November 2020 Whale Sightings

Click here for Map of November 2020 whale sightings.

November 30


November 29
Sun, Nov 29 - North Puget Sound (J pod) - ~15:30 - Flew over at about 3:30 saw them from 5000 ft. Obvious blows, super cool. That's the whale watching boat in the middle of the frame. -Neil Hathi
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15:20 - Left them at 3:20 pm, ever so slowly northbound almost up to Fort Worden (looking from Ft. Casey). Long down times, spectacular day out there. Another treat today - distant views of J-pod members as they headed north out of Admiralty Inlet. J-26 Mike was the closest to Whidbey - with others spread out and foraging mid-channel as they traveled. NOAA Research was with them. We watched from Bush Point, Lagoon Point and Fort Casey, such a beautiful but chilly day. We were also entertained by at least 30 noisy Steller sea lions at Fort Casey, lots of socially distanced on-lookers. All images heavily cropped!!! -Jill Hein
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16:12 - Last group approaching Pt. Partridge heading northwest.
15:53 - Two groups on either side Ebey's Landing going north.
15:38 - Still heading north.
15:22 - [orcas] At Fort Casey just coming into my view from North Beach. -Cyrilla Cook
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14:46 - [orcas] Just saw a spout and dorsal fin. Just south of Pt. Townsend near Marrowstone. We're standing on the beach at Fort Casey. -Kathy Newberry
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13:49 - One big bull still at Lagoon Point trending north. -Kris Holley
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13:16 - Kit Turner at Lagoon Point called to report J pod. She thinks leaders just opposite north end of Lagoon Point now, she reports closer to Marrowstone side. Water a bit choppy so hard to say how many in this group. Seem to be fairly well spread out heading northbound.
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15:27 - Possible faint S4 now that SB ferry noise has abated (Salish now at PT terminal).
14:49 - Ship/ferry noise abated and lots of clear calls, including S16s.
14:25 - Looks they are traveling against a weak flood but a big ebb is coming this eve!
~13:10 - Bush Point hydrophone (~13:10) with SRKW calls (including S1, S4, S10, S16s). -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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13:08 - [orcas] Still watching at Lagoon. Very spread out. -Beez Lucero
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13:00 - Orca whales off Lagoon Point. 1 pm November 29. Several small whales fascinated with small boat - surrounding the boat! -Jessica Gallo
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14:40 - Orcas still NB. I'm at Fort Flagler lower campground, and can see the orcas passing Ft. Casey.
12:59 - We're seeing blows from lighthouse at Flagler. Orcas Between here and Lagoon Pt., Whidbey side. -Mary Bond
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12:52 - [orcas] I can hear them on the Bush Point hydrophone right now. -Sarah Alexandria Heary
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12.47 - [orcas] Steady procession of northbound whales between Lagoon Point and Marrowstone, mostly mid channel. November 29: Magic moments watching a stately procession of J pod orcas northbound in Admiralty Inlet, their backlit blows silhouetted against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and shifting clouds - a spectacularly beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest highlighted by the presence of this unique population of whales to uplift our spirits (photos Sandra Pollard). -Sandra Pollard
photo - "NOAA research boat waiting to scoop poop and see what the whales have been eating during their foray into Puget Sound."
photo SP - "Some foraging underway. Cloud formations today were stunning."
photo SP - "Viewing from above Lagoon Point. The whales were mostly in ones and twos as they passed Whidbey Island."
photo RS - "Southern Resident heading north in Admiralty Inlet, past Marrowstone Island."
photo RS - "Hopefully celebrating a good meal."
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12:47 - [orcas] Distant blows from Lagoon Point beach. -Patricia Prochaska
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14:20 - Distant blows seen from S of Ft. Casey with research boat.
13:26 - Still northbound...some foraging off Lagoon Pt. near research boat..one male fairly close to Whidbey, others mid channel.
12:17 - [orcas] Distant blows from Lagoon Pt. -Bonnie Gretz
photos - "J pod make their way out Admiralty, from Bush Point, Lagoon Point and Ft. Casey on a beautiful day."
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15:00 - Last post from me, viewing from Ledgewood (Whidbey) in line and due east of Port Townsend. Orcas are spread from northend of downtown PT to as far as Fort Worden, sill nb and PT side of channel. Beautiful afternoon.
14:45 - 2 groups I'm viewing are not (past Ft. Casey). From my vantage point they are in line and spread with Port Townsend. I'm viewing from Whidbey side north of Lagoon Point Ledgewood area. About 8 total.
14:20 - Viewing from Ledgewood, small group in line with Fort Flagler and as 2 tankers crossing each other one SB and one NB. Research boat was about 1/2 mile or so north with another group. NB.
14:15 - I'm at Ledgewood and research boat with a few orcas, line of sight north of the north tip of Fort Flagler. Nb still.
13:30 - Pretty sure all orcas have passed southend of Lagoon Pt. now. Research boat was with them. NB. (Have been watching Mike [J26] at that time I posted. And he was our last one. Can phone cover that far from BP To LP. Interesting. I'm still at Lagoon but heading to Ledgewood. From southend Lagoon Pt. he appeared to be out from the northend of Lagoon Pt. Pretty sure he was our last one, at that time (13:30).)
12:15 - [orcas] Most have passed Bush Pt. with a few more that are passing now. Could be trailers? Nb. -Marilyn Armbruster
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12:04 - [orcas] Hearing a few faint calls on the hydrophone. -Jim Pasola
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14:39 - Port Townsend hydrophone: still hearing faint S1 calls along with tug and tankers which are moving on, and calls getting louder in quieting seas.
14:05 - Faint J pod calls are now audible on Port Townsend hydrophone. Scott Veirs, Orcasound - Listen for Whales posted link above (and including here too). Please do click the "I hear something interesting" and submit your hearings.
12:50 - Great calls and whistles still being heard on Bush Point!
12:41 - Calls still audible at Bush Point.
12:24- J pod vocalizations still audible on Bush Point hydrophone as they pass by.
12:03 - Hearing faint calls on Bush Point hydrophone! -Alisa Lemire Brooks
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11:57 - [orcas] They are currently northbound off Bush Point. -Bart Rulon
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14:16 - Tanker passed quickly southbound between us and NOAA boat. Now there's a cargo ship northbound heading towards them.
14:00 - Seeing dorsals now looking northeast from Flagler where the channel narrows - several males and females nb.
13:38 - Multiple blows around research vessel and to the north of it, sight line Ft. Flagler to mountains stretched in a line, nb.
10:45 - [orcas] All I was able to see were a couple of blows - one out from Useless Bay and one along Double Bluff, but too far away to see dorsals. 10:45-10:50ish -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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11:15-11:25 - Still seeing a group foraging SE of Foulweather Bluff (watching from so. of Bush Pt.), definitely moving slower and finding some fish, very spread out, mid-channel, others closer to Whidbey nearing Bush Pt.
10:35-10:55 - Watching from a mile so. of Bush Pt., orcas spread across Admiralty from NW of Foulweather Bluff to green channel marker/Skunk Bay, headed out. Some direction changes and foraging, spouts and dorsal bright in the morning sun. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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12:00 - Approaching Bush Point Lighthouse. Midchannel, foraging.
11:09 - Still NB midchannel. 3-4 miles S of Bush Point.
10:18 - Orcas coming up Admiralty Inlet now, off Double Bluff. Steady travel north, spread out. -Howard Garrett, Orca Network
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09:06 - Kim Page called to report orcas between Eglon and Pilot Point heading northbound towards Point No Point. At least 5, including male, and she thought little one. Close to shore on the Kitsap side. [Maybe more towards mid channel - phone connection wasn't great so uncertain if accurate].
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sun, Nov 29 - Cowichan Bay - Amazing late November encounter yesterday right at the mouth of Cowichan Bay with the T035A's, T038A's, T075B's, T137B and T137D. The group was being very social especially the youngsters including the newest calf in the group, T038A2, born this year. -Ocean EcoVentures Whale Watching, photos - Gary Sutton
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Nov 29 - Haro Strait - 16:25 - Small humpback milling just south of Edwards Pt. and I couldn't make out it's direction as the light faded.
13:19-13:22 - The same small humpback, I could make out the distinctive 3 white "dots" on its right side, northbound past Edwards Point (I missed its southern return from its last position to the north).
08:25-08:46 - The young humpback changed direction heading north, milling just south of Edwards Point. At 08:32 it came in close 100 yds from the shoreline and slowly swam between my position on the shore and some seals lounging on a rock. The seals all froze and stared at the whale as it poked around in the cove. Surfacing many times, it left the cove heading north out past Edwards Point.
07:55 - Small solo humpback traveling southbound close to shore 1/4 mile south of Edwards Point. (photographed from shore). -Michelline Halliday, SJI

November 28
Sat, Nov 28 - Central Puget Sound (J pod) - 17:20 - Several milling in bay to right of Lobster Shop in the moonlight. Beautiful!
17:13 - Saw one passing in moonlight by Lobster Shop. Heading out of bay. -Laura RC
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~17:00 - We were sailing in Commencement Bay yesterday evening (Nov 28, 20202, approx. 5pm) and saw what I think must have been the J pod, as we believe there were calves with them. They swam east along the Ruston Way waterfront up to the big gray Navy ships that dock off the Chinese Reconciliation Park, then turned around and went back towards Point Defiance a bit further out into the bay. -Laura Nichol
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16:60 - Heading west out of Port...paralleling Ruston Way.
16:30 - Several more are following...4:30.
16:27 - Large male heading east toward Port of Tacoma. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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16:46 - [orcas] At end of the bay next to the Port now. -Karen Povey
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16:40 - [orcas] They are heading into Commencement Bay. Mid-channel between Tacoma and Browns Point. -Lynne' Combs
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16:30 - [orcas] Several in Commencement Bay. -Beth Robinson Selthofer
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16:26 - [orcas] Spread out along (opposite side) Ruston way. Under the moon! -Ann Reinhart
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15:45 - Orcas spread out from Dune to the SW tip of Vashon. 3:45 milling. Directional changes. -Amber Stanfill
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16:05 - Several passed Brown's Point flagpole heading eastbound as seen from Owen Beach.
15:38 - [orcas] There's a group west of the Tahlequah ferry dock as seen from Owen Beach. -Lucas Dambergs
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15:28 - [orcas] Browns Point main bay center heading West towards ferry. -Dexter Cummins
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photo - taken from between Owen Beach and Point Defiance Marina. -Gayle Swigart, Orca Network
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15:24 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: Master reports pod of Orca (6-7) headed West, mid-channel Commencement Bay.
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Another great day seeing the J's at Point Defiance Marina! I'm sending you a video you might enjoy of one of the babies (not sure which one) breaching and a spyhop and a scenic pic, it was such a beautiful moon out there this evening. -Cherie St. Ours
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17:20 - On my way home driving down Schuster Parkway, saw a lone adult male surface in the beam of moonlight that bathed Commencement Bay, exiting eastbound. Purely sublime.
16:53 - At the Northern Fish Co. Pier.. at least 4 exiting Commencement Bay, just a few hundred yards from us. Westbound, but sounds like they turned north.. losing light.. goodnight.. what a great encounter!!!!
16:28 - From Dune Peninsula spread out, breaching deep in Commencement off Simpson Mill trending towards Ruston.
16:15 - Think the last of them are trailing past Dune Peninsula eastbound into Commencement Bay, leaders in Commencement spread out closer to Browns Point side.
15:53 - Blackberry [J27] off west tip of Vashon Colvos entrance eastbound, another adult male at entrance to Commencement Bay, eastbound. They are everywhere out here.
15:50 - From Dune Peninsula .. large group in front of us eastbound, baby doing multiple breaches behind the ferry as it passed!!
15:35 - From Dune Peninsula, trending westward, close to entrance of Colvos.
15:26 - All over off Dune Peninsula westbound.
15:18 - [orcas] rom Dune Peninsula, seeing blows about mid channel closer to Tacoma side, between here & Quartermaster Harbor, boats escorting.. westbound. -Melissa Bird
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15:19 - The whales are right by the ferry as it crosses.
15:06 - [orcas] Just passed the ferry on the south end of Vashon. -Lisa Hayek
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14:40 - [orcas] At least 2 off of Piner Point heading to the west. -John Troup
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14:46 - Just Saw a breach more mid channel. (It was between Vashon and Browns Point. More mid channel than my previous post which was closer to Maury/Vashon.
14:33 - [orcas] Spotted blows at 2:33 pm from the walking bridge at Point Defiance. Just off the tip of Maury using binoculars.
--- I was at the Wilson Way pedestrian bridge at Point Defiance yesterday viewing the orcas… I started seeing them through my binoculars around 3:00pm and first noticed some blows off the tip of Maury Island and then noticed one large breach around 3:15pm in between Maury and Browns Point, more in the middle of the channel. They were continuing southbound and seemed like there were 3-4. The male seemed to stay more mid channel near a large container ship while two others (what looked like a female and calf possibly) went through Dalco Passage and stayed near the orange research boat for a while and were swimming near the Vashon ferry as well. They eventually went back towards where the male was in the middle of the channel in between Ruston and Browns Point near the container ship. I left around 4:34pm as they continued in to Commencement Bay and it was getting dark. -Sally Milligan-Smith
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16:00 - At 4:00, friend texted the pod was down at Tacoma Yacht Club and Vashon ferry.
~14:30 - J pod sighting. Around 2:30pm 11/28/20, pod sighted in Puget Sound in between Dash Point and Gold Beach on Maury Island. There was a skiff with a person standing at the bow, leading the boat parade. Heading south. I was a mile up the hill in Dash Pt. so could not see individual whales. It did look like juveniles with moms or in a cluster, with smaller fins. A few spy hops but no full breach out of water. -Polly Ballantyne
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14:12 - Large male passed mid channel, sb, passing Sandy Shores. 3 or 4 still by research boat, sb, headed to Dash Pt. 2:12. -Marlin Black
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13:59 - Can see them from Dash Point pier with binoculars near sailboat. Appear to still be SB. 1:59pm. -Kari Back
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14:24 - They are splashing and breaching! With 4 boats. Southbound, still across from Dash Point.
13:55 - [orcas] Viewing with binoculars from Browns Point. Still southbound. Have not passed Dash Point yet. -Mollie Segall
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13:50 - [orcas] Some turned back and are headed north towards Pt. Robinson 1:50. -Eileen Mccaffery-Lent
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13:45 - [orcas] Visible from Gold Beach 1:45. -Teresa L. Nauta Tippett
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15:19 - Can't tell how many, but directly out from Tahlequah, and the orcas seem to have flipped directions. Heading east just in front of the research boat. 3:19
13:44 - On the Vashon Ferry (Tahlequah). Everyone was told to stay in our vehicles, but someone just saw them. -Stacy Gordon
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13:44 - [orcas] Pretty leisurely paced and very spread out, for the most part, all down the south Maury coast, and some moved a little more mid channel. -Janna Ignatow
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13:12 - [orcas] Can see em with binoculars from Saltwater Park. Still SB. -Jeffrey Stander
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~13:10 - Taken at approx. 1:10pm from Pt Robinson. Does it get any better than this??!! -Karen Fuller
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12:50 - Ed Block called: J pod is in front of his house on Vashon. They are off KVI beach, at least a dozen of them, still southbound, closer to Vashon side (about midway between shipping and Vashon shoreline). Both research boats out there.
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13:19 - They've passed Pt. Robinson SB.
12:44 - Spotting spouts from Pt. Robinson. -Jennifer Nichols
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12:40 - Seeing a dozen orca heading south off KVI - Vashon, west of the shipping lanes heading for Point Robinson. Should be there by 1:30 pm. Good luck! There's an amazing turnout and Mark Sears and another research boat are accompanying them -- so easier to spot. -Jeanette Block
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12:40 - They are passing KVI beach, Vashon. -Lisa Hayek
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12:47 - Still SB and spread along east side of main channel with first group reaching northern portion of Maury Island.
12:30 - Still SB approach northern tip of Maury Island. Two groups with research boat following leader group and second group of orcas counting 2 fins (one male) milling around behind first group.
12:23 - Approaching Maury Island portion of Vashon.
12:18 - SB 2 groups close together and closer to Vashon side. Lots of splashing. research boat trailing orca group. Viewing from south side of Three Tree Point. -Sandhya Ballal
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11:55 - Slowly passing Dilworth - research vessel close to Vashon shore. Large male visible in front of boat.
11:36 - [orcas] At least 3 slowly SB on east side of Vashon, south of ferry terminal. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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11:34 - Passing the north tip of Vashon Island, still SB. A lot of breaching and foraging today. Research boat is with them. Very spread out from just east of the shipping channel and west to Vashon Island. -Shari Tarantino
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11:32 - Orcas southbound passing Fauntleroy. Ferry Capt. announced. Could only see dorsals. -Vicki Ebat-Selke
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11:32 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: Same reports from KITTITAS now. Looks like they are traveling SB near VASH.
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11:29 - [orcas] Southbound close to Vashon ferry terminal, near the research boat. -Wayne McFarland
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11:39 - Group of 3 or 4 approaching south end Vashon, sb, research boat nearby.
11:22 - [orcas] South of the cell towers in Vashon, sb, large one. From Brace Point. -MaryJean Moretti Mariano
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11:35 - Three Tree Point. Saw some pass the Vashon ferry staying on the east side of Vashon.
11:19 - [orcas] Too far to see any fins but lots of spouts and blows can be seen from Three Tree Point with binoculars. Right in front of Vashon and north, closer to Lincoln Park. -Shelly Short
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11:06 - Looks like Mike [J26] and some others approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lane. -Ariel Yseth
photo - "All 4 of the J19s grouped up"
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11:06 - [orcas] We see a couple southbound between Lincoln Park and Vashon right now. -@markandeaton Twitter
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11:05 - [orcas] Just passed 102nd St. Arbor Heights. East side. -Kayla Helenske
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12:30 - In Tramp Harbor, VI, now. PSE just rolled up. All appear to be on west side of East Channel, even hugging the VI side. Much quicker pace, longer down times.
10:56 - [orcas] I'm viewing from 3TP [Three Tree Point]. Definitely trending west toward Colvos, spread out, but seem committed to East Channel southbound travel. Still north of Fauntleroy ferries but approaching lanes quickly. From this vantage point, they appear spread out east to west rather than north to south. -Christina Van Wolbeck Fenerty
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11:03 - Actually, just saw large dorsal going and blowing down the center channel near Lincoln Park, white yacht not too far behind. Research boat is much further back closer to Vashon. My viewing angle is from Emma Schmitz Park.
10:57 - Now south of Vashon Ferry, moving SB slowly. Research boat seems to be in the lead.
10:46 - [orcas] 3-5 whales north tip of Vashon, spread between red research boat and white yacht. Seem to be pausing/circling for a bit. Last 10 minutes. -Russ Mann
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10:44 - [orcas] I am viewing right by Fauntleroy Ferry dock. Whales approaching south end of Blake. West of mid channel. -Pia VanHanen
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11:09 - There's still a big male fishing right off the Fauntleroy ferry dock looks to be very close from here. I'm at the Southworth ferry dock.
11:01 - Most of them are past the Fauntleroy ferry dock. The research boat is following with the leaders. They're all slowly moving south, I think closer to the east side.
10:41 - [orcas] They are off Southworth ferry terminal, little bit to the south. The research boat is with them. Lots of activity mid-channel. Long view from here. -Jim Pasola
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SRKWS - J pod
Sighting Time: Sat Nov 28 15:39 PST
Sighting Location (Lat/Lon): 47.31937,-122.53520 [north of Vashon Viewpoint, Point Defiance]
Number Sighted: 20. -Kourtney, Whale Alert App
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Unspecified
Sighting Time: Sat Nov 28 12:02:33 PST
Sighting Location (Lat/Lon): 47.47343,-122.42474 [between Glen Acres and Dilworth]
Number Sighted: 7. -Kourtney, Whale Alert App
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Orca
Sighting Time: Sat Nov 28 10:39:42 PST
Sighting Location (Lat/Lon): 47.53150,-122.46547 [east of south end of Blake Island]
Number Sighted: 10
Submitted Comments: One jumped. -Kourtney, Whale Alert App
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10:38 - [orcas] Apparently crossing the Bremerton Ferry line. I see the ferries changing course. I'm a mile south of Brace Point in West Seattle. -Jim Nunn
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10:21 - [orcas] Watching from Emma Schmitz outlook! West of of mid channel, steady SB!! -Mikaela Henderson
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10:18 - [orcas] North of Blake island. In front of Bremerton ferry. -Jennifer Farley
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09:58 - [orcas] On the ferry to Bainbridge (Tacoma) and we saw a pod of orcas heading southwest toward Alki! -Anya Rifkin
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09:58 - Orcas southbound visible from Alki. -Nicole Tobin Morris
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09:54 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: TACOMA @ 0950 Master reports 8-10 orca SB in the (Fauntleroy/Vashon) traffic lanes. Both vessels are stopped at this time.
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09:58 - Large male passing Eagle Harbor, southbound, 9:58am
09:42 - They are next to the harbor now. Just saw a breach.
09:40 - [orca] Just saw one pop up heading south across the ferry lane, toward Eagle Harbor. -Alex Marie
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09:40 - Just passing Alki Lighthouse as viewed from Eagle Harbor.
09:36 - 5-6 orcas SB - viewing from Eagle Harbor. Appear spread out from mid channel to just west of mid channel. 9:36a. One large male. -Jim Reitz
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10:10 - Leaders approaching south end of Blake Island.
09:59 - Leaders have passed Restoration Point, continued SB! They are west of mid channel for sure.
09:48 - Confirmed J pod, SB approaching Restoration Point.
09:39 - Leaders passed Eagle Harbor, quick SB travel.
09:22 - [orcas] From Anchor Park-eyes on SB whales!!! Porpoising, moving quickly. -Brittany Philbin
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08:52 - Pod of orcas southbound right at green/yellow buoys seen from West Point Lighthouse. [Discovery Park, N Seattle]. -Alex Meilleur
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sat, Nov 28 - San Juan Islands - 12:27 - Reported as 49C. -Erin Gless
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12:20 - Orcas just outside Cattle Pass, no further info. -Monika Weiland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Nov 28 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Humpback
Sighting Time: Sat Nov 28 13:39:29 PST
Sighting Location (Lat/Lon): 48.30507,-123.44131 [near Constance Bank]
Number Sighted: 1. -Gary Hammond, Whale Alert App
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Sat, Nov 28 - Haro Strait/San Juans - 11:30 - San Juan County Park: Humpback well offshore traveling north, surfacing at regular intervals. -Brooke Nelson
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11:57 - Northbound.
11:25 - [HB] Three off Granny's Cove southbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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09:03 - Humpback off Lime Kiln. -Fred Horn
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10:35 - They were just sighted again 10:35 at Eagle Point, so they appear to be just drifting back and forth! A humpback shuffle!!!
10:17 - Two (possibly three) Humpbacks visited Eagle Cove, offshore, lots of surface behaviors, endless pec slaps! They turned and were headed up island again around 10AM. Very frisky!
09:00 - The three humpbacks (reported earlier as southbound at Pile Point) were still there hanging out at Pile! -Lodie Laurieanne Gilbert Budwill

