almost to Possession Point. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:36 - Passing Possession Waterfront Park mid channel - steady south bound. -Dori Dace
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13:55 - They’re past the south end of Possession Point. South of the green channel marker. SJC seems to be following this group. We are losing sight but a perfect light and flat water for spotting!
13:42 - Looks like one male and at least four other smaller fins. Still mid-channel but moving closer to Whidbey side. Southbound.
13:36 - More mid-channel now.
13:32 - Currently next to a small boat at anchor off shore.
13:28 - Spotted south of the beach at Mukilteo. Much closer to the mainland and watching from Whidbey. Still moving southbound. -Ethan Abeles
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13:18 - SJC just leaving T99s still traveling southbound about a mile south of Mukilteo ferry terminal. Closer to mainland side. Breachy 99E! -Alli Montgomery
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13:14 - Still southbound! -Amelia Weixler
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13:10 - They have passed the ferry lanes and heading south Mukilteo side of midchannel in Possession Sound.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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13:09 - Past the Mukilteo ferry line currently. -Kris Clark
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12:52 - Spotted off Mukilteo. Clipper following. -Stephanie Day
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12:50 - Whales still moving south towards the Mukilteo Lighthouse. Pushing towards mid channel maybe? T99E was having a ball! -Kat Martin
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12:50 - They are traveling southbound directly in front of the Mukilteo ferry terminal, mid channel but closer to Mukilteo. -Jayn Goldsen
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12:41 - We saw three other orcas about a mile away closer to Mukilteo when the T99s were eating their meal.
12:34 - T99s are moving southbound now towards Mukilteo. South of my original map spot.
12:25 - T99 pod milling on a kill [approx 47.991021, -122.304862]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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12:23 - Still same area. They’re feeding right now. Tens of birds circling around. Viewing from Mukilteo Lighthouse.
12:11 - Absolute breach fest in front of Swiftsure. Southeast end of Hat Island. Can’t tell direction as they’re so far. -Kat Martin
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11:56 - T99's for sure. -Janine Harles
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11:43 - Two to three milling around west of us [approx. 47.992986, -122.295805]. -photos by Andrea Duffield, March 30, 2024
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11:14 - Heading south of Hat towards Mukilteo.
11:10 - Heading southeast down Hat Island, pushing off towards Mukilteo. -Janine Harles
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11:11 - I see them now. We’re waiting to start a sailboat race. They’re still moving south. Now well southeast of Hat. -Erica Sutehall
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10:55 - Janine Harles called to report the orcas are off the northwest side of Hat Island, very close inshore, heading southbound toward Clinton/Mukilteo. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:40 - Three orcas, including a male, leisurely heading towards Everett from southeast of Hat. -photo by Lori Christopher, March 30, 2024
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10:29 - Just saw them [orcas], headed to Everett. -Michele Sayed [HIWS]
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10:15 - Just saw an orca just north of the [Hat Island] marina heading [southeast]. -Greg Bonn [HIWS]
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07:50 - Three to four orcas traveling south off of Bells Beach [Whidbey Island]. -Amanda Dill [WIWS]
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Sat, Mar 30 - BC (T63, T65, T36As, T100s, T124As) - T63 Chainsaw, T100C Laurel, T100 Hutchins - T36A1 Tierna & T124A1A - Orcas. It was such a treat to see Chainsaw today and also a baby with the pod. All shots taken from shore. Denman Island, BC. (No. of Nanaimo). Link to more photos. -photos by Gerry Ambury, March 30, 2024
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Sat, Mar 30 - Puget Sound (T65A5 Indy) - T65A5 Indy - 20:00 - This is the whale seen at Golden Gardens/Shilshole. The whale may have been targeting sea lions in the area, many of which were porpoising and seeming pretty frantic. -photo by Deb Cronheim, March 30, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Deb Cronheim
Date of Sighting: March 30, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Golden Gardens, near Shilshole Marina
Direction of travel : South, with turns
Behaviors observed: Appeared to be hunting sea lions that were porpoising
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
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Mar 30 - Colvos Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 30 13:48 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.43443,-122.52306 [off Anderson Park] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Traveling south
Submitter Name: Mike Curry
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Mar 30 - Penn Cove - 19:08 - Gray whale seen in Penn Cove west of Long Point beach. The whale surfaced to breathe three times in same place (feeding?) then left the area and moved east around Long Point toward Saratoga Passage. -photo by Eileen Ryan, March 30, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Eileen Ryan
Date of Sighting: March 30, 2024
Time: 7:08 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Penn Cove west of Long Point beach
Direction of travel : E slow then medium
Behaviors observed: Came up 3 times to breathe while in same area (feeding?). Then whale swam at a good pace around Long Point heading toward Saratoga Passage
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
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Sat, Mar 30 - Crescent Bay (CRC2441) - CRC2441 - 15:15 - Headed into Crescent Bay. -photo by Sam Wallace, March 30, 2024
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Sat, Mar 30 - Upper Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Unspecified Sighting: [Gray whale] 
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 30 12:11 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.27983,-122.54059 [between Polnell & Mariner Cove] 
Number Sighted: 1
Photos: See below.
Submitter Name: Mike A
Whale Alert App -photo by Mike A, March 30, 2024
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Sat, Mar 30 - Lower Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 30 16:42 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.82898,-122.34830
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Sighted at Bells Ln in Langley WA
Photos: See photo one below. Link to photo two. Link to photo three.
Submitter Name: Sher Grater
Whale Alert App -photo by Sher Grater, March 30, 2024
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12:05 - Michelle updates there are actually three grays close in off Polnell Point, Whidbey milling around. Several observers on bluff above watching. It’s all so beautiful.
11:47 - Michelle Smith called again to report two grays on the Whidbey side now heading very slowly toward Mariner Cove.
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11:30 - 12:00 - Just to follow up from my earlier report - there are definitely two grays, and they came in to feed here at Mariners' Cove for a good 30 minutes. They are now heading down the beach toward Polnell.
11:30 - I’m watching a gray heading north past Mariner’s Cove. One is moving in closer for snacks, but I just discovered the second one.  -photo by Marianne Parry, March 30, 2024
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11:18 - Michelle called back to update the one gray headed over toward Rocky Point.
11:10 - Michelle Smith called to report two gray whales: one mid Saratoga Passage out from Polnell Point, Whidbey Island and looks milling/trending southbound; second gray is closer to shoreline of Rocky Point, Camano, also milling/trending southbound.
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Sat, Mar 30 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 15:27 - Spotted two gray whale directly in front of Langley Whale Bell Park. Appear to be moving north now. -Kris Clark
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Sat, Mar 30 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Casacde)
10:49 - CRC383 still milling straight out from Mabana boat launch with long downtimes, maybe drifting west. Haven't seen CRC22 for a few minutes but I think she's still off Summerland. Last update from me.
10:32 - CRC383 off Mabana facing north. CRC22 still off Summerland.
10:29 - At least one gray milling on Camano side of midchannel off Mabana.
10:20 - CRC22 off Summerland, facing south. Viewing from Mabana.
09:55 - South of Camano Island State Park now, long downtimes.
09:48 - Gray southbound south of Camano Island State Park boat launch. On Camano side but not hugging the shore. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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09:25 - Gray whale close to Camano side, southbound in Saratoga Passage, passing in front of Cama Beach State Park.  -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sat, Mar 30 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - 13:10 - CRC-53 is southbound at my map spot [approx. 48.046463, -122.410878]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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Sat, Mar 30 - Port Susan - 17:00 - Port Susan a Gray whale spotted 300 yards off Tulalip Shores heading north. -John C Storbeck

March 29
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 29 - Gulf Islands
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 18:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.81589,-123.34467 [between Prevost & N Pender]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Derek
Whale Alert App
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Fri, Mar 29 - Admiralty Inlet/Possession Sound (T99s & T124Ds)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Anna Swenson
Date of Sighting: March 29, 2024
Time: 5:35 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Possession Beach
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Swimming, circling the bay, breach, tail slaps
If orcas, any males?: 1
Any unusual markings?: None IDd
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Orcas seen swimming north past Possession Beach at 17:35 - 17:45. Seen hanging out circling the bay before heading north again
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Anna Swenson, March 29, 2024
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19:15 - Saw these beauty's just off Brighton Beach. Thank you all for the heads up and updates! Truly. -Marilyn Armbruster
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19:10 - Northbound passing Brighton Beach.
18:35 - Hugging shore approaching Clinton terminal. In front of Columbia Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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18:10 - We're watching them from the other side of the water but wish we were over there on Whidbey they're putting on quite a show. Just passing Glendale close to shore. -Ed Pearson
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18:05 - Incredible pass Glendale northbound hugging Whidbey still
17:55 - Hugging Whidbey shore northbound approaching Glendale.
17:20 - They hunted twenty feet offshore. It was incredible. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Lisa Mahendran
Date of Sighting: March 29, 2024
Time: 5:24 PM
Species seen: Bigg’s orcas
Number of animals seen: 8
Where seen: Southeast tip of Possession Point, on the Whidbey side right next to shore
Direction of travel : North
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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17:20 - Slow northbound travel towards Glendale.
17:16 - Whidbey side close to shore. Putting on quite a show. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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17:08 - Slow, some surface activity northbound, almost just east of tip of Possession Point.
17:00 - Possible northbound movement now.
16:55 - Have been stalled on a hunt, some progress north. Still southeast of Possession Point.
16:30 - Southeast of Possession Point.
16:07 - Possibly aiming northeast towards Possession. All grouped.
16:05 - Surfaced much further east now, continuing easy. Cannot tell if still south trend though.
16:00 - From South Whidbey, guessing roughly around here [approx. 47.873418, -122.420179]? When I first got eyes on them, they were east/southeast trend. Then some directional changes now on a long dive. Need binos to see, they are well south of me. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:20 - Our last views of the T99s and T124Ds spreading out to look for prey at my map spot still southbound. Very slow pace [approx. 47.932189, -122.475184]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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14:24 - Still in Useless Bay. The initial group we saw is being joined by two maybe three whales who were following from the north.
14:07 - They’re just milling about maybe feeding. In shallow water. There is at least one juvenile. -photo by Carolyn Burns Iwata, March 29, 2024
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14:00 - T99 pod and T124D pod are southbound at my map spot [approx. 47.953705 -122.511924]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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14:00 - Five or so in Useless Bay. Swifsure just arrived. -Carolyn Burns Iwata
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13:59 - I can see them from Norwegian Point Park. They are still headed south. A sailboat is following them. A whale watching boat just arrived in the area. -Morgan Eagar
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13:15 - Viewing from Limpet. Eight or so Whidbey side. They are battling the tide, so moving slow. Still southbound. T99s are in the mix! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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13:00 - On a tour right now. Seen this pod. -Melissa Crabtree
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12:50 - Seeing who looks to be five orcas, including a small one, on the outer edge of Mutiny Bay heading southbound. As viewed from Shore Meadow. -Cindi Crowder Rausch via Rachel
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 8:35 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.03212, -122.6073
Number Sighted: 3
Submitted Comments: Greg Roe . 3 Orca off Bush Point 1 big one with large dorsal fin 2 other smaller
Photos: See below
Submitter Name: Greg Roe -photo by Greg Roe, March 29, 2024
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Fri, Mar 29 - Hood Canal - 18:45 - We saw four orca off Bridgehaven Spit, Hood Canal. One and a half miles south of the Hood Canal Bridge. Looked like they were headed north towards the bridge. -Dan Fick
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18:22 - Seeing spouts just west of Hood Canal floating bridge. -Lea Kane
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18:13 - They were heading out of the canal. Traveling pretty fast north!
18:09 - Just spotted at least three mid channel in Bridgehaven, Port Ludlow. Slightly south of the bridge. -photo by Delaney Russell, March, 29, 2024
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Fri, Mar 29 - Hood Canal (T65As)
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 18:00 PDT
Sighting Device Location (Lat/Lon): 47.83897,-122.68436
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.83494, -122.67269 [Hood Canal] 
Number Sighted: 3
Photos: See photo one below. Link to photo two.
Submitter Name: Delaney Agodon
Whale Alert App -photo by Delaney Agodon, March 29, 2024
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 17:51 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.83075,-122.68758
Number Sighted: 4
Submitted Comments: I first spotted the orcas at 5:39pm on Friday, March 29th. They were about 1/3 mile south of my address Port Ludlow. They were traveling north towards me. At 5:51pm they passed directly in front of my property. One of the pictures shows all 4 of the orcas, fins out of the water. 
Photos: See photo one below. Link to photo two. Link to photo three.
Submitter Name: Mark Beyer
Whale Alert app -photo by Mark Beyer, March 29, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Alan Moum
Date of Sighting: March 29, 2024
Time: 5:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: 47.801272, -122.681915
Direction of travel : N, FAST
Behaviors observed: Rolled, breathing twice while rapidly swimming north
If orcas, any males?: 1 VERY TALL SKINNY DORSAL
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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11:00 - We saw a pod of orcas near Hama Hama. There were at least four. It was amazing! They were definitely orcas. They were heading towards Brinnon [northbound]. -Melanie Stillings [ONCG]
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 29 - Penn Cove - 12:10 - Two, maybe three, gray whales north of Snatellum Point and 100 yards west of green buoy, frolicking. -Erik Anderson
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10:29 - He is east of Monroe Landing. They were headed west deeper in the cove. And Harriett spotted two more over by Long Point.
09:46 - Headed towards Monroe Landing.
09:28 - Two possibly more gray whales feeding in Penn Cove. Below our friend Robert's house no real direction of travel so far. They are on the north side of Penn Cove. -Kevin Phillips
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Fri, Mar 29 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 14:12 - Gray whale reported in northern Saratoga Passage out from Mariner Cove. No direction. -Joel B [Whale Alert app]
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Fri, Mar 29 - Central Saratoga Passage
17:31 - Make that two grays - southbound.
17:27 - Another gray south bound passing Camano Island State Park - Camano side.
17:08 - Gray passed the state park and appears to be aiming for Elger or Mabana.
16:55 - Correction southbound very close.
16:51 - Gray whale close off the Camano Island State Park boat launch appears to be northbound. -Linda Aitkins
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16:12 - Heading south. About half way between Baby Island navigational buoy and Baby Island.
15:59 - Spotted one gray whale just south of the Baby Island navigational buoy. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
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16:21 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - seeing a blow between Baby Island and Whidbey Island. To far away to tell direction of travel. -Linda Aitkins
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14:42 - Volunteer Heather Anson called to report a gray whale about one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. First heard the whale from bluff above and made it to the beach in time to see one surfacing, facing north. Hasn’t seen since. Water glassy calm.
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14:45 - Still in same area.
14:42 - Two whales.
14:30 - Whale mid channel learn a half miles north of Hidden Beach no direction yet. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 29, 2024
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Fri, Mar 29 - Upper Saratoga Passage 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Grey Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 16:02 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.27861,-122.50774 [out from Mariner Cove] 
Number Sighted: 1
Submitter Name: Joel Birchman 
Whale Alert App
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Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 29 14:03 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.22272, -122.6378
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: Heading South from Penn Cove towards Snatelum Point 
Submitter Name: Hans Bjornestad
Whale Alert App
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11:28 - Now west of Baby Island, slowly heading south into Holmes Harbor.
10:43 - Now near the Baby Island navigational buoy. Still moving slowly, milling around.
10:08 - Spotted at least one gray whale in Saratoga Passage, between Baby Island and Elger Bay, heading north. Moving slowly, milling around.  -Martha Poppy Sinclair
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07:35 - Gray whale, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach heading south off Whidbey shore. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 29, 2024
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Fri, Mar 29 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart) - 13:40 - One (or possibly two) gray whales southbound Saratoga between Race Lagoon and Onomac, one for sure is #22 Earhart. Whidbey side of mid-channel. -photo by Jill Hein, March 29, 2024
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Fri, Mar 29 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade)
19:35 - Last saw these two as I was walking back. Feeding and trending south, south of my earlier pin.
19:20 - Grays are feeding super close together, slowly working their way south. Tide is coming in fast so I may have to leave soon [approx. 48.104560, -122.437370]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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19:00 - Two grays, Earhart and Cascade feeding off the point north of Mabana. I’m leaving. -Sam Wallace
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18:33 - Two grays southbound close to Camano side north of Mabana [approx. 48.104976, -122.444429]. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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18:30 - One gray (I think Little Patch) off Mabana. Was hugging Camano, then turned and went mid channel. Stealthy behavior. -Sam Wallace
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Fri, Mar 29 - Holmes Harbor (CRC53 Little Patch) - 09:30 - 10:00 - Watched grey on the northside of Beverly Beach in Holmes Harbor northbound. Dropped cell off at phone doctor in Freeland and drove north to Baby Island and watched grey from 10:00 - 11:00 heading towards Baby Island and just to the green channel marker. It looked like he was just kind of milling around when I had left at 11:00. Appears to be Little Patch. -Marilyn Armbruster
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Fri, Mar 29 - Puget Sound - 17:13 - Whale now reported near Point Robinson and still headed south. -Sound Action
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16:50 - It was slowly nearing Point Robinson southeast bound.
16:10 - Two blows viewing from Three Tree Point. Southbound. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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15:50 - Happy Friday Whale Day! Reports of a baleen whale (believed to be a gray) headed south near KVI… -Sound Action
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13:51 - Saw two blows and back of gray whale southbound south of Vashon to Fauntleroy ferry lane view from Emma Schmitz. Mid channel. -Mary Hartmann
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12:43 - Another gray whale just reported by the tug boat James T Quigg seen just southwest of Duwamish Head marker. I didn't personally see it though. No word of direction of travel. -John Patrick Darmody I
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12:10 - My son sees blows from the Seattle ferry between Blake Island and Seattle. [Direction:] I believe SB [southbound] but can not confirm. -Shannon Barnum
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Anya Rifkin
Date of Sighting: March 29, 2024
Time: 11:16 AM
Species seen: Unsure
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Elliott Bay
Direction of travel : NW toward Magnolia
Behaviors observed: Spray
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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MINKE WHALES - Fri, Mar 29 - Puget Sound  - 14:15 - I agree looks like a juvenile minke. I believe I saw this individual near the green can on the west side of Possession Bar. -Tony Tilt
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5:29 - This guy stayed just ahead of my camera heading from Edmonds to Kingston! He was going north. -Teresa Campanelli
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Charles Davis
Date of Sighting: March 29, 2024
Time: 11:18 AM
Species seen: uncertain - looked like a short finned pilot due to its head shape however I am sure that it is less than 20' and looked small. looked grey/white/black but not in defined segments
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: (47.609251, -122.348351)
Direction of travel : South in an exploratory fashion, seen popping up every 5 minutes moving 100 - 200 feet at a time, currently next to West Seattle (47° 35' 40.0344'' N 122° 22' 26.6772'' W 12:21pm)
Behaviors observed: Traveling, Diving, Rounding Out, Spyhopping, Spouting
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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PORPOISES - Fri, Mar 29 - North Puget Sound - 12:20 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: KALEETAN Captain reports a pod of Dall's porpoises heading east upon approach to EDM.  

March 28
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 28 - Strait of Georgia (J Pod) - 16:20 - 16:30 - The J Pod passed by Mayne Island (near David Cove) today in the Strait of Georgia/ Salish Sea. As lively, playful, social and fun as ever!  -photos by Yves Tiberghien, March 28, 2024
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It was a windy day in the Gulf Islands today, so scanning was more difficult than usual. Fortunately, this little Jpod member got our attention by a series of breaches. Link to FB reel. -Salish Sea Orca Squad
*c Thu, Mar 28 - Discovery Passage (T36As, T100s, T124As) - T036As, T100s, T124As including T124A1 and her calf southbound through Discovery Passage, Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. These whales went by Powell River the other day, then up through the hole in the wall and then looped around down through the narrows and passed by Campbell River this afternoon before disappearing in the massive swells off Cape Mudge Lighthouse. Because of the weather conditions, video is best viewed in "HD" which helps it a bit... it was sleeting rain! Link to video. -Heather V. Baskey
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Thu, Mar 28 - San Juans - 13:15 - Orcas westbound near the Orcas Island ferry terminal in Cayou Channel. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Thu, Mar 28 - Hood Canal - 11:30 - Two sightings of orcas in Hood Canal headed south from Scenic Beach Park. I didn't get eyes on them, but neighbors on both sides of me did. Texted me with the information at 11:30. -Kathy Cole
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Mar 28 - Penn Cove (CRC22 Earhart, CRC56 Stardust, CRC356 Carson, & CRC383 Cascade) - 19:25 - Three [corrected: four] grays off Long Point. For the record, when I pulled up to Long Point, they were feeding a few hundred yards west of the point inside the buoy line. They then started traveling east along the shore, cutting close to the point, and following the shore south. I was with them maybe 10 minutes or less. [Per Cascadia, 22, 383, 356, and the fourth whale at the end was 56]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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18:25 - Report of gray whale west bound in Penn Cove moving towards mussel rafts. Report from WIWS member.  -Kevin Phillips
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12:42 - Heading north toward green buoy marker.
12:39 - Gray whale just south of Snatelum Point [private community]. Whidbey Island. -Erik Anderson
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Thu, Mar 28 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - 15:00 - Spotted at least one gray whale east of Baby Island, heading north. Then changed direction heading west and then south into Holmes Harbor. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
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12:26 - Just found Little Patch again in the same area as yesterday. This time out in the middle. Southwest bound. -Brian McGinn, Puget Sound Express

