October 2001 Whale Sightings
Wednesday, October 31, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Chris Dunagan
Location: Point No Point, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: 2 males, 12+ total in pod
Direction: south
Comments:Susan, I just got a report from a Point No Point resident that a group of killer whales passed by his house at 2 p.m., heading south. He thought he saw two males in the group of at least a dozen animals. chris.
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 31, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Kingston, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: Large pod in 2 groups
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan, This information is from a call from the public on our hotline. A large pod of orcas in 2 groups heading north off Kingston this morning at 8:41. Maybe you will get a look-see up there! Rowann
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 30, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Clinton/Mukilteo, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: L67 + 10 others
Direction:
Comments:The Everett Herald has a report on at least 11 orcas seen between Clinton & Mukilteo; L67 was identified by Ken Balcomb of the Center for Whale Research to be amongst them. More on that story as it comes in, & keep your eyes peeled for those fins & the new young one! Susan
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 30, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Mark Sears
Location: McNeil Island, So. Puget Sound
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Mark Sears had a report of orcas off McNeil Island the afternoon of Oct. 30th.
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 30, 2001 07:00
Reported by: Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Vashon Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members:
Direction:
Comments:I have another sighting of a group of orcas reported from Vashon Island at 7:30 am. Rowann
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 30, 2001 07:00
Reported by: Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Kingston Ferry
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members:
Direction:
Comments:I have a sighting of a group of orcas today (Oct. 30th) at 7:30 am, off the Kingston Ferry. Rowann
-----------------------------
Monday, October 29, 2001 17:00
Reported by: Mark Sears/Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Commencement Bay, Tacoma
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Mark Sears followed L-pod into Commencement Bay and left them early evening. Rowann
-----------------------------
Monday, October 29, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Mark Sears
Location: South Puget Sound
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, K Pod, J Pod
Members: NEW CALF!!!!
Direction:
Comments:Thanks to Mark Sears in Seattle for the latest exciting news about the Southern Residents - a NEW CALF! He was with J's, K's & some of L's from daybreak to dusk Monday, Oct. 29th in south Puget Sound, & observed & photographed the new calf, with fetal folds clearly visible. Mark's photos will be viewed by the Center for Whale Research for verification & further information - we'll let you know what the latest news is! Susan
-----------------------------
Monday, October 29, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Mark Sears/Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Three Tree Point
Species: Orca
Pod: K Pod, J Pod
Members:
Direction: south - through the Narrows?
Comments:J's and K's went south from Three Tree Point at 12:00 and Mark Sears thinks they may have gone through the Narrows. Rowann
-----------------------------
Monday, October 29, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Sue Skubinna
Location: Ledgewood Beach, west Whidbey Island
Species: Dall's Porpoise, or Harbor Porpoise?
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:And a report of porpoise off Ledgewood Beach, west Whidbey Island: I have been watching some fins off Ledgewood Beach for the past hour.Using 40-50 x scope.I am pretty sure there are 3-4 harbor porpoises,although they could be Dahl's.They appear black,but I think that is a function of light conditions and distance.The rolling behavior looks more like Harbor,and I saw no rooster-tails. I was sick when I read your note of Orcas at Mulilteo yesterday-I was on the 1:00 ferry,and we didn't see them. Sue Skubinna
-----------------------------
Monday, October 29, 2001 07:00
Reported by: Mark Sears/Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Pt Williams, So. Puget Sound
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, K Pod, J Pod
Members: NEW CALF!