November 27
Fri, Nov 27 - Central Puget Sound (J pod) - 16:35 - [orcas] Steady NB at 3 Tree Point. -Ariel Yseth
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They were super spread out as they passed the north end of the Island [Vashon], but much closer to the mainland. I only managed to get a pic of Cookie [J38] who seems to really stand out lately with his big beautiful sprouted dorsal and gorgeous presence. -Marla Smith
photo - J38.
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16:20 - Mid-channel at Vashon's Dilworth Point at 4:20 pm - 6-8 & a baby, spread out -- not going any particular direction at present. . . viewed from bluff north of Klahanie---Vashon. Getting dark -- take a look NOW! -Jeannette Block
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16:18 - [orcas] Viewing 5-6 at Three Tree Point. Just south of yellow buoy. -Aaron Berg
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15:50 - [orcas] Several moving SB from Dilworth, still mid-channel; looks like one of the babies is in this group. -Erin Sams Cooper
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16:05 - Another 3 SB mid channel - I'm betting you'll see at least one group.
15:57 - Continuing SB direction, slow but steady pace.
15:50 - [orcas] Last of group of at least 10 passed south of Dilworth past 3 KOMO towers. Very spread out - closer to Vashon side. Viewing from Seahurst. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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15:33 - 4-5 spread mid channel still SB off Dilworth.
15:26 - Spotting one male SB from Dilworth. -Jill Rotset
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From Dilworth overlook. -Carolyn Martin Matter
photo - J37. ID: Ariel Yseth
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16:37 - They turned back before hitting Des Moines Marina which is across from PointRobinson. Saw them hang at the yellow channel marker across from Three Tree Point and move north.
15:55 - Watching from Des Moines Marina and see them north. Close to Dilworth, still heading southbound.
15:08 - Seeing the one passing Dolphin Point, closer to Vashon side.
14:57 - Seeing blows now at south of Blake.
14:52 - [orcas] I see some blows about middle Blake Island. Too far out from Seahurst to see where in the channel. -Jayce Lemmer
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14:55 - Leaders now past the Fauntleroy ferry terminal (north tip of Vashon Island). Still SB. Westside of the shipping lane. Travel mode.
14:51 - Leaders are actually now between the south end of Blake Island and the north end of Vashon Island.
14:40 - [orcas] Seeing the leaders directly in front of Blake Island, mid channel, SB. (Revise that, they are also east of the shipping channel -- very spread out.) -Shari Tarantino
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14:24 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: PUYALLUP Vessel reports via 800MHz, 3-4 orca heading South in the NB traffic lanes, intersecting with the SEA>BI route.
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16:00 - Js streaming by north side Three Tree Point still spread in 1-3s mid channel and either side of. Leaders to about yellow mid channel buoy. Some tail Lobs and directional changes. Look to be foraging while slow trend southbound
15:33 - Many have stalled out and are foraging ~ south of and between Brace and Dolphin Points.
15:25 - I moved to just north of Three Tree Point. Looking north seeing a male and one other facing northbound, look to be foraging. Can't see if others continued.
14:58 - Leaders still southbound just south of Brace Point. Sizeable number grouped up and looked to be foraging just east of mid channel out from Brace Point, with others off in all directions also making directional changes. However. Appear to still be trending southbound.
14:40 - Js still southbound now passing in groups through Fauntleroy/Vashon ferry traffic lanes, spread.
14:30 - 10 + loosely spread out from Lincoln Park east of mid channel and to mid (or just west of) steady southbound in 1-3s with some directional changes. At least one calf in this group.
14:18 - at least one female surfaced heading southbound well on east side of channel off Lincoln Park, just north of ferry lanes. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:13 - Headed south. East side of channel.
14:04 - Just saw about 4 orca from a sailboat. Southbound halfway between Constellation and Fauntleroy. -Clifton Goff
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13:46 - From upper west Queen Anne, they look to be mid channel south of the Bainbridge ferry lane. Moving quickly! -Amy Martino
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14:19 - Gorgeous double breach by a bull still north of Blake, sb in mid channel. Another juvenile/female at north end of Blake sb. Viewing from Constellation.
14:09 - More Sb, a bull approaching Tillicum Village, viewing from Constellation. …East side of Blake. Last whale just went by Tillicum, closer to mid channel and east side.
13:53 - Viewing from Constellation, several whales at Tillicum Village, Sb.
13:50 - [orcas] Viewing from Constellation, leaders approaching Blake, very spread out, sb. -Pia VanHanen
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13:40 - Moving fast sb. Male orca between cargo ship and south tip Bainbridge Island, mid channel
13:35 - Research boat and orcas visible from Emma Schmitz under the Brothers, south Bainbridge island. -Mary Hartmann
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12:57 - Just saw one breach in front of the ferry seen from Alki. -Alex Marie
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13:21 - Some are nearing the yellow buoy off the south end of Bainbridge.
13:12 - Some appear to be around Blakely Rock. Research boat is heading that way.
12:52 - [orcas] Just North of Eagle Harbor along the bluffs on Bainbridge. -Greg Snyder
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12:51 - [orcas] Immediately north of Eagle Harbor 12:51 as seen from Alki. -James Tilley
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12:15 - At least one orca west of channel out from Shilshole, big tanker just passed it...slowly southbound... -Sue Larkin
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11:54 - Saratoga is with J26 Mike in the traffic lanes off of Port Madison southbound quickly! Confirmed J Pod!! -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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11:00 - [orcas] Very spread out and hauling it south, off of Shilshole now (seen from Blue Ridge). I'd guess about 8-10 but quite spread out. -Steve Smith
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10:19 - John Slomnicki sent PM w/video of the orcas passing southbound between Point Wells and Kingston. He added they were moving South pretty fast, last saw them at bouy Sierra Foxtrot (yellow mid channel buoy between Richmond Beach/Kingston). He counted just three.
[I could see at least 3 w/1 bull. Too distant to confirm ecotype, did not see others in wide pan. - alb]
video - https://www.facebook.com/OrcaNetwork/posts/10164805077450601
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09:46 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: Walla Walla Master reports 3 orca middle of traffic lanes heading South.
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09:30 - Killer whales at Kingston heading south. -Trevor Tillman
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Nov 27 - Strait of Georgia - 09:00 - Humpbacks came again in the Strait of Georgia off Mayne Island…and Friday today at 9am (the splashing pictures). -Yves Tiberghien, Mayne Island
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Fri, Nov 27 - Haro Strait - 16:40 - HB heading north, Land Bank preserve. -John Cologero
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14:49 - HB heading south from Land Bank [Westside Preserve]. -Andy Chin
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COASTAL ORCAS - Fri, Nov 27 - California Coast - On Friday, a few friends and I scoped from Bodega Head on an incredibly calm, warm and clear day with light winds. At around 1 pm, we spotted a pod of about 5+ Orcas that were roughly 2 miles west from our spot, acting as an organized unit, jumping out of the water, simultaneously spouting, and criss-crossing in one concentrated area. As that happened, south of the Orcas, hundreds of sea lions porpoised with purpose directly away from the Orcas to Bodega Rock. We then saw a nearby small fishing boat with three people on it slowly getting closer to the Orcas, until the Orcas themselves began to circle the boat. We suspected a sea lion may be on the boat, attempting to wait out the Orcas, but it was too far away to tell. About 10-20 minutes after the Orcas began circling the boat, my friend said she saw something "fall off the boat." A moment later, as the boat began to speed away, we saw a sea lion jumping next to and behind the boat with the Orcas in chase. It was over quickly and the Orcas began to criss-cross and jump and play together again over lunch. -Mike Carozza

November 26


November 25
BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Wed, Nov 25 - North Puget Sound - 15:53 - Two passed close to Whidbey, third one further out, Shanghri La.
15:42 - Two males heading towards me at Shangri La.
15:19 - Distant blows and splashes from Shanghri La, still south of here, Camano side. ---Grateful today that I finally got some nice close looks at orcas, from Shangri La, Whidbey Island....lovely Ts! -Bonnie Gretz
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14:30 - [orcas] Fox Spit close pass! Absolutely breathtaking! NB. -Donna George
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12:58 - [orcas] Headed north up the west side of Camano. Viewing from Langley! -David Haeckel
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12:54 - [orcas] Northbound from Camano head now on the west side of the island. -Mary Miller
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14:50 - North of Hidden Beach, nb, at least the 4 that came close to Fox. I lost sight of the other 4 that were near Camano but do know they were heading nb last that I saw too.
14:20 - Holey crap. 4 came in close to Fox Spit. Total 8 so far. Nb.
14:12 - There are for sure 4 in the heart of Elger Bay steady northbound.
14:07 - David Haeckel spotted 3 nearing southend Elger Bay, closer to Camano, nb travel mode.
13:00 - They have turned north into Saratoga Passage. Long downtimes. Approx. 1 mile on Camano Side. Will be across from Langley soon. Nw bound.
12:45 - [orcas] Have just appeared at Camano Head sb. Cannot tell yet if committed sb tho.
---First reported in Port Susan in the morning (T36 and T137's), I headed to Sandy Point and patiently waited. They showing up at Camano Head with Saratoga WW Boat at 1:00 pm where they rounded the point into Saratoga Passage northbound. Around 2 pm, one of the groups of 4 heading into Elger Bay, Camano Island. Around 2:20 out of nowhere, pretty sure T137's, shown up near Fox Spit shores, absolutely took my breath away. surfacing at the right time as they (both groups) on very long downtimes along the way. photo - [T36 and T36B1 ID: GS]-Marilyn Armbruster
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13:19 - We've left the orcas but 3 of them were getting closer to the Whidbey side as they spread out. It was T36, T137, and another.
13:10 - They have spread out quite a bit and appear to be looking for something to hunt. Still northbound. [north of Langley, Camano side]
12:55 - They have rounded Camano Head to the Saratoga Passage side
12:20 - The T36s, T137s and T37A1 are southbound. See map. [Port Susan, Camano side, heading towards Camano Head] -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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11:40 - [orcas] At least 3 just passed Tillicum southbound. -Alyssa Keimig
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1010 - [orcas] In group chat, reported between beach 1 and 2. Possibly southbound. -Rachel Haight
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08:45 - 6 orcas, 1 male 5 female, feeding mid channel in Port Susan in a line between Tillicum Beach and Kayak Point Park heading north. They continued in Port Susan for a couple of hours feeding and celebrating after feeding. -Paul Belshaw
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ORCA UNID'd - Wed, Nov 25 - San Juan Islands - 08:45 - Small group of orcas (3-4) off American Camp heading south. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Nov 25 - Strait of Georgia - 14:30 - Humpbacks came again in the Strait of Georgia off Mayne Island this week, Wednesday at 230pm. -Yves Tiberghien, Mayne Island
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Wed, Nov 25 - Haro Strait - 14:42 - [humpback] Just saw it surface heading south. -Mae Cannon
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14:25 - [humpback] Still straight out from Snug at 2:25pm. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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14:01 - [humpback] About 3/4 of a mile offshore, south of Kellet. Really small/young whale, not a ton of surface time. -Daven Hafey
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14:46 - Moving down island w/purpose. From Mitchell, less than a half mile offshore.
13:47 - Small HB moving down island off Mitchell Point. -April Ryan

November 24
BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Tue, Nov 24 - Central Puget Sound - 16:18 - They are approaching Dilworth @ 4:18pm. Mid channel heading south. (relaying information from a friend who lives on the water.) -Kelly Burns Keenan
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15:34 - John Miller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: C/M reports three orca SB in the SB traffic lanes, abeam Vashon Head.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Nov 24 - Haro Strait - 13:50 - Two humpbacks passed by Hannah Heights just now, heading down-island. The location is on the west side of SJI, partway btw Edwards Point and Pile Point. They were difficult to see in the chop, but they were only 200 yards off shore. -Michael Noonan