March 27
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 27 - San Juans (T18s & T49As) - 16:12 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 16:22 to report: 1612hrs: Vessel TILIKUM reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 4 orca in the San Juan Channel. Vessel reports they appear to be moving westbound. 
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10:52 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:58 to report: 1052hrs: Terminal [LOPEZ] Agent Carly reports a westbound pod of 4 orcas off Upright Head, traveling toward Upright Channel. 
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11:25 - They are now at the bottom of Eastsound (they did not end up taking Upright Channel).
09:10 - Multiple reports from the WSF in Thatcher Pass of a group of orcas heading northwest. T18s and T49As. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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08:59 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:13 to report: 0859hrs: Vessel SAMISH reports via 800MHz they've come to all-stop in Thatcher Pass due to a pod of orcas in the vicinity. Pod is traveling in various directions. Vessel is maintaining bare steerage to allow the pod to pass. W/S notes the SEALTH is also nearing all-stop in the same area. 
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Wed, Mar 27 - Puget Sound (T65As, T99s, T124Ds) - The T99's, T65A's and T124D's had a "T" party today. Here's some video I shot of them as they traveled together down the East Passage of Puget Sound. Link to video. -Mike Maddox
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Tyee Marina & Brown’s Point in the background. Link to more photos.  -photos by Jason Cook, March 27, 2024
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T99D Puck, T99 Bella, T99E - Spent [time] with the T99s after they split from the 124Ds and 65As. Two hours spent at four different locations, starting in fog and rain and ending with beautiful sunset backlit blows, spyhops, and breaches. We were fortunate to see a close pass at Dash Point just off the pier (if only it was open!) to milling and hunting off Brown's Point. Then they pushed further into Commencement where we watched them to just south of Tyee Marina, and then back out again. All photos taken from shore with a telephoto lens, some cropped and some not. If you were one of the people that tried to talk to me as I was running off the beach to my car, I'm sorry if I blew you off, I was trying to keep up with the whales. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Jolena Tagg, March 27, 2024
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Starting with male fin on the left: T65A3 Amira, T65A Artemis, T65A6 Callisto, & T65A2 Ooxjaa -From the pass by Constellation Park earlier. -photo by Steve Rice, March 27, 2024
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T99B Holly, T99 Bella, T99E - T99E - As they approached Brown's Point. -photo by Mollie Segall, March 27, 2024
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Literally the best day ever! We are high on adrenaline over here seeing our first pod! Brown's Point. We got quite a show! -Lisa Askew
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This was from earlier at Brown’s Point! -Kitkat Whales
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At Brown’s Point tonight. -photo by Angelica Gregoire, March 27, 2024
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20:27 - Figured I might as well go to Dune. As soon as I pulled up I started glassing from my truck & was able to pick them up having a breach fest in the ferry lanes, about mid channel. I ran out to the water but haven't been able to pick them up again. Was so hoping to hear them in the dark at least… my other favorite way to have an encounter! 
20:06 - Last I saw of them they were getting close to Vashon ferry terminal still westbound, from Northern Fish Co. pier.
19:56 - Have crossed Quartermaster Harbor still westbound, close to island. -Melissa Bird
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19:50 - Northbound passing Brown’s Point as seen from above Point Ruston mid channel. -Ed Rickert
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19:50 - Coming up on Quartermaster Harbor entrance. They are still to the right of the grain ship moored over there.
19:42 - Crossing East Channel towards Maury Island.
19:31 - There's a large group approaching Brown’s Point. -Melissa Bird
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19:29 - One bull just went deep right on front of Brown’s Point lighthouse. -Robyn Riley
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19:27 - Five orcas halfway between the Cliffhouse Restaurant and Old Town, headed north, possibly northwest.  -Blake Kremer
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19:23 - Milling in front of Cliffhouse Restaurant... Closer to eastside. -Jolena Tagg
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19:19 - Have been milling off the Tyee Marina and are now off the end drifting west. -Melissa Bird
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19:15 - [video in FB comments]. -Amy Bagwell
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19:10 - Really active! -Paul Davis
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19:07 - Two groups milling in Commencement [approx. 47.289236, -122.434720] & [approx. 47.281609, -122.453315]. Surface active. Appear to be meeting up! -Mollie Segall
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19:05 - Lots of blows and some surface activity, appear to be slowly heading out. Near Jami's last update. -Jolena Tagg
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18:57 - Lots of activity as they trend back out of Commencement Bay. They are off the end of the Marina now, Brown’s Point side of mid channel. -Melissa Bird
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18:54 - Seem to be slowlyyyyyy heading west [approx. 47.292267, -122.426205] & [approx. 47.279026, -122.438076]. -Jami Cantrell
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18:52 - The group at Tyee has turned and appear to be traveling directly west towards Foss/Theas waterways (or reconciliation?). But across from Tyee. -Mollie Segall
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18:50 - Viewing from Reconciliation Park. They are opposite side north of us near shore. -Paul Davis
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18:42 - Seeing at least three bulls, & three others at the same general area off Tyee Marina/Grain Boat. You can just see a dorsal to the left. -Melissa Bird
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18:42 - One group milling and hunting at Tyee Marina. -Mollie Segall
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18:34 - From Theas Park I have at least five off the Port, in the area of mouth of Puyallup River, & near the moored grain ship (black, red, white) that's near the Marina off Marine View. Milling, lots of birds present too. At least two bulls here. -Melissa Bird
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18:10 - South of Brown’s Point headed south into Thea Foss closer to northeast Tacoma side. -Ed Rickert
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18:10 - Five heading south into Commencement right now. Viewing from Brown's Point. -Jolena Tagg
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18:10 - Headed towards Commencement Bay. -Lisa Askew
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18:03 - Looks like four or five just north of Brown’s Point Slowly headed south. Viewing from above Ruston Way. -Ed Rickert
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18:01 - Seeing them in Commencement Bay. At the moment they are near Port headed to Ruston. -Candace Gavin
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18:34 - At Dave Gilmore Park, watching, what appears to be a hunt right in front of us between us and the Greenville but much closer to us on the east side of Commencement Bay.
18:31 - Five are deep in Commencement Bay comment for the mouth of the Puyallup, just passed the merchant, marine ships in center of the day.
17:49 - Lots of activity between Dash/Brown’s Point. Viewable from Tacoma.
17:47 - Several more in front of Dash Point, may be headed towards Brown’s. Looks like hunting behavior.
17:43 - Just made a close pass by Brown’s Point, making a beeline for Owen Beach. -Blake Kremer
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18:00 - Headed south we can see three less than a mile off shore from Brown’s Point lead headed south.
17:36 - Seeing them directly in front of Dash Point State Park, closer to me than Vashon, but not far! Long downtimes in between. -Shannan Cummings Genest
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17:39 - We can see lead from Brown's Point. Definitely hunting! -Lisa Askew
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17:30 - Seeing distant blows from Ruston, northeast of the buoy. -Kirsten Vacura
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17:27 - Lead whale mid-channel out from Dash Point. Headed west. -Sean Rourke
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17:22 - Spotted here [approx. 47.335003, -122.395859]. Can't determine direction or behavior yet. -Mollie Segall
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16:58 - Five orca still at Maury Island Marine Park but now heading southeast. White boat following. One mile from Maury shore. 
16:45 - Maury Island Marine View Park. Four to five orca heading southbound quickly. About quarter mile from Maury Island shoreline. -Burt Miller
*
16:46 - Continuing southbound, I believe I’m seeing four. Lots of breaching and moving at a fast pace. -Jennifer Nichols Giron
*
16:40 - Beautiful pass at Point Robinson, grouped up, headed southbound at a good pace now, island side of channel. T99s, 65As and 124Ds. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
16:38 - On the beach past Point Robinson and I see two dorsal fins. -Jennifer Nichols Giron
*
16:14 - Seeing blows right here from Marine View Park [approx. 47.416577, -122.411275]. -Josh Nutter
*
16:05 - South of Three Tree now, east side of channel, picking up speed southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
15:55 - Resumed slow southbound, two and a half miles north of Point Robinson. -David Michael
*
15:23 - Message in from Candace Gavin, they’ve stalled/ logging now.
*
15:20 - Drifting/logging with no clear direction [approx. 47.430479, -122.404897]. -David Michael
*
15:19 - 124Ds also present. So the three groups that met last night - 65As, 99s, 124Ds. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
15:16 - Approaching Point Robinson, still Island side of channel headed southbound.
15:00 - Very much on the island side, still north of KVI or just at per looking up from Point Robinson, fins were pointed south. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
*
14:34 - Just north of KVI. Island side. Southbound. -Candace Gavin
*
11:53 - Dear friend of mine reports: Found them from Lowman Beach, they are between Blake and Vashon, far enough out and in the fog I can barely see them. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
11:52 - Couple of breaches off north tip Vashon southbound looking good for taking east side of Vashon mid channel. -Mary Hartmann
*
11:13 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, six plus whales southbound in northbound shipping lanes, just past Restoration Point. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
*
11:08 - Off Restoration Point.
11:02 - Just off Alki Point view from Constellation Park in West Seattle southbound. -photos by Mary Hartmann, March 27, 2024
*
10:32 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: Vessel TACOMA came to all-stop for their safety.
10:14 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:23 to report: 1014hrs: Vessel TACOMA reports via 800MHz they've spotted a pod of 4 orcas heading South located 1 mile NW of Alki Pt. 
*
10:18 - Seeing six orcas, two of which are males moving southwest towards Eagle Harbor but on Alki side. 
10:11 - Moving west out of Elliott Bay north of ferry lane view from Duwamish Head. -Mary Hartmann
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Patty Grandine
Date of Sighting: March 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Elliott Bay
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least one
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
09:34 - On the Seattle bound boat. Three in the lead with two following. Too far to capture video or pictures. Tried to mark spot on ferry watch map. They were pacing the ferry and Seattle bound [approx. 47.621792, -122.401577]. -Kelli Finnigan McNees
*
09:25 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 09:30 to report: 0925hrs: Vessel TACOMA reports via 800MHz they've spotted 4 orcas located one mile West of Alki Pt heading South.
*
GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 27 - Crescent Harbor - 19:17 - A friend texted two greys are in Crescent harbor near Seaplane NeX store. -Anya Sika
*
18:51 - Two grey whales playing in Crescent Harbor! I stayed for 30 minutes and they were still swimming around in the same area. -Mary Rose
*
Wed, Mar 27 - Saratoga Passage
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Mar 27 18:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.22409, -122.63706
Number Sighted: 3
Submitted Comments: Heading South between Long Point and Snatelum Point 
Submitter Name: Hans Bjornestad
Whale Alert App
*
Wed, Mar 27 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - I headed to Christy’s and then Sandy Point. There he [CRC53 Little Patch] was… traveling along and below the bluff. it was low tide so he wasn't in any feeding mode. I then hit the point, that little stinker came around the corner right towards me. Maybe 300 feet or so. Did a little "hello" spy hop and asked me, "where is my Christy" I told him to hold his horses… that lunge about did me in. Almost fainted. It was just me and him. Right after that, he turned back towards Langley again. Also LP doesn't fluke much. I haven't seen him fluke yet this season. But today he showed a little tail - that made my day too. -photo by Marilyn Armbruster, March 27, 2024
*
15:00 - LP has moved off shore a bit. Still closer to Whidbey side though. Between Sandy Point and Langley Marina. Northbound.
14:50 - He had rounded Sandy Point about 300 feet. He now has changed directions back. Northbound out from and close to north side Sandy Point.
14:39 - Close in at Sandy Point southbound.
14:20 - Out from Langley Marina. He moved out from shore a bit. Southbound. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
13:58 - We have it at Seawall Park. -Amanda Nehring
*
13:22 - Just found Little Patch about a mile north of Langley southbound along the shoreline at two knots. -Brian McGinn, PS
*
13:00 - Gray whale identified by PS Express as Little Patch. Traveling southbound off Whidbey [approx. 48.068637, -122.458435]. -Michele Edwards Ley 

March 26
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 26 - San Juans (T18s & T49As)
Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #25: “Dave and Michael were working in the CWR research office when a report came in of a group of 8 or more killer whales westbound in Spieden Channel. They quickly geared up and headed to the dock, leaving Snug at 1218. After a quick transit through Mosquito Pass, they arrived on scene at the east end of Spieden Channel at 1235. When they arrived, the whales were in two main groups. The bulk of the T49As, along with T18, T19, and T19B were milling in one group, having apparently separated a sea lion from the rocks. T19C and T49A1 milled a bit to the west, apparently socializing. Meanwhile, T49A2 was in the middle of the channel, apparently just milling on his own…” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #25.
*
15:30 - T18s and T49As milling on a sea lion kill between Limestone Point and Flattop.  -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
*
14:20 - Orcas - south of Spieden Island. Milling. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
*
Tue, Mar 26 - Rosario Strait/Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca (T99s & T124Ds - T65As joined them off Fort Ebey, Whidbey Island in evening) - Late afternoon notice of orcas southbound from Hastie Lake overlook (Whidbey Island), so I sped over to Ft. Ebey… waited about twenty minutes and spotted one, then with Rachel Haight's help, found the rest. T99s and 124Ds were a bit too far out for good photos but watched them with binoculars as they had a lengthy meal… lots of splashing, spy hopping, breaching, lunging and tail slaps. So nice to see them! T99s are matriarch Bella (b. 1984, daughter T99B Holly (b. 2007), sprouting son T99C Barakat (b.2009), son T99D Puck (b. 2015), and daughter T99E (b. 2021), perhaps her last calf as she's 40 now. T124Ds are mother T124D Field (b.1996) and offspring T124D1 Salish II (b. 2014), and T124D3 a girl (b.2021). -photo by Bonnie Gretz, March 26, 2024
*
The 99s & 124Ds stalled on a hunt for quite a while out from Fort Ebey. It suddenly got very quiet, and they weren't surfacing as much. It almost seemed as if they moved on. We walked up the hill to leave. Decided to take one last look. We saw whales about a mile-ish northwest. And they were suddenly porpoising southeast. Spread, sporadic popcorn surfacing as they porpoised. Included a male and a juvenile. At the same time, there were fins in the original hunting spot. Did one of the groups separate and come racing back? It was hard to tell. But, then, when those porpoising whales made it to the original hunt spot, a whole lot of surface activity occurred. Then, they started surfacing all at once, more than eight whales! I reviewed some photos when I got home, and they are very pixelated and grainy due to lighting and distance, but appeared to show possibly Artemis & Ooxjaa, but cannot confirm 100% - I counted about a dozen whales (would be thirteen total), and the makeup looked right, so I do believe it is likely them who met up with the T99s & T124Ds. It was actually really amazing to watch. Wonder where they will all turn up today! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
19:00 - Still southbound here approx. [48.150680, -122.720992].
18:35 - All southbound, surface active, some lined up, about a dozen whales.
18:30 - Another group came in. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
18:06 - Still in front of Fort Ebey… back and forth... actively hunting at times... lovely to see them.  -Bonnie Gretz
*
17:53 - We just found them at the beach area, they are to the left of the buoy! There are more than two. -Freesia Krogstad
*
17:50 - Approx. location hunting still [approx. 48.214702, -122.774638].
17:40 - Hunting out from Fort Ebey. Looks like the T99s & T124Ds. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
17:30 - Spotted one fin twice from Fort Ebey… inside the channel marker Whidbey side. -Bonnie Gretz
*
17:26 - Inside the marker at Partridge Point.
17:25 - Almost to Fort Ebey's Landing. Maybe seven orcas.
17:10 - Now off Seacliff Lane heading south. -Kathryn Shaw
*
17:14 - Southbound out from Libbey Park area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
16:30 - Orcas Hastie Lake Park closer to Whidbey than further out in the channel. WIWS admin has eyes one them. Southbound. Travel mode. Five to six orcas. -Kevin Phillips
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Leslie Smith
Date of Sighting: March 26, 2024
Time: 3:18 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen:
Where seen:
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Breaching
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: [Followup]: We were at Deception Pass State Park. Whales were between us at main campground parking lot at West Beach and Smith Island, but slightly north of Smith Island. We are guessing a pod, as there were large and small orcas jumping and breaching and showing tails. But at least five. They were frolicking and seem to just be tending south...looked more like they were feeding than traveling! We stopped watching after 30 to 69 minutes of watching essentially without change in position. 
Photos available?: No
*
11:53 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:14 to report: 1153hrs: Vessel SUQUAMISH reports via 800MHz they've spotted 5-6 orcas, currently located between Upright Head and Humphrey Head, heading East.
*
Tue, Mar 26 - North Puget Sound (T65As - met with the T99s & T124Ds in the evening)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Asavari Mehta
Date of Sighting: March 26, 2024
Time: 9:45 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen:
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Hunting
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?: Notch on dorsal fin
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Moving quite slowly going down for very long.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
10:15 - My location, headed north at six to seven knots, spread out, slow surfacing, little to no spray from blows. - [approx. 47.866965, -122.484920] -David Scott
*
09:45 - Passing Apple Tree Point northbound travel mode. Long down times. Around mid channel. -Sara Frey
*
09:45 - Orca. Four to five animals. Profiles look good for 65As but can’t definitively confirm.
09:27 - Seeing blows midchannel or slightly east of, line of sight is Edmonds Dog Park to Apple Tree Point. Assuming these were orcas, but too much mirage to see any fins. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
*
09:01 - Appears to be northbound. At least two individuals, one female.
08:57 - Male orca northbound mid channel between Jefferson Head and Presidents Point. -Logan Baker, WDFW
*
Tue, Mar 26 - Puget Sound
08:25 - First saw them off of Indianola. They circled around in Port Madison for about an hour then headed northeast.
07:24 - Orca pod moving through Port Madison toward Bainbridge right now… heading east.  -John Oleyar [BI] 
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sophy Johnston
Date of Sighting: March 26, 2024
Time: 8:10 AM
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Port Madison, viewing from Indianola
Direction of travel : heading north toward Jefferson Head
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: one male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Eric Nalder
Date of Sighting: March 26, 2024
Time: 7:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Port Madison Bay off Suquamish
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Diving, spy hopping, circling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?: Unknown
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: There were at least two adults, male and female, and at least one notably small one, to the side of the female.
Photos available?: No
*
GRAY WHALES - Tue, Mar 26 - Crescent Harbor
17:01 - Make it two grey whales! This is the second one. Was smaller than the first one.
16:42 - Grey feeding in Crescent Harbor. -photo by Anya Sika, March 26, 2024
*
Tue, Mar 26 - Saratoga Passage - 18:46 - Grey whale just passed us on Saratoga Road heading south toward Langley (lucky visitor to the area who doesn’t know the waters, but so cool to have this experience with my kids!) -Yukie Tarumi Bean
*
18:59 - Got eyes on two greys between Fox Spit and Bells Beach, heading toward Bells.
18:19 - Got a grey between Baby Island and Fox Spit heading towards Fox. -photo by Allie Hudec, March 26, 2024
*
Tue, Mar 26 - Saratoga Passage 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Mar 26 18:05 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.07440,-122.46611 [Bells Beach]
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: Headed South
Submitter Name: Jennie Shink
Whale Alert App
*
16:15 - Slowly southbound coming up on the spit.
15:50 - Viewing gray whale blows north of Fox Spit. I think two whales, but I'm viewing from CSP. Can't tell direction yet. -Krista Paulino
*
Tue, Mar 26 - Possession Sound - 10:33 - Laura Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:50 to report: 1033hrs: Captain, MUK/CLIN B watch, informs Ops the vessel [ISSAQUAH] made a slow approach at CLIN to avoid close interaction with two grey whales, currently heading North toward Gedney Island.
*
10:16 - Two gray whales, Possession Sound, south of Clinton off Columbia Beach. No direction known. -Christopher K [WA app] 
*
Tue, Mar 26 - Possession Sound 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Gray Whale Sighting:
Sighting Time: Tue Mar 26 10:16 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 47.96661,-122.34390 [Clinton] 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Christopher Kent 
Whale Alert App
*
COASTAL KILLER WHALES - Tue, Mar 26 - Oregon Coast - 11:45 - Aimee Kodiaq called from the Umpqua River Lighthouse, Reedsport Oregon to report seeing pod of orcas, believed to be transients, about three miles offshore from the Umpqua Lighthouse. They were there for gray whale observation when someone caught glimpse of several dorsal fins offshore. Approximately five orcas, breaching and splashing then continued on, appeared to be southbound. There was also one gray whale in area as well, there was no interaction between the two species they could see. 

March 25
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 25 - Victoria, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Mon Mar 25 13:21:29 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.44896,-123.43587 [Victoria Harbor] 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Royal Bay Charters
Whale Alert App
*
Mon, Mar 25 - Haro Strait (T63, T65, T65A5) - Every year in late March or early April we await a word that always seems to arrive in all capitals: CHAINSAW!! Today was that day, as he was picked up with his mom T65 Whidbey heading north of the Canadian side of Haro Strait. But to make this sighting even better is the fact that there was a third whale with them, and that third whale was Chainsaw's nephew and Whidbey's grandson T65A5 Indy. Indy has been a wandering juvenile whale since the end of 2018 when he split away from his matriline at the very young age of four. Since then, he does make occasional visits back to mom and his siblings, but he's also traveled with some of the most legendary Bigg's killer whales in the Salish Sea including T18 Esperanza, T87 Harbeson, and now T63 and T65. We can only imagine the sorts of things he's learned along the way! Sara was on the water today and was lucky enough to catch up with this fabulous trio of whales. This shot features the one and only Chainsaw near Kelp Reef in Haro Strait this afternoon. -Orca Behavior Institute -photo by Sara Shimazu, March 25, 2024
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13:18 - Orcas - two miles northwest of Lime Kiln, moving north. -Fred Horn [WSSJI]
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Mon, Mar 25 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A2 Ooxjaa - T65A4 Ellifrit - T65As in Carr Inlet. Orca visits in the spring just hit different. Link to more photos. -photos by Mollie Segall, March 25, 2024
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T65As Kopachuck State Park adventure on Monday. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, March 25, 2024
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From Bella Bella on Fox Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Craig Killer, March 25, 2024
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Even a distant day with the T65As is a lovely day - from the initial sighting near Ketron's private dock. -photo by Belen Bilgic Schneider, March 25, 2024
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Sunset Orcas From Horsehead Bay. -photo by April Janice Basham, March 25, 2024
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19:42 - Spouts in the distance Bella Bella. -Brianna Aratin
*
19:53 - Approaching it now.
19:25 - Very slowly southbound viewing from private residence on Horsehead Bay. -Candace Gavin
*
19:16 - Heading back out and towards Fox Island again. -Mollie Segall
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19:15 - From Kopachuck, swimming into the sunset.
18:47 - Steadily heading south, viewing from Kopachuck, closer to the other side of the channel. -photo by Kirsten Vacura, March 25, 2024
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18:45 - Finally moving off of Cutts. Headed south out in front of Kopachuck. -Randy Witter
*
18:20 - Agree with trending south. Can no longer see their blows from Purdy Spit. -Summer Schurr
*
18:20 - Confirmed visible from Kopachuck. They appear to be slowly trending south. -Kirsten Vacura
*
18:14 - Milling south of Cutts. Likely visible from Kopachuck.
18:08 - Celebrating just off the Cutts Spit.
18:00 - I have them just off Cutts. -Randy Witter
*
18:00 - They’re hugging Cutt’s south west shore, whoever is on that island is getting a show! Still milling. -Kirsten Vacura
*
17:57 - Starting a new hunt potentially? Very close to Cutts Island, almost north side.
17:47 - Finishing up a big hunt on the west side of Cutts Island. -Mollie Segall
*
17:41 - They’ve stalled, it looks like they’re hunting.
17:38 - Just saw three of them across from Kopachuck headed north. -Kirsten Vacura
*
17:20 - At least three or four now across the channel out from Kopachuck, heading towards the opposite shore [approx. 47.310634, -122.721916].
17:16 - Single male back in front of Kopachuck again. -Mollie Segall
*
17:12 - The part of the pod we are watching off of HorseHead Bay are just now headed north. -Candace Gavin
*
17:00 - Male circling in front of Kopachuck. -Jason Cook
*
16:53 - Pod is spread. Still have three back at HorseHead Bay way other side. Milling. -Candace Gavin
*
16:43 - Large male approaching Kopachuck - mid channel leisurely pace. -Mollie Segall
*
16:18 - Let me clarify I have seen the two males specifically.
16:16 - From Bella Bella they are spread out northbound in Carr Inlet still headed SLOWLY towards Purdy. -April Janice Basham
*
16:07 - Just saw them right now on south side of Fox Island headed toward Bella Bella. -Alex Howe
*
15:34 - From the south tip of Fox Island I have T65A3 northbound Carr Inlet towards Purdy. He is the only one so far I have seen here.  -April Janice Basham
*
15:31 - I can see a couple dorsals from Chambers. They’re hunting where the water changes from dark to light. About half way between the islands [approx. 47.223806, -122.643213]. -Jason Cook
*
15:00 - They are no longer in my sight but last seen heading northwest between McNeil and Fox islands. I’ll stay until after the ferry departs in case they change direction [approx. 47.217361, -122.634637].
14:52 - Looks more like they could head between McNeil and Fox [approx. 47.202703, -122.605486].
14:32 - I have the T65As (four) headed northbound into Chambers Bay area from along the Ketron Island shoreline. They have cleared the Ketron dock and are moving at a decent clip northbound. Sighting from Anderson Island ferry terminal [approx. 47.179302, -122.643580]. -Belen Bilgic Schneider
*
GRAY WHALES - Mon, Mar 25 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 15:42 - Gray whale is headed towards Mariner’s Cove from the west. -Terra Parham
*
Mon, Mar 25 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC2356 Stalwart) - 18:00 - 19:30 - Little Patch CRC 53 and Stalwart CRC 2356 feeding at Baby Island. ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network, of Stalwart CRC 2356. Link to more photos. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, March 25, 2024
*
18:00 - 19:00 two greys feeding off Baby Island. One is now offshore quarter mile other is following southbound along Whidbey shoreline.
15:00 - 16:30 - For the record, Little Patch for sure and possibly CRC 356 feeding in the cove north of Beverly Beach. No public beach access [approx. 48.075726, -122.513866]. -Marilyn Armbruster
*
Mon, Mar 25 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC356 Carson)
13:45 - Changed directions, making a u-turn heading south back into Holmes Harbor, and now about 50 feet from the Greenbank shoreline. 
13:30 - Spotted at least one gray whale heading north about one mile south of Wonn Road/Greenbank Farm, about 400 feet from the Greenbank shoreline. (There was a second Puget Sound Express boat following this whale, which made me wonder if this was a third gray whale.)
13:00 - Spotted two gray whales east of Baby Island. Headed north and then turned south into Holmes Harbor. (There was a Puget Sound Express boat following them.) Greenbank, Whidbey Island. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
*
13:18 - CRC 356 and CRC 53 are southeastbound at my map spot along the beach after three breaches [approx. 48.079683, -122.553741]! -Bart Rulon Wildlife
*
12:59 - Three breaches, gray whale style.
12:45 - Found 56 & 2356 near Baby Island, and see two more in north Holmes Harbor.  -Brian McGinn, PSE
*
12:45 - CRC 56 and 2356 are northbound right off Baby Island. -Bart Rulon, PSE
*
Sun, Mar 24 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 12:30 - It zig zagged between Mariner’s Cove and Polnell Shores. -Terra Parham
*
Gray feeding off of bluff headed southwest toward Polnell Point. They stayed four hours! Link to FB reel. -April Johns Estelle
*
12:15 - There’s a stealth gray that is passing by Mariners Cove/upper Saratoga, fairly close to the Whidbey side. It appears to be heading south, but maybe toward polnell/crescent harbor area. This gray felt a little extra sneaky compared to the ones I usually see. It has a very quiet and not particularly large spout (it’s dead calm up here), and barely any body visible. I caught one glimpse in binoculars, and the only thing I noticed was that the knuckles were not at all prominent - quite flat. Of course, I only saw it for a second so I could be completely wrong.  -Marianne Parry