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan, Mark Sears called this morning with an update on activities of J, K and part of L pods in south Puget Sound yesterday 10/29/01. He saw them at 7:00 am off Pt. Williams and there was a new baby. He could not tell whose. Both K and L females handled the baby for about three hours. One of the females was K-40. L-58 was the only L- bull seen. I'll let you know if I hear anymore good stuff. Rowann
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 16:00
Reported by: Herb Hunt
Location: Bush Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:Hello Susan and Whale watchers, 3-4 separate grouping - 4-6 whales in each group -moving south of Bush Point towards Double Bluff. Beautiful to watch from Windmill Heights - all the neighbors were calling each other. Herb Hunt
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 16:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Race Rocks, Vancouver Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members:
Direction: west
Comments:Large number of L pod whales off Race Rocks at 1615hrs going fast to the west. Ron MMRG
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Langley, Saratoga Passage
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:3 pm: We found the pod again south-east of Sandy Pt., still heading north slowly, but way over near the southern tip of Camano Island. Susan & Howie
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Elsa Leavitt
Location: Bush Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: 10 - 12 orcas, 1 male
Direction: south
Comments:"A pod of 10 - 12 orcas, with one male, swimming fast in a tight group going south past Bush Pt. at 3 pm." Elsa Leavitt
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Victoria, BC
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members:
Direction: south west
Comments:Hi Susan A large number of Lpod off the Victoria waterfront at 1400hrs going S.W. Ron Bates MMRG
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Everett, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:1:45: the pod kept traveling north of Mukilteo, to Everett, still heading north.
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 13:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Glendale, south Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:12:45: We went to Glendale (SE Whidbey Island, so. of Clinton ferry), & watched the pod again, still heading northward in a tight group, slowing down some. 1 male, 12+ whales total. Susan
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 13:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:1:25 pm: Mukilteo - the whales were spreading out some, & began breaching - we counted at least 8 full breaches. The 1:30 pm Mukilteo ferry riders got a great view as the orcas went by VERY close to the ferry dock just after the ferry pulled away, between the ferry & the dock! susan & howie
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Scatchet Head, Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south, then east, then north
Comments:11:20: Watched the pod again off Scatchet Head. The pod was still traveling southward, then we lost them for awhile in the bright sun. Then at noon we found them again, this time they'd turned northward & were heading up into Possession Sound toward Mukilteo. Susan & Howie
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Kim Larson
Location: Port Susan, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Susan, Was looking out the window this afternoon and saw about 14 killer whales eating and breaching out in front of my home - I live in Marysville, Wa. and have never seen killer whales in Port Susan bay in the past 17 years I have lived here, only grays. My son spotted the whales around 4:30p.m. They were heading up towards Kayak Point and Warm Beach the last we saw. We live at Mission Beach on the Tulalip Reservation for a better point of reference on the whales. They originated from the east, coming up along the shore line in front of our house. We were extremly excited to see them, especially when they would breach!!! There were always two whales further out front of the group. Then the others came along. One looked like it was a young one, smaller then the others. I would love to help out. Next time we see them I will contact you . Thanks Kim Larson
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 11:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Maxwelton Beach, west Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:10:40: We watched the same pod from Maxwelton Beach, they were way over on the other side, but we could see their spouts really well, & seemed to count 18 spouts in a set. Susan & Howie
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Double Bluff, Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: ~12 whales, 1 male
Direction: south
Comments:10:10: Pod of orcas off Double Bluff, west Whidbey Island, porpoising & traveling fast mid-channel. Looked like about 1 doz. whales, 1 male. Susan & Howie
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Bonnie, Bush Pt. B&B
Location: Bush Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: 10 orcas, 1 male
Direction: south
Comments:Talked to Bonnie at the Bush Pt. B&B, who said a pod of orcas passed by going south at 9:30 am. She saw approx. 10 orcas, with 1 male.
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Marty Behr
Location: Bush Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:Dear Susan and Howie: Hope all's well. Just now (9:30a) saw about eight Orcas heading south about 200 meters offshore of Bush Point, probably feeding on the tail end of the silver run that folks are still fishing for at Bush Point. That's it. Marty.
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 28, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Deborah Heg
Location: Lagoon Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:Just got a call (9:15) from Deborah Heg with a report of approx. 1 dozen orcas between Lagoon Pt. & Bush Pt, west Whidbey Island, heading south, mid-channel. Susan
-----------------------------
Friday, October 26, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Haro Strait/Kelp Reef
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members: 2 minkes
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan My onlt KW reports were yours but have a report of at least 2 Minke whales near Kelp Reef in Haro strait in the early afternoon. Ron Bates MMRG
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 25, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Susan Berta/Howard Garrett, Orca Conservancy
Location: Lake Hancock, west Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, plus possibly J's &/or K's?