November 23
Mon, Nov 23 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 11:27-13:51 - Center for Whale Research Encounter #62: "At 1127 Mark came across J19 traveling in a northerly direction towards Victoria (48 18.9/123 26.2). He then saw a group of females and juveniles and soon confirmed that both the new calves, J57 and J58, were with their respective mothers, J35 and J41, along with J51…" [See CWR Encounter #62 for full encounter summary and more photos] -https://www.whaleresearch.com/2020-62
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Mon, Nov 23 - San Juan Islands (T68Cs, T75Bs) - Coming down Upright Channel we met 7 whales: the T68Cs (4 whales - T68C born 1992 and her 3 offspring T68C1, T68C3 and T68C4 of 13, 8, and 4 years of age) and T75Bs (3 whales - T75B born 1995 and her 2 juveniles T75B2 and T75B3 of 5 and 3 years of age). We were able to drift nearby as they were engaged in a hunt, probably a harbor seal, and there was much excitement in the group with breaches and tails in the air. Continuing North West they passed the entrance to Friday Harbor and hugged the shoreline of the University property towards Point Caution. Suddenly the mood changed and they charged towards us in a line. A Steller sea lion surfaced next to our boat and began high speed swimming to and fro the length of the hull. Whales breached and lunged inches from the bow as we drifted on the calm waters. They appeared to be hunting 2 Steller sea lions and appeared to be successful with at least one of them. After sharing their meal, they came close to shore and headed North inches from the shoreline beneath the watching university students. Again, they appeared to be having fun with pec slaps and tails in the air. photo - "T68Cs and T75Bs passing Friday Harbor" - photo - "Biggs Orca chasing Steller Sea Lion" - photo - "T68Cs and T75Bs traveling close to shore" -David and Barbara Howitt, All Aboard Sailing
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17:30 - Passed Reuben Tarte County Park heading north.
17:15 - Hearing blows around O'Neal Island. Possible hunting behavior. -Olivia Carpenter [Cindy Hansen, Orca Network]
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What a difference a day makes! The sun was shining on the T068Cs and T075Bs who were spotted off of Turn Island this morning by a ferry passenger. Jeff wanted to take a look since we were on the water anyway. Additional info sent us into Upright and their path. Coming down from Lopez, they turned to Shaw Island and some beautiful markings on T068C1's saddle confirmed our guess. The T068s and T075Bs are still in the island waters. They didn't travel far today, but were very showy during a seal predation. photos - "T068C3 gets style points (and looks like a girl)" -April Ryan, Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
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13:08 - On a kill btwn Shaw and Turn Island. 75Bs, 68Cs. -Jeff Friedman, Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
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16:45 - They were passing Mineral Point northbound.
15:22 - Right on the rocks Friday Harbor Labs northbound.
14:33 - On a sea lion hunt at Point Caution.
14:15 - Passing Point Caution - next stop Reuben Tarte?
13:58 - Now heading north.
13:45 - Right outside Friday Harbor.
13:00 - They're off the south end of Shaw.
10:45 - Update from someone on the ferry is milling on a kill at Turn Island.
---We just got off the water from a memorable encounter with the T68Cs (new whales to us!) and T75Bs right outside Friday Harbor, where for over an hour they let the youngins play at harassing a small sea lion before continuing on their way north up San Juan Channel. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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10:38 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed report: Yakima Master reports 8 Orcas (possibly 2 juveniles) South of Reed Rock toward Turn Island.
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Mon, Nov 23 - North Puget Sound - 16:15 - Carol Ann Swenson called to report 6-7 orcas heading north in from of Tyee Beach in Port Susan on the south end of Camano. Looked to be 3 babies/w one mother.

November 22
Sun, Nov 22 - Puget Sound (J pod) - 14:27 - [orcas] Hearing calls on Port Townsend hydrophone. -Linda Aitkins
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13:48 - [orcas] Wayyyy out there heading NW at Libbey Beach. Lots of breaches and activity! -Kris Holley
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13:38 - [orcas] We can see them at Libbey Beach. Need binoculars, mid channel, heading northwesterly. Lots of activity though! -Becca Pommer
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~13:00 - Taken from Fort Casey at approximately 1300 headed north. -Victoria Greene
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Beautiful, distant look at dear J pod exiting Admiralty. -Bonnie Gretz
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13:00 - [orcas] Appears most of all have passed Fort Casey heading and aiming in a northwesterly direction. -Marilyn Armbruster
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12:58 - Mid channel, very hard to see without binoculars, just past Ft. Casey going north.
12:49 - There are closer to 10 total, I think?
12:30 - Counting approx. 4-5.
12:22 - [orcas] Just becoming visible at Fort Casey, still steady NB. -Bonnie Leavitt
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12:13 - [orcas] Hearing on the Bush Point hydrophone. -Helen Shamek
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12:38 - Crossing Port Townsend ferry route.
12:09 - [orcas] Spotted just south of Ft. Casey heading north. -Terri Przewoznik
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12:08 - [orcas] Definitely Bush Point Hydrophone now! -Tress Renfroe
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11:50 - [orcas] Faint calls on Port Townsend hydrophone as well. They were super spread out while down in Central Puget Sound, so the trend continues. -Brittany Philbin
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12:44 - Hearing faint calls through ferry noise.
12:10 - Now that ferry is back at Port Townsend terminal, nice calls.
11:47 - I agree we can still hear some clear calls despite the growing ship noise of vehicle carrier bound for Port of Tacoma! -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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11:52 - Another one faintly heard over boat noise.
11:48 - I just had two faint J pod calls on Bush Point. -Michelle Savoie
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11.54 - Still a couple of orcas closer to Whidbey side heading for Fort Casey, it appears, from above Lagoon Point.
11.37 - From above Lagoon Point 4-5 orcas, likely trailers, spread out now past Fort Flagler, steady nb. A couple of breaches and momentary pause to forage. -Sandra Pollard
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11:31 - [orcas] Lots of calls now on Bush Point hydro. -Kim Merriman
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11:30-13:00 - J Pod leaving Admiralty Inlet 11/22/2020. Viewed from Lagoon High Bank 11:30-12:00. Viewed from Fort Casey High Bank south of Lighthouse 12:30-1:00. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:23 - They are now well west of Partridge Pt. heading northwest-- toward Haro?
13:02 - Heading North now at Ebey's Reserve. (viewing from from north beach)
11:15 - [orcas] At Admiralty Head Lighthouse heading north. -Cyrilla Cook
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11:13 - Kit Turner from Lagoon Point just called to report seeing the orcas. She has seen at least 4 in a lead group (2 medium, 1 large, 1 small) steadily northbound on Marrowstone side just nearing the state park over there. Also just now seeing some trailers of at least 2, and more coming. Some may be skulking around.
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12:18 - I'm still hearing a lot of calls also at Bush Point.
11:41 - Still hearing a lot of calls!
10:59 - [orcas] I'm listening to Bush Point and can hear them! -Cherie St.Ours
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Finally caught up with J-pod, albeit a bit distantly. -Dori Dace
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What a treat to see some J-pod members this morning as they passed by Lagoon Point, northbound. They were very spread out, some very distant, and a few a little closer to Whidbey. Then - further north - to see some by the Coupeville ferry, with snow-capped Olympic Mountains in the background. Happy Sunday! photo - J47, photo - J51, J44 -Jill Hein
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10:21 - Large pod between mid channel and Bush Point heading north. [How many?]: Hard to tell as they were spread out. As those in the front faded from view (didn't have my binoculars), other appeared at the rear of the pod. 10-15 maybe. Some appeared to be foraging. Saw LARGE splash mid channel. Probably closer to ten total. -Gregory Roeben
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11:10 - They've passed Lagoon Point spread in groups from Whidbey side to midchannel.
10:20 - Orca northbound Bush Point. -Rachel Haight
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10:20 - Pat and Karen Scott called to report seeing orcas off Bush Point, mid channel. They had been down at Mutiny and are starting to come north. They've seen ~4 in two groups.
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sun, Nov 22 - San Juan Islands - Check out these awesome photos by our guide, April, of the T75Bs and T68Cs. ---Killer Whales!! Up by Spieden Island. Sara immediately id'd T075B, but her sister didn't seem to be the other mom - too many kids. And Sara figured it out to be the T068Cs that none of us had ever seen. Second time this year to see another rare family! And it just kept getting better!! Steller sea lions were all around Spieden in the waters, when all seven orcas turned in to harass them along the shoreline. Dozens and dozens of huge Stellers were freaking out porpoising along as a huge group, ready to defend themselves against these apex predators. There was never any evidence of the orcas making a kill, but they were not intimidated by the sea lion's aggressive behavior. Even the newest kiddo was right there cruising along with the family as they rounded the east end of the island, leaving the Stellers in their wake. It was an incredible display that we were so lucky to witness. photo (all by April Ryan) - "T068C in the foreground" [ID's: Sara Hysong-Shimazu], photo - "T068C5" -Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
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A few photos from yesterday [Nov. 22] in the late afternoon (lighting-wise) of the T75Bs and T68Cs in Spieden Channel harassing some very put out Steller sea lions. -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Nov 22 - Strait of Georgia - 17:08 - 3 humpbacks just swam by, off Mayne Island in the Strait of Georgia heading toward Saturna and the US, after coming through Active Pass. -Yves Tiberghien

November 21
Sat, Nov 21 - Puget Sound (J pod) - 17:20 - Passing Point Robinson. (added: We were halfway up the hill when we heard them! We could see a few of them in the moonlight.) -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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~17:10 - [orcas] Spotted heading south near Point Robinson around 5:10PM yesterday. video - https://youtu.be/mMBl3J5Pt1E -Justin Kenny
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Jpod made it by the island as well today, although they were pretty shy and spent most of the time on the other side of the channel. I did get a picture of J38-Cookie in front of Mount Rainier. -Kelly Keenan
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16:50 - The trailers were passing KVI Beach. Lost them in the darkness after that.
16:19 - [orcas] Southbound from Dilworth, visible from KVI Beach through binoculars (Point Heyer). -Shelby Middling
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16:10 - Switched back to SB, south of Dilworth.
16:03 - [orcas] Appear to be switching to NB direction south of Dilworth near 3 Komo Towers. Very spread out. Viewing from Seahurst. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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15:56 - Trailers just passing Dilworth now. 3:56 sb. -Amy Carey
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15:35 - Ed Block called to report maybe a dozen orcas off Point Dilworth. Big bull just came up. Pod is spread out between shipping lanes and shore, west side of channel. Still heading south.
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15:33 - 5 orcas heading south passing Seahurst Beach right now. We were heading down the middle. 3 east of us, 2 west. -Kay Orse Anthony
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15:35 - They actually do appear to still be heading south.
15:30 - [orcas] Whales appear to be heading north east from the Vashon ferry. …I just see they're swimming east away from Vashon Island. -Shelly Short
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15:17 - I am in WS between Brace Point and the Arroyos and just saw several heading south. -Gwen Williams
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14:55 - The group seems to have split.. watching from Brace Point. There's still about 4 milling on east side of Vashon. -Anu Hastings
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14:30 - They're still headed south about here. [mid channel between Lincoln Park and north Vashon Ferry terminal. -Jami Cantrell
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14:20 - I saw a huge male about the vicinity marked at 14:20 (between Blake Island and Lincoln Park) from my kayak. Was heading south parallel to Lincoln Park. Very long dives.
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14:08 - [orcas] Seeing whales at pin from the ferry, southbound. [between Blake Island and Lincoln Park] -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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13:26 - I can see a resident male north side of Blake Island. I'm in west Seattle side near Alki. Heading south. -Ravi Wadan
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14:23 - Still at the north end of Vashon near the ferry terminal.
13:59 - They were headed towards Vashon.
13:30 - From Constellation Park, seeing large J Pod males heading south of Blake Island.
13:26 - [orcas] They are spread out from the south end of Blake all the way to the north end. 1:26pm. -Brian-Nicole Jenkins
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13:24 - [orcas] Just saw 3 breaches! By Hapag Lloyd cargo ship. -Jennifer Farley
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~13:00 - 2 off of Bainbridge heading toward Alki. 1pm or so. One was very large. -Aurora Bearse
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12:50 - Visible from Alki Beach still moving SW bound. -Chris Ramirez
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12:30 - [orcas] Viewing from Pike Place Market with binos - can see a few southbound, mid channel, near what I assume is a whale watching boat and research vessel. -Marlena Skrobe
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12:13 - [orcas] Small group still milling? Or slowly traveling southbound. Midchannel, approximately near Bart's marker at 1200, perhaps a little further south. (viewing from Discovery Park) -Michelle Holshue
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~12:00 - Some pictures taken around 12 at Discovery Park. So far away. Heavily cropped. -Fei Cheng
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12:30 - J16 and J42 are also southbound. [map indicates between Eagle Harbor and Elliott Bay -gs]
12:00 - J26 appears to be one of the trailers still southbound. See map for approximate location. [just SW of West Point, mid channel -gs] -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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11:55 - [orcas] From Seattle-Bainbridge ferry. At least two, ferry slowed down for them. Whales continued slowly SB. -Danielle Carter
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11:54 - Viewing 2 orcas from Magnolia Viewpoint. SB /milling. 1 orca is hanging around the sailboat with black and white sails. The other is just in front of the small research? boat. -Aaron Bert
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11:44 - 2-3 south of West Point - close to east shore. Traveling south.
11:20 - Orca seen just out from Shilshole Marina heading south. -Torrey Hall Volk
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11:26 - They're spread out, 3 more in center of channel off West Point, southbound.
10:53 - [orcas] 5-6 southbound off Eagle Harbor. photo - [J41 and J58 per Brit P] photo - [J19 ID: ALB] -Gary Peterson
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12:22 - Couple orcas crossing Elliot Bay SB, couple more hanging back toward Elliot Bay Marina, eastside. View from Rockaway, Bainbridge. 10:50 - [orcas] Leaders SB in travel mode passing Shilshole, viewed from Skiff Pt. on Bainbridge, 10:50. -Jim Reitz
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[orcas] from Elliott Bay 11/21. -Danielle Carter
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13:30 - Seeing blows east of Blake Island from ferry...
10:34 - [orcas] At least 10 whales have passed Fay Bainbridge southbound. Mostly singles spread out across sound..many passing Shilshole now. -Sue Larkin
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09:23 - 4 females sb.
09:50 - 2 males sb, which seemed to be following a large freighter at some distance behind. They were swimming parallel to a mastless sailboat - not sure if they came alongside the boat or the other way around. -Rick Bützberger
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12:40 - from Elliot Bay Marina, seeing several making directional changes. First saw two aimed northbound east side of channel, but must have turned back and may be group I see foraging to SW of Marina. Can see blows and bodies to see and also far distance with male heading southbound mid channel. Blows all across.
10:37 - Two just surfaced west of mid channel transect Carkeek and Fay Bainbridge aimed southbound but pod on the whole does not seem to be advancing too far south very quickly anyhow. Super spread, Ideal viewing and beautiful calm seas but only ever see 1-3 at a time and long down times. From Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.
10:20 - A male and female or young male were more just west of mid channel southbound, NE of the others in 10:15 update.
10:15 - Still seeing some out from south end of Port Madison, north of Fay Bainbridge Park. Looks like someone breached and some milling well west side of channel.
09:35 - I've now seen upwards of ten, spread in singles and pairs mid channel to west of south of Jefferson Head and north of Fay Bainbridge. Maybe slow trend southbound, some milling.
09:28 - Just saw few more, one big breach out from Port Madison mid way, west of mid channel.
09:25 - Seeing at least a few individuals south of Jefferson Head heading southbound, spread out. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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09:20 - Orcas spotted from above President Point in Kingston, headed south halfway across the sound towards Edmonds Ferry terminal, approx 5 in first sighting at 8:45, followed them south. Now seeing at least 2 more 30 minutes later in same location. -Tim Davis 09:00 - J26 Mike bringing up the rear (at least I think the last) with a female present as well. Pic is a bit blurry but just for ID. Kingston area and SB. He was milling around for a bit and they are pretty far behind the rest of the pod.
08:55 - 2 milling about north of Apple Tree Point, Kingston. West side of channel.
08:50 - More coming. Kingston.
08:20-08:35 - Many whales, SB. Spread out between very close to the Kingston side to east side of the channel. All appear to be south of the Edmonds/Kingston ferry by 8:35. Saw one breach and couple of direction changes and then moved on.
08:31 - Sara Frey called to report seeing lots of orcas (15-20) that passed by Apple Tree Point (ATP). Orcas are spread out southbound between ATP and Kingston dock, quite a few south of ferry already. Observed some breaching. She can hear them blowing all over the place. Very rare to hear them, wind needs to be just right and really calm. Could hear some to the south. Saw maybe juvenile male. At least two were closer in on Kitsap side. Have good photo of who thinks is juvenile male will be forwarding. She believes this is J pod. -Sara Frey
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BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sat, Nov 21 - North Puget Sound/Saratoga Passage (T34, T37 and T37Bs, T46 confirmed) - 15:12 - Saturday November 21st. Headed north in Rosario Strait near Belle Rock (just south of James Island) 6 or 7 orcas. Maybe one of the new baby orcas? We saw them about a half mile away and turned off our engine planning to watch them from afar. We couldn't determine which way they were traveling. About 10 minutes passed without seeing them and then they came up right in front of us. About 6-7 together and then 1 off about a half mile to the west, closer to James Island. -Emma Hawkins
[per ALB: Sara Hysong-Shimazu ID notes, front to back is T37B1, T34, and T37. T37B1, T34, and T37.]
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13:18 - OMG, just saw orcas go under Deception Pass Bridge, 4-5, think T's - headed west. ---Today I experienced a life highlight -- completely unexpectedly. We drove up to the Deception Pass bridge on a serendipitously sunny November day (in an otherwise gloomy week). As we walked out onto the bridge, we saw a sea lion burst into view on the fast current flowing west under the bridge. He looked desperate and evasive in his movements. Soon, we understood why. To our amazement, a pod of (Biggs / Transient) orcas appeared out of nowhere ... and we watched them chase the sea lion into the distance from our unusual aerial view. It was mind-blowing! More pictures to follow later but here's one of the better moments! -Steve Smith
photos - [per ALB: Sara Hysong-Shimazu IDs on photo w/the four: T37 in there. T46 at the top right. Looks like T37B1 and T37B might be the other two.]
video - https://youtu.be/j9y9tVed0tU
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~13:00 - [Saw] This group [of orcas]. West of Bowman Bay, approaching (and departing). Saturday about 1pm. -Mike Henderson
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13:15 - Steadily trending west from Bowman Beach... toward Lopez Island. High speed. Right at the surface. Very visible 1:15pm
13:14 - They are West of bridge now.. Bookin north by Bowman Beach now..
13:02 - I just counted 13 blows!!! Approaching Deception Pass Bridge from the East... 13 lined up!!!
12:47 - FOUND EM!! North of Ala Spit. 2 groups. One closer to Kickit Island. Headed to Deception Pass. I counted 7. 2 males. -Kimberly Sylvester
video - https://youtu.be/kc95xZw-Ls0 (approx. 1pm)
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12:28 - [orcas] North end near Ala Spit. -Guy Fealey
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10:30 - Orcas at Mariner's Cove! A huge group of orcas just passed very close to the beach at Mariner's Cove!! Heading northbound....there were at least six, likely more, some huuuuge fins, at least one little dude, and lots of tail smacking and churning up the water. I'm amazed at how close to shore they came! -Marianne Parry
photos - [T46s ID'd by ALB]
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Sat, Nov 21 - Central Puget Sound (T36 and T36Bs, T37A1, T137) - 15:30 - We experienced an orca pod sighting at 3:30 pm on Saturday, November 21st. We spotted them in the Puget Sound moving northwest until they congregated off the point between Indianola and Kingston. My camera was zoomed in and we kept our distance from the pod. -Erinn Dornaus
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14:43 - [orcas] Spouts mid Bainbridge, guessing Murden Cove or north. Probably a bit north, more like Rolling Bay, but south of Faye Bainbridge. (Viewing from Alki). -James Tilley
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14:37 - [orcas] From Lowman - seeing several blows, at least 6 whales, against Vashon south of the ferry dock. Hard to tell direction. -Trileigh Tucker
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14:30 - T's went up southeast side of Bainbridge, rapidly heading toward central Puget Sound. Likely past Eagle Harbor by now. 2:30p. -Jim Reitz
photo - "2:00p from Blakely Harbor on Bainbridge." Space Needle [T137A ID: GS]
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~14:00 - These were the 4 orcas that cruised past Rich Passage and came around Restoration Point. There was plenty of room out there, my camera 100-500 compresses shots!! I was on a boat and there were whales all over between Eagle Harbor and east channel of shipping lanes. It was around 2:00 pm. They cruised very close to shore and went north. -Noelle Morris
photo - [T137A ID: GS]
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14:24 - There are still a couple at the north tip of Vashon.
13:57 - [orcas] Lost sight of them through this [Colvos] passage heading south into it. Few boats following the last few into it. [other reports have them going up SE side of Bainbridge] -Jayce Lemmer
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13:40 - They turned to the east. All 10 killer whales are still grouped up closely.
13:21 - We also see the T36s (Including T36Bs) and T37A1 in here too!
13:16 - T137 pod plus more are westbound sneaking out of J pod's way. [map indicates location at south end of Bainbridge Island -gs] -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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13:25 - Heading now towards Restoration Point.
13:15-13:20 - 3-4 orcas off south beach Bainbridge Island between Blake Island and here near parked tanker. Definitely a little one with them and a large male hanging back by motor, boys w large dorsal. -Kayla Black
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~13:00 - Shot near Blakey Rock today around 1.. -Terri Sue Samuels
photo - [T137 ID: ALB]
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12:05 - [orcas] Northern part of Blake Island. 4 or 5! -Liza Dietrich Rohn
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12:05 - [orcas] Viewing from Olympiad Road. They are just east of Blake Island, the southern tip. (I am just inside Blake Island. The whales are to the east.) -Jim Pasola
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11:53 - [orcas] Watching from Me-Kwa-Mooks, seeing spouts just south of Blake Island. Moving north but looking like they might pass west of Blake. -Shannon Donegan Saam
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11:50 - [orcas] Watching from south beach Discovery Park, see them far off near Vashon Ferry. -Patrick Hunninghake
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11:54 - They are still about halfway between Vashon and Blake (a bit closer to Blake end) but way over on the other side.
11:37 - [orcas] Viewing from Constellation Park in WS, passing the norther tip of Vashon now. -Brian-Nicole Jenkins
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11:33 - [orcas] Spotted NB from the Vashon ferry! Counted 5! -Wendy Jenkins
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11:15-11:20 - Watching the whales swim by us in our kayak. NB. Dove deep at Dolphin Point. Saw at least 4-5 (with a baby!!) and a big male. Moving fast. So beautiful!! -Emily Marie
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11:15 - [orcas] Seeing blows from Emma Schmitz in West Seattle, on Vashon side south of Fauntleroy ferry lane, nb. -Mary Hartmann
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11:14 - Six of them. Nice size group. Continuing to head north crossing the Vashon ferry channel.
11:00 - [orcas] At Northeast Vashon Park. Moving fast north. Almost straight across now. -Kevin H. Doar
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10:41 - [orcas] NB north of Dilworth now. I counted 5. -Elyse Rowe
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10:28 - NB south of Dilworth - tight group of about 3-4. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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10:50 - With binoculars was able to see a few whales breach directly across from the north side of Three Tree Point. Northbound heading towards Vashon Ferry
09:55 - [orcas] Breach across from Three Tree Point, closer to the Vashon side. Heading northbound. -Shelly Short
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09:57 - Actually they were heading NW not quite mid channel towards Vashon, Dolphin Pt. area.
09:45 - [orcas] A group of about 6 just went by Luana Beach past Pt. Robinson heading NW. -Lee Van Valkenburg
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08:40 - [orcas] Pod just traveled past Pt. Robinson northbound, 8:40 am. Saw male, a couple of youngsters and two others. -Marlin Black
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Kelly Keenan relayed reports, one of which included image of T137A just feet from shore when passing Gold Beach, Vashon, earlier! ---T137's and T46's were visiting the island today. I was lucky enough to spot them on the ferry this morning. -Kelly Keenan
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08:35 - At least 3 orca close to shore at Gold Beach on east side of Maury Island. 0835 on Saturday November 21. Southbound. Grouped up moving at moderate speed. Not sure if SR or Biggs. Acting as Ts because so close to shore as if hunting. -Burt Miller
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sat, Nov 21 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - An active juvenile humpback plies the waters of Pedder Bay on November 21st. -Mark Malleson
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Sat, Nov 21 - Central Puget Sound - 15:43 - now I'm seeing a Humpback! 3:43 looking from Golden Gardens out towards mid channel. Definitely humpback. -Marlena Skrobe
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15:25 - There's a humpback out from Shilshole/Golden Gardens slightly east of mid channel heading northbound. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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15:19 - Whales northbound off Golden Gardens... (updated at 15:36: ...that's what I saw! [humpback] Thanks for clarifying! Great find!) -Sue Larkin
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12:13 - It appears I managed to catch some of the Southern Residents (3 or 4) AND a Humpback. What a magical day!!! (video taken from Discovery Park) -Michelle Holshue
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Nov 21 - Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca - 15:10 - Sighted a gray whale west of Whidbey Island, at north end of Joseph Whidbey State Park in Oak Harbor, traveling towards Deception Pass at 3:10pm, Saturday, 11/21. Moving steadily, modest pace, blowing every 4 mins or so. -Paula Despins
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALE - Sat, Nov 21 - Central Puget Sound - 12:27 - Just spotted a Humpback (possibly Grey) right off Manchester State Park, heading south. I was waiting to see if J Pod would circle around this side of Bainbridge, or if the Bigg's would head this way from Vashon, when I heard it spout just 50 yards off the shore, then saw it come up for one more breath before I lost it in the distance. -Nick Weitzel