March 24
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar 24 - Vancouver, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jami Bennett
Date of Sighting: March 24, 2024
Time: 3:36 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: English Bay, Vancouver BC
Direction of travel : East, towards Stanley Park & Lions Gate
Behaviors observed: Traveling with babies
If orcas, any males?: I don’t know- they were different sizes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: They surfaced near our sailboat. Two appeared quite small.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org -photo by Jami Bennett, March 24, 2024
*
Sun, Mar 24 - San Juans (T100s) - 17:27 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:32 to report: Tillikum Master reports a small pod of 3 orca off Upright channel milling about. 
*
17:02 - T100s half a mile southeast of Turn Island, currently pointed at San Juan Channel. -Trevor Derie [WSSJI]
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16:35 - Three Bigg’s northbound in San Juan Channel abeam of mid-Griffin Bay. -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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We saw a male and female from the ferry on our way to San Juan Island.  -Jayme Hoch
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T100F - T100C Laurel -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - 10:01 - [video] Taken at Fort Flagler. -photos by Sam Black, March 24, 2024
*
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Shannon Black
Date of Sighting: March 24, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Fort Flagler, 48.108767,-122.661327
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Traveling, possibly hunting
If orcas, any males?: I don't think so
Any unusual markings?: Not sure
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Appeared to be one adult and two younger. My husband saw them and took some video.
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
*
Sun, Mar 24 - Discovery Bay (T46Bs) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #24: “While scanning with his binoculars he received confirmation from Captain Carl that he had his eyes on them, close to the shore near Sequim, from his 24' perch aboard the Island Explorer 5. Carl was soon able to confirm that they were prey-sharing, with a large group of gulls hovering above them as they milled. Mike 1 arrived ten minutes later and confirmed it was a group of seven animals, the T046Bs. They were now moving at a steady pace towards the southwest corner of Protection Island. They skirted the southern shoreline of Protection Island, passing the hauled out harbor seals that were safe from their grasp…” -Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #24.
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The Sequim group continued west before eventually flipping back east and then south into Discovery Bay. This group includes members of the T46Bs. This is not the same group as the Admiralty whales. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
*
Not my video - taken about an hour ago off Diamond Point. [video by John Trubiano taken at 12:10] Link to post. -Claudia Carter
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Sun, Mar 24 - Central Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s) - T124A7 & T124A6 Kasuun - T124A Kittiwake & T124A7 - T124As (minus the T124A2s) transient orcas as they traveled north up Colvos Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, March 24, 2024
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From Alki with a 70-200mm from a couple miles away. A finale of sorts, which was really cool because I've only seen orcas twice. Link to more photos. -photo by George Doe, March 24, 2024
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T124A7 & T124A6 Kasuun - It was a TTTTTTremdous weekend for the Ts in Tacoma. First group are the T65As we saw on Saturday in the Narrows from Titlow and then again at Fox Island bridge. At Fox they did not really show themselves or really pop out of the water and were moving very quickly. The next group are from Sunday 3/24/24 at Olalla and then again at Southworth. Such a great day. The sun was not optimal at Southworth and was messing up the focus. All in all a very memorable day. Had some great shots of the baby too. Link to more photos. -photos by Craig Killer, March 24, 2024
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Orcas passing far offshore from West Seattle. Link to more photos. -photos by Neal Caplan, March 24, 2024
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124As - Link to more photos. -photo by Marla Smith, March 24, 2024
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From earlier. -photos by Ty Rogers, March 24, 2024
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Is this the baby?  -photos by Brianna Aratin, March 24, 2024
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T124A7 in the lead - Taken from the shore at Ollala earlier today. -photo by Mollie Segall, March 24, 2024
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From earlier. The most Seattle video I've ever taken. - [video in FB comments] -photo by Jon Rosenberg, March 24, 2024
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17:52 - Activity just off shore south of the furthest south house on Apple Tree Point, almost to the marker. -Gareth Reece
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17:50 - Saw the orcas & grays from the Edmonds ferry! It even slowed down for them. They passed us and went south. -Saloni Goel
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17:44 - Looked like they were splashing a bit all together. Hunting maybe? Definitely closer to Edmonds side what I saw. Been a few minutes now. Saw some top fins. -Stephanie Burton
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17:43 - Orcas are still headed north. Tug just past. Grays are southbound just past south ferry lane. -Jenny Klis
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17:36 - Orcas now southbound from Edmonds. Closer to Kingston. Grays - orcas - porpoises galore. Ferry heading right for the grays. -Maia Jewell
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17:34 - Apple Tree Cove - they are through the ferry lanes fast traveling north. -Jenny Klis
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17:09 - Where that ship was, we saw spouts of the orcas. We also saw another, larger animal come up. -Maia Jewell
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17:02 - Spouts by this large ship. -Stephanie Burton
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16:43 - Viewing from Kayu Kayu Park in Richmond Beach. West channel northbound. Long down times. -Kevin Woolley
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16:40 - Saw them WAY off on the opposite side of the sound! Still heading northbound! -Liz Weidner
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16:32 - Approximate location [47.754195, -122.460309]. Still trending north. -Larry Benesh
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16:17 - Blue Ridge Beach spotting, north of beach way out in the mid/west channel, unsure of direction. -Malinda Sorci
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16:09 - Viewing from Carkeek. Mid to west channel. -Larry Benesh
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15:55 - Straight west from Golden Gardens near Bainbridge shore. -Dan Slagle
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15:45 - Mid channel heading north direct out from Shilshole Marina. -Conner Helms
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15:36 - Viewing from Ray's Boathouse. Northbound. Trending towards west side. -Maia Jewell
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15:32 - Northbound off Discovery West Point, towards Shilshole! -Quinn Smart
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15:20 - Sighting mid channel Discovery Park! -Kobie O'Brian
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15:16 - Seeing them from Rolling Bay on Bainbridge Island. Just south of the channel marker near Discovery Bay. -Charlotte Pyle
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Pellkofer
Date of Sighting: March 24, 2024
Time: 3:07 PM
Species seen: Dorsal fins plus plums of mist from at least 4 individuals
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: West Point lighthouse
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?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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14:37 - Just saw at least four off of Elliott Bay marina. -Sanya Hardin
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14:36 - That was SO exciting! Caught one on camera from Alki. -photo by Valerie Unger, March 24, 2024
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14:24 - Between Elliot Bay marina and Discovery Park. Heading northwest.
14:22 - Closer to Magnolia than Alki at this point. -Laura Middleton
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14:23 - About here trending north. Right by the sailboat. They’re booking it.
14:18 - FIVE HUGE breaches. Trending northbound at a clip. -Taylor Seyl
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14:15 - They’re milling about in Elliott Bay. In line with the marina in Magnolia as viewed from 64th Alki Beach. -Steve Rice
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14:02 - Lots of seabirds and tail action. I think they’re on a kill.
14:13 - Trending north again. Closer to Seattle side at the moment. Clipper following. -Taylor Seyl
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13:55 - They’re entering the bay right now [approx. 47.591747, -122.377821]. Close to shore West Seattle. -Alexander Simenstad
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14:11 - Tail lob from 1500 block Alki. They were hunting here then burst into breaches after moving north.
13:20 - Off Constellation Park in West Seattle. -photo by Robin Sinner, March 24, 2024
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13:30 - Sighted a few surfacings near Alki Beach from the Tacoma ferry. -Stacie Simonson
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13:53 - Appear to have stalled to catch up and are tail lobbing and one side breach. Near the Clipper still.
13:26 - Clipper has cut engines. Blows were right between them and the small boat.
13:35 - AWESOME pass in front of Clipper!! Travelled parallel to nose
13:20 - Definitely closer to Alki side now!!
13:14 - Seeing blows northeast bound, about halfway between Alki and Blake. Viewing from Myrtle Edwards Park. -Taylor Seyl
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13:03 - Spread out a bit. Some still between Southworth and Blake (from my view).
13:00 - Just past south end of Blake as viewed from Constellation park. Moving northeast. -Steve Rice
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12:38 - From Southworth; they were headed east. -photo by Dallas Braham, March 24, 2024
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12:37 - Right outside of Southworth ferry. -photo by Samantha Michelle, March 24, 2024
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12:30 - Spotted them, looks like they are headed north just going past Blake Island, east side of the island. -Mandy Michelle
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12:30 - From Southworth. Just past the sailboat. Headed maybe east-ish towards Seattle side. -Stephanie Burton
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12:25 - Spotted about here [approx. 47.521358, -122.486869], just off Southworth. -Candy Hull
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12:13 - Approaching Southworth now. -Jeffrey Stander
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11:57 - Seeing blows closer to the mainland side approaching Southworth, but still a ways out. -Mollie Segall
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11:41 - They’re headed north past Fragaria now some midchannel and some very much on east side. -Jami Cantrell
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11:35 - North of Olalla, continuing north last surface. Long dives. East of mid channel. -Ashley S Whitman
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Scott MacLeod
Date of Sighting: March 24, 2024
Time: 11:25 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Anderson Point in Colvos Passage
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?: Too far to see details.
Photos available?: No
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11:22 - BEAUTIFUL close pass at a friend’s on Prospect Point! Next stop Southworth! -Jami Cantrell
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11:17 - They’re passing Anderson Point Park now, split into three groups close to mainland side. Still heading north and cruising swiftly. -Jasmine Myers
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kristen Althizer
Date of Sighting: March 24, 2024
Time: 11:15 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: From Olalla Bay Market and Landing
Direction of travel : North, moderate pace
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 male
Any unusual markings?: N/A - couldn't see
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: At least one baby, maybe a juvenile as well
Photos available?: No
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From Olalla. -photo by Dallas Braham, March 24, 2024
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11:16 - Viewing from Olalla, heading north, disappearing around the point. -Candy Hull
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11:15 - Just passed Olalla northbound, about to be out of view from the beach. -Kirsten Vacura
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11:14 - Just passed Olalla -Dallas Braham
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11:03 - Approaching Ollala, still headed north. -Jami Cantrell
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11:00 - Blows south of Olalla now. -Jeffrey Stander
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10:58 - Just spotted, hunting. Midchannel. South of Olalla. -Kevin M. Harris
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10:58 - Approaching Ollala, closer to mainland side. -Mollie Segall
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10:58 - General area [approx. 47.411173, -122.542120]].
10:57 - Got ‘em! Approaching plans very close to Gig Harbor side. -Jami Cantrell
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10:42 - They passed Sunrise Beach about fifteen to twenty minutes ago [10:22 - 10:27] - we had just missed them! Hoping to catch them at Ollala. If you go to Ollala please support the market there if you can. -Lindsay Morgan Goodman
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10:11 - Just headed into Colvos from Gig Harbor ferry landing. -Kimberly Wenner
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09:40 - Current position heading west still [approx. 47.325988, -122.517501]. -Jim Schmaltz
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09:38 - Passing Owens Beach mid channel, moving north-ish and west. Eyes on them from ferry. No males, at least six animals. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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09:31 - Close to Vashon side almost at the ferry terminal just east. -Brian Bischof
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09:25 - Westbound crossing mouth of Quartermaster. -Ed Rickert
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09:20 - They appear to be heading west in Dalco Passage between Piner Point on Maury Island and Rustin near Tacoma.  -Burt Miller
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09:11 - They’re visible from Dune between the channel marker and Dash Point. Direction unknown at this time. Some surface activity, etc. -Jami Cantrell
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09:10 - Spotted just south east of main channel marker buoy. Viewing from Point Ruston. Headed north towards south tip of Maury. -Ed Rickert
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09:10 - Visible with binoculars from Ruston Way looking northeast [approx. 47.349239, -122.407264]. -Jason Cook
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09:05 - We watched what appeared to be a hunt right by a trophy fishing boat east of Dash Point pier. Now they seem to be headed over to Maury Island. -Blake Kremer
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09:03 - Group kind of milling about in front of Dash Point. Mostly southwest travel, but some switching directions. A few spy hops and tail splashes. No apparent males. -Eric Elgar
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09:01 - They are in two groups. About 300-400 off shore. Seem to be fishing and circling but moving that way.
08:53 - Baby on board as well.
08:50 - Four or five from Dash Point.
08:41 - Approaching Dash Point from the east. -Sean Rourke
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07:00 - Three whales just passed Woodmont Beach [Des Moines]. Headed south towards Redondo. -Mitzi Gligorea
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Sun, Mar 24 - South Puget Sound (T65As) - T65A2 Ooxjaa, T65A3 Amira, T65A Artemis - T65A Artemis - As I sit here waiting on the T065A's to venture south again, here's a few pictures from their last travels in Case Inlet a few days ago on Sunday March 24, 2024. These images were shot from the Port of Allyn pier. I was hoping the 65A's would come over to the pier where about 35-50 sea lions were hanging out taking refuge from their predators. Link to more photos. -photos by Mike Maddox, March 24, 2024
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T65A3 Amira -photo by April Janice Basham, March 24, 2024
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T65A3 Amira - T65A Artemis - A close pass near Allyn, Washington today. Link to more photos. -photos by Bee Lorenzen McVicker, March 24, 2024
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T65A3 Amira - T65A Artemis & T65A6 Callisto - Allyn, WA.  -photos by Dallas Braham, March 24, 2024
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T65A2 Ooxjaa - Saw them from Victor and then later from Heron ferry dock. -photos by Paul Davis, March 24, 2024
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19:33 - From Joemma T65As are headed south towards Nisqually at this time. Losing light fast but watching beautiful sunlit blows as they move further south!.
18:44 - Seeing fins from Joemma. Still headed southbound. -Candace Gavin
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17:45 - They passed through Case Inlet between Herron & Harstine, heading south. -photo by Nikki Seiler, March 24, 2024
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17:28 - Headed south past Herron Island on the Harstine side.
17:16 - This is where we saw them. Headed south [approx. 47.276475, -122.841469].  -Bee Lorenzen McVicker
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16:44 - Just hanging in Case Inlet. Passed the opening of Pickering but still around that area.
16:12 - Still in Case Inlet.
16:06 - Deep dives. Haven’t seen them since. Don’t know if they went into Pickering.
15:57 - Middle of channel near fishing boat. Heading toward Pickering. -Donna DeBree-Moore
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15:40 - We can confirm five orca just south of Vaughn, heading south along the eastern side of Case Inlet. -Shannon Boldt
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15:35 - They have left Allyn, traveling southward nearing southern tip of Stretch Island. Looked to be one bull and four females. Moving slowly. -Linda Axelson
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15:24 - Viewing with binoculars from Allyn looking towards Victor. Pod is east side of mid. Maybe back towards Rocky Bay. -Candace Gavin
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15:10 - Near Rocky Point heading south. -Laurie Mathews
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15:00 - We saw them from Allyn while eating late lunch. A lot more sea lions on the pier when we got back to the car! -Rob Forkner
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14:54 - Southbound from Allyn Waterfront Park. Mid channel. -Candace Gavin
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14:38 - They’re near Allyn pier. At least one bull and a couple others. Been hearing the sea lions barking in the evenings. They headed back out pretty quickly. Just a quick run to Allyn pier for a sea lion and back out. -Beverly Lynch McCallum
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14:26 - Seeing fins from Allyn just south of here. Slowly trending northeast. -Candace Gavin
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13:26 - Paul D reported from south end of North Bay seeing at least one orca in the area. [Per WA app].
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13:26 - Candace reports seeing three orcas including one male headed eastbound into Rocky Bay, viewing from Victor. 
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 24 - Holmes Harbor (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC2356 Stalwart) - Out on Swiftsure with Sound Water Stewards on a gorgeous sunny day. We caught up with gray whales Stalwart and Little Patch just inside Holmes Harbor, and watched them feed along the shore line... so lovely! With many other SWS friends. Happy to be back on a boat! -photos by Bonnie Gretz, March 24, 2024
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We had a beautiful calm day for our Sound Water Stewards fundraising cruise from Langley aboard Swiftsure – what a special treat to see #53 Little Patch and *** correction, #2356 Stalwart - feeding along the shore in Holmes Harbor! Their ‘heart-shaped’ backlit blows were so beautiful – a fun day with lots of good friends. And a HUGE thank you to Puget Sound Express for their support!  -photos by Jill Hein, March 24, 2024
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Warm spring sunshine on a Sunday afternoon was more than welcome for whale watching with one of the Sounders surfacing directly out from Hidden Beach. The air was still enough to hear a whooshing exhalation as the whale passed by and headed toward the mouth of Holmes Harbor. -Sandy Pollard -photo by RJ Snowberger, March 24, 2024
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16:15 - CRC 53 and 2356 are feeding along the shore at my map spot [approx. 48.070343, -122.543648]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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14:42 - Grey whale is now south of Hidden Beach heading toward mouth of Holmes Harbor.
14:30 - Grey whale directly out from Hidden Beach, Whidbey side of mid-channel. Cannot confirm direction of travel yet. -Sandy Pollard
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12:50 - CRC-53 is southbound at my map spot [approx. 48.125619, -122.532554]. -Bart Rulon
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11:37 - Definitely north slow travel. Not milling but getting closer to shore.
11:27 - Friend Lauryn reports gray whale west side entrance to Holmes Harbor, out from Wonn Road public access street end, traveling north out of the harbor [approx. 48.101747, -122.558854]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Sun, Mar 24 - Puget Sound - 09:22 - Just saw whale blow again still just off of Wing Point, Bainbridge. -Sandra Trahan
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08:56 - That is Hidden Beach, Greenbank on Whidbey Island. ID CRC53 Little Patch, Serena Tierra, Orca Network.
07:22 - One gray whale feeding off Hidden Beach right now. -photos by Bob VonDrachek, March 24, 2024
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Sun, Mar 24 - Possession Sound - 16:05 - Seeing spouts between Jetty and Hat Island, nothing coming out of the water that I can see so far. -Sasha Lucas
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Sun, Mar 24 - North Puget Sound (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade) - I had almost forgotten about the grays because I thought they turned around and went south. Then I checked updates on the group of orcas hanging around Alki heading northbound and when I went to look out at the water I didn't realize what I was seeing at first and then realized it was the two grays! Made my entire week! [video in FB comments]. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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17:00 - Not sure which whales, but either gray or humpback or baleen? Seen on east shore side from Kingston ferry terminal. Across the water. Northbound. -Stephanie Burton

17:01 - In the ferry lanes eastbound towards Edmonds it seems. One gave a nice little tail wave to the Kingston bound boat!
16:53 - Northbound and getting closer to Kingston.
16:49 - Two gray whales between Kingston and Edmonds. -Ashley Alecci Goninan
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14:15 - I am on Redhead and San Juan Clipper found them first but we are currently watching two gray whales on the far west shore of Port Madison feeding. One of them is 383. -Christopher Lewman
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Sun, Mar 24 - Port Madison (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade) - Gray whales in Port Madison. -photo by Michael Dougherty, March 24, 2024
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14:05 - Two grey whales are back in Port Madison closer to Suquamish dock.
12:53 - They have gone out of sight and towards Jefferson Head.
12:47 - We are seeing two greys from Indianola bluff, moving slowly towards camp Indianola. -Sophy Johnston
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12:35 - They are in front of the Suquamish dock. -Catherine Alvarado Soto
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CRC383 Cascade - 12:13 - SJC has located the two whales off Bainbridge traveling slowly north in Port Madison. One IDed as CRC383 Cascade [We reviewed some other images, looks like the other whale was CRC22 Earhart! Those two have been spending time together, quite interesting they went on a swim about so far south. - Alisa, ON] -photo & ID by Alli Montgomery, March 24, 2024
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09:41 - Puget Sound - Confident they were grays. No visible dorsal fins, and visible ridging, knuckles, on their backs.
08:26 - We’ve been watching a group of either humpbacks or grays from Bainbridge island. First spotted off of Wing Point, Bainbridge Island, heading south. They have turned in to Blakely Harbor, now past our line of sight. Three to four spouts observed. -Susanne Hutchinson
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08:08 - Closer to Bainbridge, heading towards Blakely Rock.
08:05 - Three to four spouts, first spotted off of Wing Point, Bainbridge Island.
08:01 - Watching either humpbacks or grays from Pritchard Park on Bainbridge. Traveling south, mid channel. -Susanne Hutchinson [PSWS]