Members: 3+ mature males, 50+ whales
Direction: north
Comments:What perfect timing! We got to the overlook above Lake Hancock (central/west Whidbey Isl.) at 11:45, just in time to watch the long procession of orcas going past mid-channel, still heading north. We watched until after 12:30, at which time they were past Pt. Wilson & the fog & rain was closing in making visibility impossible. There were at least 3 mature males, lots of breaching & splashing & fishing behaviors, especially between downtown Pt. Townsend & Greenbank. Too many whales & too far off to get an accurate count, but we can safely say there were LOTS of them! Susan
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 25, 2001 11:00
Reported by: Gary Hammer
Location: Lagoon Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: approx. 15 orcas
Direction: north
Comments:A pod of approx. 15 orcas heading north past Lagoon Pt, mid-channel - reported by Gary Hammer.
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 25, 2001 11:00
Reported by: Deborah Heg
Location: Admiralty Inlet, Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Unknown
Members: 15 - 20 orcas
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan, Now a much larger group, 15-20 animals, is movely slowing north in mid- channel, Admiralty Inlet between Bush & Lagoon Points. Two or more large males. Some possibly lingering to feed. Deborah Heg
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 25, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Bush Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Unknown
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan, I got a hotline message this morning that orcas were seen going north of Bush Point and 10:00 am. I've alerted Kelley so maybe we'll find out who they are. Rowann
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 25, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Deborah Heg
Location: Lagoon Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Unknown
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Now they are close in to Smugglers Cove, closing on Lagoon Point. See at least 3-4 females, possibly one baby? And one male, I think. Deborah Heg
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 25, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Deborah Heg
Location: Bush Pt, West Whidbey Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Unknown
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan, We see that the Victoria Clipper has slowed to a crawl mid-channel in Admiralty Inlet off Bush Point. Through our glasses we can see orcas heading north, but no detail yet. Deborah Heg
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 24, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Orca Conservancy
Location: Case Inlet, So. Puget Sound
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members: 50 - 60 orcas
Direction: north
Comments:A subsequent report of them (50 - 60 orcas) at 1230 northbound in Case Inlet. Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Orca Conservancy
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 24, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Orca Conservancy
Location: Anderson Island, So. Puget Sound
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: 50 - 60 orcas
Direction:
Comments:Susan, Ken (Balcomb) just reported that the "Olympian" newspaper called with a report of 50-60 orca at 0930 off Anderson Island and Ketron Island. Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Orca Conservancy
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 24, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Rowann - The Whale Museum
Location: Anderson Island, So. Puget Sound
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: 50 - 60 orcas
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan, I'm sure you've heard already but I just had to share too. I just got off the phone with a reporter down in Olympia and he has several sightings of 50 to 60 orcas in Case Inlet and by Anderson Island between 9:00 and 12:00. It seems that they are munching chum and hopefully they will be there tomorrow. Thanks, Rowann The Whale Museum
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 20, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Oak Bay, Vancouver Island
Species: Orca
Pod: Transient
Members: Transients T20 and T21
Direction: south
Comments:Hi Susan Transients T20 and T21 in Oak Bay this afternoon going S. Ron MMRG
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 20, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Tom McMillan, Salish Sea Charters
Location: Sidney & Halibut Islands, BC
Species: Orca, Minke
Pod: Transient
Members: 2 minkes, & 2 transients: T-20 and T-21
Direction: south
Comments:20 October 2:10pm We are currently between between Sydney Island and Halibut Island and while we were watching two Minke Whales, two transient Orcas appeared. We have identified them as T-20 and T-21: they are headed south at this time. Captain Tom McMillen Salish Sea Charters
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 20, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Miracle Beach/Campbell River, Vancouver Island, BC
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Lpod up north off Miracle Beach heading to Campbell River at 1430hrs. Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 17, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Ken Balcomb, Center for Whale Research
Location: West side of San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Dear Susan, L's went north past the Center for Whale Research yesterday afternoon (Oct. 17). They were very spread out and I couldn't tell if everyone was there. Maybe the film will tell. That is the bottom line that we rely upon. Ken
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 17, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Stuart Island
Species: Orca
Pod: , Unknown
Members: 1 male orca
Direction: north
Comments:Something off Stuart on the 17th going N. at 1430hrs, a male orca. Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 16, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Texada Island/Strait of Georgia