November 20
Fri, Nov 20 - North Puget Sound - 15:46 - Virgina Walton who lives on North Bluff, Whidbey, just called to report seeing at least one orca breach a couple of times between her and Baby Island (right at entrance to Holmes Harbor). Another surfaced nearby.
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14:13 - They're still milling around south of Bells Beach closer to Whidbey side.
13:46 - Now spotting residents north of Langley headed north on Whidbey side just south of Bells Beach. -Shelly Greybeck
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~12:00-13:00 - Yep, I saw a few of these from the Langley/Whidbey side between 12 and 1 PM. They were way out, only saw the two... heading north towards Bells Beach. -Bob O'Brien
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12:30 - I am reporting a group of orcas traveling north from Sandy Point to Downtown Langley on the Camano Island coast (closer to Camano than Whidbey Island) at 12:30 Friday 11/20. -Maya Rivera
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16:30 - So I went south preemptively. Looks like they just milled in area between Hidden Beach and Baby Island, perhaps foraging for a bit. Now seems like they've grouped up a little bit, are now on Whidbey side north of Hidden Beach, traveling north.
15:35 - In the area of Hidden Beach, looks like they've flipped and are southbound.
15:06 - Some still slowly northbound close to Camano side in between Cama Beach and Camano State Park.
12:38 - Oh yeah, it's definitely J pod.
12:25 - [orcas] They've rounded Sandy Point NW bound into Saratoga, spread from midchannel to Camano in small groups. -Rachel Haight
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12:24 - Viewing one female from Langley at southwest side of Camano. -David Haeckel
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11:31 - [orcas] Last of the group northbound off Clinton heading up the east side of Whidbey into Saratoga. Viewing from Edgewater Mukilteo. -Tamara Kelley-Woods
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14:20 - November 20: Patience rewarded. A few whales have passed Fox Spit northbound.
11.30 - Group of 4 or 5 whales and 2 lone whales including single adult male, have passed Brighton beach between Whidbey and Hat Island steady northbound. Whale karma has returned at last with the arrival of J pod in Saratoga Passage, Whidbey Island. Our first encounter with the whales was seeing a number of whales, well-spread out, pass Brighton Beach heading north between Whidbey and Hat Island. Although they appeared to be in steady travel mode as they rounded Sandy Point, it was some time before they made a further appearance off Fox Spit, testing whale watchers' spotting skills and endurance on a blustery day. But, as always, it was worth every shiver just to see this unique population of orcas, so deserving of the efforts being made to protect them both now and in the future. photo - "A member of J pod passing Brighton Beach on a cool, blustery morning." [SP] - photo - "J27 (Blackberry) as seen from Sandy Point, Whidbey Island, today" [RJ Snowberger] -Sandra Pollard
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11:27 - Watching 5-7 orcas just north of Clinton ferry in the big expanse. Appear to be foraging. Appear to be NB. -Donna George
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11:17 - A few whales including adult male between Whidbey and Hat continuing north. Very spread out. -Debbie Stewart
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11:24 - They [orcas] are continuing north.
11:02 - [orcas] Ferries are still in dock for the 11 AM sailing. -Danielle Pennington
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10:59 - [orcas] Just saw one mid channel from Mukilteo Lighthouse park. Heading north. -Erin Elrod Birkenkopf
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10:58 - Are ferries stopped? Looks like male dorsal right between them. -Alicia Christine
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12:23 - First group just entered Saratoga Passage nb.
12:00 - Viewing from southend bluff, Sandy Point. They are at northwest tip of Hat Island. Seeing a few nb still.
11:15 - Viewing from northend Brighton Beach, line of sight with south Everett downtown. Middish channel. Cannot tell if they will be going on west side of Hat. But does appear so. Still nb westish.
11:00 - A few more closer to Mukilteo side too. In ferry lanes now..nb.
10:55 - [orcas] Viewing from up above Clinton ferry terminal. I see 2 approaching ferry lanes mid channel. Northbound. I took a quick glimpse.
J Pod in Possession Sound and Saratoga Passage 11/20/2020: …first stop was above Clinton Ferry Terminal. Saw the first 2 orcas just south of the ferry lanes around 11 am. Then headed to Brighton Beach and watched at least 6+ spread just this side (Whidbey) mid channel to Mukilteo/Everett side of mid. 11:30am
Left Brighton and headed to Sandy Point. took them awhile, a little pokey and saw them from the bluff on the north side of SP(noon). they were at the Northwestern tip of Hat Island. the group was spread out in small groups tho with about a mile or 2 north/south. then most hit up Sandy Point Spit and rounding into Saratoga Passage around 12:30.
Left Sandy Point and headed to Fox Spit where we "PATIENTLY" waited...was a little blustery and cold. but finally showing up around 2 pm-2:20 pm.
They then heading northwesterly as far as Cama Beach/Hidden Beach where they pretty much hung out/milling hopefully foraging north of Baby Island (BI/Hidden Beach/Camano triangle) as I call it, until 4:30. -Marilyn Armbruster
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10:54 - [orcas] Seeing dorsals from Clinton. Right in front of the Mukilteo ferry now. Heading north. -Danielle Pennington
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11:45 - More orcas just seen between Hat [Island] and Whidbey, 11:45, appx 12 in four groups spread out, northbound.
11:13 - Appeared to be heading up Saratoga Passage.
10:50 - At least three orcas spotted northbound towards Langley, between Sandy Point and Camano Head, 10:50. -Lori Christopher
[likely the T46s (and T122?) later photographed by Ed Greybeck off of Fox Spit and Baby Island from Camano State Park -gs]
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10:53 - Large male out from Glendale Beach.
10:26 - [orcas] Confirmed with breach seen from Mukilteo side. -Vicki Zellman
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10:32 - Ok just kidding. There's more coming. Either a third male just passed or it's one of the above milling around. I think? It's a third male?
10:25 - The last of the pod just passed me in Chennault Beach area, continued to head north. Definitely saw 2 males near the back. One more on Whidbey side of channel, and one more on Mukilteo side of channel.
10:08 - Spread out from Glendale to south tip of Whidbey. At least one male. Continue to head north. Q 1010 on whidbey side.
10:00 - They're heading north into Possession now 1000. Pretty spread out, can't get a count..
09:55 - Big tugboat heading right into them. Doesn't look like they see them.
09:50 - Looks like they are trending northeast into Possession.
09:35 - [orcas] I see them south of Whidbey. A huge naval ship just past them. 0935. No direction that I can tell yet. -Alice Thuy Talbot
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Thu, Nov 19 - Puget Sound - 16:36 - Steady northbound travel in tight group.
16:29 - [SRKWs] In Seattle ferry lanes, group of 5+, foraging, northbound.
(next-day addition: When watching the orcas last night near Blakely Rock, it really seemed like there was at least 1 male and 1 female in predatory feeding behavior around a bunch of hauled out seals on the rock. Really thought it looked like Transient behavior. Then found the Residents just north and east in a tight group, heading north. Wondered if it was 2 pods.) -Chris Merritt
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16:00 - Off Richmond Beach at 4:00. 3 to 5 orca whales heading northbound towards Edmonds. Appear to be feeding. -Gina Cohen
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15:58 - They're just crossing ferry lanes SB. Hope the departing BI ferry knows about them.
15:56 - Several orcas SB transiting Eagle Harbor entrance, west side of channel (view from Eagle Harbor). -Jim Reitz
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15:38 - Due east of Eagle Harbor towards east side of channel. -Doug Mackenzie
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16:01 - Passing Restoration Point 1-2km east. Southbound.
15:44 - [SRKWs] ~15 southbound abs milling 1-2km east of Eagle Harbor. -Michelle Savoie
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16:10 - Seeing some fins west side of channel between Eagle Harbor and Restoration Point. Steady southbound plowing thru the chop.
15:34 - Male dorsal visible slicing through the white caps heading steady southbound, mid channel, north of Bainbridge/Sea ferry lanes, sightline looking north toward Murden Cove from N side Alki. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:40-15:00 - Multiple groups of orcas spread out from Shilshole to Rolling Bay, Bainbridge, traveling southbound with some brief foraging behavior along the way. Hard to say how many whales, but guessing at least 8 to 10 including two large males. Still southbound as of 15:00. -Susan Marie Andersson
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14:47 - Lots of breaches, mid channel, SE from Ray's Boathouse.
14:38 - [SRKWs] Blows spotted off buoy near Ray's [Boathouse restaurant], west side. -Jill Rotset
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14:30 - [SRKWs] Watching at least 3 whales heading south from Sunset Hill bluff. -Torrey Hall Volk
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14:40 - Some incl. a bull and a very small orca now straight west from West Point (Discovery Park), this side of midchannel. Southbound.
14:33 - Current estimation [map shows NW of West Point Light], slow southbound or possible milling.
14:19 - 2nd one spotted now.
14:15 - Finally spotted one bull from West Pt. (Discovery Park). Still a good ways north, midchannel. -Sophie Mazowita
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15:10 - Just came into view, Magnolia park! More than two...still south bound!
14:38 - Watched this group from Golden Gardens - I think some of the spread-out group got together - moving south but it seems like they are feeding along the way.
14:07 - Viewing from Golden Gardens Seeing two males heading south middchannel near coast guard(?) some breaches! Waiting for this bigger group!!!! -Marlena Skrobe
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~14:00 - [SRKWs] One headed south from Golden Gardens. Midchannel? -Emily Peterson
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15:36 - Leaders are starting to cross ferry lanes, well east of midchannel, southbound.
15:28 - Starting to see them southbound with Seattle Marina and Grange in background.
13:55 - 2-3 orcas spread out approaching Shilshole, mid to east of channel, southbound. -Sue Larkin
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13:48 - Lots of breaching and travel behavior southbound. More than five present.
13:38 - [SRKWs] At least 3 sited off Fay Bainbridge on Kitsap side. -Chris Merritt
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14:14 - Still heading south.
13:33 - [SRKWs] Viewing from Golden Gardens. There was one large male by the coast guard ship before it moved. I haven't seen him since he went back down. [map shows due west - gs] -Jami Cantrell
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13:28 - Watching at least 3-5 move southbound directly out from Sunset Hill Park (Ballard). Some breaching and spread out. At least one male at the front of the group.
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14:06 - Two more at the tail end of the group should be almost there [Golden Gardens] now. Slightly east of mid-channel.
13:59 - Large group (8-10) just passed North Beach heading south, mostly east side of shipping lanes. Should be at Golden Gardens by now.
13:43 - One male just passed Blue Ridge, east of mid channel heading south.
12:58 - [SRKWs] They're mid-channel now off of Carkeek Park, still heading south. Some breaches too. -Kevin Green
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15:15 - One large male foraging due west of Carkeek. Well east of midchannel. He's breached twice.
14:46 - Orcas had disappeared out of my view, but now coming back into view. Some breaches. Looking from RB, line of sight just east of midchannel/WNW of West Point Lighthouse. Appear to be? NB?
13:36 - Roughly 8-10 grouped u.p, SB.
13:32 - I have no proof, but I'm suspicious that there's more than just Js. Still more passing SB, midchannel, between RB and Jeff Head.
13:11 - At least 2-3 or more foraging between RB and Fay Bainbridge. East of midchannel.
12:58 - Another two in the back, east of midchannel and just south of Jeff Head now. Viewing from RB. One male present.
12:43 - My earlier post must have been leaders. More whales now spread out southbound between RB and Jeff head
12:31 - [SRKWs] Seeing blows midchannel south of Richmond Beach, or slightly east of midchannel. -Ariel Yseth
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11:27 - [SRKWs] We can just make them out, looking towards Kingston from above Golden Gardens (with Long-Range Observation Binoculars). They have been moving around, but currently there is a lot of surface activity near Apple Cove PT. The commercial traffic has been really good about slowing down. -Hays Clark
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11:47 - There are still whales off of Point Wells fuel tanks, mid channel heading south.
11:40 - Later is heading south now at a pretty good clip. Look for the coast guard boat; he's just in front, maybe a bit west.
11:39 - They are spread out off of Kingston, don't seem to be moving at any direction, maybe slowly south. There are barges, container ships. They're staying down for a long time. I haven't seen much activity.
11:26 - Leader is straight out from Kingston, looks like fishing. I'm looking across at fuel tanks from the top of this hill. Still whales quite to the north, all heading south
11:09 - I see the two males, coast guard boat and chopper right behind them, and there's a ferry heading that way hopefully someone alerted them. I'm on the hill above the Kingston ferry. -Jim Pasola
[11:11 - We have alerted WSF and shipping. -alb]
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11:00 - Sara Frey called, she has been watching 2 large males (Sara's back-of-camera image confirms J27 Blackberry as one - alb) who have been hanging around off Apple Tree Point. Others have passed by spread out from Kitsap side to mid channel, some breaching further in the distance. She does not see any more to the north, so believes all are to the south of her and others south of the ferry lanes, off Kingston. The two males have now moved on, as well. (The two boys hung out for about 10-15 minutes.)
10:28 - [SRKWs] West shipping lanes, Apple Tree Point Kingston. Southbound. -Sara Frey
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09:50 - 3 or 4 orcas just passing Pilot Point, Kitsap side of the channel. -Austin Iles
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09:47 - Kim called back, she is now seeing at least 5-6 including the calves, two of them!
09:40 - [SRKWs] Kim Paige called, she lives halfway between Pilot Point and Eglon and is seeing 2 females close to shore heading southbound. Not sure if lead or trailing.
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07:08 - Lon Brocklehurst reported to Scott Veirs, Orcasound that SRKWs were at Bush Point at 07:08.
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BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Fri, Nov 20 - North Puget Sound/Saratoga Passage (T46s) - 12:49 - [orcas] Passing Langley on Camano side...helicopter above! -Alina Chris Sherrett
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13:30 - At least five whales heading north past Cama Beach on the Camano side of Saratoga Passage. They were heading north fast and moving towards Whidbey. -Serena Tierra
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12:40 - Orca spotted off of Fox Spit, and Baby Island, mid channel headed north. Photos taken by me from Camano Island State Park. I believe one is a male. -Edward Greybeck
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12:25 - [orcas] Just found at least 3 of them mid channel off Fox Spit. -Allie Hudec
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11:13 - Appeared to be heading up Saratoga Passage.
10:50 - At least three orcas spotted northbound towards Langley, between Sandy Point and Camano Head, 10:50. -Lori Christopher
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Fri, Nov 20 - South Puget Sound/Carr Inlet (T36, T137, T137A) 14:48 - [orcas] Just spotted them southbound at Minter Creek...Jon Fujioka
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14:41 - [orcas] My wife, Samantha, and I reside just south of the Purdy Sand Spit and about ten minutes ago, we saw what appeared to be three headed southbound back into the main portion of the Carr Inlet. Not sure when or where they made the u-turn here in Henderson Bay, but we FINALLY got to see them from our deck after moving here from Oklahoma four months ago! Should be approaching Cutts Island about now. -Lynn Knight
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14:55 - Straight out from Minter Creek. Slow southbound.
13:23 - They are back in Carr Inlet headed north just off Raft Island!
12:14 - [orcas] Carr Inlet headed south from Minter Creek. I saw at least 4 to include one Male for sure. Likely near Horsehead Bay and Fox Island now. photo - T137A. -Randy Witter
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~12:00 - ...Had a visitor around noon in Henderson Bay today …it was pretty exciting, I just happened to go on the deck, and there was a huge orca right in front of my nose! I ran for the camera and kept shooting while they were moving south! Orcas in Henderson Bay, Carr Inlet, around noon today, November 20, 2020. They were close to the west shore, playful, lots of headstands, heading south towards Glen Cove. We had lots of sea lions in the bay, I am sure that's what they were after! -Ingrid Shumway
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Nov 20 - Central Puget Sound - 14:35 - 1 Humpback whale sighted just north of Meadow Point heading southbound! 2:35 pm. -Torrey Hall Volk
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SPECIES UNIDENTIFIED - Fri, Nov 20 - Haro Strait - 20:15-20:25 - Northbound. Close in, single blows, assuming it's a humpback but it didn't quite sound like a humpback (sounded more like an orca) hopefully we will hear it on LK hydrophone. Heard just south of Edwards Pt./Landbank. -Michelline Halliday