March 23
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 23 - San Juans - 09:15 - Report of at least three orcas southbound in Spring Passage (between Jones and Orcas Islands). -Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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Sat, Mar 23 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - 15:10 - Redhead just acquired them west of Possession Bank. Northwestbound. -Christopher Lewman
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14:40 - Now traveling south/southwest. Strider trailing the other three.
14:30 - T46s milling/hunting southeast of Possession buoy.
14:04 - T46s southbound pass Possession Point Waterfront Park. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:42 - Now south of Glendale
13:37 - Heading towards Mukilteo.
13:18 - Just spotted some right by Clinton ferry dock. -Kelly Jeanne
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12:52 - The T46s are progressing southbound between Hat and Whidbey. Whidbey side of mid. Viewing from north of Clinton. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:50 - Still southbound [approx. 47.995172, -122.341052]. -Lori Christopher
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12:50 - SJC leaving 46s traveling south towards Clinton closer to Whidbey. -Alli Montgomery
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12:35 - T46 pod is about a mile south of my map spot southbound [approx. 48.031787, -122.370890]. -Bart Rulon, PSE
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12:25 - T46s southbound south of Sandy Point. -Orca Network
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12:20 - Sure looks like T46s, have rounded Sandy Point southbound Whidbey side.
12:18 - Rounding Sandy Point. -photos by Marilyn Armbruster, March 23, 2024
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12:15 - We went to the Langley Whale Center on Friday. Nicest staff. So knowledgeable and welcoming. We then got to see orcas thanks to alerts on the Orca Network FB page. Two to three south of Langley. -Sandy & Bobby
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12:04 - Two to three headed south mid-channel between Langley and south point Camano Island. -Ryan Stringfellow
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Adam Sokol thanks for this report! Got to see them because I saw this in time. -Sandy Franco Covais
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11:50 - Passing Langley headed south. -Adam Sokol
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11:00 - Writing a quick note to let you know we spotted two, maybe three orcas from the beach on Fox Spit/East Point. They were headed towards Langley and we're moving fast! They were pretty far in the center of the channel. We also called the whale center! -Kim and Rob Maxwell
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11:05 - Just got a call from Kim at Fox Spit. At least five orcas southbound, most past Fox Spit. Asked her to email as well. -Katie Watkins, Orca Network
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Sat, Mar 23 - Possession Sound - 19:30 - We saw porpoises, orcas, and a grey whale pass by Mukilteo. -Jewels Lutovsky
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19:20 - At least two to three orca southbound at Mukilteo ferry close to shore. -Melissa Simmons
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10:37 - I’m sending this email because I didn’t see the whale but our other ferry saw three orca around the Mukilteo Lighthouse and the Boeing Loading Dock heading north. I thought I saw something around the Mukilteo Lighthouse when we were in the dock. -Christopher Kent
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10:06 - Orca pod moving northeast from Clinton bound 10AM ferry according to my friend’s coming to visit. Not sure if this group or another. At least one large male present. -Debbie Stewart
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Denham
Date of Sighting: March 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Mukilteo Lighthouse
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: 1 or 2 maybe
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: It was amazing
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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07:35 - Pod of orcas headed north past Point Jefferson [Kingston] through the middle of the fishing fleet. Look like about six or eight, at least two males. -Alan M
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Sat, Mar 23 - Puget Sound (T65As) - Anyone need a T65A fix? I sure did. So great to see this family today in the South Sound. One family that is VERY CLOSE to my heart. However I didn't see T65A5 but not saying he isn't here. They were sneaky all day long and he is a known wanderer. Hopefully tomorrow brings more looks. And a rainbow as they passed under the bridge. Spring has sprung. Link to videos. -April Janice Basham
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Sat, Mar 23 - South Puget Sound
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ellen Cleary-Penninger
Date of Sighting: March 23, 2024
Time: 6:13 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Bella Bella Beach, Fox Island, Wa
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: One of the group came over to say hello
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
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T65A3 Amira - T65A Artemis, T65A6 Callisto, T65A2 Ooxjaa - 18:00 - At Fox Island. Blessed to see them this close, video and solos are of Amira T65A3. Link to more photos. -photos by Isaac Gibson, March 23, 2024
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T65A Artemis - Link to more photos. -photos by Marla Smith, March 23, 2024
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20:12 - My first sighting! It was a dream come true. -Dennette Niccole Harrison
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19:30 - Passed through Kopachuck, towards Purdy. My first sighting! Thanks all for the helpful clues in making a dream come true. -Jordan Small
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18:31 - They are headed towards Cutt’s Island - just passed the outside of Horsehead Bay. -Kathy Kaminoff Weymiller
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Joel Fredrickson
Date of Sighting: March 23, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Fox Island Horsehead Bay areas
Direction of travel : West towards Horsehead Bay Area and Curt’s State Park
Behaviors observed: Milling feeding slowly drifting
If orcas, any males?: Seen from shore
Any unusual markings?: Seen from a high cliff
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Looked like a few small ones
Photos available?: Yes, I will email the photos to sightings@orcanetwork.org
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Whales Sat night 630 fox island Horsehead Bay -'Joel Fredrickson' via Orca Network Sightings -photo by Joel Frederickson, March 23, 2024
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18:28 - T65A3 Amira. -Brianna Aratin
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18:17 - [video of T65A3]. -April Janice Basham
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18:14 - Right off of Bella Bella Beach, but within view from the Fox Island Bridge. -Leslie Stroud-Romero
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Ellen Cleary-Penninger
Date of Sighting: March 23, 2024
Time: 6:13 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Bella Bella beach, Fox Island, Wa
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: One of the group came over to say hello
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
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17:58 - Four coming towards Fox Island Bridge. -Isaac Gibson
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18:04 - They are almost to the pier [bridge]. Group of three on the Gig Harbor side, and the lone male all the way on the left by the lighthouse.
17:55 - We have eyes on them from the Fox Island Pier [bridge] in the distance. -Brianna Aratin
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17:21 - Fox Island Bridge! -Laura Frank
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17:12 - Headed up Hale Passage on the Fox Island side. Directly across from the opening of Wollochet Bay. -Sydney Haglund
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16:58 - Heading between Fox Island and Day Island. Closer to Fox Island. Appear to be hanging on one area for a few minutes. -Shaneé Malone
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T65A3 Amira - 16:51 - This was at Narrows Beach. -photo by Dallas Braham, March 23, 2024
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T65A3 Amira - I got the same photo from the Narrows. -photo by Brianna Aratin, March 23, 2024
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16:47 - Lone male southbound past Narrows Park heading toward Fox Island Pier.  -Lily TucSar
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16:49 - Large group of people viewing from Titlow. Whales closer to Gig Harbor side. -Courtney Kennel
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16:37 - Seeing one dorsal north of bridge Gig Harbor side viewing from Titlow traveling south. -Cherie StOurs
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16:36 - Whales are just north of the Narrows right now! -Karen Conley [ONCG]
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16:37 - Passing under the Narrows, Tacoma side. -Kirsten Vacura
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16:35 - Passing southbound under the Narrows. -Calypso Maritime
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16:33 - They are about to go under the Narrows. -John Towne
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16:24 - Viewing from my drive over the bridge they’re approaching the north bridge midchannel headed south with the boats.
16:22 - They’re crossing over to Gig Harbor side approaching Point Evan’s headed south. I’m moving locations.
16:16 - In front of Salmon Beach headed south. -Jami Cantrell
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16:12 - Passing Salmon Beach. -Kirsten Vacura
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16:05 - Almost to the point of Dune, south of the parked sailboat. Definitely appear to be committed to the Narrows. Continuing at that leisurely pace they are using today. -Mollie Segall
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16:00 - This was recorded around 4pm. We were south of Vashon and with the whales a ways off we cut the engine and were just drifting. Got super lucky, they popped up right next to us. Enjoy, we sure did. -Jonathan Salter
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15:56 - Heading towards Narrows. -Brianna Aratin
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16:01 - Mid channel but trending towards the Narrows.
15:55 - I see three or four of them westbound and well past the ferry lane. They were closer to Vashon side but appear to be coming towards the Narrows based on the current position. -Mollie Segall
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15:55 - From the Dune they seem to be headed towards the Narrows at this time. -April Janice Basham
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Clark Chapin
Date of Sighting: March 23, 2024
Time: 3:52 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 47.332886, -122.5071609
Direction of travel : W at steady slow pace till a small boat overtook it at too close a range and it sped off, likely NW up the west coast of Vashon Is.
Behaviors observed: traveling
If orcas, any males?: Straight, tall dorsal fin with perhaps a slight forward curve at the very tip.
Any unusual markings?: Too far to see.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The ferry operator on the 3:40 ferry from Point Defiance to the Tahlequah ferry landing alerted the passengers to the sighting early in the passage. The Orca was traveling along the southern coast of Vashon Island and was to the east of the Tahlequah landing when first spotted.
Photos available?: No
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15:44 - West of ferry lane.
15:42 - Three just passing west of Quartermaster Harbor. -Dallas Braham
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15:41 - Pod approaching Tahlequah ferry dock mid to Vashon side. Amira is on the Dune Peninsula side trailing the rest of the pod. All are westbound. -Candace Gavin
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15:32 - We have eyes on three dorsal to the left of tug boat heading west just approaching Maury viewing from the Dune. -Cherie StOurs
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15:30 - People at Dune have eyes on them, they haven’t passed Dune yet. -Jami Cantrell
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15:23 - About to pass by Defiance. -Philip Stime
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15:19 - Amira last I saw.
15:18 - I’m headed to the next location but Amira still seems to be headed south at this time towards Ruston. The others should be getting close to Dune soon [approx. 47.304884, -122.451250]. -Jami Cantrell
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15:17 - Two. In front of Brown’s Point light house, 300 yards offshore, heading into Commencement Bay towards the river. -Blake Kremer
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15:12 - Sighting at Brown’s Point Lighthouse. About 150 yards out. To the right of the lighthouse.
15:05 - Jami Cantrell so beautiful. Thanks for your help spotting. So great to see you there! -Sara Cook
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15:03 - Beautiful close pass by Amira just passed the pier maybe 50 feet from shore at Dash Point headed towards Brown’s Point.
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14:55 - About right here all headed south. Heads up Brown’s Point is probably going to get a great pass [approx. 47.323591, -122.442708]. -Jami Cantrell
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14:50 - Dash Point Pier. At least three to four. -Sara Cook
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14:45 - Coming into view from Dash Point far east in channel at this time headed south. -Jami Cantrell
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14:25 - Observing three passing Dumas Bay on the east side of East Channel. Heading southbound toward Tacoma.  -Burt Miller
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14:19 - One at Redondo Beach pier, federal way. About 200 yards offshore. -Sara Cook
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14:00 - All passed Point Robinson now, stealth mode, mostly out near mid channel, Ooxjaa out from rest of family on island side of mid channel, all steady southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:51 - Three orcas passing Point Robinson. Midchannel and long downtimes. -Mollie Segall
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13:46 - Sighting one from Des Moines Pier, directly in front. -Shannan Cummings Genest
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13:45 - I’ve got one lone male at Point Robinson heading south. -Mollie Segall
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13:44 - Seeing one male approaching Point Robinson island side of mid channel, southbound stealth mode. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:42 - Lone male just passed near MVP. Maybe a couple hundred yards off shore. -Isaac Gibson
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13:42 - Lone male right across from Point Robinson. Watching from KVI. -Derek Grissom
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13:32 - Seeing them by KVI. -Mandy Michelle
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13:05 - Viewing from Three Tree, one lone male moving south.  -Alejandra Sweeney
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12:52 - South of Glen Acres now, spread out, southbound with long dives, island side of channel, T65As! -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:50 - Spotted from Brace Point well south on opposite side. Should be visible from Three Tree. -Steve Rice
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12:10 - Lost them behind some trees, but we think they are headed down the east side of Vashon.
12:05 - Viewing them from Southworth. They are approaching the north tip of Vashon. Unclear if they are going east or west. Just at the channel market from our view point. Still southbound. -Hunter Sasser Oetinger
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11:12 - Just saw a pod of maybe seven [orcas] off of the 10:40 [Seattle to] Bainbridge ferry headed south. -Amber Whiteman
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Mar 23 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & CRC2356 Stalwart, possibly CRC383 Cascade) - At least three gray whales close to shore at Hidden Beach this morning. -photos by Bob VonDrachek, March 23, 2024
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18:43 - This one is heading south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach.
18:40 - Second whale. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 23, 2024
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18:20 - Still in the same area feeding.
17:00 - Gray spy hopping one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach no direction [video in FB comments shows CRC2356 Stalwart, ID’d by Orca Network]. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 23, 2024
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11:09 - Spotted one gray whale west of Baby Island. Heading steadily west-northwest. Greenbank, Whidbey Island. -Martha Poppy Sinclair
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08:45 - Grays pushed off shore, at least one traveling southbound from Hidden Beach, Whidbey side of mid.
08:30 - Second whale came back in and now they are both feeding mid cove, close in.
08:15 - Saw the second one, off shore north end of Hidden Beach cove on another deep dive, the one feeding close to shore I believe is Cascade. The second one is none other than Little Patch. 
08:10 - Other gray still feeding in cove, doing circles in and out.
08:05 - One gray pushed off shore and did a deep dive facing north, haven’t seen again.
07:55 - At least two feeding in the cove north of the parking lot.
07:46 - One gray feeding at Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island, close into shore, just north of the parking lot. -Emily Wandres
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Sat, Mar 23 - Possession Sound (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade) - 12:50 - CRC-383 and CRC-22 are eastbound at my map spot [approx. 48.014050, -122.309641]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife

March 22
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS (fish-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 22 - Haro Strait/Active Pass (J Pod) - Today was truly amazing! J Pod in Active Pass. -video by Salish Sea Orca Squad, March 22, 2024
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J Pod passing the Lime Kiln lighthouse this morning. Link to video. -Fred Horn
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11:22 - LOUD J pod calls on Orcasound [hydrophone]. -Orca Network
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Fri, Mar 22 - Haro Strait (J Pod) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #23: “Michael and Dave were working in the office when we received a report that southern residents were in Haro Strait. We headed down to the house to see if we could see anything from the porch. There were already whales in front of the house heading north when we got there. The whales were very spread out with most of the whales mid-strait or further west. J51 and J58 were the eastern most whales and they passed by about a half mile west of the reef. J40 breached a couple times mid-strait and she was followed by J45 breaching twice too. J45’s growing pec fins were obvious even from such a distance. The J31’s were also out there near J40 and J45. It was a gray and slightly breezy day but we decided to go out in the boat anyway. We contacted Katie and we all met at Snug Harbor before leaving in KCB3 at 1154. We saw whales almost immediately offshore of Mitchell Bay and the encounter started at 1159. …” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #23.
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14:45 - They are currently audible on the Raincoast Hydrophone in Swanson Channel off Pender Island, BC.
11:30 - All well north of County Park spread offshore and steady northbound.
11:10 - Js northbound off County Park. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute [WSSJI]
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10:40 - Just caught some orcas on the live cam! They are pretty spaced out on camera from 10:34:40 - 10:35:19 and then again 10:38:47 - 10:40:13. -Amber Lee
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BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 22 - San Juans (T46B1s & T46C2) - 16:00 - Four-ish (my camera says 16:11). They were at the top of San Juan Island in San Juan channel. T046B1s and T046C2. -Lucy Willis
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12:10 - Report of at least four orcas westbound abeam of Humphrey Head, Lopez Island.  -Joe [WA app]
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Fri, Mar 22 - San Juan Islands
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 22 12:10 PDT
Sighting User Reported location (Lat/Lon): 48.55477,-122.84103 [between Humphrey Head, Lopez and Blakely Island]
Number Sighted: 4
Submitted Comments: Heading east to west
Washing state ferry boat to Orcas island did not slow down
Submitter Name: Joseph k Gaydos
Whale Alert App
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Fri, Mar 22 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - T46E Thor - ‘Twas a whaley kind of day today - gray whale #56 Stardust meandered past my house, south bound, in Saratoga Passage this morning, and Biggs T46s headed north, no doubt passing each other en route. I heard #56 before seeing him about 500 yds off-shore (Whidbey side), what a treat! Then the T46s (four of them) spent a couple of hours slightly further north, between Maple Grove (on Camano) and Polnell Point/Navy base on Whidbey. They were very distant, but good views on such a calm day. LOVE days like this! -photos by Jill Hein, March 22, 2024
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T46E Thor - And then some days the whales end up being tiny triangles. I thought for sure I’d have the T46s pattern dialed in, because nearly every time I tried seeing them from Whidbey, they’d end up close to Camano instead. So to Camano Island State Park I went. The whales sure showed me what’s what when they all surfaced way over on the Whidbey side. I then got rained out at the park and had to leave. Stinkers. -Kat Martin, March 22, 2024
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T46E Thor -photo taken under NMFS Permit #26599 -photo by Florian Graner, March 22, 2024
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18:30 - Viewing from Sandy Point watched the 46s continue south between Hat and Whidbey. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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18:00 - Southbound off Langley, closer to Camano side.  -Ryan Stringfellow
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sego Jackson
Date of Sighting: March 22, 2024
Time: 5:53 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Mid channel across from village pizza in Langley
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?:
Photos available?: No
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17:50 - Just north of Langley, mid-channel, heading south fairly quickly. -Andrew Wright
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16:45 - These whales continuing southbound, out from maybe Bells Beach area, Whidbey side. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:06 - Seeing at least T46E surfacing just to the north of Fox Spit. They haven’t quite made it there yet. Long down times. We are getting rained out here at Camano Island State Park so this is the last report from me. -Kat Martin
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15:55 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - seeing three orcas including one male southbound passing Baby Heights Whidbey side. -Linda Aitkins
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15:48 - T46E surfacing southbound towards a little buoy. Angling towards Holmes Harbor.
15:41 - Seeing at least one male and one female about here [approx. 48.109983, -122.537884]. Southbound way over on Whidbey side. -Kat Martin
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15:38 - Viewing from Hidden Beach towards Fox Spit right now. -Mel Nasby
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15:20 - Now seeing three: One in front (female) male in middle and now female trailing.
15:18 - Big male now spotted. Passing Hidden, Whidbey side. I’ve only seen two so far, female in lead.
15:12 - I have one female don’t know if she’s leading or trailing just a hair north of Hidden Beach. Mid channel/closer to Whidbey. -Lauryn
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T46E Thor
15:12 - Getting out of my range, look like they’re between Baby Island and Bells Beach. Earlier I noticed before the three passed my house I was pretty sure I heard a whale blow about fifteen minutes before that; I wonder if one is way ahead.
15:00 - At least three orcas heading south right off Whidbey shore, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 22, 2024
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14:27 - Whales are on the move, southbound in Saratoga, Whidbey side of mid. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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14:05 - All four seem to be headed south now mid channel.
13:38 - Milling around south of Long Point. Directional changes.
13:31 - Some activity with two south of Long Point.
12:53 - At least two males over by Polnell Point, with two whale watch boats... maybe moving toward Oak Harbor? -Bonnie Gretz
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12:50 - T46s slowly westbound with a big spread. T46D closest to my map spot with others to the north [approx. 48.252348, -122.590558]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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12:45 - They went past Snakelum Point still heading north. -Kristi Kosbab
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12:40 - Seeing at least one orca west of Maple Grove (north of the boats), appears to still be northbound.
12:07 - T46E now north of the yacht club, still northbound and maybe drifting towards Whidbey side of midchannel. Haven't seen the others yet.
11:55 - T46E northbound midchannel out from Camano Island Yacht Club. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Fri, Mar 22 - Saratoga Passage (T46s) - T46E Thor - Got lucky again and saw T46s from just south of Long Point, Whidbey Island… they were closer to the Polnell Point area, and were milling around for almost two hours… Looks like some hunting happened. Pretty distant, but lovely! - photo by Bonnie Gretz, March 22, 2024
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11:36 - Just south of Race Lagoon, northbound, appeared to be T46D, Whidbey side of mid. Only one I have seen so far. On a deep dive currently. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:18 - Three orcas Saratoga Pass, south of Onamac Point northbound.  -Alexis Stultz [CWW]
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Fri, Mar 22 - Central Puget Sound (T99s & T124Ds) - Last second intel and detour to catch the T99 and 124s off Olalla… they put on a show right there with a good amount of surface activity. Link to more photos. -photos by Eric Russell, March 22, 2024
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This is what a last minute whale report looks like. We headed out yesterday only knowing who half of this group was which happen to be the family of whales I studied all last year - the T99s [which] has five family members. Lots of tails and spyhops. Obviously my full heart was overjoyed but then I had to figure out who these other three whales I was seeing tagging along with them were. Turns out with my pics we were able to confirm it was the 124Ds (three family members) who were previously seen the day before in Port Susan with the T46s. I never take one single day for granted that I get to spend with these magical and magnificent animals. One thing that fills my heart even more is that every piece of information (picture and video) I get as a citizen scientist/marine naturalist in training I send directly over to any and all researcher or agency such and Orca Network or Orca Behavior Institute because together we can make a difference. Knowledge is power. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask someone. We have lots of people willing and ready to point you in the direction to find your place in this beautiful community. Link to more photos. -photos by April Janice Basham, March 22, 2024
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T99s & T124Ds - Link to more photos. -photo by Marla Smith, March 22, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Louisa Shields-Munie
Date of Sighting: March 22, 2024
Time: 4:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Sunset Hill
Direction of travel : NB
Behaviors observed: Traveling
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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15:38 - In line with Eagle Harbor.
15:32 - Past Blakely Rocks. Very fast northbound. Mid channel. Viewing from 64th Alki. -Steve Rice
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15:20 - Headed northeast towards West Point. -David Michael
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15:18 - Quickly moved northeast. They just passed the south tip of Bainbridge on the east side. -Steve Rice
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15:14 - Video of them exiting from Rich Passage. Northbound. -April Janice Basham
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15:13 - Just south of the Bremerton ferry lines. Moving northeast. -Candace Gavin
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15:13 - Slightly further north now. Approaching this red buoy somewhere north of Orchard Point, as viewed from my location.
15:05 - Visible at the bottom left in possibly the worst quality photo I’ve ever taken (phone & handheld scope).
14:55 - Approximate location [47/559073, -122.515286]. Incredibly distant viewing from Constellation Park. They’re still northbound. -Steve Rice
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14:33 - Northwest side of Blake Island aiming towards Rich Passage. -David Michael
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14:29 - Also still two hugging Blake headed north. Almost to tip. Other one is behind cargo ship. Headed towards Manchester last I saw. -Stacy Hammrich
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14:33 - Almost to the other cargo ship. Still Manchester-bound. 
14:28 - Passing by west side of Bainbridge towards Manchester. Lost view because of cargo ship.
14:23 - Midway past Blake, headed towards Manchester porpoises near cargo ship. Viewing from Cornell Road. -Jill Denkmann
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14:19 - Pretty sure the 124Ds are with the 99s in my opinion.
14:13 - It appears they are traversing the west side of Blake Island. -April Janice Basham
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14:05 - Passing Southworth ferry terminal. Appear to be east bound at this time. All grouped up. -Candace Gavin
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13:27 - Past Command Point moving north at good pace. -David Michael
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12:54 - In Colvos Passage hugging Vashon side. Generally heading north but also milling about for the last twenty minutes. Parallel/just southeast of Andersen State Park. -Kyle Buffenmyer
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12:55 - Stalled off Prospect Point.
12:24 - Off Olalla, Vashon side heading north slowly [approx. 47.421423, -122.524188]. -David Michael
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12:22 - Still stalled out with lots of surface activity. Very close to island side. Slight northward trend. -Ashley S Whitman
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12:05 - Lots of playful behavior with directional changes but have recently picked up pace slowly northbound, very much on island side of channel, just north of Lisabuela still, across from Ollala. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:58 - Marla Smith called to update this group with the T99s is stalled out in Colvos Passage, just north of Lisebuela, Vashon, close in on island side. They appear to be hunting, many directional changes, no committed direction.
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11:23 - At least eight orcas, including T99s, only Barakat so far as male. Lisabuela northbound. Transition to mid channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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11:08 - They surfaced again, Marla is seeing at least five at least one male, possibly two and a little one… seeing more as we talk. Island side of mid channel northbound.
11:05 - Marla Smith called from Lisebuela and looking south can see blows down by Point Richmond mid channel to Vashon side northbound. One male and at least two females heading north. They are on a dive and hasn’t seen since.
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This was taken when we first saw them. They went towards Point Defiance then headed north into Colvos. There was maybe four.
10:36 - Now seeing them northbound into Colvos. -photo by Anna Panasiuk Simmons, March 22, 2024
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10:33 - Transient orcas reported to be headed west off the south end of Vashon, headed west. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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10:32 - They are around Point Defiance area. -Anna Panasiuk Simmons
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Fri, Mar 22 - Central Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s) -T124A1 Bonapartes & T124A1A in the background tucked alongside mom - Exciting close pass at Dunes Peninsula. Then off to meet them coming through the Narrows! I believe these were members of the T124s. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, March 22, 2024
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T124A6 Kasuun in the lead - From the close pass at Dune Peninsula Park today! -photos by Craig Craker, March 22, 2024
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Baby orca [T124A1A] along Ruston Way. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, March 22, 2024
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18:42 - North of bridge on Gig Harbor side moving fast north. -Susan White
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18:34 - Just passed under the Narrows directly midchannel still heading north. -Jami Cantrell
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18:30 - Very close to Gig Harbor side going under the Narrows Bridge. -Karen Caldwell
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18:30 - Scratch that they’re approaching bridge headed north.
18:27 - Viewing from the Narrows Bridge they’re heading north midchannel passed the entrance to Hales. -Jami Cantrell
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18:24 - Northbound moving swiftly towards west tower of Narrows Bridge. Viewing from Day island.
18:19 - They are headed towards Point Fosdick. Going northbound. Midchannel between Fox Island and Gig Harbor. -Karen Caldwell
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18:13 - Not sure I'm posting in the right pod sighting, but a group of orcas (four to five) went by the Fox Island fishing pier five minutes ag. They are heading north towards Narrows Bridge. They were right down the middle [of the channel] traveling fast. One looked like a juvenile. -Pattie LaRue Warr
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17:48 - Had eyes on them about five minutes ago. They had a northeast heading. That placed them between McNeil & Ketron [approx. 47.192339, -122.621268]. But north of McNeil.  -David Bennett
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16:10 - Just saw a few heading north close to McNeil Island, from the Anderson Island ferry as it slowed for them.  -Lane Sample
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T124A1 Bonapartes alongside her calf T124A1A - 13:00 - A quick and rainy pass. Fox Island Pier. -photos by Mollie Segall, March 22, 2024
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13:00 - Last we saw them was roughly the dropped pin. Hard to tell when they’re that far out. 
12:58 - They’ve headed deeper, still moving south.
12:53 - Passing Chambers Bay, Tacoma side. -Kirsten Vacura
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12:49 - Seen briefly from University Place heading towards Chambers Bay. -Roxanne Johnson Carlson
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12:40 - Theyre passing fishing pier now midchannel/Tacoma side of mid south sound. -Jami Cantrell
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12:34 - Long down times, midchannel and positioned towards the Fox Island fishing pier. -Mollie Segall
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12:31 - Passing between Day Island and Fox Island, mid channel. -Shaneé Malone
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12:30 - Headed towards the Fox Island Pier.
12:25 - This is when they went by Point Fosdick. Viewing from Day Island. -Karen Caldwell
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12:29 - According to Cherie on the Tacoma side they’re heading south fast Tacoma side of mid but haven’t made it to Day Island yet. -Jami Cantrell
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12:18 - Passing Titlow. Dove under because of train. They’re closer to Titlow side. -Brianna Aratin
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12:10 - Viewing from my drive over the Narrows they’re midchannel approaching the north bridge steady south.
11:55 - They’re right about here [approx. 47.294776, -122.541279]. They seem to be crossing over to Tacoma side of mid still heading south. -Jami Cantrell
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11:55 - They are north of the bridge. -Craig Craker
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11:48 - They're In front of Salmon Beach midchannel to Gig Harbor side still steady south. -Jami Cantrell
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11:30 - Southbound in the Narrows. -Brooke Casanova
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11:24 - Second group are now around Owen's Beach.
11:12 - Just seeing second group near anchored ship, heading west towards Dune Peninsula Park. -Anna Panasiuk Simmons
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11:03 - Viewing from Dune Peninsula, three dorsal heading west from Port of Tacoma area. -Cherie StOurs
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11:00 - Moving quickly west toward Dune.
10:53 - Nearing Brown’s Point.
10:43 - Spotted between two of the red-hulled ships (one in the middle, the other closer to Brown’s Point) heading back out. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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10:44 - We are south of Browns Point lighthouse and they can in and went east. Now they are south towards Foss. [video shows who appears to be T124A1s and T124A4s per Rachel Haight]
10:20 - Two pods of orcas currently north side Commencement Bay, heading east. They came in from west and went east of us on north side of bay towards cranes. -Chris G
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 22 - Port Susan  - 07:43 - Port Susan had a Gray spotted heading north off Sunny Shore, last seen heading north off McKees Beach at 08:00. -John C Storbeck
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Fri, Mar 22 - Penn Cove - 19:14 - Gray whale in Penn Cove, north Whidbey Island. Headed west towards Monroe Landing. -Kevin Phillips
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Fri, Mar 22 - Central Saratoga Passage
16:49 - Has moved north.
16:30 - Second gray one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. No direction long downtime.
16:20 - Gray feeding off Whidbey shore one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach trending south. -Aaron Gill
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Fri, Mar 22 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch, CRC56 Stardust, CRC356 Carson)
13:37 - CRC-356 is back and swimming with 53 and 56! Just north my first post.
13:28 - Gray Whales CRC 53 and 56 northbound at my map spot [approx. 48.197519, -122.557471]. -Bart Rulon Wildlife
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CRC56 Stardust
11:01 - Going back and forth but predominantly southbound.... lost him now. This is CRC56 Stardust per Rachel Haight, Orca Network.
10:45 - Southbound by Race Lagoon, Whidbey side of mid-channel. -photos by Jill Hein, March 22, 2024
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Fri, Mar 22 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade) - 11:30 - Dan Gulden reports two grays headed south passing Meerkerk Gardens area, fairly close to shore.
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10:02 - Friend reports: Grays are now southbund past Hidden Beach parking lot, maybe angling towards Holmes Harbor.
09:35 - Earhart & Cascade still here just north of Hidden Beach - last update from me for now.
09:14 - Serena Tierra, Orca Network, has identified these two grays as CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade. They are still feeding close together, in the cove north of Hidden Beach, with trend southbound.
08:57 - Actually two here feeding at Hidden Beach.
08:52 - Gray whale feeding in cove just north of Hidden Beach, Whidbey Island. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Fri, Mar 22 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC2356 Stalwart) - 16:59 - Gray popped up inside the buoys at Sandy Point just now. Passed us and continued south. Link to more photos. -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 22, 2024
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16:02 - We’ve got a gray milling around the Sandy Point area. -Luanne Seymour
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Fri, Mar 22 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 11:00 - 11:25 - Sammi, Christy’s goddaughter saw blows north of Sandy Point. Grey traveling now along the southwest tip of Camano head northbound towards Pebble Beach Beach along the Camano Island shoreline. -Marilyn Armbruster