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan Trying to put things together, many whales off Texada Island SW side on the 16th at 1030 going N. Ron Bates MMRG
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 14, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: False Bay, San Juan Island
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan No reports of orca for 2 days, some minke reports, False bay today, am. I do hope all is well. All the best Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 13, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Discovery Island
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Minke reported yesterday (Oct. 13)west off Discovery Island. Ron Bates
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 13, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Cactus Island
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Minke reported yesterday (Oct. 13) North of Cactus Island in the afternoon. Ron Bates
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 13, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Texada Island/Strait of Georgia
Species: Other, Humpback
Pod:
Members: 1+ humpbacks
Direction: north
Comments:At least one or more Humpbacks of the N.E. side of texada Island going N. on the 13th. Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Friday, October 12, 2001 18:00
Reported by: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Orca Conservancy
Location: West side of San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan, WOW!!! Crashing waves in the afternoon glow of the setting sun; along with whale's blows lighting up like misty explosions of golden light. That's what it was like as a group of 10-15 whales passed the Land Bank, the County Park, and then the Center for Whale Research this afternoon. The whale's were backlit, though, so it was very difficult to identify them in the chop, and they stayed down for long dives between sequences of 4-5 breaths... Ken Balcomb first sighted them along the west side near Hannah Heights, and followed them up the coastline, where we got a closer look at them as they passed Sunset Point just a few moments ago (1845 end of encounter). Sorry not to identify them, but here's the report, nonetheless. Kelley Balcomb Bartok, Orca Conservancy
-----------------------------
Friday, October 12, 2001 11:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Victoria, BC
Species: Orca
Pod: Transient, Alaskan Transients
Members: 7 + Alaskan Transients
Direction: South east
Comments:Hi Susan The same 7 or so "Alaskans" (transients) we have had off and on off Victoria at 1130hrs going S.E. Lost south of Discovery Is. in heavy seas. No other reports. Ron Bates MMRG
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 11, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Race Rocks, Vancouver Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members:
Direction: west
Comments:L's were reported westbound from Race Rocks yesterday afternoon (Oct. 11th) by Ron Bates.
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 21:00
Reported by: Angela, Salish Sea Charters
Location: West side of San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: K Pod, J Pod
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Last word on J's and K's was 9:30 Wednesday (Oct 10th) night. They were northbound on the westside of San Juan, I believe passing by the Center for Whale Research at that time. Angela at Salish Sea Charters
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 16:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Pile Pt,/West San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, K Pod, J Pod
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:Hi Susan Had a call at 1600hrs. J, K, and L Pods going south off Pile Pt. (west side of San Juan Island). Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Capt. John Stone, Cutty Sark
Location: Patos/Sucia Islands
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members:
Direction: east
Comments:Hi Susan, I know this report's a little late but I just got back from sailing for a week with some Seattle High School kids, anyway we saw a lone minke heading east between Patos and Sucia Islands on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 10) about 1500. Fair Winds, Captain John Colby Stone Master, S.V.CUTTY SARK Proprietor, The Captain Whidbey Inn
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Captain John Stone, Cutty Sark
Location: Patos & Sucia Island, San Juans
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members:
Direction: east
Comments:Hi Susan, I know this report's a little late but I just got back from sailing for a week with some Seattle High School kids, anyway we saw a lone minke heading east between Patos and Sucia Islands on Wednesday afternoon about 1500. Capt. John Stone, Cutty Sark
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok, Orca Conservancy
Location: Sunset Pt, West San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod
Members: L 57, L 41 ID'd
Direction: south
Comments:Hi Susan, We had whales southbound along the Sunset Point (west side of San Juan Island) a little after 3 pm, but there were only L-pod memebers confirmed by Ken Balcomb at the Center for Whale Research. He continued his observations at the Land Bank, and again at Hannah Height and Eagle Point, and it was the same group of whales the entire length of the Island. Don't know where the K-pod or J-pod were, only L-whales, including L-57 and L-41 were observed, according to Ken. It's interesting to note, that after conversations with Mark Sears just a few minutes ago, it seems the whales left Bremerton Harbor after dark and traveled all the way up Puget Sound and around the islands, passing the west side of San Juan Is. this afternoon. That is a FAST trip up the Sound!!!! Anyhow, that's what we know from here. I'd love to know where J's and K's were, if Ron or somebody can give more details, that would be awesome!!! Kelley
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 19:00
Reported by: Mark Sears
Location: Bremerton, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, Possibly K subpod?