November 19
BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Thu, Nov 19 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - T035A3 playing during prey sharing of a seal in Oak Bay on the afternoon of November 19. -Mark Malleson
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T253 south east of Race Rocks on the morning of November 19th. -Mark Malleson
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T251 west bound south east of Race Rocks on the morning of November 19th. -Mark Malleson
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Nov 19 - Central Puget Sound - 15:36 - HB NB off Richmond Beach.
15:30 - Humpback whale just went on a dive. About 1.5 mile SW of Richmond Beach Saltwater Park. -Ariel Yseth

November 18
BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Wed, Nov 18 - Possession Sound - 15:27 - Killer whales backside of Camano right now - 3:27 pm, 11-18-20. -Ray Fryberg, Tulalip
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Wed, Nov 18 - Satellite Channel/B.C. - ~13:10 - Report to Orca Network pod of 5-6 orcas in Satellite Channel again, this time heading eastbound towards Swartz Bay. -Laura Ryan

November 17
BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Tue, Nov 17 - San Juan Islands - 13:00 - We saw a group of three orcas behind our house on Lopez Island, WA along Jasper Bay on the Lopez Sound. Today at 1pm. -Summer Hagge

November 16
BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Mon, Nov 16 - 16:20 - [orcas] Southbound, close to shore, 1 mile south of Fauntleroy ferry dock. At least was a large male. Dove and disappeared. We watched for 10 minutes or more but no second look at them. -Carolyn Duncan
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16:08 - Maija Holston, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 17:02: Whales - KITTITAS - Master reports 5 orca off south of Fauntleroy near Grace Point. W/S made WRAS report. This came in about 1608.
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16:05 - [orcas] Off Fauntleroy ferry heading south. -Tom Corbin
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14:51 - [orcas] Just spotted at least two about a mile off Alki Point, headed SB! -Devon Mcdonald
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13:29 - One male sighted southbound 2-3km west off 4mile/Magnolia. -Michelle Savoie
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13:07 - [orca] confirmed. They were just west of Golden Gardens but slipped under and away south bound. -Steve Snoey
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12:55 - Spotted a lone Orca off Meadow Point headed south towards Golden Gardens at 12:55a on 11/16/2020. Caught it spying. Noteworthy, as I'm currently painting an image with two Orca in my studio called "Whale Breach." I also just finished [another] painting (30" x 40" acrylic on canvas) titled "Whale Watch." The Orca must have known I was painting it and was checking me out! -Michael Hamm
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12:49 - They're just north of Golden Gardens still heading south, very close to the GG side. -Kevin Green
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11:23 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: The WALLA WALLA just reported 4-5 orca, SB, ¼ mile off the Edmonds dock. Report submitted. Report was over 800MHz radio and acknowledged by the PUYALLUP.
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11:31 - Just saw one male and at least 3 females from the Edmonds waterfront! They were in two separate groups traveling south at a steady pace. The first group was pretty close to the Edmonds side, the other was further out but still on the Edmonds side. -Natalee Bozzi
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07:45 - This morning 3 orcas, including one bull, moving slowly southward about 100 yards offshore at southeast corner of Hat Island! -Lori Christopher
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Nov 16 - Central Puget Sound - 11:09 - There's a humpback about a quarter mile off of Blue Ridge Beach right now heading slowly north. He's surfacing several times and then diving deep for a few minutes. -Kevin Green

November 15
BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sun, Nov 15 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 13:30 - 2 orcas in the Strait on Sunday, Nov 15 at 1330, about 2 miles west of Pt. Wilson. One appeared to be a male with a dorsal fin approximately 6 ft high. We watched them for about 30 minutes. They appeared to be moving in a westerly direction, but possibly feeding. -Kent Hitchings
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Sun, Nov 15 - Puget Sound - 16:15 - Last update for the night. I watched the Bigg's continue northbound, spread in at least two groups east side of the channel. Last observed them out from Meadow Point, Golden Gardens (~ 47.695387, -122.429203).
16:00 - I moved down to the parking lot by the beach. Biggs's are loosely spread; they had been traveling up in a line, but are now grouping up in at least two groups heading slowly northbound directly out from southernmost end of Golden Gardens Park on the east side of channel (~ 47.68790,-122.42259). Shallow surfaces, blows and dorsal slightly visible with naked eye, binoculars needed for optimal viewing in the chop. Super cold and windy as sun begins to descend behind the clouds.
15:40 - Transients are off West Point, Discovery Park, heading northbound close in, male and few others passed right at green buoy off the lighthouse (~ 47.65920,-122.44239). I was happily surprised to see blows on this side of the Sound, just to the south of West Point. It was so pretty to see the male's dorsal glide in the sunbeam when he was passing right off the buoy. From Sunset Hill Park, Ballard. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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14:33 - Grouped up, northbound passing Blakey Rock, far west channel. -Brittany Philbin
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~13:50 - Rich Passage about 1:50, before they headed past fish pens on Bainbridge. Viewing from Wautaga Beach. [photo - "Rich Passage @ 1:00" [T36B1, T36B ID: GS] back of camera photo of T137A] -Noelle Morris
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13:57 - Eyes on T137s [unconfirmed if all], T036, T036Bs from Constellation Park as they exit Rich Passage southbound. Far west channel. -Brittany Philbin
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13:56 - Now south of the fish farm.
13:40 - [orcas] Fort Ward. -Brendan Moore-Penaskovic
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13:30 - [orca] Spyhop taken from Manchester State Park, 1:30. -Terri Sue Samuels
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13:21 - [orca] Pod, one with white spot near base of tail, just south of Fort Ward. One is a male, one a baby. They are likely hunting as they are milling about in the same area. -Sue Ellen White
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13:00 - [orcas] Some headed east through Rich Passage towards Manchester. -Sara Finlay
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~13:00 - [orcas] They were across the bay in front of Fort Ward around 1pm. -Jan Fuller
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12:56 - [orcas] Just rounded Point Glover eastbound thru Rich Passage. -Keith Baldwin
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12:44 - Cynthia Parker called to report watching the orcas in Rich Passage; the male is with them. The ferry just went by them. The family says they had seen about 6 whales. We watched one breach 4 times in a row then was fin slapping. Other group was tail slapping and now groups have rejoined together, slowly heading east on Bainbridge side.
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12:44 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: Just had another report of 3-5 orca just off Point White. [Bainbridge]
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12:40 - [orcas] Looked like they were heading back into Rich Passage heading east. Tight against the south end of Bainbridge Island, now along the part of the drive that houses are in the water. -Laura Earnest Nicholson
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12:36 - They are still hanging out around the southern tip of Bainbridge. -Brittany Wollenberg
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12:36 - [orcas] Concur. They are just hanging out at Point White. -Chelsea Freniere
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12:18 - Main group still hanging out at the mouth of Rich Passage. Changing direction quite a bit, they seem to be just milling about. The male has split off and it closer to the middle of all the passages. Fourish in the main group. -Kathryn Murphy
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12:10 - Kayla Black called to report they have been watching the orcas off Point White, Bainbridge, for the past 45 minutes. Seeing at least 6 including male and a baby. Male is separated off in the distance. They've seen spyhops, fin slaps. Whales have gone back and forth. More surface activity happening while she was leaving message...male surfaced still off in distance.
*
11:57 - second hand report.. 3 orcas heading into Rich Passage, baby with them. -Sue Larkin
*
14:00 - Eastbound off Restoration Point.
11:45 - From neighbor in Crystal Springs, Bainbridge: just spotted a pod of Orcas off Crystal Springs. Lots of folks out w binocs and cameras. Hope they are headed your way! -Susan Marie Andersson
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13:07 - Headed SE thru Rich Passage directly across from Fort Ward.
11:54 - Small group is hunting just off of Crystal Springs on Bainbridge Island. Maybe moving more back toward Rich Passage now.
11:30 - [orcas] Headed N up Port Orchard Passage, view from Crystal Springs. -Jim Reitz
*
11:10 - The orcas are heading into Rich Passage.
10:58 - [orcas] Currently grouped in front of Bachmann Park! -Becky N Woodworth
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10:45 - [orcas] Passing east past Bremerton Marina now. Maybe four. -Rick Vandenhole
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10:35 - [orcas] Directly in front of Bremerton ferry now heading east - at least 5, big male, several females and a baby. -Noah Izzard
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11:59 - They're at the mouth of Rich Passage, apparently heading out. Bremerton ferry just blew right by them full speed. Last I saw, right in the mouth likely heading towards Manchester, but I haven't seen them actually go out.
12:03 - They are moving slowly, difficult to get direction but clearly heading out through Rich, toward Manchester.
11:49 - They appear to be heading back out halfway between Rich Passage and Illahee. Tight against Bainbridge. Made a couple of kills taking their time, but they're definitely heading out.
11:31 - At Illahee, they appear to be coming this way.
11:13 - They're right between the two passages, haven't committed either way yet, just off the end of Bainbridge.
11:02 - Just passed the pier Manette Buckman Park. still heading out toward Rich Passage or Port Orchard.
10:49 - Heading across the mouth of Dye's Inlet headed for Manette.
10:34 - Okay here they come heading out from the bay in front of the shipyard heading for the ferry terminal Midway.
09:25 - They are in front of the [Bremerton] marina now still heading west, I guess. Best I can count, three females, a young one, and a large male
09:19 - Last seen heading toward the shipyard, long down times.
09:12 - Small group off of Manette. Very windy. -Jim Pasola
photos - Left to right: T036B (Tattertip), T036B2 (Greenfelder), T037A1 (Inyo), T036B3 (Chip) ID: Brittany Philbin
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08:30 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: The Master on the CHIMACUM reports 5-8 orca milling about in Rich Passage.
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08:30 - Pod heading west through Rich Passage, around the south end of Bainbridge this morning (8:20am). Difficult to see in photo, but at least 6-8 were surfacing. Ferry stopped briefly but then continued through Rich Passage at a slow speed even with whales present. -bns80 @bns1980 (Twitter)
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Sun, Nov 15 - North Puget Sound - ~08:00 - Walking on Old Ferry Road toward Indian Island yesterday morning about 8 am. Spotted plume in water and stopped to watch. There were two, maybe three orca just leaving the cut headed northwest toward the base on the island. They stopped to play, blew and breached for at least 10 minutes. Then slowly made their way north. My friend said to let you know. -Jan Walker
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Nov 15 - Haro Strait - 13:50 - [Humpbacks] Southbound past Land Bank [Westside Preserve].
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12:38 - Pair of humpbacks headed south past SJC Park about a mile out. -Phil Green
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Nov 15 - Northern Saratoga Passage - Gray whale off Utsalady Point this morning. Seems to be moving slowly west with the tide. -Dean Kayler