March 21
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Thu, Mar 21 - Vancouver, BC
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Jo-Ann Briggs
Date of Sighting: March 21, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Burrard inlet ambelside beach area
Direction of travel : East under lions gate bridge
Behaviors observed: Swimming
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
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Thu, Mar 21 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T36As) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #22: “Upon the arrival of the Mike 1 team at the eastern edge of Race Passage, multiple blows were observed to the west. The encounter officially commenced at 1516 with a group of six whales, identified as the T036As, who were proceeding eastbound towards Constance Bank against the ebb. Shortly after the team arrived, the whales stalled out and a brief moment of socialization ensued, during which time T036A1A spyhopped. …” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #22.
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Thu, Mar 21 - Admiralty Inlet - After a very long time (December 18!), I finally got to see some lovely orcas, thanks to Jill Hein with a second hand report of a group off the Admiralty Lighthouse/Fort Casey. Beautiful glassy water, and finally saw one, then a few more, as the ferry heading to Coupeville stopped. They were about mid-channel at first, and some surface activity, but then moved west toward Fort Flagler and south bound. So lovely! -photo by Bonne Gretz, March 21, 2024
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19:28 - Started moving towards mid-channel now, I believe hunting. Still north of Mutiny Bay on Kitsap side. Too dark, so done for the day.
19:14 - Just south of Marrowstone Kitsap side. I believe there were three. Hard to tell size based on being so far away. -Heidi Bruns Shank
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18:51 - Viewing from above Bush Point - orca are mid to other, SLOWLY moving southbound. Line of sight is left of the yellow channel marker.  -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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18:46 - Two female orca northbound Lagoon Point one mile north of Lagoon Point traveling fast. -Bill Setter
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17:25 - Appear on the move south now. Approx here-ish [48.080637, -122.661046].
17:13 - Drifting slight further north and east. Still hunting behavior. At least one male, one juvenile.
16:45 - Logging approx. [48.105397, -122.665809]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:26 - Way over by Fort Flagler. Southbound beautiful blows. So happy to see fins after a very long time! -Bonnie Gretz
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16:22 - And maybe saw the six to eight. Hard to say.
16:10 - Can see them distant from Keystone terminal, south of here, midchannel. At least five? Too far for distant. Beautiful blows make them easy to spot. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:50 - Ferry going again… see three fins, one male, one turned north but lost her now.
15:48 - At least two just south of Coupeville ferry… big breach! Mid channel Whidbey side. -Bonnie Gretz
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15:45 - Volunteer Bonnie Gretz called with update. She has seen at least one orca off Fort Casey southbound Whidbey side.
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15:46 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 15:52 to report: 1546hrs: Vessel KENNEWICK reports via 800MHz they have slowed due to 4 orca SB in the NB traffic lanes off Fort Casey State Park. The orca appear to be moving south slowly.  
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15:10 - Jill Hein called to relay report of orcas off Fort Casey by the lighthouse. Milling, six to eight orcas, surface active. Sighting was from about 15:00.
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13:46 - Received a call from Ben N reporting four orcas (one large, one small, two medium) off west side of Fort Ebey heading south, San Juan De Fuca into Puget Sound [unsure if into Admiralty] Near surface, surfacing frequently 300 yards offshore.
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Thu, Mar 21 - North Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds) - T46D Strider - T124D3 & T124D Field - Quite the eventful day with the T46s and the T124Ds. I started the day down in Mukilteo at the lighthouse. I met up with some new faces and almost immediately, we found the T46s and the T124Ds as they made their way north. T46E and his brother T46D were spread out between Whidbey Island and the Mukilteo lighthouse. I spotted the T124Ds to the southeast of the boys and closer to us on land. These whales had incredibly long down times and it made it hard to keep track of them. At one point, they went down and stayed down for a good five to seven minutes. Upon resurfacing, they were maybe 300-400 yards out from the lighthouse. It made for a gorgeous pass with the youngster in tow. Their surfacing was brief and they went down again for another 5 minutes. When they resurfaced, they were further north and pushing offshore. I went north to Harborview park where I found the whales at the south end of Hat Island going northwest. In my mind, one of two things could happen from there. The whales could go into Port Susan or they could go into Saratoga Passage like they did the other night. I got back into my car and went north to Camano Island. I found out shortly after that the whales were headed into Port Susan. I arrived at Tillicum Beach about an hour after I left Mukilteo and watched out for the whales. Sadly, all of the whales hugged the mainland side of the channel all night. It was only when the whales were leaving did I get a nice surprise from T46D Strider in mid channel at Tillicum. No one even saw him coming! I would have missed him, too, had I left when I originally wanted to. The harbor porpoises saved the day, as I was fixated on getting photos of them. I am glad I chose to stay and stick it out for a little while longer. Gorgeous views tonight from Washington’s flora and fauna. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, March 21, 2024
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T46D Strider - T124D3 & T124D Field - From Edmonds to Mukilteo by land with the T46's and T124D's today… also seals, a sea lion screaming WHALES! And some of my favorite dorcas in Edmonds. Link to more photos. -photos by Janine Harles, March 21, 2024
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In Port Susan. -photos by Shaina Lalonde, March 21, 2024
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17:49 - Hearing lots of breaths at Tillicum. Can’t see any whales though. Just heard a loud bang too - likely a breach?
17:20 - T46D popped up by surprise right in front of Tillicum Beach (more mid channel). T46E more south and towards Sunny Shores. Have not seen others. Southbound. -Kat Martin
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16:29 - Mix of 46s and 124Ds southbound here [approx. 48.159308, -122.409925]. Strider was off to the side doing his own thing, and we left four of them grouped southbound. Initially were all very spread and long downtimes. -Trevor Derie
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16:15 - T46E and others still in about the same place. Hugging mainland quite a bit. Non directional. -Kat Martin
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16:00 - They’re pushed way over to the mainland side now. They’re making it very hard to keep an eye on them. Still viewing from CC Beach 2. Not sure on direction.
15:47 - Seeing a big male with one little blow behind him directly out from CC Beach 2. Likely hunting. Whale watch boat on scene.
15:31 - Tracking from CC Beach 2. FINALLY saw more than just T46D. Definitely a female or two in the mix now. Might be hunting. -Kat Martin
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15:21 - I’m tracking at least one at CC Beach 2. Far away mainland still. South of Kayak Point. -Thomas McKane
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14:49 - Still only seeing T46D northbound hugging the mainland side. No idea where anyone else went. Viewing straight out from Tillicum Beach.
14:38 - WAY on the other side of Port Susan. About at McKees Beach now. Viewing from Tillicum Beach. -Kat Martin
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14:37 - T46D northbound on mainland side just south of Tillicum, haven't seen the others yet. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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13:45 - Northbound into Port Susan, Camano Island side, slow. T46s.
13:30 - Can see them from Sandy Point. Northbound. Can't tell if they'll go Port Susan or Saratoga.
13:15 - They are back northbound, closer to Hat Island.
13:05 - T46s suddenly flipped southeast. Could see Strider in the distance, 46s appeared to head his way. Well south of Sandy Point. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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13:06 - We are seeing some on the west side of Hat Island. Appear to be northbound.
12:48 - Viewing from Harborview Park. Seeing at least three at the south end of Hat Island. Still angled eastbound. Pushed off of shore quite a bit though. -Kat Martin
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12:30 - T124Ds at least off Edgewater Beach approaching Port of Everett pier eastbound loosely grouped. I haven’t seen Strider. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:30 - From Edgewater Park in Mukilteo. -photo by Matthew Irby, March 21, 2024
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12:27 - T46E and two others were traveling north up the west side of Hat Island. Long downs. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:25 - Believe the other three T46s, close to Whidbey side, northbound, near Brighton. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:25 - Passing the Mukilteo Lighthouse. Still close to the mainland side. Northbound. -Kat Martin
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12:16 - Who looks good for T124Ds off Mukilteo closeish, about quarter mile offshore approaching boat launch. Strider apparently moved offshore ahead per others. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:12 - Orca Network we think you might have 124Ds on that side, I think we have rest of 46s. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:07 - Nice group coming close Mukilteo side. Gonna be a fun pass! Northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:08 - Seeing who we think is Thor from Mukilteo lighthouse. Northbound. -Kat Martin
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12:06 - Two males approaching Clinton Whidbey side. -Joe Dreimiller
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12:05 - From sounds of the squeals down the beach (Mukilteo Lighthouse) Strider is coming.  -Orca Network
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11:58 - Got them, whale watching boat is trailing them Mukilteo side heading northbound towards Lighthouse Park. -Ed Pearson
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11:57 - Thanks to Rachel seeing Thor northbound west side of channel sightline last house north end of Glendale. Hoping Strider keeps to this side! From Mukilteo Lighthouse Beach. And keep getting faked out by same log sitting cormorant. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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11:51 - Thor Whidbey side of midchannel. A couple others. Slow travel north.
11:35 - Can see fins approaching Glendale, northbound, still south of here. Midchannel, maybe slightly Whidbey side of. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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11:26 - T46D with close pass northbound at Picnic Point. Mukilteo up next. -Ariel Yseth, Whale Scout
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11:20 - Earlier several eyes on from Stamm reported seeing the orcas continue north towards Possession, and then from Haines Wharf reported northbound passing by there at 11:20 or so. Mukilteo up next if they keep course. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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10:45 - They’ve continue northbound travels north of Sunset Ave keeping to Edmonds side. Strider still close inshore approaching soon Stamm Overlook. -Orca Network
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10:32 - Viewing one male, maybe Strider, right in front of Edmonds Waterfront Center! -Anna Hogenson
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10:30 - All are turning inshore just northend of Edmonds Marina.
10:22 - Strider just passed by Marina Beach Edmonds slow northbound quarter mile offshore. Keeping along the shoreline. Others shed and offshore.
10:07 - Trailing male just surfaced/submerged maybe 109 yards off Point Wells still northbound.
10:04 - Who I believe is Strider just went by closer inshore off Kayu Kayu Ac Park passing a clearly unaware sea lion thrashing around feeding (video). Strider slow northbound travel trailing others to the southeast by about half mile.
09:58 - Small group of three at least is approximately [47.790044, -122.431098] northwest of Point Wells (tank farm) east of mid channel slow slow northbound travel. Dives are long (about eight minutes), surfaces brief and at times shallow. Males(s) easier to see of course.
09:45 - Long dives. Now Kayu Kayu northbound.
09:30 - Group of at four to seven, including male (and possibly second separate on inside) continues slow steady pace northbound off Richmond Beach Saltwater Park transect Jefferson Head. East side of channel, about quarter of way across. Viewing from Richmond Beach.
09:20 - Group is approaching Richmond Beach Saltwater Park well east of mid channel slow steady northbound travel. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:38 - I take that back. One male, two females I think and perhaps a juvenile. Midchannel continuing north. Should be across from Golden Gardens/Shilshole Marina.
08:37 - At least three, all female I think. West of midchannel approaching level with Fay Bainbridge. Clipper moved on.
08:33 - One fin seen behind slowed Victoria Clipper midchannel west of ship canal entrance. Northbound. Likely more fins there. -Sandra Prow
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07:12 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 07:39 to report 0712hrs: Vessel CHIMACUM reports via 800MHz they've spotted a small pod of orcas feeding off Duwamish Head. 
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07:31- Good morning - just got a report from an island community member on the fast ferry from Vashon to Seattle of whales just north of Alki. No clear direction, but maybe west to southwest.  -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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Thu, Mar 21 - Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s) - Passing Point No Point. They pushed way off. Looks possible the 124A group. -photo by April Janice Basham, March 21, 2024
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17:20 - Candace reports they've passed Point No Point, northbound, pushed midchannel, Whidbey side.
17:01 - Orca northbound at Point No Point, looking towards Picnic Point. West side of channel. Couple of calves and some females.  -Candace Gavin
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15:31 - John Miller, WSF Marine OPs, emailed at 15:52 - 1531hrs: Vessel SPOKANE reports via 800MHz they have slowed on their approach to KING due to 4 orca NB just off the KING terminal.
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10:40 - Small group now off north end of Vashon ferry dock. Two to three. -Dave
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10:35 - Laurie Baker, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 10:45 to report: 1035hrs: Vessel CATHLAMET reports via 800MHz they've spotted approximately 7 orcas off VASH heading North in the south-bound traffic lanes. 
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Mar 21 - Upper Saratoga Passage (CRC56 Stardust)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Mieke Lee
Date of Sighting: March 21, 2024
Time: 2:39 PM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Rockaway Beach Camano Mid channel Saratoga passage
Direction of travel : N slow
Behaviors observed: Traveling being followed by a whale watching boat
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Mid channel traveling slowly N
Photos available?: No
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14:28 - This is #56. -Trevor Derie
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14:15 - Gray north of Onamac point mid channel heading north slowly. -Matt Henning
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Thu, Mar 21 - Upper Saratoga Passage (CRC2356 Stalwart) - CRC2356 Stalwart -ID by Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
08:00 - A gray just passed by Mariner’s Cove/Whidbey/Upper Saratoga, heading south along the beach. It was grazing, but not lingering, so moving along fairly quickly. -photo by Marianne Parry, March 21, 2024
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Thu, Mar 21 - Central Saratoga Passage - 19:10 - The three are continuing southeast midchannel or further out from Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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18:30 - Would I believe to be three grays are heading south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach off Whidbey interesting behaviors. -Aaron Gill
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Thu, Mar 21 - Port Susan - 16:42 - One gray feeding right on shore here [approx. 48.070306, -122.362665]. -Trevor Derie