Members:
Direction: west, then south
Comments:From Bainbridge Island, they turned west, then into Rich Passage, in a tight resting pattern (most of L's & possibly K subpod). Then up to Dyes Inlet, wavered & wobbled at the entrance, to which Mark yelled "NO! NO! at the whales (these are some of the same whales that spent 30 days in Dyes Inlet in '97), then they turned south toward the ferry landing, then up to Illahee Pt., then back down to the US Navy Shipyard where he left them at dark (7ish).
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 19:00
Reported by: Chris Dunagan
Location: Bainbridge Island/ Bremerton
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, Possibly K subpod?
Members:
Direction: south, then north
Comments:Chris Dunagan of the Bremerton Sun reports an orca sighting off Bremerton - within sight of downtown Bremerton part of the afternoon, then heading south. As of 6:45 pm, they were along the west side of Bainbridge Island, headed north. Mark Sears of Seattle has been with the orcas all day getting ID's & photographs, so we will have more details for you later on who it was. Thanks to ALL of you for your great reports today! Susan
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Mark Sears
Location: Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, Possibly K subpod?
Members: L41, L57, L58 ID'd
Direction: south
Comments:A report phoned in by Mark Sears of Seattle: 2 pm - Eagle Harbor (near Bainbridge ferry dock), many whales moving south, FAST. It seemed to be all of L's, (L41, L57, L58 ID'd), some sprouters. There were lots of whales, so he thought possibly a K sub-pod could've been with them. (more info. on next entry)
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Kay Swanson
Location: Clinton, Whidbey Island WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: approx. 15 orcas
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan. A pod of about 15 Orcas just went by Clinton headed south in Posession passage. Time, 9:45 AM. The 9:30 ferry from Mukilteo stopped for it and I'm sure got a good show of the whales performing. Kay Swanson
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Jordan Hayes
Location: Langley, Saratoga Passage
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:I live on the east side of Whidbey, just south of Sandy Point outside of Langley (Maple Cove is the specific area) and today I saw a group of what looked to my untrained eye as Orca. I took some pictures; can you tell me if that's what they are, and if so, does this help your sighting efforts? (yes, they are orcas!) They were travelling south past Langley toward Clinton. Jordan Hayes
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Elliott Menashe
Location: Clinton, Whidbey Island WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: approx. 9 orcas - 2 juveniles, 3 males
Direction: south
Comments:Just got a call from Elliott Menashe, who has been watching a pod of approx. 9 orcas in south Saratoga Passage this morning from 9 - 9:45 a.m. in the Brighton Beach / Randall Pt area. There were 2 juvenile & 3 males, swimming slowly along the drop off, then near the Brighton Beach area dispersing & diving fairly deep, heading south toward the ferry.