November 14
BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sat, Nov 14 - San Juan Islands - T123s were in San Juan Channel. -JF
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Sat, Nov 14 - Puget Sound/Possession Sound (T36, T36Bs, T37A1, T137, and T137A) -Ariel Yseth
photos - [T36B3, T36B ID: GS] [T137A, T137 ID: GS]
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15:15 - South of Penn Cove mid Channel, looks like both groups merged, steadily southbound. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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14:30 - Viewing from bluff south of Longpoint. I see a group southbound nearing east side of green channel marker. -Marilyn Armbruster
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13:05 - I'm seeing them slowly heading north, close to Rockaway Beach on Camano, way over on the Camano side. 1:05 pm, still northbound. -Jill Hein
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14:10 - We left the T137s right here southbound. [north end of Saratoga Passage]
13:45 We've also found the T137 pod.
13:16 - We can see more to the north from my last post. About a half mile ahead of these. We Will check them out soon.
13:00 - Currently slowly northbound.
12:59 - T37A1 is also in here with the T36Bs. -Bart Rulon, Puget Sound Express
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12:38 - 3-5 orca just went past Cama Beach State Park and through the passage. Saw a little one with them. -Claire Lewis
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12:37 - MV Saratoga on scene with orcas north bound in Saratoga Passage just north of Cama Beach. T36Bs, and just T37A1 so far, so 6 whales total. -Justine Buckmaster, Puget Sound Express
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10:15 - Orca pod sighted from my home in Mukilteo, seen heading south through the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry passage.. not quite mid bay from Mukilteo side. I didn't have time to grab telephoto lens.. but here was leader of the group. I saw 3 in the pod I was watching,, but it appeared another group was ahead of it. by the movement on surface of water - but I never actually saw them. -Mary Ann Macomber
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10:06 - Another report just now of orcas passing the west side of island. They were a smaller group heading north.
9:15 - Hat Island ferry observed 15-20 orcas between south end of Hat and Port of Everett! (They were heading toward Tulalip). -Lori Christopher
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Sat, Nov 14 - Satellite Channel - 09:00-1030 - This morning (between 9 and 10:30) we spent over an hour watching a pod of orcas hunt and feed on a sea lion right off our shore. This was in the Satellite Channel. We are on Lands End Road. An incredible viewing. [Direction of travel] West up towards Cowichan. -Laura Ryan
photo - T137D and T137B (ID: GS)
photos - w/possibly the T35As and T38As? per Melisa Pinnow
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Sat, Nov 14 - Haro Strait - 09:30 - We saw 4 kws go down island following the shoreline at 0930 this AM off Hannah Heights, SJI. Group consisted of an adult male, a sprouter, an adult female and a juvenile. We went to South Beach but we didn't see them from there. Not sure if we were late or if they turned off or increased sea state obscured. Didn't see any other postings on this group. -Brad Hanson, NWFSC/NOAA
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GRAY WHALES - Sat, Nov 14 - Saratoga Passage - 10:48 - Most likely a grey at Utsalady Point right now. Close to Camano. Headed East. -Pat Sebelsky
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09:34 - Saw a lone gray this morning, full tail fluke with a noticeable marking on the right side next to blowhole. Heading north off west side Camano Island going up the Saratoga Passage. -Mieke Lee
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09:28 - [gray] heading north, just passing Rockaway Beach! [confirmed gray whale from photo by Quinn Johnson -gs] -Lisa Madigan
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MINKE WHALES - Sat, Nov 14 - 07:29 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed with report: The PUYALLUP reports one (1) minke whale in the traffic lanes between Edmonds/Kingston heading a SW direction.
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALE - Sat, Nov 14 - Saratoga Passage - 09:13 - Humpback heading north from Woodland Beach! (South of Madrona and north of Onamac). Might be a gray. -Beth Reaver

November 13
UNIDENTIFIED ORCAS - Thu, Nov 13 - North Puget Sound/Saratoga Passage - 12:15 - Hearing reports of 4-5 orcas heading northbound up Saratoga Passage, went past Hat about 12:15. -Lori Christopher
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Nov 13 - Central Puget Sound - 14:52 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at 14:52 to report: The WALLA WALLA reports 2 humpback whales SB in the NB traffic lanes off Edmonds.

November 12
Thu, Nov 12 - Puget Sound (Js and Ks) - ["At least one member from every matriline of K and J was seen." -Ariel Yseth]
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14:00-16:00 - From the Vashon to Tacoma ferry back and forth between 2 pm and 4 pm. -Jolena Tagg
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This is a sleeping line!!! We were on the ferry and I thought these looked like dorsals but also thought they were sticks. They weren't moving.. until they woke up from their nap as we got closer -Amber Stanfill
photos [K33 K12 ID: Ariel Yseth]
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16:45 - [SRKWs] I can see a couple from Al's in Olalla, northbound. -Kirsten Tucker
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16:09 - [SRKWs] At least three or four still on the very western part of Dalco Passage, possibly committing north to the west side of Vashon Island. -Glenn E. Johnson
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15:57 - 6 - 7 orcas at Piner Point (south end of Maury Island) heading north. -John Troup
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Orca
Sighting Time: Thu Nov 12 15:42 PST
Sighting Location (Lat/Lon): 47.33341,-122.50777
Number Sighted: 1
Submitted Comments: 4-6 or more off Pt. Defiance Park. -Zoe Hughes - Whale Alert App
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15:15 - A whole bunch crossing ferry lanes spread out east to west, headed wb.
15:08 - 5 or 6 females, one baby, one male. Milling. Super spread out E of ferry lane. Viewing from PT Defiance Marina.
14:51 - [SRKWs] Some stragglers heading east in Dalco, approaching ferry terminal. At least one male and a couple females. There's at least one baby with this group. -Ashley Whitman
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14:48 - Orcas coming back across from Owen Beach south end of Vashon Island heading east.
3:58pm pic taken from Owen Beach walkway across from Vashon Island to Tacoma Ferry Terminal. Amazing day you could hear the blows! -Cherie St.Ours
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15:46 - Heading north into Colvos.
14:39 - Drifting back towards Owen Beach.
14:20 - [SRKWs] Change direction several times, south of Colvos Passage. -Steve Fogard
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14:59 - Viewing from Owen Beach, they're heading east spread out, heading toward Browns Point or maybe into Commencement Bay.
14:12 - [SRKWs] Trailing group went behind ferry as it was pulling out from the dock. -Lucas Dambergs
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14:10 - [SRKWs] Group 1 spread around Dalco near Point Defiance, appear to be heading/trending towards the Narrows bridge. Group 2 grouped very close together approaching Vashon ferry directly offshore Vashon side. -Anika Blake
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13:50 - [SRKWs] Continuing South, along Owen Beach, W bound. 1:50 pm. -Callie Deegan
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13:43 - [SRKWs] Just about to pass ferry lanes between Ruston/Vashon, still southbound. -Rachael Blaurock
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13:36 - [SRKWs] Can see a group of 4-5 close to the Pt. Defiance Ferry. Headed west towards the ferry lanes. Mid channel. -Candace Gavin
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13:28 - [SRKWs] See a group mid channel off Point Ruston, passing pass Quartermaster Harbor. -Tim Candela
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16:25 - Scanned Dalco & East Passage & not finding them.. thinking they did choose Colvos. I think the group that went back up East Passage was K Pod, numbers looked about right, several adult males. Dalco group had Calves.
16:04 - Final frozen update from me.. I lost the eastbound group, presumably went up East Passage, others still milling in Dalco, fishing.
15:46 - East Passage group near southern buoy, some eastbound towards Browns Point, others northbound. Dalco Passage group still milling, off Sunrise Beach but mid channel, drifting northbound.
15:38 - Second group at east end of Maury trending north to East Channel. 1st group spread out through Dalco to entrance of Colvos.
15:35 - Have some milling at entrance to The Narrows.
15:20 - Direction change, they are back to westbound, spread all over Dalco. Had the ferry stopped again.
15:01 - Logging group have logged their way to east tip of Vashon approaching Quartermaster, everyone else has turned back towards East Passage. Large group passing us at Dune eastbound.
14:49 - Trailing group still logging, cuddling up against Vashon, adorable cuddle puddle, drifting east. Lead Group trending back towards Dune.
14:34 - Trailing group took a nap up against Vashon, watched them logging & drifting. They are awake and have turned back towards East Passage, passing ferry terminal on Vashon side, eastbound. Lead group is still at the Point proper area, entrance to Colvos, some spread north towards Colvos, milling direction changes. Enforcement present!
14:22 - Lots of action at the Point!
14:09 - From Dune I see a group heading south past the Point proper at Pt. Defiance, into the Narrows! Trailers crossing Vashon close to shore, Westbound.
14:04 - Lead group still milling, fishing, breaching around Dalco Passage, trending towards Gig Harbor & Narrows.
13:52 - From Dune, leaders in Dalco Passage trending towards the Narrows. They are spread out all across the passage.
13:46 - From Dune.. they are all over in front of Dune, passing all around the ferry right now. Westbound.
13:41 - Lead group spread out from Maury Island to the moored Containership, milling. Trending West.
13:23 - Westbound.
13:17 - From N.45th & Stevens .. seeing three bulls, maybe 10 total individuals, surfacing near the barge moving past S. tip of Maury Island, close to Vashon side, southbound. -Melissa Bird
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14:04 - VERY Close to shore, Vashon, just west of Quartermaster.
13:58 - Trailing group passing Quartermaster.
13:36 - Two groups in view now. Front group passing Quartermaster.
13:14 - Easy to see now with Glass. Lookers left of the tug from Point Ruston. Looks like A group is circled up.
13:08 - [SRKWs] Watching from above Point Ruston, small boat trailing them. They are out in front of the tugboat and barge in Commencement. -Ed Rickert
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12:38 [SRKWs] Just past Pt. Robinson. -Julia Bernard
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12:19 - [SRKWs] Group of 6 SB past Pt. Robinson and the Marine Park. -Jennifer Nichols
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[SRKWs] Both groups sb past PT Robinson moving fast. -Scott Medlin
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From Pt. Robinson, when they were headed south. One of the new calves. -Karen Fuller
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12:20 - Trailing group passed Pt. Robinson SB 12:20.
12:11 - [SRKWs] Just passed Pt. Robinson SB. -Steve Fogard
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Amazing day at Point Robinson. -Amber Stanfill
photos [J27 ID: GS]
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Still peachy J57 and Momma J35. -Kelly Burns Keenan
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What a morning at Point Robinson...my first time watching the whales there! So many people and love for the orcas! -Sue Larkin
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11:29 - Counting 5+ orcas just passing Maury Island now and more mid channel now.
11:24 - Orcas SB. Research boat trailing. Viewing from south side of 3Tree Point. Closer to east side of mid channel. -Sandhya Ballal
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12:21 - Trailers just passed point at 12:21 southbound.
12:10 - Leaders just passed Point Robinson southbound at 12:10.
10:59 - [SRKWs] Leaders near Three Tree and trailers just passed Dilworth at 10:59. -Amy Carey
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Here are the pictures from K's and J's east side Vashon Island pass yesterday, it was very heartwarming to see them as usual! It seemed like a rather subdued pass this time, didn't see too much foraging, mainly just leisurely steady southbound travel in two big loose groups with rests in between. Bouncy little J pod babes in the mix, so cute and bubbly, got lots of deep sighs of contentment from the crowd. They bring so much joy in their wake, I really hope somehow they can feel all the love radiating from here on the shore. The grouped up pics that are from far away are from Dilworth and the rest of them are from the point [Robinson]. -Marla Smith
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10:52 - [SRKWs] They are by Dolphin Point and Dilworth, at least it appears to be them by binoculars. Little south of the channel marker. -AaronLisa Moe
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10:40 - [SRKWs] Passing Vashon ferry terminal. East of Vashon and southbound, yes! -Shelly Short
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10:02 - [SRKWs] Friend walking dog on beach said she just sighted from Brace Point- near Vashon side south of towers. -Gina Cunningham
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11:00 - Wow! a large number (12-15) just came together in a tight resting group. Research boat trailing right behind. So beautiful. Still trending south.
10:44 - Still trending south. Seeing a tight group in front of Dilworth | Vashon Island. ["If they have maintained their configuration, these should be the trailers. The leaders are probably nearing Tramp Harbor/Point Robinson area..." -Michelle Savoie]
09:40 - [SRKWs] Still trending south. Viewing from Shorewood on the Sound, mainland. Many are in front of Blake Island, mid-channel. Very spread out. Lots of foraging behavior. -Shari Tarantino
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09:31 - South of Blake, four back to back breaches! At least 7-8 whales including two bulls. SB towards Vashon dock, viewing from Fauntleroy. -Pia VanHanen
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10:17 - Seeing them just off the shore south of the Vashon terminal. They don't seem to be moving south right now.
09:51 - Anyone on the ferry waiting to dock at Vashon is getting a show right now! Watching from Lincoln Park with binocs.
09:16 - [SRKWs] Spotted with binocs from Lowman Beach, north of Blake Island in ferry channel heading south. -Kim Sharpe Jones
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09:13 - Large group heading south, near Manchester north of Blake.
09:09 - [SRKW] Saw one dorsal fin off of the east side of Blake Island, heading south. Viewing from Beach Drive, near Weather Watch Park. -Logan Bowen
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09:16 - Passing Fauntleroy ferry 9:16 SB.
08:59 - Group is really spread out moving fast SB heading for Fauntleroy! Viewing from Manchester 8:59.
08:49 - [SRKWs] Watching from Manchester 8:49 passing Alki Lighthouse now. -Noelle Morris
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08:48 - [SRKWs] Viewing from country club, south BI, mid channel large group, SB. -Rachael Blaurock
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09:53 - The trailing group has about 10 animals tight…
09:31 - Whales were spread in multiple tight groups mid channel to west side. Most south of Vashon ferry lanes. I think some all the way to Dilworth. Moderate to fast travel.
09:11 - Sea State is picking up to Beaufort 4-5 down by Vashon, so may be difficult to pick up.
09:09 - One male is about 1/2 south west of Alki.
09:06 - Additional animals midchannel/east side between Alki and Blake Island breaching.
09:04 - Southern whales now approaching Vashon ferry terminal (they went on east side of Blake Island). Spread out in multiple small tight groups. Northern large group (~10) just south of Restoration Point.
08:20 - Whales are SOUTHBOUND! by Blake island to Yeomalt.
07:25 - I just caught a glimpse of KW of east side of Bainbridge around Skiff Point or fourth north as I was headed into Eagle Harbor. Only saw two surfacings so exact location not pinpointed, and no direction of travel, but I'd assume northbound. -Michelle Savoie
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BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Thu, Nov 12 - North Puget Sound - ~15:30 - We believe the pod was 5 in total with what looked to be a small calf. They passed by us just north of President Point in Kingston, WA around 3:30 yesterday, Nov 12. Pardon the quality, the light was poor and they were a good 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile away. -Tim Davis
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15:20 - Just saw 2-3 orcas including large male just south of Kingston ferry. On the west side heading south fast! -Lucy Falla
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UNIDENTIFIED ORCAS - Thu, Nov 12 - Central Puget Sound - 14:47 - Orcas spotted off in Shilshole Just now. 14:47. Southbound. At least three. -Barbara Gamrath
[Confirmed with Barbara, they did see three separate dorsal fins, so looks like another group of orcas was off Shilshole at some point. She is aware of the humpback being in the area. -alb]
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~14:15 - "Believe T137A? Have right and left saddle of the male. Just north of Kingston." - Sara Frey called to report seeing a large male orca at Kingston heading southbound on the west side of shipping lanes, booking south. While we were on the phone, she saw a total of at least 2, 5-6 orcas. Someone breaching. -Sara Frey
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UNIDENTIFIED CETACEANS - Thu, Nov 12 - Central Puget Sound - 15:25 - Two large blows off Carkeek. Observed just as I entered Eagle Harbor. Not sure of species or travel direction. Poor sighting conditions. Rain and lots of waves. FYI: my instincts on this are large whale/humpback. Tall columnar blow, but I'm not certain. -Michelle Savoie