March 20
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Wed, Mar 20 - Juan de Fuca Strait 
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Wed Mar 20 17:01 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.37755,-123.91601 [Shirley, BC, NW of Sooke] 
Number Sighted: 2
Submitted Comments: Adult and baby
Submitter Name: Hannah
Whale Alert App
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Wed, Mar 20 - Admiralty Inlet - 17:40 - Orcas headed south in Admiralty Inlet. Tend to be favoring closer to Port Townsend. Approximately three of them. Last seen a few minutes ago here [approx. 48.130010, -122.747099]. Saw them once again about five minutes after initial posting - changed directions a few times (circling?). Haven’t seen them since. Tug with big barge passed them so perhaps they dove deep. -Jennifer Fulton Carpenter
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Wed, Mar 20 - Central Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds in afternoon after splitting from T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s) - TParty at the Dunes today. Was able to see two groups of the Tpod today off Dune Peninsula and close to the south coast of Vashon Island near the ferry around 15:00. The first group consisted of what looked to be two females and a juvenile and the second group was of about seven. Two large males a few females and juveniles. The Ts were guessing close to three quarter mile away and these are what I have. The two kayakers had a much closer encounter. Link to more photos. -photos by Craig Killer, March 20, 2024
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T124A4 Sabio & T124A6 Kasuun - Members of T46’s & T124’s viewing at Point Defiance Marina and Titlow Beach. Link to more photos. -photos by Cherie StOurs, March 20, 2024
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T46D Strider - From Dune - we just happened to be in Tacoma so the whole family stopped by for a quick view. I didn't shoot much as they were not close. This is the trailing group of the 46s. The lead group of small fins passed earlier and even farther away. Link to more photos. -photos by Jim Pasola, March 20, 2024
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T124A1A & T124A1 Bonapartes - Link to more photos. -photo by Hongming Zheng, March 20, 2024
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19:20 - Saw the northbound group pass by from Des Moines Marina mid channel. Large male in the group. -Mandy Michelle
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18:55 - Probably getting closer to the Des Moines Pier, mid channel northbound channel. We are heading there so I don't have eyes on them anymore.
18:36 - Viewing now a pod possibly hunting mid channel from Redondo boat ramp, travel northbound. -Keri Simons
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17:47 - Pod heading north between Murray Island and Dash Point. -Eric Elgar
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17:35 - Group two is in East Passage off Dash Point milling, numbers & direction unknown, at least one bull in this group [approx. 47.325436, -122.439001]. -Melissa Bird
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16:44 - Second group of of five to seven including the two boys now in Point defiance/Tahlequah ferry lanes headed eastbound, mid channel-ish. Washington State Ferries doing a great job, giving them lots of space. -Orca Network
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16:30 - These were taken from Dalco View on Point Defiance. -Mark Goddard
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16:23 - Group with 46E & D off Point Defiance after a short hunt. Heading east into Dalco. -David Michael
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16:20 - Group of five to seven midway between Vashon and tip of Point Defiance looking towards Gig Harbor side from Tahlequah ferry terminal, group includes at least two males plus others, milling and somewhat trending south/west, grouping up. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:13 - They turned and are heading toward the tip of Point Defiance.
16:08 - Second group midway between Owen Beach and Vashon. Lost them as they looked to be heading toward southwest part of Vashon. -Alisa Miller
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Owen Marshall
Date of Sighting: March 20, 2024
Time: 6:07 PM
Species seen: Black fin white body
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen:
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?: A bunch of seals come by the waters edge away from the whales
Photos available?:
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16:06 - Trailing group now west of Owens, moving steadily westbound, mainland side of channel. -Orca Network
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16:06 - These were taken at Owen Beach. -Lyndsey Carter
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15:57 - Four are rounding Point Defiance and one large male is trailing behind about to pass through the south Vashon ferry lane. -Mariah Vicary
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16:01 - They were moving pretty quickly around the corner of Point Defiance last I saw, they dove close to here and haven’t popped back up. From what I could tell they seemed committed south west. -Jami Cantrell
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15:50 - Lagging group with 46D & E passing Dune westbound nearing ferry lane. -David Michael
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15:57 - Now heading west through Dalco.
15:43 - Trailing group heading southeast across channel towards Commencement Bay. 
15:15 - Seeing fins from Dune peninsula, look to be southbound. still north of the group of Kayakers off the east side of Maury. Trailing group. -Brooke Casanova
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Chris Cooper
Date of Sighting: March 20, 2024
Time: 3:10 PM
Species seen: Orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: In front of Sandy Shores Drive on Maury Island
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: At least 1 male
Any unusual markings?: Couldn't see any
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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Wed, Mar 20 - South Puget Sound (T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s in afternoon after splitting from T46s & T124Ds) - T124As - I was so happy to finally greet some killer whales to South Sound. I’m looking forward to more opportunities and hoping for (safe but) closer viewpoints one day. This is only the beginning! Thank you to all who report their sightings, so I may have these incredible opportunities and help others along the way. Link to more photos. -photos by Marie Wils, March 20, 2024
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19:34 - First group is here [approx. 47.268128, -122.703459] I have eyes on them now. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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19:11 - In Carr. Some were closer to the south side. Some are way out there. About three quarters of the way past McNeil. Can hear them. -David Bennett
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19:13 - They went up into Carr Inlet.
18:52 - Just got sight of the first pod heading into Carr Inlet. I am viewing from Fox Island west wall beach. They are about mid channel. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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18:42 - Stalled for a hunt but heading between Fox Island and McNeil now. -Laura Kozar Batanian
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18:27 - First pod is milling around by the red buoy off of Steilacoom. I’m viewing from Fox Island. Lots of directional changes and surface activity and a few spy hops. -Kelly Kauffman Wisniewski
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18:18 - About here now [47.201303, -122.611813]. -Laura Kozar Batanian
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18:16 - Sighting towards Ketron from Fox pier. From our vantage point their right of the buoy in front of Ketron. But south of the buoy. -David Bennett
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18:00 - Seeing four from Orchard Point looking towards mid Fox Island. -Paul Davis
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17:52 - South is in this general area still steady south [approx. 47.190116, -122.608463]. -Jami Cantrell
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Orcas passed Fox Island pier then to everyone’s surprise a gray whale breached off to the south! -Laura Kozar Batanian
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17:27 - Group one off the south end of Fox Island. -Chris Drechsel
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17:22 - Heading towards Fox Island Pier, first group viewing from Titlow. -Cherie StOurs
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17:18 - Group one spotted between Fox Island and Day Island! -Shaneé Malone
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17:07 - Heading southwest approaching Fox Island. FIrst group. Viewing from Titlow Beach. -Cherie StOurs
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16:30 - We saw them when we were driving over the Narrows Bridge!  -Leslie Peif
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16:41 - First group is under the Narrows more Tacoma side it looks like; we are at Gig Harbor and they look pretty far away. -Steve Simons
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16:20 - Leading group was milling in Salmon Beach area, appeared to be trending towards Narrows. -Kirsten Vacura
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15:54 - One group of about four plus moving westbound approaching the Point Defiance/Tahlequah ferry lanes from around the Point Ruston area, mainland side of channel, other group possibly still hunting, but are now trending west/southwest towards Narrows from tip of Point Defiance area, but not sure if committed yet. -Orca Network
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15:55 - Lead group is rounding point of Point Defiance headed south in the Narrows. -Jami Cantrell
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15:50 - Just lost them as they were rounding toward the tip of Point Defiance. -Alisa Miller
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15:46 - Heading west toward Gig Harbor. -Steve Fogard
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15:37 - Seeing a group west of Owens, sightline from Tahlequah ferry terminal approx. here [47.325581, -122.531029]. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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15:26 - Lead group is moving steady west through Dalco, island side of channel between two boats. -Brooke Casanova
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15:00 - Seeing first group from Owens marina, still near the east tip south end of Maury heading west. -Cherie StOurs
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Wed, Mar 20 - Central Puget Sound (T46s, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s, T124Ds all together in the morning/early afternoon) - Some highlights of [the] visit to Tacoma by the Bigg’s/transients. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, March 20, 2024
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T46E Thor - Today was packed with whales spread everywhere from Seattle to Vashon by the time we caught up to them. The weather wasn't nearly as beautiful as it has been the past few days, but a little grey never slowed me down before. It's always a gift to be around these beautiful animals and they always deserve our love and respect. Today we saw the coast guard out on the water attempting to practice procedures informing watercraft of the whales being within the proximity as the hope is to ensure better safety and awareness about whales/cetaceans navigating through the Salish Sea and how to be made more aware. Working on who was all here today for this T Party but I can say I saw the T122, T46D, T46E ,T46F, T124A, T124A1, T124A1A, T124A4, T124A4A, T124A6, T124A7, & T124Ds. Link to more photos. -photos by April Basham, March 20, 2024
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T124A1A & T124A1 Bonapartes - Link to more photos. -photo by Marla Smith, March 20, 2024
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*At this point, the T46s & T124Ds split from the T124As, T124A1s, & T124A4s* - Steve Rice thank you for posting. I could see them with binoculars from the pier in Des Moines.. - This is great! -San Wolf Jamison
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14:38 - Looked like a decently close pass by Point Robinson, as viewed from Des Moines. -photo by Steve Rice, March 20, 2024
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14:21 - Can barely see trailing orcas from Point Robinson, mid channel to just island side of, approaching Gold Beach still steady southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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14:05 - Saw one male passing Point Robinson headed south. Haven't seen the others yet, viewing from MVP. -Isaac Gibson
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14:02 - Most have passed Point Robinson, two big groups spread by about half mile, mid channel to just mainland side of, steady southbound.
13:47 - Leaders approaching Point Robinson, mid channel, southbound. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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13:30 - Looks like maybe full group and not just leaders. Still steady southbound mainland side approaching Des Moines marina.
13:19 - Viewing from just north of KVI, seeing two leaders mid-channel mainland side. Southbound with Coast Guard boat following. -Ellen Weir
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13:00 - Trailers past Glen Acres area now and have continued southbound, spread out.
12:50 - Seeing leaders passing Glen Acres, mid channel to slightly island side of, steady southbound, spread out a bit. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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12:30 - Past north end of Vashon and coming down east side of Vashon as viewed from Brace Point. -Nicole Na
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12:40 - Sounds like all present from yesterday, Strider & Harbeson [T46B1s, T46s, & T87 were NOT present] are off together, east of the rest of the group.
12:20 - Approximate location between North Vashon and Alki [47.529320, -122.437403]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:18 - Past Vashon ferry dock as viewed from Emma Schmitz. Heading down east side- presumably, I should say. -Steve Rice
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12:12 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz Viewpoint, orcas in line with Southworth ferry terminal, mostly southbound, very little surface activity right now. Unclear if they are heading to Colvos or East Passage. -Robert Reeder
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11:54 - Viewing from Emma Schmitz overlook traveling south mid channel still. -Jack Bonfiglio
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Male is T46E Thor - 11:53 - On the east side of Blake as viewed from Constellation Park. Moving fast south. -Coast guard vessel following behind. -photo by Steve Rice, March 20, 2024
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11:38 - From Alki, pod is midchannel southbound. At a quick pace. -Candace Gavin
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10:16 - Looks like they’ve stalled, possibly hunting. They are generally in same area [approx. 47.716941, -122.450189] making directional changes. Male surfaces facing north, others making disturbance short distance away.
09:58 - Grouped pod (too far for numbers but includes at least one male) roughly out from Carkeek Park, mid channel steady southbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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Wed, Mar 20 - Puget Sound - 09:50 - Mark Millard, WDFW called to report five orcas, including a male, out from Jefferson Head, Kingston traveling southbound. 
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09:07 - Large pod, five to seven [orcas] going south mid channel... Just south ferry close to boat. Mostly one group with two separate. Saw from Kingston ferry, was on the 08:50 ferry headed to Kingston. Moving quickly south.  -Casey Bizelli
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GRAY WHALES - Wed, Mar 20 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Patrick Meehan
Date of Sighting: March 20, 2024
Time: 1:50 PM
Species seen: Grey whale
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: 48.3463114, -123.3991999
Direction of travel : N
Behaviors observed: Surfaced for air then submerged again, was not travelling quickly
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Waa flying overhead on a helijet, location is approximate. Was almost underneath the helicopter
Photos available?: No
*
Wed, Mar 20 - Port Susan - 13:08 - Gray 56 mid channel off of Spee-Bi- Dah heading south. -Tony Tilt, PSE
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09:30 - Port Susan - we had two grays spotted off Tulalips Shores, Spee-Bi-Dah, Sunny Shore heading north along the shore last seen approaching McKee's from the south. No reports since 09:30. -John C Storbeck
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Wed, Mar 20 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - 16:01- Still one gray near Sandy point milling and feeding. -Luanne Seymour
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14:37 - Sandy Point in Langley.  -Debbie Drerup Walterhouse
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14:08 - [video of gray]. -Rhema Neas-Gass
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13:45 - Possibly two gray whales feeding at Sandy Point, north of the point. Visible from Cascade Ave bluff. -Katie Davis Watkins
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13:18 - Patricia called to report gray whale is still feeding between Langley and Sandy Point having a good time.
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13:15 - Grey feeding between Sandy Point and Langley. -photo by Patricia Friedman, March 20, 2024
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12:23 - Gray #53 feeding halfway between Langley and Sandy Point. -Tony Tilt, PSE
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11:30 - One gray whale by Langley Marina southbound. -Donna George
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08:50 - Gray whale feeding outside the office window in downtown Langley, just south of Whale Bell/Sewall park. Gray is now pushing offshore and heading northeast towards Camano Island.  -Dan Gulden
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Wed, Mar 20 - South Puget Sound - My first time seeing a gray whale breach today, and we didn't even know it was there! This happened southeast of Fox Island Pier, while scanning for the T124As and T124A4s, saw a jumping whale a few hundred yards ahead of where I expected the orcas… and it looked like a gray whale! I pointed my camera in that direction just in time to get the second breach. The orca pod ignored the gray whale and continued southbound. To help ID this gray whale, at the end I included some very distant back and fluke shots. Also including: T124A1's tiny baby! Link to more photos. -photo by Hongming Zheng, March 20, 2024
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18:02 - It looked like it was cutting across the channel last I saw.
17:51 - Hundred percent a gray! I didn’t get pictures but Hongming did. The orcas were approaching and it breached twice. They then moved separate ways to avoid each other. It seemed like the gray was warning them off. Crazy to the south of the pier out from Chambers. -Jami Cantrell
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17:38 - Orcas passed Fox Island Pier then to everyone’s surprise a gray whale breached off to the south! -Laura Kozar Batanian
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17:35 - Group one had a gray whale with them. At Fox Island Pier. -Lily TucSar

March 19
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Tue, Mar 19 - Campbell River, BC (T100Bs & T101s) - Video highlights of the orcas that traveled past Campbell River, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. T101s and T100Bs (to be confirmed!); need to watch on a big screen (vs. phone) to see the fins. At 3:10-ish marker, all six surface within seconds of each other (including new calf). - Filmed from shore. Link to video. -Heather V. Baskey
*
Tue, Mar 19 - Admiralty Inlet (T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s - met up with T46s & T124Ds who were in North Puget Sound) - Tonight was absolutely amazing. Had ourselves a little T-party this evening off of Camano. These guys were leaping, breaching, splashing, tail slapping, rolling, just absolutely everything. It was one of the longest socializing events I have observed so far. Truly spectacular! - Link to more photos. Link to video. -photos by Charvet Drucker, March 19, 2024
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Male is T46D Strider - What an absolute treat tonight was. After flying in a plane to have lunch in Yakima, I got home and almost immediately hopped into my car to take a chance at seeing some whales. I was tracking these guys from my phone all day while I was on the other half of Washington. I’m amazed they went north this slowly. When I finally left my house, I got myself to Mabana in record time. The whales were leaping and bounding everywhere. The babies could hardly keep themselves in the water. The big boys, T46D and T46E, kept a watchful eye on everyone as they all trekked north through Saratoga Passage. We watched them slowly peel away from the Camano side and over to Whidbey, as the sun set for the night. I have a feeling they’ll stick around, but we can’t say for certain! It was a good night with friends old and new. I’m reminded, so easily, why I love living here. All shots taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, March 19, 2024
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T46D Strider & T46E Thor - T87 Harbeson in the lead - It was a beautiful week for watching whales! The T46s, T122 and T87 spent some time along our shores, sometimes distant, sometimes near. It's always breath taking. And the thing is, even when they're distant there is always so much to see!  -photos by Donna George, March 19, 2024
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T46E Thor - What a gorgeous day with the orcas! When I heard about several pods getting together (T-party!) and heading up Possession Sound, I decided to head north and catch a ferry to beautiful Whidbey Island. Always my lucky day when I find my sweet whale friends on the same ferry! From shore with telephoto lens. Link to more photos. -photo by Fusako Nozaka, March 19, 2024
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T87 Harbeson - T124A4 Sabio in the lead - At Point No Point, waiting for and watching the 46s far in the distance toward Seattle, I was completely surprised by another incoming group appearing on my left, very close to shore at the point. I was far down the beach to the south so not as close as I could have been. Reading a report of another possible group earlier I had scanned to the north for some time before rounding the point to the south and had given up on their existence. These whales must have been out of sight in Skunk Bay at the time. It was quick and caught me off guard but I managed a few pictures before they blew by. Link to more photos. -photos by Jim Pasola, March 19, 2024
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19:15 - Finally moseyed their way past Mabana, midchannel closer to Whidbey side. Tons of wrestling and playing. Wind has picked up drastically. I’m heading out. Beautiful evening with whales. -Sam Wallace
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18:58 - Per a friend viewing from Bells Beach - line of sight is Mabana, orca are mid channel, spread, and moving northbound slowly. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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18:48 - Orcas are visible from Camano Island State Park, still midchannel with lots of surface activity. Slow trend northbound. I think they're still around Mabana.
18:03 - Orcas are north of Langley, moving faster northbound now. I think they're on the Whidbey side of midchannel.
17:45 - Orcas are moving north spread out, I think around midchannel north of Sandy Point. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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16:55 - Shifted way over to Camano side. Verrrrrry slow northbound. Near Pebble Beach area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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16:54 - Orcas are visible from Mabana, still south of Pebble Beach northbound. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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16:47 - Seem committed to Saratoga Passage for now at least. Northbound past Camano Head, Camano side. -Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network
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16:00 - Orca moving north into Saratoga Passage.
15:31 - There are orca between Camano Head and Clinton - three boats are with them. -John C Storbeck
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14:45 - They are passing between Whidbey & Hat Island. Northbound. Spread in groups. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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14:14 - We saw five! [approx. 47.974076, -122.346532]. They were just in the ferry lane. -Nicole Oliver
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14:12 - About 500 yards out from Clinton ferry terminal, mostly grouped, northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Sarah Denham
Date of Sighting: March 19, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Mukilteo Clinton ferry lane
Direction of travel : North
Behaviors observed: Stay under for long periods of time
If orcas, any males?: 1 male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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14:12 - I can see a few hunting/milling in this area. No general direction [approx. 47.998922, -122.365794].
13:47 - Straight out from Mukilteo now. Large group together northbound. -Holly Bailey Aprecio
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13:32 - I can see them in the distance from Mukilteo Lighthouse Park. -Lisa Marie Sutherlin
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13:27 - Northbound Possession Sound midchannel, two groups about quatrer mile apart. Almost to Glendale.  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:57 - They are officially off Possession Point passing the green buoy!
12:45 - They are traveling east along the south side of Whidbey very quickly. Still in Cultus Bay.
12:33 - Eyes on both groups heading towards Cultus Bay. -Brooke Thompson
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12:30 - I’m not sure which group I’m seeing or where to post but there’s still a group here milling and splashing [approx. 47.857824, -122.446451].  -Alice Thuy Talbot
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12:23 - Can see them (with binocs) from Sunset Drive in Edmonds looking northwest. -Nicholas Alexander Rubesh
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12:20 - Viewing from Sunset and the two groups are approaching Maxwelton headed east from Point No Point. -Brooke Thompson
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*Both groups [T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s] & [T46s & T124Ds] appeared to merge at this point*
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T87 Harbeson - Male is T46E Thor - 12:08 - They’re heading towards Mukilteo [approx. 47.885624, -122.464717]. - 11:50 - A few families just met. -photos by Nicole Oliver, March 19, 2024
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12:06 - Both groups should be together still in the same location, possibly moving east now.
11:45 - Large group here heading for Possession at the moment [approx. 47.880123, -122.430668]. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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11:45 - They are much farther off the west shore than that. I'm at Point No Point, I can just see blows; here are I think two whale watching boats with them. Looking at the two boats from here there is a group to the south and a group to the north of the boat's line of sight, they are well east of the boat from what I can tell. Group to the south, triple breach! -Jim Pasola
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11:44 - Lots of activity. Three orcas breached at the same time. At least five and one large male in this group. 
11:39 - Has group hunting out from Eglon [approx. 47.855556, -122.490397]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:30 - This group [T46s & T124Ds] has moved much farther offshore, still northbound, I can barely see blows now from Point No Point. It's misty over there, I can see they are in front of a ferry. It looks like the two groups are headed for each other.
11:05 - From Point No Point I can see them [T46s & T124Ds] far off in the distance looking right at Mount Rainier. They appear to be moving offshore, maybe northeast, difficult to determine from here.
11:05 - A group [T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s] just surprised me completely incoming from the left, a group of five to seven leading whale look like Harbeson. Moving quickly southeast. -Jim Pasola
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09:40 - [T46s & T124Ds] Kingston group passing directly out from Apple Tree Point northbound Kingston side - beautiful! No camera but still water with marine layer lifting - I hear their blows [video in FB comments]. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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09:21 - [T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s] spotted in Skunk Bay, southbound closer to Hansville side. I did hear air blows.  -Martha C. 
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08:26 - [T46s & T124Ds] Orcas mid channel off Jefferson Head. Two to three individuals spotted, one male further south. Appear to be northbound. -Logan Baker
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Mar 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch) - 19:00 - Little Patch in Holmes Harbor. Out from Saratoga Community boat launch, mid channel. Southbound into Holmes. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:52 - Little Patch slowly circling just north of Langley. -Trevor Derie
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Tue, Mar 19 - Saratoga Passage (CRC56 Stardust) - CRC56 Stardust in Saratoga Passage. I went to Mabana in the afternoon to look for the orcas and found this gray as he moved north after feeding near Summerland. After waiting for the orcas for a while, I decided to move to Camano Island State Park. The orcas didn't make it that far north before dark, but I did find Stardust again. He had stayed close to shore and was just coming out of Elger Bay at sunset. I've been really missing watching the grays at sunset lately and this was exactly what I needed. All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos. -photos & ID by Serena Tierra, March 19, 2024
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19:21 - CRC56 now northwest of Camano Island State Park boat launch, continuing northbound and pushing offshore. Long downtimes. Goodnight Stardust.
19:03 - Gray, likely CRC56, slowly heading northwest off Lowell Point.
18:44 - Gray is north of Baby Island now, appears to be turning into Holmes Harbor.
18:37 - Gray milling on Whidbey side of Saratoga, just south of Baby Island.
17:59 - I think there's two grays on the Whidbey side, I'm seeing blows north of Baby Island (from my
perspective), possibly trending north.
17:43 - Stardust moved back over close to shore, still slowly northbound north of Mabana. Blows are echoing nicely off the bluffs.
17:35 - CRC56 is north of Mabana, northbound and trending offshore. I saw a blow from another gray on the Whidbey side between Bells Beach and Fox Spit (likely the same one from earlier moving south).
17:23 - CRC56 Stardust now off Mabana boat launch, slowly northbound on Camano side.
17:18 - Gray is trending northwest between Summerland and Mabana.
17:12 - Gray is milling, possibly trending north.
17:08 - At least one gray still off Summerland.
16:41 - Seeing blows from a gray on the Whidbey side of Saratoga, around Fox Spit area, not sure about direction of travel. Viewing from Mabana. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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16:00 - [gray] still feeding same location, close to shore, south of Summerland. Spending long times under water.
15:40 - Two grays coming north from Pebble Beach; still south of Summerland. They're feeding again, same place as yesterday. -Peg Boley [CWW]
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Tue, Mar 19 - Lower Saratoga Passage -photo by Christy Grant, March 19, 2024
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14:21 - There were about four spotted by Hat Island! So cool! [approx. 48.054203, -122.347077]. This guy was taking a snooze. -photo by Nicole Oliver, March 19, 2024
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13:30 - Now seeing at least four spread from Camano Head towards Gedney [Hat Island].
13:11 - Two more grays, one at Camano Head logging. One about a mile east of Camano Head southbound. -Trevor Tillman, PSE
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Tue, Mar 19 - North Puget Sound (CRC2441) - 13:13 - Gray whale fifty feet off shore at Glendale moving south. ID by Serena Tierra, Orca Network confirms CRC2441. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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12:27 - Clinton. Clinton side. We went slow till halfway across channel.
12:25 - Could hear blow load and clear. Two different colors. One was pink and gray mottled.
12:24 - Saw two from ferry.
12:21 - Slowly heading south. -Tamra Baublitz

March 18
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Mon, Mar 18 - Strait of Juan de Fuca (T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As minus T124A2s) - Excerpt from the Center for Whale Research Encounter #21: “We found Mark in his yellow boat and the whales about a mile east of the Beaumont Shoal buoy and the encounter began at 1507.  The whales were in a fairly tight group and were now generally heading east-southeast. T87 was at the rear of the group while still being a part of it. The other whales present were T46C2, the T46B1s, and the T124As minus the T124A2s. T124A1 had a new calf with her that we had heard had been first seen the week before. We only had good lighting for right sides so we spent some time getting those on everyone in the group, including the calf. The calf was not showing a lot of eye patch and was often hidden behind T124A1’s dorsal fin but we got what we needed on it. …” Read more here at Center for Whale Research Encounter #21.
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Mon, Mar 18 - Haro Strait (T46B1s, T46C2, T87, T124As, T124A1s, T124A4s) - 15:15 - Different group of Bigg's killer whales, previously inbound off Victoria, are now zig-zagging their way north up mid-Haro -Monika Wieland Shields,Orca Behavior Institute
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Mon, Mar 18 - Rosario Strait - 07:05 - Just had at least two orcas pass us in the fog southern Rosario Strait. They were southwest bound moving slow. Could be more but visibility was low [approx. 48.444172, -122.754691]. -Tyson Parker Reed
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Mon, Mar 18 - T46s & T124Ds (Saratoga Passage) - As the T46s and T124Ds traveled south just off shore from Sandy Point - you can’t see them in the video, but listen with the volume up. Link to FB video. -Dori Dace
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T46s and T124Ds from Camano Island State Park today! It was a quick pass but so beautiful under the mountains. Link to more photos. -photos by Serena Tierra, March 18, 2024
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From the Camano State Park this afternoon. T46s and T124Ds. Link to more photos. -photos by Charvet Drucker, March 18, 2024
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Mon, Mar 18 - Saratoga Passage (T46s & T124Ds) - Male is T46E Thor - My husband and I were vacationing in Washington back in March. On March 18th we saw these three orcas from Camano Island State Park. -photo by Kathy Cummings, March 18, 2024
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Brothers T46E Thor & T46D Strider - When they went by us at Possession Point Waterfront Park around mid channel we could hear their blows even at that distance and then we went to Possession Point dive park and they flipped and came back by about thirty feet offshore and it was so so loud we thought it was a train on the mainland at first. It was amazing! -photos by Ed Pearson, March 18, 2024
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20:15 - They continued south/southeast well south of Sandy Point now.
20:05 - Wow. They flipped. Now southbound 100 yards off Sandy Point. Their blows sound INCREDIBLE.
19:45 - Halfway between Sandy Point & Langley very close to Whidbey.
19:36 - They've committed Saratoga, Whidbey side.
19:32 - They're nearly to Sandy Point. Spread. One surfaced fairly close to the point.
18:43 - Off Brighton Beach, still northbound.
18:35 - Nearing Clinton ferry lanes. All but the boys closer to Whidbey. Haven't seen them but guessing more mid. Northbound.
18:15 - They are north of Glendale, T124Ds close to Whidbey, others further out. Still northbound.
17:44 - Possession Point Waterfront Park. T46D T46E tight together. T124D1 & T124D3 hanging out 50 feet offshore. Overall trend northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kayla Young
Date of Sighting: March 18, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Glendale beach
Direction of travel : Towards Clinton ferry mid channel
Behaviors observed: Traveling slowly
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: -photos by Kayla Young, March 18, 2024
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17:41 - Just passed at the park northbound AWESOME! -Ed Pearson
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17:35 - FINALLY! Close to shore northbound. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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17:36 - Super close to Whidbey shoreline.
17:31 - Look like the are coming northeast back into Possession Sound. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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17:22 - Now eastbound again! -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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17:15 - They look to be milling about in Cultus Bay. -Brooke Thompson
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17:15 - Stalled approx. here [47.899831, -122.398830].
17:11 - Possibly stalled on a hunt now friend reports.
17:05 - Friend reports the orcas are westbound close to Whidbey nearing Cultus Bay. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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17:05 - There’s a pod south of Possession Point between the buoy milling with a large male. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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16:59 - They are out of sight from from here at Possession Point Park and I can't see the sail boat. Sorry, they may have turned west around the tip of Whidbey.
16:45 - Past Meadowdale now, Whidbey side of mid-channel.
16:40 - Moving rapidly south now even with Picnic Point Park.
16:36 - Passing Possession Point State Park mid channel south and west of the tug and barge. -Ed Pearson
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16:10 - Viewing from Glendale: still mid to other. Spread a bit north/south. Slowly moving southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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15:56 - Viewed some big breaching from Mukilteo side! I live on hillside up ferry dock - Went to get telephoto camera and lost view of them. -Mary Ann Macomber
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15:39 - Viewing from above Clinton ferry. Our friends are south of the ferry lanes. Mid to other. Lots of surface activity with a big breach. Likely milling on a kill. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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15:20 - Ta’Leah Van Sistine called Rachel to report they were on the ferry heading back to Mukilteo after day shadowing Rachel and spotted the orcas still to the north of ferry lanes heading southbound.
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13:54 - Aiming for the northside of Hat Island about a mile north. Right now could either go on east or west side. Just cannot tell yet. To me appears more easterly. Viewing from south side Sandy Point high bluff. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:35 - Milling on a hunt northeast of Sandy Point. Three breaches in a row from what looked like T124D3.
12:58 - Just north of Pebble Beach, southbound, Camano side.
12:32 - Out from Saratoga Woods, midchannel, southbound, grouped out. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:22 - Southbound, seeing from Mabana. Mid channel, maybe closer to the Whidbey side but not sure. -Charvet Drucker
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12:06 - Orcas have grouped up, mid channel, have passed East Point. Still southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:51 - They were spread out a bit earlier, now grouping back up. Southbound midchannel off East Point, south of Camano Island State Park. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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11:48 - Out from Camano Island State Park, Camano side. Southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:45 - Southbound Camano side of midchannel off south end Camano Island State Park. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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11:42 - They just rounded the corner around Camano State Park. Moving at a very fast pace south. (Out of my view now).
11:33 - A pod of five to six, I'm guessing Strider. Heading towards Bells Beach.
11:22 - Heading south, mid channel.
11:19 - Orcas spotted from Cama Beach [approx. 48.168023, -122.534374]. Working to get a direction and possible IDs. -Holly Bailey Aprecio
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08:30 - Northbound Whidbey side Race Lagoon area. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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T46D Strider -photo by Holly Bailey Aprecio, March 18, 2024
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T124D Field - T46D Strider
08:00 - Solo trailer [T46D].
07:50 - Orcas one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach heading north. Leaders three to four. -photos by Aaron Gill, March 18, 2024
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Mar 18 - Central Saratoga Passage - 17:50 - Gray whale heading north right off would be shore one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -Aaron Gill
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18:01 - Heading north, seen and heard from a mile north of Hidden Beach, gray whale? About eight surfacing blows! -Francie L Dailer
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15:23 - Spotted one gray whale about 400 feet off the Greenbank shoreline, about one mile south of Wonn Road/Greenbank Farm. Heading steadily north. Attached is a short video clip with Mount Baker in the background.  -Martha Poppy Sinclair
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13:00 - 14:00 - Gray spouting and feeding close to shore off East Point. -Shannon Kavanaugh
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Mon, Mar 18 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 17:50 - There were also three grays in southern Saratoga Passage heading northbound south of Pebble Beach, Camano. -Orca Network
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14:54 - Blows just south of Camano Head. Pretty sure they are grays. -Maia Jewell
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14:28 - On Puget Sound Express. Just saw at least two gray whales near Camano head. Feeding very close to shore. -photo by Maxcey Sligh, March 18, 2024
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14:00 - Gray just south of Camano Head. Milling? -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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12:30 - Gray whale just south of Camano Head. No direction. -Donna George
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11:40 - Two grays just passed us slowly heading south very close in to shore. Saratoga Passage, south end of the island, Gull Way. -Mike Moberly [CWW]
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10:53 - The other gray off Sandy Point likely went south.
10:51 - Another one here [approx. 48.060535, -122.398700].
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10:24 - One Gray whale just out from Sandy Point, milling -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Mon, Mar 18 - North Puget Sound - 16:30 - Seeing a few blows (no tall dorsal fins, so I’m presuming it’s a gray) from Sunset Ave looking out towards Possession Point on the west side of the channel. -Brooke Thompson
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12:54 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 12:55 to report: Vessel KALEETAN reports one possible gray whale SW direction while heading to KING.