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 09, 2001 08:00
Reported by: Jennifer & Jeff Stemes
Location: Saratoga Passage
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:Hello Susan, On Tuesday, October 9, 2001 at approx. 8:30 AM we spotted a pod of 15-18 Orcas traveling southeast from Camano Island through Saratoga Passage towards Clinton and Mukilteo. Two larger Orcas were breaching beautifully. I'm sorry we don't yet know our Orcas well enough to describe which pod they were, but in the past (earlier this year) we were told the J's were here. Jennifer & Jeff Stemes
-----------------------------
Monday, October 08, 2001 17:00
Reported by: Cameron Chandler
Location: Hat Island, Saratoga Passage
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members: 7-8 orcas
Direction:
Comments:This from a cell phone call from Ron Wilkinson aboard Clinton/Mukilteo ferry at 5PM on Monday: Pod of about 7-8 Orcas sighted from the ferry in the vicinity of Hat Island. Some breaching. Possibly heading into Saratoga Passage, but that is not confirmed. No doubt this close to the end of the island, you will get some other reports and be able to track them East or West of the island, whichever they choose. Regards, Cameron Chandler
-----------------------------
Monday, October 08, 2001 15:00
Reported by: Diane Clemens
Location: Edmonds/Kingston WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Hi. This is Diane Clemens from Port Townsend and one of my patients today said that he saw Orcas on the ferry ride over from Edmonds (to Kingston) today around 3:00 pm. He always sits on the north side of the ferry and says that he has seen them before from there, told me to look at the southend of Whidbey. I just signed up for the list yesterday and this report came in, yay! Whatayaknow.
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 07, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Kay Swanson
Location: Baby Island, E. Whidbey Island
Species: Other, Seals
Pod:
Members: 200 seals
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan, I kayaked around baby island[east of Freeland, Whidbey Island]. There were probobly 200 seals sunning them selves on the south-east beach of baby island. I have never seen this many seals all in a bunch. They must have been having a convention. Kay Swanson
-----------------------------
Sunday, October 07, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Jeff Hogan
Location: San Juan Island, south end
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members: 6 minkes
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan, Jeff from Killer Whale Tales. We had 6 minkes off the Southwest tip of San Juan today (Oct. 7th) No orcas but lots of Seals out there too. jeff Hogan
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 06, 2001 23:00
Reported by: Rich Osborne, The Whale Museum
Location: Andrews Bay, west San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, J Pod, & probably K pod
Members:
Direction: south
Comments:Hi Susan: Definite J-Pod and L-Pod (likely Ks) calling in the night over SeaSound. Heading south Andrews Bay (San Juan Island) at 23:00 on Saturday October 6th. --rich. Richard W. Osborne, Ph.D. Research Director The Whale Museum
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 06, 2001 19:00
Reported by: Jeff Hogan
Location: Active Pass
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents?
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Susan Heard over the radio today that the orcas headed North through Active Pass sometime last night. Jeff
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 06, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Hannah Heights, San Juan Island
Species: Dall's Porpoise, Stellar Sea Lions
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Dall's off Hannah Heights, Stellers on Whale Rocks. Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Saturday, October 06, 2001 09:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: False Bay, San Juan Island
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan A minke if not two, 3.5-4 miles off False Bay this morning, not found in the afternoon. Ron Bates MMRG
-----------------------------
Friday, October 05, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: False Bay, San Juan Island
Species: Minke
Pod:
Members: 3+ minkes
Direction:
Comments:At least 3+ minkes off False bay (San Juan Island) this afternoon 4 miles of shore. Only a handful of Cal. sealions at Race Rocks this morning but over 200 Stellers and no Elephant seals. Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Friday, October 05, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Telegraph Cove, B.C. Canada
Species: Orca
Pod: Transient
Members: T49, T49A and T50
Direction:
Comments:Hi T49, T49A and T50 (transients) off Telegraph Cove Oct. 5th. Ron Bates, MMRG
-----------------------------
Friday, October 05, 2001 12:00
Reported by: John Calambokidis
Location: La Push, Olympic Coast/Cape Alava
Species: Gray Whale, Humpback
Pod:
Members: 12 humpacks, 4 Seasonal Resident Grays
Direction:
Comments:Since it seems your sighting network is sometimes interested in reports from farther afield than just northern Puget Sound, I will relay that in a survey we conducted this past Friday (Oct. 5th) we had about a dozen humpback whales offshore of La Push about 40 nmi as well as four of the "seasonal resident" gray whales around Cape Alava. Best, John Calambokidis Research Biologist Cascadia Research
-----------------------------
Thursday, October 04, 2001 14:00
Reported by: Graeme Ellis
Location: Ballenas Island, Strait of Georgia
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, K Pod, J Pod
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan...J's, K's and L's off Ballenas Island (Georgia Strait, north of Nanaimo) yesterday afternoon. Graeme
-----------------------------
Wednesday, October 03, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Joy Houghton
Location: Hansville, Pt. No Pt.