November 11
Wed, Nov 11 - Puget Sound - 17:10 - They seem to be slowly headed northbound mid-channel, trending towards Alki Point. 5:10pm. Observed from same location pictured above. Hearing them is so soothing. No other sounds on the water! A peaceful evening!
17:03 - [SRKWs] Can't see much anymore but I can hear them just sort of milling around, blowing to the east of my location. A few pectoral slaps and random splashing earlier but they were too far away for me to tell. -Ron Sorrell
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16:54 - Along with many others. Seeing splashing. Closer to mainland.
16:47 - [SRKWs] Watching from Vashon ferry dock. Very spread out, north to south, mid channel. Northern group had some breaching and tail slapping recently. Beautiful calm evening. -Neil Emery
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16:33 - Still trending south. Spread out from east to west between Blake Island | Vashon Ferry terminal and the mainland (Shorewood on the Sound, private beach). -Shari Tarantino
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16:01 - One male here [SE of and close to Blake Island. -gs] -Jayce Lemmer
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16:00 - [SRKWs] Viewing from Lowman, fins in front of Southworth ferry terminal 4pm. -Mirte Postema
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16:33 - Large male mid channel east of Blake Island.
16:00 - [SRKWs] Can see one east of the barge. Visible from Dilworth through binocs. -Shelby Middling
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16:49 - Great visibility, whales whales everywhere and very spread out! Many groups traveling southbound on the east side of Vashon, far on the west side of channel. Stragglers now between Vashon and Blake. Viewing from Fauntleroy.
15:55 - Viewing from Constellation, one pod with at least one male still in front of Manchester by the large freighter, heading south. -Pia VanHanen
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15:53 - large male and a few females directly east of southworth ferry terminal. SB. -Ashley Whitman
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16:15 - Two just north of Vashon; 2-3 south tip of Blake now, SB slowly.
16:05 - Spotting 2 more just north of Tillicum Village heading SB.
15:56 - Very spread out- seeing 1-2 near Southworth ferry, with a few kayaks and a boat, and 1 far north of Blake toward Bainbridge Ferry, heading south slowly.
15:46 - [SRKWs] Spotting 2 or 3 at the south end of Blake headed south. Viewed from Emma Schmitz, they are closer to Blake [Island]. -Russ Mann
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15:36 - Seeing them across from Southworth ferry terminal. Closer to the Seattle side. -Claire Sprouts
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15:33 - [SRKWs] Seeing a few from Fauntlee Hills, going past Lincoln Park southbound, east of midchannel. -Mike Yov
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15:26 - South beach Bainbridge south end viewing orcas, seem closer to Seattle side, 3:25, research boat trailing very spread out, mid channel. -Noelle Morris
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15:10 - Solo male visible from Beach Dr. with binoculars. Southbound towards Blake Island. -Tim Peters
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14:43 - John Milller, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: Whales adjacent to SEA>BI Route. Vessel reports via 800MHz that they have come to a stop, due to orca crossing their path. Vessel reports an undetermined number of orcas all trending southbound in the SB traffic lanes adjacent to the SEA>BI route. Confirmed as Southern Residents by earlier tracking. Vessels on the route notified.
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14:38 - Another individual following. Fin distant but visible from Alki and 63rd. Much closer to Bainbridge.
14:33 - Male, I think, swimming south just passing stopped ferry. -Kathleen Fife
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14:31 - Watching from 60th and Spokane above Beach Drive. Looking WNW. Headed south towards Alki Point. -Douglas B. Greenswag
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13:56 - [SRKWs] From DT Seattle, many dorsal fins and a few breeches mid channel. Far away but viewable through good binocs. -Michael Hurley
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13:45 - Eyes on several between Manitou Beach, BI, and Magnolia. Southbound. -Rick Hatten
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14:15 - We are hanging out near Murden Cove, Bainbridge. Saw 2 female and two male.
13:32 - Orcas near yellow buoy off West Point.
13:30 - A couple of orcas, Bainbridge side, Skiff Point. photo - Pic taken mid channel NW of Shilshole. It was amazing to hear all the orcas surface (we turned our engines off). [J37 ID: GS/ALB] photo - "2:32 Murden Cove" [K33 Tika ID: Brittany Philbin] -Lisa Corona
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15:30 - Large male off Restoration Point still southbound. They are very widely spread north-south and east/west.
14:25 - Leaders are approaching Restoration Point, Bainbridge. With many more spread behind. Main group just north of Eagle Harbor. Southbound. Tactile social behavior (pink sea snake), breaches.
13:42 - Some approaching Yeomalt, midchannel, southbound.
13:29 - 2 males and others behind, breaching off yellow channel marker off West Point Discovery Park, mid channel to West side. Southbound. Viewing from Magnolia. -Michelle Savoie
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14:00 - Ok, I believe all groups have now passed Discovery Point spread out across to Kitsap side, looking towards Alki.
13:35-13:40 - Several small groups - male + female + a 1-2 others were near research boat from Shilshole, so they are spread out a lot.
13:20-13:26 - Tall male dorsal, sightline is Fay Bainbridge to West Seattle Bridge, 1:20-1:26.
13:23 - Blows out from Discovery Point.
13:15 - Eyes on, SB, heading to Shilshole, midchannelish, big splash. Viewing from Fay Bainbridge, 1:15. -Donna Green Van Renselaar
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13:00 - Passing Golden Gardens now, southbound. Research boat with them, I think. Close to Bainbridge.
12:34 - [SRKWs] Passing Carkeek southbound. -Emily Peterson
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14:36 - Lead whales are east of ferries.. research boat still following. Viewing from Rockaway Beach..ferry still stopped midchannel.
14:18 - Bainbridge to Seattle ferry just stopped..eastbound.
14:15 - Orcas crossing ferry lanes now.
12:30 - 6-8 orcas milling and foraging just south of Carkeek Park, midchannel. -Sue Larkin
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12:30 - [SRKWs] Off Richmond Beach. -Judy Malmgren
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~12:00-12:10 - Saw them from the Edmonds ferry just south of the Edmonds Marina. We also had a couple of orca on the north side of the ferry at one point traveling west. (About 12:00-12:10). I believe the 3-4 I saw near the boat were traveling south, mid-channel. -Suzanna Joor
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12:00 - [SRKWs] Large group spread out straight out from Richmond beach, mid Channel. -Julie Harris Martin
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12:56 - At Golden Gardens, large group southbound with what looks like NOAA boats. Mid channel.
11:53 - [SRKWs] Looking north from Richmond Beach - spotted a few southbound. -Lucy Gao
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11:44 - Confirmed J Pod here off of Edmonds! I see the J19 and J17 subgroups. They're moving pretty quickly south, around 6-7 knots. -Justine Buckmaster
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1123 - [SRKWs] At least two large males SB shipping lanes. Breaches. -Sara Frey
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11:19 - I've seen 3 so far approaching Edmonds Ferry Terminal. Heading south. East side of channel. -Carol Johnson DeRusha
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10:35 - Large group of orcas passing pilot point, close to the Kitsap side, heading south. -Austin Iles
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15:33 - The fast ferry seems to be sitting still and there are whales all around it.
15:31 - I can see whales from Manchester spread across the horizon. They're far off. 3:31.
13:06 - A couple of big males a little bit closer this side of main channel heading south. [viewing from Fay Bainbridge]
11:32 - The leaders have passed Edmonds Marina.
11:29 - There's a long line of whale scattered out north of Edmonds ferry dock heading south.
11:24 - Here comes more heading south just north of the sailboat between me and Edmonds ferry dock. Look like mid channel, maybe closer to Edmonds.
11:20 - Okay spoke too soon just spotted a lone male and possibly a second quite a bit behind, just north of the ferries. There are two ferries on the water. Heading south.
11:17 - I'm viewing from the hill just above the Kingston ferry, great view but I see nothing thinking they went north.
10:36 - They're a long way from here [Point No Point], and it's hard to tell. I think one group went south and two are still hanging around between here and north of Edmonds.
10:20 - My God there's whales everywhere. I see at least three groups scattered between...I wish I knew these landmarks all across the horizon looking east.
10:18 - They are heading south, just saw blows far off in the distance, probably off between Kingston and Edmonds about now.
10:14 - Large group of orcas just passed Point No Point, heading east. photo - From PNP - ["looks like maybe K35 Sonata, K22 Seiku, K20 Spock (left to right)" -Britt P.] -Jim Pasola
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09:35 - Orca pod, at least 12, headed south in Admiralty Inlet, just heading around the point toward Double Bluff. -Cathy Sparks
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09:40 - Passing south end Mutiny Bay, viewing from Limpet Lane, sb, booking fairly quickly. Spread both sides of channel.
09:30 - [SRKWs] Viewing from Robinson Beach. They are at mid Mutiny Bay, middish channel, sb. -Marilyn Armbruster
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09:42 - Large pod now veering eastward toward Possession Sound.
09:20 - 8-10 orca fins heading south off Mutiny Bay, midchannel. Thanks to a call from neighbor and ON Board member Dave Anderson.
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09:17 - Sara McDougall called to report seeing orcas, 2 females and one male, heading south out from Adams Road (just north of Mutiny Bay).
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09:07 - Dawn Ritter texted and reports seeing ~ 10-12 orcas just south of Bush Pt., headed south.
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09:06 - Jan Bell texted: She is seeing a group of orcas (6-7) just outside Bush Point rip. And a second group closer to shore.
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08:30 - Scott Veirs, Orcasound, received a text from Lon Brocklehurst reporting hearing orcas on Bush Point hydrophone (which he deployed and maintains through his company Labcore Systems, in partnership with the hydrophone host Orca Network) at 08:30. "Here's a recording of what Lon heard at Bush Point to start off this amazing day of coordinated hearing and sighting."
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Nov 11 - Haro Strait - 14:08-14:13 - 2 humpbacks seen off Edwards Point traveling southbound close together. The pair traveled slowly but surfaced and dipped under many times. At 14:13 the heaved up for a big dive, tail flukes up and disappeared. I didn't see them surface again. The underside of their flukes looked dark and one looked like it had white splatter across the top edge of its dorsal but they were too far out to catch any details. -Michelline Halliday, SJI
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14:00 - A tandem of humpbacks heading southwest off of landbank 1400. -Pat McEvoy
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Wed, Nov 11 - San Juan Islands - BCY0771 "Bump" and some amazing clouds! -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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10:40 - Humpback just now rounding Turn Island heading to Cattle Pass. -Jerry Johnson
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Wed, Nov 11 - Puget Sound - 12:36 - Humpback mid channel 1236pm. He went under before we could get a picture. -Lisa Corona

November 10
Tue, Nov 10 - Strait of Georgia - 17:22 - SR's were southbound in the Strait of Georgia tonight. They were hugging the shore of Mayne Island, probably at East Point about now. -Rachelle Hayden
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16:15 - Js and Ks passed in the Strait of Georgia at 415pm today from Active Pass toward Saturna, off Mayne Island. It was an awesome sight all in the sunset light. Two humpbacks passed in opposite direction at the same time, further back, fluking regularly. -Yves Tiberghien, Mayne Island
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BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Tue, Nov 10 - Haro Strait - 10:04-10:30 - 2 orcas, T049A1(2001) and his younger brother T049A2 (2007), were seen traveling side by side very slowly southbound at Edwards Point, SJI. Never more than a few yards apart they "buddy-dove" and surfaced at the same time remaining close while changing direction. At 10:18 they headed north milling at Edwards Point, slowly diving for long periods until out of sight at 10:30. -Michelline Halliday, SJI
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09:32 - Male and female orca seen north of land bank headed south. -Cassie Barclay
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07:56 - Two orcas headed south on Westside of San Juan Island. Should be hitting county park soon. One male. Sighted at 7:56 am very close to shore by Mitchell Bay. …they were spending a lot of time underwater. I assume Transients. -Mae Cannon
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ORCAS/HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Nov 10 - Strait of Georgia - 16:15 - Js and Ks passed in the Strait of Georgia at 415pm today from Active Pass toward Saturna, off Mayne Island. It was an awesome sight all in the sunset light. Two humpbacks passed in oppose direction at the same time, further back, fluking regularly. In general, humpbacks have been coming to the Strait every 2-3 days at the moment. Very abundant. -Yves Tiberghien, Mayne Island

November 9
Mon, Nov 9 - Active Pass - J pod, possibly K's as well, went north in Active Pass this morning at 7:00am. -Rachelle Hayden

November 8
Sun, Nov 8 - Haro Strait - 21:24 - J pod calls pretty loud....and some weird screeching like calls.
21:00 - [SRKW] Hearing some very faint whistles over loud boat noise. -Michelle Savoie
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22:10 - Echolocation clicks and few calls.
18:34 - So far K pod calls.
18:30 - Faint calls on Lime Kiln hydrophone. Members of J and K pod seen today near Race Rocks Ecological Reserve. -Valérie B Messier
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BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Sun, Nov 8 - Haro Strait - [T46B1B photo] was taken Sunday. -Sean Trew
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Sun, Nov 8 - San Juan Islands - 12:30-13:30 - Location: Orcas Island ferry terminal and surrounding area. # of whales: 2 (1 male, 1 female). I was on the Anacortes --> Orcas Island ferry yesterday. Around 1230, as we neared the ferry terminal, it stopped and the captain alerted us of a "bull adult orca" off of the front. I sprinted with my camera to the front of the boat. I caught sight of the bull and, a few minutes later, spotted a second orca. It looked female judging by its size and dorsal fin. The whales played in front of the ferry and eventually moved behind it. The captain was Whale Wise, and did a good job of maintaining distance from the whales. We were able to disembark and spent ~30 minutes viewing the whales from shore. They presumably moved west into the San Juan Channel and we lost sight of them. -Zack DiMarco
[T49A1, and other whale per Sara Hysong-Shimazu: "Pretty sure based on everything I've seen it's 49A2."]
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12:00 - Donna Sanders, WSF Marine Ops, emailed at noon to report: CHELAN Master reports 2 orca milling around near ORCAS island. Due to ORCA the vessel will be delayed.
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13:27 - Report from the water that they're still in Wasp Passage.
11:25 - Heading west in Harney Channel (north side of Shaw). ~08:30 - Secondhand report of orcas northbound in Eastsound on Orcas Island about an hour ago. (~8:30) - Likely some of those Ts that were around yesterday! -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute

November 7
Sat, Nov 7 - Haro Strait - 20:05 - All told--T36, T36Bs, T46Bs, T46B1s, T99s, T123s, and T137s (T137A was in there, looking through photos now about the others). -Sara Hysong-Shimazu
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14:05 text from Val Veirs at Orcasound Lab (500m south of Smuggler's Cove): "8-10 orca close together and close to shore passed northbound about 13:30. I heard no vocals on Orcasound. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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13:58 - North from Lime Kiln.
13:35 - On a kill at Deadman's Bay.
13:15 - T99s approaching Lime Kiln, northbound. ---The uncommon sight of a Bigg's killer whale in the kelp off Lime Kiln Point State Park (usually it's the Southern Residents that are known for coming close to shore here.) This photo of T99 Bella was taken this afternoon as she and her family made their way north up Haro Strait. -Monika Wieland Shields, Orca Behavior Institute
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HUMPBACK WHALES - 16:30 - I saw a humpback headed south, north of Discovery Island. Viewed from SJCP while watching a beautiful sunset. -Michelle Savoie

November 6
Fri, Nov 6 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - T123 near Constance Bank on the afternoon of November 6th. -Mark Malleson
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T046B1B "T'luk" feeding near Constance Bank on the afternoon of November 6th. -Mark Malleson
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T046B1, T046B1B and T123A prey sharing near Constance Bank on the afternoon of November 6th. -Mark Malleson
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Fri, Nov 6 - Central Puget Sound - 12:35 - Janine Harles called to report seeing large whale, she's pretty sure a humpback. Seeing a lot of blows (sometimes looks like maybe two whales) out from Point Wells, Woodway. Blows getting closer so thinks whale is trending/heading northbound towards where she is in Edmonds (Marina Beach).
12:31 - Humpback or gray between Point Jefferson and Point Wells...seeing blows from Marina Beach. -Janine Harles
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Fri, Nov 6 - Haro Strait - ~16:00 - [humpback] Giles and I were walking pups at Mt. Finnlayson and could see his exhales from a distance (as big as geysers) near Granny's Cove, northbound around 4:00pm. -Lodie Laurieanne Gilbert Budwill
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13:44 - Back down island. Turned at Pile Pt.
13:32 - False Bay now.
12:47 - It is Two Spot. Eagle Pt., going down island. -Jeff Friedman, Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
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11:35 - Several short dives by same whale or more than one. Now near shore, Eagle Cove, still heading north.
11:30 - Now in front of Golden Point going north. Seen from Granny's [Cove]. Maybe same or two? -Karin Roemers-Keven
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09:20 - Humpback very close to shore. Just passed Eagle Point ...San Juan Island. Heading North. -Chris Wilson
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GRAY WHALES - Fri, Nov 6 - Northern Saratoga Passage - 17:20 - I'm excited to report that Gray 2261 has not left the building after all! I haven't seen it for almost two weeks, but it popped up at 5:20pm tonight (11/6/20) just as the sun was setting, heading southbound past Mariners Cove, fairly close to shore. It appeared to be moving pretty slowly, and feeding (waving) at the mudflats just south of here. The attached photo is really grainy because it was so dark, but 2261 popped its head up as it passed me, so we got a good look at each other before I ran to get a camera - lol. Looks like I'm going to be on whale alert again for a while! Woohoo!!! -Marianne Parry

November 5
HUMPBACK WHALES - Thu, Nov 5 - San Juan Islands - ~10:00 - [humpback] Today, November 5, 2020, at around 10 AM just outside the San Juan Channel near the SW corner of Lopez Island we saw at least one whale, possibly two, in the picture attached. What kind of whale? We are from Austin Texas and just recently bought a boat in the area so this was our first ever whale sighting. It was super exciting! Thank you! (added: All the images we sent were of the same whale just at different times. Unfortunately, no fluke images. I feel like I saw another whale before this one but didn't really see and not captured on camera. The whale was heading West and we were heading East. Quick stop to take pics and then we both went our separate ways. We can send you the original photos if you like. We were taking the images with a 70mm lens cropped in so it looks like we were much closer than we were. Definitely kept our distance.) -Sally Bradley
[I was thinking the dorsal was a match to images we have of a whale known as Two Spot. He's been around the islands lately and was in Haro Strait on the 4th and 6th. I just checked with Capt/naturalist Sara Hysong-Shimazu who was out with him this week and has current dorsal images showing some of the marks the older photos didn't, she confirmed this is Two Spot! -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network]
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GRAY WHALES - Thu, Nov 5 - South Puget Sound - 12:30 - [gray] Just now. It hung out at Cooper Point with about 2 dozen sea lions and then crossed all the way to my side of Eld Inlet and surfaced right at my bank/float. It continued north, near shore, heading toward Hunter Point. I have since lost sight.
11:15 - Second hand report of a "large" whale heading south passed B Harbor lighthouse into Budd Inlet. I have not yet seen it looking across the inlets in the rain. Jessie knows. -Kim Merriman
[confirmed same whale as Ruston (2nd) and Day Island (3rd) -alb]