March 17
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sun, Mar, 17 - Captain Passage, BC (T99s)
Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Peter McAllister
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time:
Species seen: orca
Number of animals seen: 3
Where seen: Captains Passage, mid channel
Direction of travel : SE
Behaviors observed: foraging and travelling
If orcas, any males?: male
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 - T99B Holly - T99 Bella & T99C Barakat -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photos by Peter McAlister, March 17, 2024
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Sun, Mar 17 - Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds) - St. Patrick's Day orcas, the T46s and T124Ds, somewhat distant but nevertheless present and correct as seen from Brighton Beach. -photo by Sandy Pollard, March 17, 2024
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-photo by RJ Snowberger, March 17, 2024
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T124D Field & T46E Thor - On a hunt. -photos by Aurora Bearse, March 17, 2024
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T46E Thor - As the Bigg’s/Transients went around Hat Island & eventually up Saratoga Passage. Link to more photos. -photos by Jason Cook, March 17, 2024 
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Sunday March 17, we had an especially exciting day with Bigg’s killer whales near Hat Island, hunting a sea lion! On our way to look for gray whales on the MV Swiftsure, Puget Sound Express, we spotted orcas near Mukilteo just after noon. It was the T46 pod/T122 and the T124D pod, and they were spread out across Possession Sound looking for prey. Within minutes of us slowly working our way into viewing distance it was obvious that the orcas caught an animal quickly and they were starting to eat a meal. A big spyhop from T46E (Thor), the orcas circling around in one spot with gulls flying overhead were dead-giveaways that lunch was being shared. However, the meal didn’t last very long before the orcas were on the move again. After a couple of breaths at the surface for the leaders in the group swimming northward they suddenly turned around and started porpoising towards something in the distance behind them. Some of the younger pod members that were lagging behind found another animal to hunt and help was coming in fast. It was a California sea lion! Sea lion hunts can be some of the most epic hunts we see with Bigg’s killer whales. Eventually all the orcas (except T46D and T46F) converged around the sea lion pretty quickly. In typical fashion the orcas took turns charging at the sea lion attempting to injure it. The leaders in the hunt, the older killer whales (especially T122, and T124D) were bursting out of the water with tremendous power and speed on multiple occasions trying to hit the sea lion and sometimes their actions were followed by younger pod members too. With sea lion hunts there is often a flurry of hunting activity then the orcas swim away, almost as if to regroup or make a new plan of attack, and then they circle back around for another flurry of intense hunting. The process tends to go back and forth like this, sometimes for hours, until the orcas either defeat the sea lion, it gets away, or they decide to move on. We sat there floating in one spot watching the drama unfold and then T46D (Strider) and his little brother T46F (Loki) finally swam in, but the brothers seemed more interested in socializing with each other than helping with the sea lion hunt! Eventually we had to leave in order to have enough time to look for gray whales so we never did see the end of the hunt. We made our way Pebble Beach on Camano Island to watch Earhart (gray whale CRC-22) swimming along the shoreline for our finale. Here are some photos from that amazing day! Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Bart Rulon Wildlife, March 17, 2024
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T46E Thor on left - An absolutely spectacular day with the whales. Met a new friend and even helped a woman with her camera so she could photograph the whales. I originally went out knowing that the chance of seeing orcas was very slim. The chance of seeing anything at all was very slim. But because I’m Irish and it is Saint Patrick’s Day, I tested my luck a little bit. I left out of Anacortes with Island Adventures. With no decent whale reports, we made our way south. We eventually caught wind of the T46s and T124Ds mingling around Hat Island, so we made a beeline for southern Whidbey. We cruised at 22 knots all the way to Everett, practically, where we did, in fact, meet up with the orcas. I was amazed they stayed for so long. The whales, turns out, were actively hunting a California sea lion. However, this was no ordinary hunt. You see, there were young orcas in this group. Prime time for learning how to catch bigger pinnipeds. For the time we were on scene, the orcas played with the sea lion and allowed the younger whales to have a go at the frantic pinniped. At one point, the sea lion took cover under a small private vessel. The whales followed. Bigger male T46E Thor stayed on the perimeter to ensure the sea lion did not escape. The females stayed close to the young and taught them how to hunt. On our way back, we did happen to find Little Patch, the grey whale. The orcas’ chase continued for the entire time we were there. Lots of surface activity to be seen. It was a great day. Huge thank you to Captain Carl and naturalist Tyson for their hard work getting us to whales today. Link to more photos. -photos by Kat Martin, March 17, 2024
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T46s & T124Ds - Link to video. -Kat Martin
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19:21 - Viewing them from Langley Beach, close to Camano side. -Alexandra Dolak
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19:01 - Orcas appear to be headed north up Saratoga Passage. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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18:48 - Five plus orcas south of Camano Head now! -Maia Jewell
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Rachel Haight, thanks to your posts and Cindi’s info, I was able to spot them from Langley, first as they started south out of Camano Head and then your info about them heading up Saratoga passage helped me re-spot them after I lost them. I would have been looking south in vain! -Amy Booker
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18:40 - Cindi Crowder Rausch sees the orcas JUST south of Camano Head, out of Port Susan. Unsure which way they'll go now.
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18:38 - Possible orcas on Camano side, seen from Tulalip. At least two. Lots of blows seen from shore. -Maia Jewell
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18:00 - PSWW chat reports T46s and T124Ds are now southbound spread out, south of McKees Beach.
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17:50 - Both groups of orcas I saw (five plus orcas in total), yes, with two grays leaving. -Ashley Johnson
*
16:25 - Per PS Chat, orcas northbound Port Susan, midchannel Tulalip Shores. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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15:57 - Whales are trending north, maybe towards Port Susan, mid channel.
15:38 - Update - whales have split into two groups, some with Blackfish at pin above and a few others (at least two including large male) are very much on the Whidbey side by Sandy Point, heading north.
15:35 - Here, stalled, maybe on a hunt. Blackfish boat following [approx. 48.029684, -122.353032]. -Emily Wandres
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time: 3:36 PM
Species seen: ORCA
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48.0454. -122.3434
Direction of travel : NW
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: One Male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: What a great afternoon three hours in Possession Sound the pod of orcas gave quite a show. Probably a dozen boats were trailing them also :( now past HAT Island, heading towards Camano Island! Again, what a great Sunday this has been!
Photos available?: No
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15:32 - Along Hat Island. -Jason Cook
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15:10 - Here traveling, boats following [approx. 48.005761, -122.333691].
15:00 - Now seem to be committed to travel northwest up the southeast side of Hat Island.
14:35 - Looked like they were in travel mode, went northwest on the southeast side of Hat Island and are now stalled on a hunt again.
14:20 - Still milling in the same spot as above. -Emily Wandres
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13:30 - Milling in same spot as 12:55 update.
12:55 - Approx. location as they hunt [approx. 48.983695, -122.309558]. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: John Shackman
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time: 12:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Between Hat Island and Whidbey Island
Direction of travel :
Behaviors observed: Milling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
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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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Matt Schoenfeld
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time: 12:15 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: Clinton-Mukilteo ferry
Direction of travel : S
Behaviors observed: Traveling
If orcas, any males?: Yes
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No
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12:18 - T46s and T124Ds eating a meal at my map spot [approx. 47.960125, -122.304418].
12:00 - T46 pod plus more northbound at my map spot. Several orcas way out in front of us [approx. 47.945794, -122.328760]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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12:06 - Jessie T called Orca Network to report seeing at least four orcas, including at least one male, out from Mukilteo ferry/beach area traveling northbound toward Hat Island.
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11:57 - Swiftsure is with them. These whales are Sunday driving…. SLOW! -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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11:50 - I count five heading to lighthouse about here one large male [approx. 47.934907, -122.328447]. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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11:47 - They are closer to Mukilteo side now still headed northbound but anyone's guess where they go past Mukilteo. -Ed Pearson
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Tom Barger
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time: 11:30 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: South side Hat Island
Direction of travel : Came from SW.
Behaviors observed: Milling, breaching, possible kill.
If orcas, any males?: One male, one female, three juveniles
Any unusual markings?: Too far to see from Mukilteo.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Two whale watch points and eight to twelve private vessels. All boats motors off. Milled for one and a half hours or so.
Photos available?: No
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11:30 - Viewing fins and blows directly out from Glendale Beach. Orca are mid to other. At least one male. Still northbound.
11:18 - Seeing them from Glendale, still south of there, midchannel, northbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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10:55 - Viewing from Sunset Ave and spotted them headed northeast by Possession Point. -Brooke Thompson
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10:39 - Trending eastbound along Whidbey, near Cultus Bay now.
10:30 - Just spotted them from Stamm looking towards Double Bluff, looked like a group of maybe five just off the Whidbey coast. -Christy Bedford Qualle
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09:45 - Another relayed report from Donna: (Second hand report from community member) At least five orcas, southbound passing from Norwegian Point to Point No Point about 09:30. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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08:30 - Orcas in Skunk Bay, Hansville.  -Wade B [Hansville group]
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Mar 17 - Upper Saratoga Passage - 15:00 - Gray whale just north Onamac point mid channel. -Matt Henning
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Sun, Mar 17 - Possession Sound (CRC53 Little Patch) - Here’s an updated photo of Little Patch’s side. We couldn’t figure out who it was, initially, as he has just gotten to be so incredibly white! Little Patch has a skin disease of sorts and it is insane to see how it has changed the skin condition over the span of just a year! Link to more photos. -photo by Kat Martin, March 17, 2024
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14:40 - Saw one close to Camano southbound from Camano Yacht Club. -Shelly Greybeck
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13:00 - Two grays heading out of Crescent Harbor. Mid channel-heading south. -Terra Parham
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07:45 - I spotted a gray pretty far out in the channel between Mariner’s Cove/Whidbey and Utsalady/Camano (closer to the Whidbey side). It appeared to be on the move, heading maybe toward Polnell (slightly westward) rather than veering directly south down the channel. -Marianne Parry
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Sun, Mar 17 - Central Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor - 17:30 - At least one gray whale in Holmes Harbor, directly across from Saratoga Beach, west of mid channel heading southbound deeper into the harbor. Carrier ship has already exited the harbor. -Katie Davis Watkins, Orca Network
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15:42 - Heading south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach mid channel. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 17, 2024
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Sun, Mar 17 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 18:34 - Gray whale blow at Camano Head by the green channel marker. Looks to be southbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch
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17:39 - Watching two grays (presumably) going north from Camano Head, viewing from Langley Beach, seem very close to Camano side. -Amy Booker
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17:23 - Per Cindi Crowder Rausch, [grays approx. 48.054285, -122.385934].
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17:05 - The two Camano Head grays have now flipped and are going up Saratoga, on the Camano side of mid channel. -Emily Wandres
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16:26 - Definitely two grays.
16:21 - At least one, maybe two, gray whales just south of Camano Head, southeastbound. -Cindi Crowder Rausch.
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Sun, Mar 17 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart) - 13:37 - CRC-22 is southbound along the shore at my map spot [approx. 48.065024, -122.393132]. -photo & ID by Bart Rulon Art & Photography, March 17, 2024
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12:56 - Still milling, has moved north closer to boat launch again. Looks like it may be feeding offshore. No ID yet, lighting is harsh and I haven't been able to see any details on their body.
12:43 - Now trending south again, still on Camano side south of Mabana.
12:38 - Gray is milling on Camano side just south of Mabana. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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12:43 - Continues to move south from Mabana.
12:33 - Now moving south at a pretty quick pace.
12:22 - Awesome feeding display now closer to Camano side.
12:02 - Now drifting more towards the Whidbey side
11:52 - About midway out continuing northbound. If I had to say, closer to Camano side.
11:50 - Eyes on the gray at Mabana Beach. -Kevin Doar
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11:14 - Gray is very slowly northbound, midchannel off Summerland now.
10:59 - Gray north of Pebble Beach, northbound on Camano side of midchannel.
10:09 - Another gray close to Camano shore off Pebble Beach, northbound (thanks to Mike Moberly in CWW for the heads up). -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Sun, Mar 17 - Lower Saratoga Passage - 10:50 - Two grays crossing Saratoga Passage north of Hat Island, heading east/north east towards Port Susan. -Mike Moberly [CWW]
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10.42 - Viewing from Sandy Point. Two grey whales south of Camano Head steady southbound. -Sandy Pollard
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10:07 - Grays are moving south at a pretty good pace, just north of Sandy Point now. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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10:03 - Headed south past Langley. -Chloe Giday
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09:57 - They are actually between Langley and Sandy Point, still southbound [approx. 48.041392, -122.390170].
09:50 - Finally found them! Two grays southbound on Whidbey side approaching Langley, only blows visible from here.
09:12 - Still hearing the blows in the same area, thought there might be two whales earlier but not sure. Haven't seen anything yet so guessing they are closer to Whidbey.
08:52 - Hearing a gray whale blow from Mabana, no visual yet. Sounds like it is southwest of me. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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Sun, Mar 17 - Port Susan - 08:54 - PSChat reports one gray between Kayak Point & Warm Beach, close to mainland side. No direction given.
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Sun, Mar 17 - Possession Sound (CRC2246 & other) - CRC2246
18:20 - Looks like two grays. Closer to Tulalip side
18:18 - Viewing from Tulalip. Midchannel southbound. -back of camera photo by Maia Jewell, March 17, 2024
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Madison Simpson
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 2
Where seen: Tulalip
Direction of travel : SW
Behaviors observed: Feeding
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Seemed to be a littler one more active than the larger one spouting. Little tale flops
Photos available?: No
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Sun, Mar 17 - North Puget Sound - 10:37 - Gray just surfaced directly in front of Apple Tree Point Kitsap side west of southbound shipping lanes, northbound may intersect with orcas reportedly approaching from Eglon area. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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09:58 - Gray whale spotted off Apple Tree point by Coast Guard boat, headed northbound. -Laurae Briggs
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09:14 - Just saw gray whale heading northeast from Edmonds Kingston ferry. -Karen Emge
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08:13 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 08:14 to report: KALEETAN Captain reports one gray whale heading NB in the SB traffic lanes near KING.
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Amy Atkinson
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time: 9:52 AM
Species seen: Gray
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Wsdot ferry en route to Edmonds
Direction of travel : N, pace unknown
Behaviors observed: Traveling
Date of Sighting: March 17, 2024
Time: 5:15 PM
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?:
Photos available?: No