Species: Other, Seal pups
Pod:
Members: 2 seal pups, dead from gunshot wounds
Direction:
Comments:Susan, This is not a whale issue, but could be.... I've found two seal pups (one Monday, one Wednesday) just south of Pt. no Pt. in Hansville. Both apprear to have been shot by a small caliber rifle. I also found a large cardboard case from Winchester 22 long rifle bullets washed up nearby on Monday. I just got a call from Officer Raymond Moore at NOAA Law Enforcement (206) 526-6133. Please have anyone with further information about the seal pup shootings at Pt no Pt in Hansville Monday, 10/1/01 or Wednesday, 10/3/01 - or other mammal shooting incidents - either call Officer Moore directly or e-mail me with the information. Thank you! Joy Houghton
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 02, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: Texada Island/Strait of Georgia
Species: Other, Humpback
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan Oct.02 a humpback was off the north end of Texada Island. Ron MMRG
-----------------------------
Tuesday, October 02, 2001 11:00
Reported by: Michael Harris, Orca Conservancy
Location: North Beach, Ballard, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members: 12-15 orcas
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan! Our fledgling little North Beach [Ballard] sighting community is submitting its first orca report! Albeit two days late... An estimated 12-15 orcas, three separate groups, were sighted traveling north at a high speed ["porpoising"] about 400 yards off North Beach [waterfront Ballard] at approximately 11am on Tuesday. The sighter reported approximately "five distinctly tall dorsal fins" among the animals, and about five recreational boaters chasing them aggressively. Such is often the case down here when whales show up. More bad news... the whales happen to have passed directly through a raw sewage break that happened that morning near Carkeek Park. It's a good thing they were moving fast. Our neighborhood is shoring up its sighting network as the winter orca season approaches, so we'll be a lot faster in getting these reports out!
-----------------------------
Monday, October 01, 2001 20:00
Reported by: Josh Webb, Snohomish High School
Location: Mukilteo, WA
Species: Orca
Pod: , Southern Residents
Members:
Direction:
Comments:may have sighted a small pod off the mukilteo beach at approx. 8:00pm on the 1st of october, I was walking along the beach right next to the boat launch. can you confirm this? Josh Webb snohomish high school student oceanography class Ardi Kveven
-----------------------------
Monday, October 01, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Dan Kukat, Springtide Cruises
Location: False Bay, San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, K Pod, J Pod
Members:
Direction: north
Comments:Hi Susan: All 3 pods, north bound 4 kts in the sunshine, leaders at Hanna Heights, tail at False Bay, 0 - .75 NM offshore of west side San Juan Island. Cheers Dan Kukat, Springtide Charters
-----------------------------
Monday, October 01, 2001 12:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: West side of San Juan Island
Species: Orca
Pod: L Pod, K Pod, J Pod
Members:
Direction:
Comments:Hi Susan J's, K's and L's all off the west side today. Ron Bates MMRG
-----------------------------
Monday, October 01, 2001 10:00
Reported by: Ron Bates, MMRG
Location: west of northern Vancouver Island
Species: Other, Blue Whale
Pod:
Members:
Direction:
Comments:I recieved a report this morning from a Canadian Coast Guard vessel of a Blue Whale 140 miles west of the northern tip of Vancouver Island. A very rare report. Ron Bates, MMRG