November 4
Wed, Nov 4 - Central Puget Sound (J pod) - 21:33 - There was only one detection reported by humans and it was quite a bit later: 21:33 at Bush Point. At the time, there were 4 folks listening to Bush Point. Interestingly there were no subsequent detections at Port Townsend, so I'm wondering if they snuck out on the north shore of Admiralty, or may have doubled back at some point... Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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19:36 - SRKWs on Bush Point hydrophone! -Brittany Philbin
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13:39 - [J pod] Got to see 'em from Sunset Park in Ballard a few minutes ago. Thanks for all you do Orca Network! Such a perfect day to look at whales. -Kevin Campion
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14:00 - 3 more surfacings, all NB, nearing due west from Richmond Beach, east side of Sound.
13:38 - [J pod] Watching to SW from Richmond Beach, male northbound mid-Sound on east side of shipping lanes. -Scott Veirs
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12:35 - Black fins heading south from Edmonds ferry. Too far to see 12:35. Viewing from Edmonds ferry terminal. (update: I know this is old now, but I only saw 1-2 spouts (looked too small to be humpback) and black fins which appeared to be orca. I couldn't stay with them long but they were just south of the terminal between the terminal and the pier in Edmonds. I can't speak to where they headed or if they stalled/changed direction.) -Karen Sziel
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12:25 - All had passed Magnolia as of 1225. Steady northbound, midchannel to just east of it. Somewhat spread. Viewing conditions poor.
1201 - [J pod] Leaders have passed Eagle Harbor slightly east of midchannel. Very spread and long down times for leaders. Viewing from Magnolia. -Michelle Savoie
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11:46 - [J pod] From Constellation Park at 11:46 am, Restoration Point in background. -Robin Sinner
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11:35 - [J pod] Several NB from Me Kwa Mooks. -MaryJean Moretti Mariano
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11:24 - Lowman, passing south end of Bainbridge, NB.
11:23 - [J pod] From Logan Beach, see them heading north past south end of the, spread out small group, northbound. -Trileigh Tucker
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11:11 - [J pod] Lincoln Park, northbound. -Rhonda Price
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11:32 - [J pod] Just saw two fin splashes a little south and east of Vashon ferry terminal. -Russ Mann
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10:44 - [J pod] Group is still trending north, closer to the mainland side, and are heading towards the Fauntleroy Ferry terminal. Milling and feeding activity, cartwheels and breaches. -Shari Tarantino
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13:28 - I was doing other tasks then looked up to see another group just now passing by out from green buoy off Meadow Pt., Golden Gardens (similar location to 13:07 group). Includes two bulls. Slow steady northbound travel about 1 mile offshore.
13:07 - At least two females/juvie males approaching Meadow Point outside green buoy (~gps added: 47.696864, -122.418684), others offshore spread still in 1-3s to mid channel. Maybe slowing pace but still NB.
13:00 - Seeing J pod fins in choppy seas off Shilshole/ Golden Gardens. Spread mid to east side of channel (~gps added: 47.690599, -122.418131). Steady northbound. From Shilshole/Golden Gardens.
11:49 - J pod is spread out across channel, leaders north side Alki, sightline Eagle Harbor, steady northbound with some lunging and porpoising. (added: prior to this post watched them from south side spread from mid channel to east of. One male leading was close in as he passed the point, moving offshore as he headed north. Others were spread as described. The porpoising continued for several minutes. A trailing male also passed the point closer in). From Alki Point, both sides.
11:25 - A couple males are separate, one leading now out from Me-Kwa-Mooks Park, with another trailing SE of him. Other group including wee one just north of the park all heading towards Alki Point. From Me-Kwa-Mooks Park.
11:10 - Js have moved more offshore, but are still east of mid channel. Many have grouped up now out from Lowman Beach Park (~gps added: 47.534584, -122.418638). Some spy hops, tail lobs while steady northbound.
11:00 - J pod leaders approaching Lowman Beach Park on the WS side. Others trailing in line behind all steady northbound. From Lowman Beach Park.
10:40 - J pod just on south side of Fauntleroy ferry dock, close to West Seattle shores, heading steady northbound. From southern end Lincoln Park. -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network
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09:49 - Update: Looks like everyone has turned north, but vis isn't great on the south side of the point, and I can't confirm a split.
09:47 - [J pod] Watching from North side Three Tree Point, Burien. Milling non-directionally to trending NB/west. A larger resting group with others spread out north and west. -Christina Van Wolbeck Fenerty
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10:00 - Heading NB toward Vashon Ferry terminal. Very spread with 5 or 6 tightly grouped.
09:15 - Slowly SB near Dilworth. Viewing from Seahurst, south of Eagle Landing Park. -Cindy Eckes Waddington
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0907 - [J pod] About to pass Dilworth, but much closer to the mainland side, steady playful southbound travel in loose groups. -Marla Smith
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08:25 - Still spread out but traveling southbound, passing through Fauntleroy Ferry lanes @ 08:25. Confirmed Southern Residents. J38 photographed.-Brittany Philbin
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8:01: We needed this! Definitely residents, 4-5 incl. one bull, very spread out, slow SB, now in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes, right in front of the stopped ferry! Mid-channel. -Pia VanHanen
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07:20 - Orca. In Puget Sound southbound between Blake Island and West Seattle. 0720. At least 5. -Burt Miller, WSF
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07:10 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed: The CHIMACUM just reports 2 orcas SB off T Buoy. [between S Bainbridge and Alki]
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UNIDENTIFIED ORCAS - Wed, Nov 4 - San Juan Islands - 12:47 - Marie Waterman, WSF Marine Ops, emailed report: SAMISH reports a couple of orca EB in Harney Channel. They dove down and he lost sight of them.
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Wed, Nov 4 - San Juan Islands - 13:50 - Turned back down island at Pile Pt.
13:14 - MMZ0013 Two Spot. -Jeff Friedman, Maya's Legacy Whale Watching
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12:34 - At least one humpback northbound just offshore of South Beach, she's not in the picture but this is the area that she is. -Cassie Barclay
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CS631/CRC16017/MMZ0013 "Two Spot". -Cindy Hansen, Orca Network

November 3
Tue, Nov 3 - Puget Sound (J pod) - 17:04 - Just received a call from Danielle Cole who lives on Bainbridge Island. She was watching at least 5 orcas (2 larger, followed by medium & smaller whales) heading southbound in southbound shipping lanes on Kitsap side across from Shilshole Marina. Saw some spyhopping, etc. Conditions super choppy. Fishing boats (seiners) are out today.
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15:50 - John Boyd reported at 3:50 Js on Bush Pt. hydrophone!
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14:45 - First time reporters here. We were very excited to spot a small pod just offshore headed SB, Nov. 3, 14:45, Between Kingston - Seattle fast ferry and shore, estimated 200 yards out. One male, 2-3 smaller. Very rough, with numerous whitecaps. We just moved here. Time to set up a camera! -Cheers, Rick Butzberger
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~13:00 - Haven't seen anything since about 1pm. Tough viewing conditions.
12:44 - From north Edmonds looking toward PNP, saw big breach.
12:10 - Can confirm J38. (was at sunset Ave. a friend further north got a photo of cookie)
11:20 - Ariel Yseth can confirm seeing orcas N of Edmonds/S of South Whidbey, milling.
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BIGG'S/TRANSIENT ORCAS - Tue, Nov 3 - Strait of Georgia - Here are a few more from Nov 3 with humpbacks breaching in the Strait of Georgia off Mayne, and orcas passing by at the same time. -Yves Tiberghien
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Tue, Nov 3 - Haro Strait - 21:50 - [humpback] Sounds like he made it to LK hydros 9:50pm. -Tamara Kelley-Woods
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20:00 - Election night humpback calls at Orcasound Lab. For about a half hour starting around 20:00 this evening (Tues, 3 Nov 2020), humpback calls were recorded at Orcasound Lab, just south of Roche Harbor in Haro Strait. Humpbacks have been sighted along the west side of San Juan Island increasingly in recent weeks, as well as in the Strait of Juan de Fuca (e.g. off Sooke, BC). http://www.orcasound.net/2020/11/04/scottveirs/?fbclid=IwAR0bO8Sune01CJ7mBnxq0QaU-OYy6Xj0b8XQ84tTKtWzwY2nf1kbcWsNfO8 -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
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Tue, Nov 3 - Strait of Georgia - Here are a few more from Nov 3 with humpbacks breaching in the Strait of Georgia off Mayne, and orcas passing by at the same time. -Yves Tiberghien, Mayne Island
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GRAY WHALES - Tue, Nov 3 - South Puget Sound - 13:30-13:45 - …from our beach on Day Island between about 1:30 and 1:45 before the grey whale moved on, southbound, towards the Fox Island Pier/Chambers Bay area. -Karen Caldwell
["I can confirm this whale is a match to the gray whale off Ruston yesterday. We appreciate the reports and images and will forward to Cascadia Research." -Alisa Lemire Brooks, Orca Network]
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"video of the grey whale that has been hanging around the south Sound the past few days. I captured this off of our beach on Day Island as he was finally leaving, southbound, after feeding fairly close to shore for about 20 minutes, back and forth. video - https://www.facebook.com/OrcaNetwork/posts/10164706514065601
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12:45 - Single small baleen whale in the south sound right now. Passed under the Narrows around noon, feeding off Day Island at 12:45. No dorsal, maybe a grey? -Andrew Malinak

November 2
Mon, Nov 2 - North Puget Sound/Admiralty Inlet (J pod) - Here's a blog post with the recording and a bit of analysis. -Scott Veirs, Orcasound
http://www.orcasound.net/2020/11/03/listeners-detect-j-pods-third-fall-visit-to-puget-sound/?fbclid=IwAR3yEYfkDcGxT4zDoxYu2mGuNQ3m1FMZbQrq2C3y-9dd5p_rfUeqD9ys00E
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17:00 - Sunset whales in fading light between Foulweather Bluff and yellow marker east of Foulweather Bluff.
16:50 - Orcas heading south. Mutiny Bay as seen from Shore Meadows. Some tail slaps and breaching. Not sure if trailers or leaders yet. Mid channelish. -Sandra Pollard
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16:27 - Carla Bradshaw (Susan & Howie's neighbor) called to report seeing the orcas as a result of their text. They are out on the bluff. First, they saw 2 individuals traveling south from Bush Pt. Road. They observed a lot of frolicking, estimate at least 7 individuals, but not all together; 3 traveling south fast. Now two groups of 2-3 right in front of us mid channel traveling south.
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15:58 - [J pod] Unknown number of orcas out from Bush Point headed south. Right Now. -Paula Flores
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16:15 - The first orca I saw was at 4:15, really close to Whidbey side (about 1 mile south of Bush Pt.). By the time I got down to look from the top of the bluff they had moved further out… They seemed really spread out and were moving south mid-channel, by 4:45 they were past Foulweather Bluff and some to between Skunk Bay/Mutiny bay. Saw one directional change and heard lots of tail lobs so doing some foraging, but seemed to be traveling rather quickly and with purpose southward. Heard what sounded like a breach while listening to them on the hydrophone.
~ 15:40 - Southern Resident calls getting louder, first heard a few minutes ago, around 3:40 pm! J pod calls confirmed. Just so wonderful to hear them on the Hps, and again hear them breathing and lob tailing as they passed by, even though they were hard to see in the distance and low light. -Susan Berta, Orca Network
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UNIDENTIFIED ORCAS - Mon, Nov 2 - Orca
Sighting Time: Mon Nov 2 10:40 PST
Sighting Location (Lat/Lon): 47.15895,-122.86293
Number Sighted: 5. -Mary Rise (or Rose?) - Whale Alert App
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HUMPBACK WHALES - Mon, Nov 2 - Haro Strait - 11:20 - We saw at least 5 more humpbacks this morning. 2 headed north and three (maybe 4) headed south towards Lime Kiln.
08:38 - Headed that way [Lime Kiln]. I'd guess off SJ Park now. Looks to 3+.
08:14 - 2 humpbacks in Haro. Off Mitchell Bay heading south. About 1 mile off. 2 more further north approaching Henry heading north. -Peter Van Deventer
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09:05 - Just saw a big breach on the camera!
07:17 - [humpback] Found it on the Lime Kiln camera at 7:17 AM headed south. [video confirmed] -Fred Horn
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~06:50 - Humpback headed south from San Juan County Park around 6:50am Monday. Not much further out than the little island. -Elliot Burch
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GRAY WHALES - Mon, Nov 2 - Central Puget Sound - 17:25 - Maija Holsten, WSF Marine Ops, emailed report: Grey whale. CS Agent received a report from a customer of a grey whale near the PT DEF dock. [Point Defiance, Tacoma]
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~17:15 - Gray whale swimming WSW, close to shore, from Ruston Way, past Dune Peninsula Park, heading toward Owen Beach at Pt. Defiance at approximately 5:15 p.m. -Anna McCarter
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16:30 - Grey whale this evening around 4:30 about 50 yards off of Point Ruston moving west. -Rick Scott
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14:30 - I also saw the grey from John's sighting, went to Point Ruston at 2:30 and was able to enjoy seeing him for about an hour as he went east into Commencement Bay. -Cherie St.Ours
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Here are some photos of the Grey that is hanging out by Ruston. We were there over 2 hours and he/she circled the one area. It was an awesome experience to share with my kids! -Alana Ward
["I just finished taking through the full catalog and no match." -Alie Perez, Cascadia Research]
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13:45 - We left a few minutes ago, but he was still there. He doesn't appear to be leaving anytime soon. He is right down the stairs at the playground.
11:44 - Still here; I've been here well over an hour and hasn't moved much from the shore.
11:00 - 1 small Grey? At Point Ruston playground. 50 ft. off shore. -John Ward
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11:50 - Gray whale hanging out near Tacoma shore Point Ruston. [secondhand report from 11:50am 11/2]. -Ed Rickert
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10:48 - [gray] Hello, I would like to report a whale sighting. A juvenile or baby humpback without a mother is swimming around the same spot in front of Point Ruston in Tacoma. Has been 15 minutes now. -Maya Kocian
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~10:00-15:00 - I would like to report a sighting of a gray whale seen on Nov. 2, 2020!! He/she was very, very close to shore along the Point Ruston, Tacoma area. He looked to be small and just stayed for a long time-first seen around 10:00 AM and remained until 3:00 PM at which time I had to leave. Thank you! -Sue Duncan
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~10:00 - [gray] Approx. 10am this morning in Commencement Bay, heading east towards Dukes. We saw it right outside the Copperline Condos. Didn't seem to be moving too quickly. We watched for about 20 min. and they didn't move far. -Adam Kebeck
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09:30-17:00+ - Yesterday, Nov 2, 2020, there was a gray whale in the Point Ruston area. First seen at 9:30 a.m., it continued in the area until after 5 p.m. It moved between the plaza in Point Ruston, to along the playground area, and a bit beyond, often only 10 to 20 yards from shore. -Wayne Lattuca

November 1
BIGG'S TRANSIENT ORCAS/HUMPBACK WHALES - Sun, Nov 1 - Strait of Juan de Fuca - 11:46-15:06 - Center for Whale Research Encounter #59: "… The humpback had been observed earlier to the east while T049C was feeding, but it appeared that the curiosity got the better of it, and it came to check him out. The pair circled around one another for ~10 minutes before T049C proceeded westward, and Mike 1 ended the encounter at 1506 (48 17.6/123 21.6)." [See CWR Encounter #59 - https://www.whaleresearch.com/2020-59 - for full encounter summary and more photos] -Mark Malleson
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Sun, Nov 1 - Haro Strait - 10:00 - Actually two humpbacks. One large and one small.
09:45 - I assume it's the same whale now off of D'Arcy Island and heading north. Choppy water…clearly visible by eyes and binoculars. -Mae Cannon
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08:39 - Looks like a Humpback, just south of county park, heading south. -Isabelle Martin
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GRAY WHALES - Sun, Nov 1 - Northern Saratoga Passage - ~12:00 - We were kayaking one last time for the season yesterday [Nov. 1] around noon and were surprised to see a Gray whale pop up near Polnell Point in Oak Harbor, WA. When we first saw it, he/she was mid-channel between Whidbey and Camano Island. It then veered toward Polnell Point and headed into Crescent Harbor. It did not feed in our cove as they typically do. I know that our cell phone images are not great, but if you zoom in, you may see identifying marks/spots near the blow hole. Thanks and be well! -Greg & Terra Parham, Oak Harbor, WA
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Sun, Nov 1 - Central Puget Sound - We saw a gray in the middle of Colvos Pass coming back from Sunrise Beach yesterday! We were passing another boat off to our port (we were in the middle of the channel) when all of a sudden, we saw a spout and its back roll right in front of them. Thankfully, the skipper in that boat also saw it and immediately cut power and made a 90 deg turn to starboard. We also immediately cut our power and then waited. We both sat and watched until it surfaced again about 100 yds away! Phfew! Goes to show, you can never be complacent driving a boat in the sound!!" There was a guy in a kayak trying to keep up with him. He actually paddled over to us after he saw us avert and asked us if we "saw a gray whale?" We told him we did and that he was moving south along the shoreline. He then paddled in that direction and most likely saw it when it came up about 100 yds in front of him. Other than the very brief sighting of its back, no other good view and nothing with a camera in hand. -Dave Hanson
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MINKE WHALES - Sun, Nov 1 - Admiralty Inlet - 13:30 - Single Minke sighted November 1, 2020, 1:30pm, 0.5nm east of Point Hudson, Port Townsend Bay. Two risings noted between our sailboat and the point. -Patti Hoyecki
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Sun, Nov 1 - Haro Strait - 07:00-07:30 - Lone Minke whale sighting at Westside Preserve (Landbank) yesterday (Sunday) morning at 7:00am. Milling around, slowly moving south, lost sight of it at 7:30am. -Carmen Wolflisberg
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UNIDENTIFIED BALEEN WHALES - Sun, Nov 1 - Central Puget Sound - 16:48 - Two humpback (?) currently mid-channel off Richmond Beach Park (sunlit blows in the distance). -Denise Joines