March 16
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Sat, Mar 16 - Howe Sound, BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Sat Mar 16 13:00 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 49.63747,-123.21570
Number Sighted: 2
Submitter Name: Lane Oliver
Whale Alert App
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Sat, Mar 16 - Rosario Strait (T99s)
13:17 - T99s northbound [north of Bird Rocks]
13:12 - Eyes on T99s just north of Bird Rocks, Rosario Strait. IDs per Cindi Crowder Rausch aboard IE5. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Male is T99C Barakat -photo by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 16, 2024
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Sat, Mar 16 - Rosario Strait (T49As [minus T49A1 & T49A2] & T123s) - T123A Stanley -photo & ID by Cindi Crowder Rausch, March 16, 2024
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T123A Stanley. - ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network -photo by Libbie Meyers, March 16, 2024
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14:41 - Orcas have continued northwest viewing from Rosario Beach. Very difficult to make them out anymore. Still not sure who this group is.
14:32 - It’s possible the Burrows Island group went west. I only saw one large fin with two smaller ones surface. Whale watch boat is on scene. I haven’t seen anything further. Viewing from Rosario Beach. -photo by Kat Martin, March 16, 2024
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13:30 - Six or seven orcas, (two big males) off west tip of Burrows Island, viewed from Washington Park. Southbound. -John Ryan
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13:05 - Eyes on T49As (minus 49A1 & 49A2) & T123s, viewing from Washington Park. Southbound Rosario. Drifting east now. IDs from Cindi Crowder Rausch aboard IE5. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Cynthia Nielsen
Date of Sighting: March 16, 2024
Time: 12:40 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 5
Where seen: Rosario Strait off south end of Cypress Island
Direction of travel : W
Behaviors observed: Traveling, milling, mostly in two smaller groups of three to four animals
If orcas, any males?: One large male
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: The whale watching boat was following them and at one point got way too close.
Photos available?: No
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12:30 - Between Guemes and Cypress. -photo by Alexie Gregory, March 16, 2024
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Sat, Mar 16 - Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds) - T46E Thor - I was lucky enough to see Thor and his crew while out fishing today. Link to video. -photo by Tim Harder, March, 16, 2024
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T124D3 & T46E Thor -As seen from Fay Bainbridge! -photo by Emma Vasilj, March 16, 2024
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photo by Steve Rice, March 16, 2024
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19:36 - From Point No Point they seem to have slowed and are milling still south of here. No committed direction yet.
18:59 - For now they appear to slowly be headed northbound towards Point No Point.
18:42 - From Eglon I can see fins mid channel still VERY SLOWLY northbound possibly some milling. -April Janice Basham
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18:40 - Viewing from Sunset Ave and I saw a couple surface with some backlit blows around the Eglon area headed north on the west side of the channel. -Brooke Thompson
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18:30 - Viewing from Apple Tree Point spread out, sightline Haines Wharf and more towards Picnic Point approaching Possession gap/triangle a little farther east now. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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18:15 - They are headed past Apple Tree Point headed toward Whidbey. -Laurae Briggs
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18:00 - Update ferries cleared them to the south they are now in line with north end of tank farm, see a little one with female just out past the rough.
17:52 - Male and female milling out with some harbor porpoises in or west of southbound shipping lane sightline Apple Tree Point to just south of tank farm. Westbound ferry heading directly to them.
17:47 - Single dorsal up just north of eastbound ferry transiting from Kingston. Approaching Apple Tree Point Kitsap side. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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17:35 - Pod is moving into the Kingston-Edmonds ferry lines. Viewing from the park by the Kingston ferry. Still northbound mid channel. -Candace Gavin
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17:28 - See two just north of mid channel marker. Viewing from bluff next to Kingston ferry terminal. Heading north. Sailboat following behind them. -Jan Pierce
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17:22 - Northbound towards Kingston. At least three.
17:17 - Viewing from Richmond Beach. -Amy Booker
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16:52 - Moving more mid channel now out of Port Madison. Resuming northbound travels. Approaching Jefferson Head.
16:13 - Milling at the entrance to Port Madison. No confirmed direction. -Candace Gavin
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16:00 - Breaching and tail slapping. 
15:58 - Seem to be milling rather than traveling.
15:56 - Viewing from Carkeek. They're in the middle of the entrance to Port Madison. Far west side. -Conner Helms
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15:35 - Viewing from Fay Bainbridge, five orcas (one male and a baby) headed north!  -Lilly Elston Lutz
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15:20 - Viewing from Daybreak Star with binoculars, two whales south of Fay Bainbridge, west side of channel. -Aja Petee
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14:57 - Viewing from Sunset hill. Solo male northbound, east of channel. -Heather Kelly
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14:28 - Viewing from Magnolia Park and just saw them pass mid channel headed north. -Brooke Thompson
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14:17 - Three to four orcas continuing northbound, just west of mid channel. Now past Alki lighthouse and ferry lanes, viewing from Eagle Harbor. -Jim Reitz
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14:15 - Northbound. One big male. Viewing from downtown Seattle [approx. 47.602099, -122.479212]. -Alexander Simenstad
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13:58 - Stalled by Blakely Rocks. Viewing from 64th Alki. -Steve Rice
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13:50 - Orcas visible northbound between yellow Tango buoy and Bainbridge shore. Viewing from Eagle Harbor. -Jim Reitz
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13:40 - On east side of Bainbridge.
13:28 - In front of Manchester, still headed northwest. Very distant now as seen from Constellation Park.
13:12 - Between Blake and Manchester. Seem to be trending northwest.
12:58 - On east side of Blake.
12:56 - Passing in front of Southworth, viewing from Emma Schmitz. Northbound, mid channel. -Steve Rice
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12:35 - We received a call from James Lilje reporting pod of orcas in east channel off northern end Vashon heading northbound, about mid channel.
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12:37 - Northbound mid channel. North of Lincoln Park and a bit closer to West Seattle now.
12:30 - Northbound between Blake Island and Brace Point. East of mid channel. -Steve Rice
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12:27 - Still milling south of the Vashon ferry terminal near Kahlanie Point. Heading north towards ferry lanes. -Mae Zing
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12:03 - Still milling south of Vashon ferry terminal. A few jumps of celebration! -Heather Domenico
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11:58 - Viewing from Lincoln Park looking south, seeing dorsals on the Vashon side near a few boats. -Josh Nutter
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11:55 - Still in same area. Lots of splashing, some breaches.
11:43 - Milling about near two small boats, far out from Brace Point. South of Vashon ferry. Some surface activity. -Steve Rice
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11:45 - Here are two clips from earlier when they stalled out around the north end of Vashon for a bit [video in FB comments].  -Ty Rogers
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11:51 - Couple of breaches same spot north of Vashon towers.
11:42 - Southbound just north of Vashon TV towers seeing blows only from Emma Schmitz Park in West Seattle far west in channel. -Mary Hartmann
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11:21 - Passing northern tip of Vashon, heading down east side, as viewed from Emma Schmitz. Need binoculars.
11:24 - Passing ferry dock.
11:09 - Still southbound, east side of Blake. As viewed from Emma Schmitz Park, West Seattle. Small, light-top dark-hulled boat following. Long down times. -Steve Rice
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11:08 - Headed south bound easterly direction towards Fauntleroy viewing from Manchester fuel dock area. -Noelle Morris
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10:48 - Now south down east side of Blake.
10:41 - Heading east towards Seattle. -photo by Ken Donald, March 16, 2024
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10:40 - [approx. 47.559164, -122.514757]. -Tim Harder
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10:37 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: WALLA WALLA Captain reports 3 Orca near Orchard Point heading east.
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10:41 - Bound towards Blake, now between red-black cargo ship and Bainbridge.
10:37 - Appear to now be traveling back towards Blake Island Spit.
10:34 - Bremerton bound ferry just went by them. Still milling at the red buoy. One small boat with a sun hood very close. 
10:28 - West side of Bainbridge by the ted sea lion buoy. Viewing from Cornell Road. -Jill Denkmann
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10:27 - They are now out front of Manchester.
09:54 - South end of Blake going north. -Ken Donald
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08:42 - Good morning friends - just got a report from a community member report of orcas southbound from north end [Vashon Island] ferry. -Amy Carey, Sound Action
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08:39 - Donna McCrea, WSF Marine Ops, emailed to report: KITTITAS Captain reports 3 Orca milling about near VASHON.
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Mar 16 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC53 Little Patch & other)
19:22 - Fun surprise! Seeing two blows side by side in the distance, same line of sight as above, but way closer to Camano.
19:20 - Last sunset view of gray, now midway between Camano Island State Park & Fox Spit, viewing from Hidden Beach. Still southbound.
19:05 - Gray pushed out to midchannel and continued south past Hidden Beach - Camano Island State Park line of sight. Such a quiet night in the passage, even midchannel the blows are SO loud.
18:45 - Gray whale at Hidden Beach, south bound close to whidbey side. Gorgeous fluke! -Emily Wandres
*
17:36 - Volunteer Heather Anson called to report a gray whale right off Hidden Beach slowly meandering southbound. Possibly angling toward Holmes Harbor.
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CRC53 Little Patch -ID by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - 17:15 - Solo gray right off Whidbey heading south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 16, 2024
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16:50 - One gray now moving south across from Onamac point next to Whidbey.
16:20 - Two grays north of Onamac Point close to Whidbey. -Matt Henning
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Sat, Mar 16 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC56 Stardust) - 16:52 - Lone gray moving slowly north between Pebble Beach and Summerland [Camano]. It appears to be resting, and is close in. One boat following. -Peg Boley [CWW]
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CRC56 Stardust -ID by Serena Tierra, Orca Network - 16:00 - 17:00 - Saw one around just north of Langley, mostly near Camano. -photos by Aurora Bearse, March 16, 2024
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07:05 - Two grays headed south past mid Mountain View Beach [Camano Island]. -Lois Carlson [CWW]
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Sat, Mar 16 - Port Susan (CRC2246 & CRC2249 Hattie) - CRC2249 Hattie - CRC2249 Hattie & CRC2246 - I met a few new (to me) whales this week! On Friday, I found CRC2249 Hattie (first sighted this year on Wednesday 03/13) feeding with CRC56 Stardust in Saratoga Passage. Today, I spotted Hattie again with CRC2246 (unnamed) in Port Susan. 2246 was our first confirmed arrival this year (on 01/14), but they have mostly been staying around the Snohomish River Delta south of Camano. They are probably one of the most recognizable Sounders, with very prominent knuckles and a distinctive fluke, and I'm hoping to get more time with them over the next few months! All pictures taken from shore on Camano Island. Link to more photos. -photos & IDs by Serena Tierra, March 16, 2024
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15:39 - Grays milling off Tyee now, long downtimes.
15:28 - CRC2246 and one other southbound straight out from Tillicum. Second whale was CRC2249 Hattie.
15:17 - Gray southbound in Port Susan north of Tillicum, on Camano side. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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09:48 - Seeing a blow from Tillicum beach. Northbound, mid channel. -Charvet Drucker
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07:19 - Two gray whales feeding at Bretland, feeding, slowly headed south, 100 yards offshore. -PSChat
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Sat, Mar 16 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart & CRC383 Cascade) - CRC22 Earhart - Gray whales along the shore of Whidbey Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, March 16, 2024
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14:03 - Second whale is CRC383 Cascade.
13:53 - San Juan Clipper just leaving CRC22 and second whale (flukes documented, will ID) traveling north on Whidbey side [approx. 48.151287, -122.547794]. -Alli Montgomery,
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13:44 - Gray number two southeastbound from Hidden. -Jason Cook
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13:30 - One continuing south, one heading north, both Whidbey side.
13:00 - Two, heading down Whidbey side towards Hidden Beach. -Aaron Gill
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13:25 - Two gray whales in between Whidbey and Camano Islands! Traveling north [approx. 48.138766, -122.554396]. -Kirstie Black
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12:37 - Different gray, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. Heading south Whidbey side.
12:17 - Kind of off Cama Beach.
12:03 - Flipped a 180 appears to be heading north mid channel [approx. 48.1229922, -122.539178]. -Aaron Gill
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11:59 - We near at Greenbank farm - and have seen some blows. -Samantha Muschett
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11:56 - Big blow in front of ship.
11:38 - Seen blows in harbor by Greenbank. -Aaron Gill
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Sat, Mar 16 - Central Saratoga Passage/Holmes Harbor (CRC2356 Stalwart) - CRC2356 Stalwart - Gray whales along the shore of Whidbey Island. Link to more photos. -photo by Jason Cook, March 16, 2024
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13:38 - CRC-2356 is feeding along the shore of Holmes Harbor northbound [approx. 48.044447, -122.513450].
13:10 - CRC-2356 (Stalwart) is southbound at my map spot [approx. 48.047508, -122.534136]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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11:33 - The gray from Hidden Beach looks to be southbound again towards Holmes Harbor [approx. 48.078522, -122.537966]. -Jason Cook
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10:40 - Gray whale headed south out of sight. ID’d as 2356 Stalwart by Serena Tierra, Orca Network.
10:30 - Gray whale just south of Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:45 - Whales still heading south towards Hidden Beach.
09:39 - Heading out moving south-easterly.
09:00 - Whale off, Whidbey shore, one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach. -photo by Aaron Gill, March 16, 2024
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Sat, Mar 16 - North Puget Sound (CRC2259 & other)
16:40 - Across from Glendale research boat is with who would be a different whale about mile south of Mukilteo Lighthouse Beach [see map], not much further north of Sara’s earlier sighting. Whale was northbound [approx. 47.912585, -122.324153].
15:55 - A gray whale surfaced off the south end of Glendale Beach close inshore. Did not see the whale prior (had been here since about 15:30) and never saw the whale again. Clearly on long dives. Others on the beach saw the whale as well, one saw the body and thought was moving southbound [approx. 47.938179, -122.355940]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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16:05 - Seems to be milling in the same general area.
15:45 - One gray whale, presumably 2259, northbound near Big Gulch in between Picnic Point and Mukilteo [approx. 47.898159, -122.337199]. -Sara Montour Lewis, Our Wild Puget Sound
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14:25 - CRC-2259 was northbound at my map spot [approx. 48.873723, -122.363839]. -Bart Rulon Art & Photography
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MINKE WHALES - Sat, Mar 16 - Admiralty Inlet - 13:30 - What looked like a minke: northbound north of Marrowstone Point. Definite hooked fin with no hump we saw. -Steven Emm

March 15
BIGG'S KILLER WHALES (mammal-eating ecotype) - Fri, Mar 15 - Campbell River, BC (T36As & T65As) - T036As and T065As frolicked past Campbell River, British Columbia today. I managed to catch them just north of Campbell River before they entered the Narrows and disappeared. Filmed from shore. Link to video. -Heather V Baskey
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Fri, Mar 15 - BC
Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Killer Whale (Orca) Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 15 16:08 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.78129,-123.34441 [between Salt Spring and N Pender Islands] 
Number Sighted: 4
Submitted Comments: Pod of orcas spotted from the ferry, unsure of total size
Submitter Name: Liz 
Whale Alert App
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Dorothy Murrell
Date of Sighting: March 15, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 6
Where seen: Southwest of Mudge Island
Direction of travel : Southwest
Behaviors observed: Leisurely swimming, staying near surface.
If orcas, any males?:
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: One large and several small, judging from the size of dorsal fins and spouts
Photos available?: No
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Fri, Mar 15 - BC - Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Patrick Meehan
Date of Sighting: March 15, 2024
Time: 6:50 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: 48.4078760, -123.3703873
Direction of travel : East
Behaviors observed: Slowly traveling east, a significant amount of activity at the point they left the view,
either play or catching a seal
If orcas, any males?: Unlikely
Any unusual markings?:
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: Each looked fairly small for a transient population. There were at least three, but probably no more than five.
Photos available?: No
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Fri, Mar 15 - BC - Cascadia Region Whale Sighting
Orca Sighting:
Sighting Time: Fri Mar 15 15:30 PDT
Sighting User Reported Location (Lat/Lon): 48.32502,-123.59751 [inside Beecher Bay, BC] 
Number Sighted: 6
Submitter Name: Ella
Whale Alert App
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Fri, Mar 15 - Puget Sound (T46s & T124Ds) - T46D Strider - Link to more photos. -photo by Brian Stevens, March 15, 2024 - T46E Thor - T124D3 -IDs by Rachel Haight, Orca Network - Our encounter near Elliott Bay today. Best day ever! -photos by Kristi Hencke, March 15, 2024
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19:44 - Last visual sighting they were moving towards Point Defiance. Angling towards the Narrows. Still steady travels. -Candace Gavin
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19:30 - Some here heading west [approx. 47.325760, -122.508276]. -Jami Cantrell
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19:14 - See blows off the south end of Maury. Staying close to Maury. Currently headed west towards Quartermaster Harbor. Close to container ship. -Candace Gavin
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T46E Thor - 19:23 - Thor and the Volcano. -photo by AirWaterLand Photography, March 15, 2024
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18:40 - Four orcas at Gold Beach heading to Tahlequah, Vashon side. -Tami Thomas Brockschmidt
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18:09 - They’ve cleared Point Robinson now, super stealth with long six to eight minute downtimes. Closer to island shores, loosely grouped, T46s and T124Ds. Wasn’t able to get eyes on Strider though, steady southbound, with beautiful backlit blows. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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18:00 - Seeing multiple blows in front of Point Robinson Lighthouse viewing from Des Moines Pier. -Paul Davis
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17:42 - Approaching Point Robinson steady southbound close in on island side of channel.
16:42 - They are now south of Dilworth, steady southbound keeping a very low profile. Difficult viewing with the wind. Closer to Vashon shores now, loosely grouped.
16:21 - They are south of Dolphin Point now approaching Glen Acres, tough to see with wind and whitecaps, appear to be still southbound, island side of channel. -Marla Smith, Orca Network
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16:11 - Southbound, east side of Vashon, are just outside the westside of shipping channel. -Orca Conservancy
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16:04 - They just passed us here headed south. They totally snuck up on us from behind and we cut the engine as quickly as possible to let them pass… hopefully that was the right thing to do [approx. 47.517547, -122.438196]. -Katie Rogers
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15:58 - Southbound, currently at the middle point of Blake Island. Viewing from Salmon Creek. -Orca Conservancy
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15:30 - Got to see them from Emma Schmitz Park. Still mid channel headed south just south of the south end tip of Blake. What a treat! -Meghan Finley
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15:25 - From Weathervane Park, West Seattle - several orcas heading south, just north of Blake Island, mid channel or further west. -Trileigh Tucker
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T46E Thor - They passed by us when we came into Elliot Bay. We saw the leader and tried to move off to the side not seeing where the rest of the pod was. We cut our engines and then the rest of the pod popped up behind us. -photo by Brianna Schroeder, March 15, 2024
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Watched them come in, and then head out of Elliott Bay!  -Hillary Witte
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15:20 - At least a couple orcas, one male dorsal - just south of Alki lighthouse, traveling south. Viewing thru binocs from Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge. They were east of the SEA-BREM ferry that just passed by. -Jim Reitz
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15:20 - They have just passed Restoration Point. Traveling in two groups. Further offshore but still east of traffic lanes.
15:10 - Just seeing a male fin, very close to shore, coming southbound around Alki Point. Viewing from Emma Schmitz/Me Kwa Mooks. -Stephanie Raymond, Orca Network
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Rose Kasrai
Date of Sighting: March 15, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Species seen: Orca
Number of animals seen: 1
Where seen: Alki Beach
Direction of travel : West
Behaviors observed:
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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14:55 - They popped up right on us. We were stopped not under power. They are headed southwest just north of Alki Point [approx. 47.589804, -122.415538].
14:42 - Headed southwest [approx. 47.601519, 122.402717]. -Ryan Hencke
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14:37 - From Duwamish Head east of mid channel southwest bound in line with Eagle Harbor. -Mary Hartmann
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14:30 - Ferry just stated that they are out of the bay headed north. -Ryan Hencke
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14:30 - Orcas crossed from Alki back towards Elliot Bay marina traveling quickly northbound. They crossed right through the ferry lanes, and the westbound Bainbridge Island ferry had to slow down. We got quite a view from the boat. -Heather Paar
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14:26 - Viewing for Magnolia. I am seeing them in front of Jack Block Park. Heading west along shoreline. -Conner Helms
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14:09 - I see them in line between Alki Anchor Park and Smith Tower. -Rachel Aronson, Quiet Sound
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14:20 - Headed into Elliott Bay and then a flip back out towards mid channel before I lost them in the sun.
13:55 - Viewing from Myrtle Edwards Park. Two dorsals seen by the SSA Terminal, just to the left and below the white canvas tent with two doors and wrapped ship. -Taylor Seyl
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13:55 - They were right in front of Pier 54 just north of the incoming Bainbridge Island ferry, and then they crossed behind the ferry heading deeper into Elliott Bay towards Duwamish. Seen from the ferry terminal. -Heather Paar
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13:55 - I've got my whole office crowded around the windows that overlook Elliott Bay in our office tower. We think we may have spotted them, but we aren't real sure. No binoculars and viewing from Third Avenue (23rd floor!) is not easy viewing. -Craig Craker
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13:42 - Eastbound Pier 56 - views from Don Armeni. -Mary Hartmann
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13:35 - On Bainbridge ferry headed to Bainbridge. Ferry slowed down. They were just north east and headed north. Barely saw them. -Linda Ellis Booth
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13:32 - Two just popped up near us in the middle of Elliott Bay. Basically in the ferry lane, heading east. -Ryan Hencke
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Male is T46E Thor
15:14 - Orca rounding Alki Point - from Constellation Park.
14:23 - Looks like wavy dorsal Thor T46E from Duwamish Head with Magnolia Bluff in background. Heading west out of the bay.
14:16 - A couple by Walla Walla ferry.
14:15 - Tight group passing Sculpture Park.
13:25 - Saw them from Duwamish Head heading eastbound towards downtown from the grain terminal. -photos by Robin Sinner, March 15, 2024
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13:10 - Group definitely heading into the bay. Thor with group and Strider just north of them traveling parallel. Gorgeous! Now about even with west end Elliott Bay Marina.
13:04 - Group is tightly grouped slightly southwest of Elliott Bay Marina heading eastbound, appears currently into Elliott Bay. 
12:54 - Continued on southbound with slight southeast trend. East side channel skirting outer Elliott Bay [approx. 47.626837 -122.428287].
12:50 - Group is tightly grouped sightline Elliott Bay Marina and Eagle Harbor east side of channel. Trend southbound but some surface activity and directional changes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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12:24 - Very long down times. Past West Point appear to be heading southwest closer to mid channel. -Jim Pasola
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12:17 - 12:22 - No Bigg's signals heard from South Shilshole pier.
12:22 - From south Shilshole via spotting scope - large dorsal very close to West Point (appears ten meters offshore from here!) -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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12:13 - Viewing from Skiff Point they are nearing West Point Lighthouse southbound well east of mid channel. -Jim Pasola
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12:18 - First, whale by the green buoy south of lighthouse, second orca passing lighthouse now.
12:08 - Just passing Discovery Lighthouse, mid to east channel. -Alec Sills-Trausch
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12:05 - From West Point looking towards north, seeing blows going west. -Fusako Nozaka
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11:50 - Southbound passing green buoy 500 meters off Golden Gardens. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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11:40 - Saw blow north of Golden Gardens. -Deb Cronheim
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Hartmut Peters
Date of Sighting: March 15, 2024
Time: 11:15 AM
Species seen: orcas
Number of animals seen: 4
Where seen: off Sunset Hill Park, maybe a mile out
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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11:25 - Seeing multiple blows spread apart between Richmond Beach and Blue Ridge neighborhood, out from Carkeek or bit north of. Southbound travels [approx. 47.720298, -122.387263].
10:57 - Both Strider and Thor with some space between them hugging mainland just off weather buoy at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. Slow southbound. Others offshore just a bit [approx. 47.767270, -122.393429].
10:40 - Group is spread in three groups basically parallel to one another now off north end Kayu Kayu Ac Park slow steady southbound. Thor or Strider inside with female.
10:25 - Pod is approaching Point Wells (tank farm) southbound loosely grouped. Two males but separated. Close mainland side [approx. 47.781833, -122.403799]. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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09:10 - Friend of mine just called me. Fly fishing off Picnic Point. Saw a pod of orcas, four to five, including one large male, southbound. -Jessica Huie
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07:55 - Listener reported hearing whale sounds on the Sunset Bay hydrophone of Orcasound - Listen for Whales. I've just reviewed and can confirm calls of Bigg's ecoytpe, so this was likely the same matriline we have been tracking southbound in Puget Sound today. Replay the annotated recording here. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Mar 15 - Lower Saratoga Passage (CRC56 Stardust & CRC2249 Hattie) - 11:20 - Gray southeastbound, Camano side of channel, between Sandy Point & Camano Head. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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10:28 - Gray on Whidbey side is slowly southbound towards Langley. Other one is still on Camano side trending southwest, long downtimes.
10:10 - Gray has stopped feeding, now westbound. Still seeing blows from the other one midchannel to Whidbey side, between Bells Beach and Langley.
09:52 - One has moved offshore and south, seeing blows around midchannel. The other (I think 56) is still feeding south of earlier location.
09:36 - First gray is CRC2249 Hattie. Haven't seen Stardust in a while, think he went around the corner to the south.
09:22 - Both grays have drifted south away from me. First gray is being stealthy, no ID on them yet.
09:07 - First gray is trending north. There's a second one south of them. Second gray is CRC56 Stardust.
09:04 - Gray is feeding near Kasey's map point from earlier. -Serena Tierra, Orca Network
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08:40 - Currently spotting one gray [whale] just off Camano [approx. 48.108341, -122.453890]. Actually, I think there are two! I thought so but now I just saw two blows at the same time. One has a lot of white on it. My phone can’t get a good picture. -Kasey Shepard
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Fri, Mar 15 - Central Saratoga Passage (CRC22 Earhart, CRC53 Little Patch, CRC383 Cascade) - CRC53 Little Patch - Little Patch #53 feeding along the shoreline north of Hidden Beach, Friday March 15. Earhart #22 was a little further south, but was avoiding the camera. So good to see our Sounders returning to sustain their basic requirements, food for the next part of their migration. -photos by Jill Hein, March 15, 2024
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Hidden Beach, Whidbey, was the place to be on March 15, with returning Sounder Little Patch (CRC53) excavating for ghost-shrimp close to shore at high tide. His energetic sifting attracted dozens of eager birds waiting to grab any snacks rising to the surface, culminating in a triumphant spy-hop after several fast forays into deeper water and back again for yet another frenzied feeding session.  -photos by Sandy Pollard, March 15, 2024
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CRC53 Little Patch -photo by RJ Snowberger March 15, 2024
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18:35 - Two more grays northbound in front of cargo ship moving towards the southbound gray.
18:20 - At least one still off Hidden Beach appears to be heading south - closer to Whidbey side. -Shelly Greybeck
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16:38 - Gray off Indian Beach [Camano], northbound. About 400 yards out. Back clearly visible. Another in the distance, much closer to Whidbey, off State Parks. Also heading north. Spouts audible from shore. -Steve Buckley-Nantz [CWW]
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15:23 - Update - two gray whales one passing Hidden Beach, one a little behind. Northbound.
15:17 - Viewing from Camano Island State Park - at least one gray whale south of Hidden Beach. Appears to be going northbound. Closer to Whidbey. -Linda Aitkins
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15:09 - Aaron must have Earhart this afternoon. Am seeing Cascade and Little Patch out from my living room window. So they are heading west and maybe quarter mid channel out. Straight out from mid Baby Island Heights as we speak. 
14:20 - Both grays have turned back north and have just passed Fox Spit fairly close in heading north westerly. -Marilyn Armbruster
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14:11 - [Likely CRC22 Earhart] moving at a pretty good clip, in the middle of the channel with a heading towards Camano State Park.
14:00 - Solo gray [likely CRC22 Earhart], heading south one and a half miles north of Hidden Beach right off the shore. -Aaron Gill
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13:45 - In line with Fox Spit and Mabana Shores closer to Whidbey side. Almost appearing to be milling now.
12:45 - Between Baby Island Heights and Camano State Park southbound. Whidbey side of mid.
12:20 - Still moving south east, see map [approx. 48.11644, -122.522625]. -Marilyn Armbruster
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12:14 - Viewing spouts from Camano [approx. 48.113043, -122.548641]. -Rubie H Baker
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13:40 - They have past Fox Spit but now seem to be milling out there? 
12:00 - Definitely moving south east and just south of mid triangle. Viewing from Baby Island Heights.
11:50 - Appears that maybe the three of them are coming together. For sure two are traveling very close together. Out in mid triangle now (Baby Island/Hidden Beach/Camano State Park).
11:47 - There's actually two that are out quite a bit out from Hidden Beach and one closer and out from Baby Island.
11:40 - Viewing from Baby Island Heights, seeing blows. See attached map [approx. 48.107677, -122.519188 & approx. 48.120060, -122.534981] Can't really tell direction. -Marilyn Armbruster
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11:05 - Little Patch is still feeding off Hidden Beach. Another grey whale northbound mid channel. -Sandy Pollard
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Sent via form submission from Orca Network
Name: Kathy Daberko
Date of Sighting: March 15, 2024
Time: 10:56 AM
Species seen: 2 gray whale
Number of animals seen:
Where seen: Greenbànk Saratoga passage
Direction of travel : Milled around a bit. Then headed South
Behaviors observed: Milling around - looking for ghost shrimp
If orcas, any males?: No
Any unusual markings?: No
Is there anything else you'd like to share about your encounter?: No
Photos available?: No
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10:00 - Earhart feeding at south end of Hidden Beach parking lot. She's moving on, southbound from parking lot. Along the homes in the community. -Marilyn Armbruster 
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10:05 - CRC22 feeding just south of Hidden Beach parking lot. CRC53 still feeding in cove north of Hidden Beach. -Rachel Haight, Orca Network
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09:40 - Little Patch feeding north of Hidden Beach parking lot. Other two are south but I only have my eyes on Little Patch right now. Can't say for sure where and what the other two are doing. Earhart and [CRC383 Cascade]?
09:00 - Three greys spread out at Hidden Beach. One south of parking lot, one north and half way down beach and another off shore mid Hidden Beach. -Marilyn Armbruster
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08:04 - At least three gray [whales] here at Hidden Beach. Two have been here for a couple of hours. One is further from shore. -Nancy Culp Zaretzke
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Fri, Mar 15 - Port Susan - 18:00 - Port Susan, two grays off Country Club Camano Island. -John C Storbeck
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11:08 - I’ve spotted them from my deck, moving slow. -Thomas McKane
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10:48 - Seeing at least two blows from Country Club [Beach] 2 in Port Susan. Northbound. Long down times. -Charvet Drucker